tinctively take the easiest and
quickest course to the eagles' nest.

He found the place without much difficulty, and had proof in some
detached fragments of moss and lichen that Rube had been here in
advance of him, and had been able to look down into the eagles' nest,
where the female was even now sitting unconcerned on her eggs.

Kiddie did not disturb her, as Rube had probably done. Instead, he
searched for signs of Rube himself.

Yes, Rube had not attempted the perilous descent. He had waited until
the rain had ceased and the mist had lifted. High up above where he
stood, Kiddie saw the scratch of a slipping foot on the wet moss, which
showed that Rube had climbed upward. Again, still higher up, there was
a similar mark, and above this the way was easy as a step-ladder,
needing only very ordinary care, a sure foot, and steady nerves.

At the top of the ascent Kiddie came out upon the farther side of Lone
Wolf Mountain, which now interposed between him and Sweetwater Lake.
To reach the lake side he must either return as he came, or else cross
the next valley and work his way round the base of the mountain. He
judged that Rube had not hesitated to take the latter and longer course.

He walked round in a circle, searching for a track in the soft ground,
and at last he came upon the impression of Rube's moccasins. He
followed their direction. Presently he realized that Rube had been
running and that his tracks were leading in quite an unexpected
direction.

Greatly wondering, Kiddie went on and on. Then he came to an abrupt
stop and stood staring in astonished alarm at the ground. At his feet
lay two crumpled up eagle's feathers. A yard or so away from them was
Rube's fur cap, pierced by an Indian arrow. And all around were the
confused impressions of Indians' feet.

Kiddie drew a long breath as he picked up the boy's hat.

"That's the way of it," he said. "That's why Rube never came back.
He's been captured by Indians!"

CHAPTER XV

THE CRY OF THE JAY

Up to the point to which Kiddie had tracked him, Rube Carter had done
precisely what Kiddie had conjectured he would do. He had reached the
eagles' eyrie just as the mist began to envelop him and cut off his
direct retreat.

He had not deliberately startled the birds to flight. The male had
been perched like a faithful sentinel on a point of rock, above his
mate sitting on her eggs. Rube had a long, close view of the pair of
them, an