some time."

Not until considerably past midnight did the rain cease falling; but the
wind storm still continued, and Poyor said, speaking for the first time
since the party were united:

"It will not be possible to leave here until sunrise. Those who can
sleep should try to do so, for we may have a hard day's work before us
to-morrow."

"I should as soon think of sleeping during a battle," Teddy replied with
a shudder. "The suspense is worse than actual danger."

"What can you be afraid of just now?" Jake asked.

"At this particular moment, nothing: but I feel positive that when the
sun rises we shall find ourselves surrounded by the Indians."

This was not a pleasant subject of conversation, and it was dropped as
if by mutual consent.

The wind seemed icy cold, and the fugitives nestled closer together for
protection against the blast, counting the slowly passing moments until
heralds of the coming dawn appeared in the sky.

Before it was sufficiently light to distinguish surrounding objects the
wind lulled, and, standing erect each looked anxiously down the side of
the mountain, waiting impatiently for the rising of the sun.

As the misty clouds which veiled the top of the range drifted away, an
exclamation of astonishment burst from the lips of all.

Where, a few hours previous, had been a band of men eager to capture or
slay the white strangers, was now only a yawning chasm.

Beginning at the ledge of rocks it appeared as if a giant hand had rent
the side of the mountain apart, throwing the huge mass of earth into the
valley, uprooting or crushing trees, and making desolate for many
hundred yards what had been a perfect garden of trees, flowers and
shrubs.

"Why, there must have been an earthquake!" Jake exclaimed when the first
burst of astonishment passed away.

"Hardly as bad as that," Cummings replied. "I fancy the lightning struck
the ledge, and then a regular land slide followed."

"Do you suppose the Indians are buried under that pile of earth and
rocks?"

"Unless they understood what damage might be done by such storms they
must be, and it stands us in hand to get away from this spot before
others can arrive."

"It is terrible to think of so many being killed," Teddy said
mournfully, and Jake asked sharply:

"Are you sorry we've got a chance for escape?"

"Certainly not; but no matter who they were, one can't help feeling
shocked at such a catastrophe."

"It is not well for us to s