a chance to join any of their evil
companions, so much the better."

"The trail leads along the rocks," observed Noel. "Have you any idea
where we are going?"

"Idee! I know this yere country like a book," said Ike Watson. "Don't ye
git 'feered o' bein' lost so long ez ye stay nigh me."

"I don't mean that. I mean, do you know where the men went from here?"

"Up to Grizzly Pass, most likely, an' then along over ter the Black Rock
Canyon. Eh, Allen?"

"It would seem so," responded Allen seriously.

"Grizzly Pass; rather a suggestive name," said Noel.

"Ye-as; especially when a big grizzly shows hisself," drawled Watson,
and there the conversation dropped.

Despite the fierce sunshine, it was deliciously cool along the base of
the rocky wall, and the horses made good progress over the hard but
level trail. Here and there immense brier bushes overhung the way, but
these were easily avoided by the animals, who were more afraid of them
than were their riders.

Presently the trail took an upward course, leading between a split in
the rocks.

"Ye want ter be careful hyer," cautioned Ike Watson. "It's a mighty
slippery spot fer the best o' hoss flesh."

Scarcely had he spoken when Noel Urner gave a cry of alarm.

He was in the rear, and both the old hunter and Allen turned quickly to
see what was the matter.

They found Noel's horse on his knees, having slipped to one side of the
trail.

The young man was on the ground, one foot caught in the stirrup.

"Stop the hoss!" cried Watson. "If ye don't he'll bang the young man's
head off!"

Before he had ceased speaking Allen was on the ground. He ran back and
caught Noel's horse by the bridle. The young man from the east was
partly stunned, and it was several seconds before he could recover
sufficiently to disengage his foot and arise from his dangerous
position.

"Good for you, Allen!" he cried, as he stood by, while the young
ranchman assisted the horse to a safe spot in the trail. "I was afraid I
was in for it."

"Ye did jes' the right thing, Allen," put in Ike Watson. "Dunno but wot
ye hed better walk a brief spell," he went on to Noel, who was only too
glad to do so.

Half an hour later the top of the rocks was reached, and they moved back
to where the way was smooth and safe. A lunch was had from the pouches,
and on they went as fast as the fatigued horses would carry them.

"I can see no trail," said Noel, as he rode abreast of his companions.

"Th