e savages might betray
them, and, knowing this, they stood still, scarce exchanging a whisper,
and almost afraid to breathe.

It was not long before they saw that which justified their caution--the
plumed head of a savage, with his neck craned over the edge of the
aperture, outlined conspicuously against the blue sky above. And soon
half a dozen similar silhouettes beside it, while they could hear
distinctly the talk that was passing overhead.

Wilder had some knowledge of the Comanche tongue, and could make out
most of what was being said. Amidst exclamations that spoke of
vengeance there were words in a calmer tone--discussion, inquiry, and
conjecture.

From these it could be understood that the pursuers had separated into
two parties, one following on the false track, by the path which the
guide had baited for them, the other coming direct up the right and true
one.

There were bitter exclamations of disappointment and threats of an
implacable vengeance; and the fugitives, as they listened, might have
reflected how fortunate they had been in discovering that unfathomed
hole. But for it they would have already been in the clutches of a
cruel enemy.

However, they had little time for reflection. The talk overhead at
first expressed doubts as to their having descended the shaft, but
doubts readily to be set at rest.

The eyes of the Indians having failed to inform them, their heads were
withdrawn; and soon after a stone came tumbling down the cavity.

Something of this kind, Wilder had predicted; for he flattened himself
against the wall behind, and stood as "small" as his colossal frame
would permit, having cautioned his companion to do the same.

The stone passed without striking them, and went crashing on till it
struck on the bottom below.

Another followed, and another; the third creasing Hamersley on the
breast, and tearing a couple of buttons from his coat.

This was shaving close--too close to be comfortable. Perhaps the next
boulder might rebound from the wall above and strike one or both of them
dead.

In fear of this result, they commenced groping to ascertain if the ledge
offered any better screen from the dangerous shower, which promised to
fall for some time longer.

Good! Hamersley felt his hand entering a hole that opened horizontally.
It proved big enough to admit his body, as also the larger frame of his
companion. Both were soon inside it. It was a sort of grotto they had
disc