Each day the four girls rode along various trails until, in the judgment of Jeb, they were practiced enough to take a longer ride in the mountains.
Polly had been urging Jeb to give a favorable opinion on their ability to stand a prolonged ride to the Flat Tops, but he was careful and practical and persisted in making them try a greater distance daily to finally harden them to a rough trail.
Then Jeb said he reckoned the girls could start for a real outing.
Immediately, they planned where to go and what to see.
Polly outlined a trip that might take a whole day, so they would have to take food and kit for cooking purposes. Each girl would ride her favorite horse or burro and the extra burro, Choko, could carry the outfit.
Of course, Polly decided to ride Noddy, as the burro was well acquainted with her mistress's ways and the mountains. Eleanor preferred a burro also, because, as she said comically, "if one falls from a burro's back it is not far to Mother Earth." The two other girls selected horses, sure-footed and trained for climbing.
On the morning chosen for the trip, Mrs. Brewster and Sary were up at day-break preparing the kit and packing the panniers. At breakfast, four eager girls, with wide sombreros on their heads, heavy mountain-shoes and leather puttees covering feet and limbs, talked of the great adventures they were about to meet with.
Sam Brewster laughed at their wild imaginings and said: "Ah shouldn't wonder but what you-all will find a second 'Aladdin's Lamp' hiding place. Just think of the fun to be had by rubbing the Lamp and wishing for things!"
Then Jeb brought the mounts from the barn and Sary helped him strap the panniers and kit to Choko. Just as they were ready to start, Sary flew out with a paper package carefully held.
Polly, Ah made a s'prise fer you-all, but don't let Choko roll in it er run away, er my work will go fer nuthin'.
Don't worry about Choko, Sary, he's too trustworthy to serve us such a trick, bragged Polly, petting the burro on the head.
Wall, then, see thet it hain't shooken up too much er gittin' mashed under the ax, were the parting words from Sary, as she shifted the short ax, which is an important item in every outfit.
It was a wonderful summer day—the kind that makes one feel happy in mere living, and the anticipation of wonders to come added a zest to the outing for the girls.
They left the trail leading from Pebbly Pit and picked up the rough mountain trail at the Forks, Barbara and Eleanor exclaiming constantly at the gorgeous wild flowers growing wherever the roots could find lodgment.
I never saw such columbines! Four times the size of ours in the East, cried Eleanor.
And those marvelous orange-colored blossoms! They look like a rare exotic, with their huge clusters and flaunting colors! exclaimed Barbara.
If you girls think these are so beautiful, just wait till we reach the 'bottoms'—there you will see size and color enough to make you wonder if you accidentally struck Paradise, said Anne.
And our ferns and mosses, girls! You never saw such specimen, elsewhere, added Polly, churking to Choko to hurry on.
Polly, why did Jeb over-load that poor little burro? now asked
Barbara, having lost her momentary interest in flora.
Choko isn't over-loaded at all. Of course it looks as if he had a great load to carry, but pans and woolen blankets look more than they weigh, you see. The heaviest thing he carries is my ax, I reckon.
Ax! What do you want of an ax? wondered Barbara.
Can't tell how cold it may be up on the mountain-top, so I brought the sheath-knife, ax, rifle, and other things in case we get the tail-end of a blizzard.
And the blankets in case we get lost and need to camp out all night, added Anne, teasingly, seeing the city girls' fears.
You can't really mean it, Anne! Surely we won't lose our way, and as for a blizzard! Well, it is July, laughed Barbara.
It wouldn't be the first time we ran into a blizzard in July, commented Polly.
But how is it possible, girl alive! cried Barbara.
Possible enough on the Flat Tops. The merest rag of a cloud finds an excuse to carry snow from the peaks. The wonder will be if we come away without seeing snow fall.
Oh, Polly, how thrilling! exclaimed Eleanor.
"
Once when father and I rode over this same trail to find a trapper who had pelts for sale, we got caught in a blizzard. We got the pelts but we also got the storm, and lucky for us that we had the pelts first. I never had experienced a real mountain storm, but father had, so he showed me what to do. I think I would know now just what to do in case of another surprise.""
