"Dead, I reckon. We went off the Upas Pass bridge together into the
river, and I suppose she was drowned. Poor Lilly!"

"Off the bridge! Gee shoo! Then ye war carried down the Black Rock
River?"

"Yes!" Allen gave a shudder. "It was fearful, Ike. But come, let us get
to the ranch, and I can tell my story to all at once!"

"That's the best way, sure. But down that air stream! Great snakes and
turkey buzzards!"

"I know it hardly can be believed, but that is not the worst or most
wonderful part of it. But come; I am nearly famished."

"Here's a bite I have in my pouch; eat that," returned Ike Watson, and
he passed over some crackers and meat which Allen devoured with keen
relish.

CHAPTER XII.

The Boys Talk It over

Allen and Ike Watson were soon on the way back to the ranch. Fortunately
Ike Watson knew every foot of the ground, and led by the most direct
route.

As the reader knows, Paul and Chet heard them approaching and received
their elder brother with open arms.

"You look like a ghost!" declared Chet, starting back on catching sight
of Allen's pale face.

"And I feel like a shadow," responded Allen with a weary laugh. "But a
good dinner and a nap will make me as bright as a dollar again."

"He has our horses!" cried Paul.

"Yes, but not my own," returned Allen.

He walked into the house and was here introduced to Noel Urner. The
table was at once spread, and soon both Allen and Ike Watson were
regaling themselves to their heart's content.

During the progress of the meal Allen related all of his wonderful story
of the fall from the bridge, the journey on the underground river, and
of his struggle to reach the open air once more. He said nothing about
the wealth which lay exposed in the cavern or of the fact that it was
Uncle Barnaby's mine, for he felt he had no right to mention those
matters before Ike Watson and Noel Urner, friends though they might be.
Uncle Barnaby had guarded his secret well and he would do the same.

All listened with deep interest to what he had to say.

"It was a wonder the fall into the water didn't kill you," said Paul.
"Such a distance as it was!"

"Lilly saved my life--but it cost her her own," returned Allen, and he
sighed, for Lilly had been his favorite for several years.

Chet and Paul were eager that Allen should hear Noel Urner's story and
the young man from New York related it without delay. Allen was as much
surprised as his brothers had been,