to-morrow. It
will depend upon how Noel Urner feels."

"Oh, I'll go on," said Noel. "But I think a little rest here will do us
all good," he added, thoughtfully.

"Yes, ye all need it," put in Watson. "An' now I want all o' ye to turn
in an' git some sleep. I'll stay on guard."

"But not all night," insisted Allen. "Wake me at two or three o'clock."

And so it was arranged.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

A Buffalo Stampede

Allen went on duty at three o'clock and remained on guard until six,
when the others awoke.

The sun was showing itself in the east and all that remained of the
storm were a few scattering drops.

"How do you feel?" asked Allen of Noel.

"Fairly well, although the arm is stiff, Allen." And the young man
continued: "What shall we do with the wolverine?"

"Nothing, unless you want the pelt."

"I never want to see the beast again," said Noel, with a shudder for
which Allen could not blame him.

"Then let him lie for the other wild beasts to feed upon."

When Watson arose Allen had breakfast ready and all ate without delay.
Even Slavin got around, but it was plain to see that he was suffering.

"I want ter show ye I mean ter do what I said," he told Allen. "I'll go
on if I drop in my tracks."

"We won't start just yet, Slavin," answered Allen, "and when we do we'll
take it rather easy, both for your benefit and for Mr. Urner's."

It was past ten o'clock when they left the cave. Their horses were much
refreshed by the rest taken, and despite Slavin's hurts fair progress
was made along the foothills.

It was a lonely section of the State through which they were traveling
and Allen could not help mentioning this fact to Ike Watson. But at his
words the old hunter merely laughed.

"Lonely," he snorted. "Gosh all hemlock, Allen, it ain't half as lonely
as it used ter be, not by a jugful. Why, I remember the time ye could
ride fer days an' days an' see nuthin' but buffalo or some other wild
critters."

"The buffalo are almost all gone now, aren't they?"

"Putty much, an' it's a great shame, too, fer they were fine game. But
them sports used ter come out west an' kill 'em off by the score, worse
luck! Didn't want 'em fer nuthin' either!" And Watson shook his head
sorrowfully.

"Were you ever caught in a buffalo stampede, Ike?"

"Onct, Allen, onct, an' it's an experience I'll never fergit as long as
I live."

"I should like to hear the particulars."

"Thet ain't really much ter tell