"
Bu-r-r-r! Let's hope you won't have to practice on us, laughed
Eleanor, pretending to shiver.
Stop your nonsense, Nolla! I don't want to think of such dreadful things, cried Barbara.
And I want to hear about how the pelts saved her life, added Anne.
It's real interesting, Bob, so let me tell them, asked Polly, and receiving no unfavorable word or look, she proceeded:
"
It was the Fourth of July, and of course no one would start on a ride wearing a fur-lined coat, so father and I had on our summer clothes. After riding along Top Notch Trail for a time, we met the trapper and bargained for the furs, then started back by a new trail he told us of. It led past Pagoda Peak, and just as we got to the base of the peak and discovered the down-trail, the blizzard came swooping upon us without warning.
""
Father and I tried to keep going, but the gale traveled too fast and blew in whirling eddies, so we got the pelts out of the bundle, and wrapped ourselves in the largest ones. The smaller ones we used for our feet. Father found two great bear-skins and covered the horse—that acted as a shield on one side from the storm—the other horses stood in front and back of us, making three sides protected. Father then made me creep with him to the refuge made by the three horses and there we remained. The horses stood perfectly still throughout the blizzard, which lasted only an hour at most, and the steam they exuded from their bodies kept us quite warm as we crouched under them.
"
When the storm blew over, we dug a way out and removed the horse blankets and fur pelts from the horses. Then we rolled our own coverings into the bundle and started on down-trail. But the floods of melting snow caused wash-outs and it was risky going. When we reached the first Park never a sign of snow was there, and the only result of that mountain blizzard was an added flood of water pouring down the gulleys to the bottoms and valley.
Oh, Polly, what an interesting book your adventures would make! exclaimed Eleanor.
I'd like to write it down as you tell it, Polly, and we can surely find a publisher for it, added Anne, eagerly.
Really! Oh, how I'd love to tell such a story! said Polly, all enthusiasm.
We'll try it as soon as we get back to-night! promised Anne.
The going was easy, so Polly told of other adventures: of the trip to Buffalo Park when a bear chased them; of her meeting with Old Montresor, the gold-seeker of Grizzly Slide and his pitiful story; of the nights spent out on the mountains, watching beside a dying camp-fire, or listening to the call of the moose to his mate on a moonlit night; of the wonderful sport fishing in trout-filled streams, or seeking gorgeous flora and strange fauna on the peaks, and again photographing wild beasts and birds that never showed a fear of her as she traversed their domains. The three girls were spell-bound at her vivid descriptions and Anne sighed with desire to put it all down on paper for future publication.
"
Montresor's Mine is in this mountain that I want to show you to-day. He was a dear old man who lived a solitary life in a cabin near Buffalo Park. Patsy, his dog, was his only companion. But he died and left me his mine—that we never found again, sighed Polly.
"Oh, Polly! Tell us the story! chorused the girls.
Polly laughed: "It isn't a story, 'cause there never was a climax as real stories have to have, you know. But I'll tell you how I met Mr. Montresor. I was out with Noddy, one day, and we traveled farther than usual.
"
In leaving a bad trail to take a good one, I met the gray-haired man slowly riding up. An Irish terrier ran back of his horse, sniffing, sniffing, and whining as if distracted. I was so surprised at the dog's actions that I stopped to ask the man what ailed him. 'Ah, my child, Patsy is seeking for my lost mine!'
"
'Your lost mine!' I gasped, for I had never heard of him or his mine, although folks said there was a rich vein of gold somewhere in the mountain.[Footnote: This is a true incident.] 'Yes, child, I am the unfortunate Montresor. Haven't you heard of my great loss?'
"
I thought the poor man was foolish, so I humored him by saying, 'No, sir, I never did, Won't you tell me about it?' Then he told me the story. He had been an old prospector in the Klondike, but not a successful one, as he was too honest. On his return, from Alaska, he had to stop in Denver and work for his fare back to the East where he came from. Being a splendid engineer as well as a mineralogist, he found a place with a crew of mining engineers about to inspect Pagoda Peak section and Lost Lake district. He came with them.
""
After he had been in these mountains for a time, he was so certain of finding gold that he remained when the rest of the crew went back to Denver. After two years of patient digging and prospecting he took a new trail that was later found to be Red Man's Trail, seldom traveled, as it was such dangerous and hard going. He was climbing along an awful place where the ledge hung over a chasm, when he spied a small yellow nugget on the ground. He examined it and found it to be fine red-gold. Upon looking about, he found a few more, but there seemed to be no sign of gold in the ledge or in the rocks about him. Still he staked out a claim on the spot in hopes of later finding gold hidden in the ground.
""
He hobbled his horse and made a good circuit of the place and then discovered that the opposite ledge of the abyss towered up hundreds of feet higher than the one he was on. That gave him an idea. He rode the horse carefully along his ledge until he reached a slope where both ledges met an up-grade of mountain-side. Leaving the lower ledge and back-trailing on the higher one, he stopped opposite the place where he had found the nuggets. He dismounted, sought carefully about, and to his joy found more nuggets exactly like the ones picked up on the opposite lower side.
""
He took the pick from the saddle and worked at the wall facing him, and discovered a rich lode running straight in through the solid rock. He was so excited that he started off without staking a claim or otherwise marking the place. But he soon remembered and went back. He made out a correct claim and fastened it to a tree, then piled up the necessary heaps of stone with his stakes in the middle. Doing all he could think of to legally hold the right to mine the ore, he started back along the dangerous ledge. It was so dark by this time, that he could not find the way he came, and knowing it was almost impassable, he permitted the horse to choose a way out by going up the mountain-side, and so he finally reached the summit. Here he camped for the night and early in the morning he kept on till he struck Top Notch Trail, but so circuitous had been the route that he never could describe the pathway his horse took. Unfortunately, he had left Patsy home that day to guard supplies in the cabin, and he did not return there at once, thinking it wiser to first file his claims in Oak Creek. The clerk asked for section-corners or distances from the nearest surveyor's blaze, but Montresor had not found any.
""
It was a question whether the claim would be legal, but the worried old man refused to give full details of the spot, as he feared the claim would be jumped, and he purposed going back again to make a survey for himself. On his way to the cabin for Patsy, a dreadful storm came over the mountains and lasted for three days. Snow, hail and wind blew down the sides until it seemed as if winter had come in full blast. Of course, no one would attempt climbing in that storm and Montresor had to remain in his cabin for the blizzard to pass.
""
When he was able to travel again, he took Patsy to help find the place, but the rain had washed away all scent for the dog. After a tortuous climb on the trail, made ten-fold worse by the down timber and wash-outs, Montresor discovered land-marks and knew he was on the right pathway. However, he could see no ravine or ledges, and after hunting day after day, without locating a spot that resembled his claim, he well-nigh caved in. There was no gully, no ledge, no wall of rock with fresh-picked vein of gold showing in its face! In fact, so much rock and earth and trees had been washed down from Top Notch Trail during the great storm that the whole area he had previously covered had changed form and appearances.
""
The poor man then tried to find his claim by following Top Notch Trail and coming down from the summit, but he was taken ill and laid up in his cabin for a long time. I rode up to see him whenever I could, and father wanted him to have some one stay with him, but the old man would not. Patsy was his only nurse. The ranchers laughed and said he was luny over gold, and that he never had seen any. Still there was the ore to cause wonderment, until a miner declared it was some the old man had left in his kit from Klondike. The report that he was trying to sell a claim that never existed, made folks shun him even when they heard he was sick.
""
Cold weather was coming on and mother would not let me risk the long ride to his cabin so often, but one warm Saturday I packed supplies and rode Noddy up there. I found the poor man unconscious. Patsy stood by the bunk licking the limp hand. I looked about but no food or drink could I see. I lifted his gray head and tried to make him sip water from my bottle, but he merely opened his eyes and smiled. He tried to take something from under his head and I helped him. I found a scrawl saying, 'Look on Patsy's collar.'
""
He tried to mumble and I stooped low but he relaxed suddenly and seemed to shrink. I felt his heart but it was still. I tried his eyes and they were sightless. Patsy sent up a heartrending wail and crawled over behind his master's gun and knapsack, so I knew my old friend was dead. I removed the paper from Patsy's collar and saw my name on it. Upon opening it, I found the dear man had left me all his interests in the claim filed at Oak Creek offices. I tried to coax Patsy to come with me, but he would not desert his master. Then I placed water in a dish and gave the animal my food, but he would not eat or drink.
""
I hurried home to tell father and he rode back that same evening, to arrange for the old man's burial. Jeb and John went with him, and the coroner from Oak Creek, who is a friend of ours. When they reached the cabin they found faithful Patsy stretched across his master's body dead also. So both old comrades were buried together, although the minister from over the mountain said it was a sin to place both in one grave. When John told me, I said I was glad the two could travel the same trail together, for Old Man Montresor had found Patsy his best friend for ten years.
"
We found no clew to his eastern friends, and when the last will and testament of Ralph Montresor was filed at Oak Creek, every one laughed at us for believing the fairy-tale of a crazy man. But I never believed he was crazy, and I do believe he once discovered that gold-mine!
Oh, Polly! wept Anne and Eleanor, deeply affected by the tale, but
Barbara plaintively remarked, "Do talk of something cheerful!"
All right, Bob, I'll tell you something that will cheer your woeful heart! jeered Eleanor, impatiently. "I'm going to take that Red Man's up-trail, soon, and rediscover the mine, then I'll give it to Polly for a present for her loyalty to Old Montresor!"
Don't be silly! If you ever did find a gold-mine you'd hold on to it, fast enough! retorted Barbara.
Eleanor winked at Polly and Polly smiled gratefully at her, but Anne broached another subject to spare the sisters an argument.
The horses had been jogging along a trail that now turned off to what looked like a wide plain.
Here's the bridge I've been heading for, said Polly. "From here on, it's clear going to Lone Pine Blaze."
Bridge! Do you call this a bridge, laughed Eleanor.
It's a forest ranger's bridge. They build these over chasms and streams so horses and men can quickly reach any part of the forest when there is a fire. If they had to ford swift streams, or go round about, much time would be lost.
The bridge in question was made of loose tree-trunks thrown across the river and pegged down on either side where the ends rested upon the steep banks.
After crossing the log-bridge, Polly led the way towards what seemed to be a veritable wilderness of forest. Giant pines thrust their green tops far above trees that would have been considered landmarks in the East, but were deemed quite ordinary in the West. Next in height to the commonly-sized pines came gigantic oaks and then the still shorter aspens and lodge-pole pine.
You never intend breaking through that tangle of trees, I hope, Polly! cried Barbara, who had never seen such a bewildering growth of forest in her life.
No, not this time! I'm making for that pine that you can see way above all of the others. That is Lone Pine Blaze, because it bears the blaze that shows the way to the up-trail!
Noddy must have been a frequent traveler to this tree for she knew exactly the way to go and when she came opposite the pine that bore the blaze, she stopped of her own accord.
Now, wasn't that cute? cried Eleanor, riding her burro directly behind Noddy.
Polly jumped from her burro's back and went over to Choko. She removed the ax from the pack and chopped a way through the slender undergrowth which had grown up that season.
Yes, here's the blaze as plain as day! Any of you girls want to read it for me? laughed Polly.
The three curious girls jumped from their mounts and pushed a way over to the tree where they saw a queer mark made deep in the tree where the bark could not over-grow it.
What does it say, Poll! asked Eleanor.
It means for us to turn to the left and follow the trail upwards! said Polly, pointing to the signs.
I should think the ranchers would put up sign-posts to guide travelers! said Barbara.
How long do you suppose a post would last in a mild little wind-storm that uproots trees and tosses them about like wisps of hay? laughed Polly.
Oh, Polly! You surely are making fun of us! said Eleanor, doubtfully.
"No, indeed, she is not! In the three months' time I was at the Cobb School, I saw some terrific gales sweep over the country! added Anne.
"But sign-posts and wind-storms were forgotten for the time when the horses came out on a strange road they had to travel. The wilderness of pine forest had been left on the right after leaving Lone Pine, and the trail led down gradually to a bottomland of brilliant green herbage. Directly over this emerald valley ran a corduroy roadway.
There must have been a brook under this at one time! stated Eleanor, finding the logs partly embedded in caked mud.
No, this too, is built by our forest-rangers who help the timber jacks build these roads. You see, while frost holds good the heaviest tree trunks can be readily moved over icy swamp bottoms, but in the spring, when thaw and freshets begin, the bottoms are more like a marsh, or shallow lake, than anything else I know of. Then these corduroy roads are a make-shift for hard ground, explained Polly, while Noddy started to clip-clop over the firmly-set logs.
Why don't the men wait for the next frost? asked Barbara.
Hoh! Don't you know the trees would be worthless if they were left for a season? Decay and mold or worms would destroy the finest wood. Besides, these logs, or poles, laid side by side in the mud, soon get to be as solid as a rock, for the mud, oozing up between the chinks of the logs, dries out and leaves them baked tight in the grooves.
Having heard the way this novel roadway was made, the girls took a lively interest in crossing it. No more questions were asked until Polly reached the trail that led up through the forest. Then Eleanor spoke.
Polly, you're sure you know the road?
We can't go very far wrong! If we keep to the trail we are bound to come out on the top—somewhere! laughed Polly, giving Noddy her head in selecting a safe footing on the rough trail.
Eleanor, eager to show how well she could ride, forced her burro past Noddy while the latter was making a slight detour about a sage-brush. She turned partly around to laugh at Polly, when her burro made a sudden lunge away from the trail, and at the same time, a diamond-backed rattlesnake struck out from its coil, reaching at least two-thirds the full length of its body.
Help! Save me! screamed Eleanor, frantically, but the brave little burro knew how to carry his rider safely out of the way of the reptile.
Polly saw the snake coil for another strike at Barbara's horse, which had almost reached the place before Eleanor screamed. The whole occurrence was so unexpected and sudden that Barbara had not seen the swift flash of cinnamon-red and dark diamond-patterned rattler.
With great presence of mind, Polly instantly pulled Noddy up on a mound of ground just above the reptile, and caught hold of a long supple branch of wood. In another instant she was whipping the snake until it could not tell from which direction the blows were descending—right, left, front or back! In a moment of indecision, the snake remained quiet and in that second Polly brought down her solid heel upon its flat head.
The other girls screamed and turned pale for they thought Polly had fallen from her burro upon the rattler—so quick had been her action. But the moment the daring girl looked up and laughed at them, they also jumped from their saddles and ran up to help.
Polly made sure the rattler was quite dead, then took a forked stick and held it up to view. It had beautiful diamond markings of dark-colors on cinnamon-red ground. The belly was of creamy white, and the tail had eight rattles attached to it by means of a peculiar fibrous ribbon. These rattles seemed to be of dry horny skin that made the buzz-sound when shaken. The head had been so crushed open that Polly could easily show the curious girls the poison-fangs which were hinged to the upper jaw.
When a rattler intends to bite, its mouth grasps the object and these fangs drop down into the flesh, puncturing tiny holes into which the fatal poison flows.
Polly described the action of the bite minutely, causing her hearers to shiver with dread. Seeing the effect her words had made, she laughed, adding, "A snake does not always bite clear! I mean, the least thing keeps his teeth from driving straight into the flesh, so that the poison bag cannot empty its fluid under the skin. It is often a loose or sidewise bite, so that much of the poison never enters the wound. That is why so many folks survive rattle-snake bites. If it went clean, and the poison bag was emptied under the skin,—pwhew!"
Polly whistled to denote her sense of the outcome of such a bite, and Barbara cried, "Oh, mercy, Polly! I feel so sick after hearing you, that I want to go back to Chicago!"
Anne laughed at Barbara's fears, saying, "We may not see another rattler all summer!"
Anyway, Bob, you're perfectly safe while on a horse, for they can always tell when a rattler is near and they avoid it. A rattler will never go out of its own course to strike—only biting when one passes too near it for its safety! said Polly.
Well, that's some consolation, anyway! sighed Eleanor.
What do you want to do with this snake, Poll? asked Anne, as the sisters climbed back into their saddles.
Goodness me! What would she do with it, except to kick it over into the bushes! cried Barbara.
Polly is laughing! She thinks you are crazy, Anne! added Eleanor, impatiently, for she was eager to proceed on the trail.
Well, Polly, I think we will have it skinned and sent to Denver to be made into an odd handbag for your mother! suggested Anne.
Oh, Anne, how splendid! I wish I could find a snake skin! cried
Eleanor.
Yes, Anne, I think mother will love that! added Polly, gratefully, so the rattler was moved carefully over to a large flat rock near the trail, where they could readily find it on their way back.
As the adventurers advanced up the mountainside, the pines grew closer until it was almost impossible to ride between the great trees that crowded on either side of the faint trail.
Polly, I don't see how we can go much farther! said Anne, who had never before been as high as this.
Oh, we are only one-third of the way up, Anne, smiled Polly, swinging Noddy suddenly to one side to avoid a bowlder of rock that had rolled upon the trail.
After more arduous climbing, the horses unexpectedly came out into a vast clearing, called a "park" by the natives. It was acres in extent, fringed about by the heavy close growth of pines. The girls exclaimed at the beauty of the spot, for wild-mountain flowers grew profusely among the thick buffalo grass.
Now, then, every one of you start at this point and hunt for the trail. I haven't been here since last summer when we went for that trapper and his pelts. I didn't look for the blaze then, but it was here, so we must find it to help us find the way out! called Polly, as she guided Noddy slowly past the fringe of forest trees, looking carefully at each tree.
Goodness, Polly! Do you ever expect to find an opening in this tangle of trees? asked Barbara.
We can if Polly says there's one! declared Anne, riding her horse carefully in the opposite direction from Polly.
Eleanor permitted her burro to follow after Polly, as she hadn't the slightest idea of what the blaze or trail would look like. Consequently, she was directly behind Polly when she shouted, "I've found it!"
The other girls wheeled their horses and galloped over to the place where Polly was swinging the ax about her head.
With several good whacks, she chopped down enough young aspens to clear a way through the brush, thus exposing to view an old tree bearing a blaze over twenty years old.
I'll show you how to count the age, said Polly, beginning at the outer bark and counting the rings plainly lined from the new bark into the tree until she reached the place where the blaze had been made.
How interesting! Then that means this trail was made twenty years ago! said Barbara.
Maybe twenty times twenty years ago, for all we know. Nobody really knows how old this trail is, for it was used by the Indians as far back as the oldest trappers and hunters know and have heard tell from their fathers and grandfathers! replied Polly, swinging into the saddle and telling Noddy to proceed.
The little burro obediently went into the seemingly impassable thicket, the other horses following. After they had traveled for ten or fifteen yards, the undergrowth thinned until they were going on pine-needle-covered ground as soft as moss. The silent forest with its sentinel pines, spreading a canopy overhead, seemed like another world from the bright glare of the one left behind that morning.
The trees were so tall and majestic, with great fragrant green tops that scarcely allowed a sunbeam to penetrate to the pale green twilight underneath, that a solemn peace pervaded the minds of the young adventurers. The singing of birds, or the crackling of dry twigs, as wild creatures sprang over them, were the only sounds heard.
No shrubs or vegetation obstructed this impressive place, so the girls rode on in silence, until the trail ascended again. Near the confines of this forest, Polly suddenly reined in Noddy and held out a warning hand. Right across their pathway sped a young deer. It paused by the side of a sheltering pine-trunk, with head erect and fore-foot poised gracefully, gazing steadily at the strange creatures who dared intrude upon those sacred precincts!
It as suddenly vanished again, and the girls breathed deeply.
Oh, for our camera! cried Eleanor.
How stupid of us to leave it home, added Barbara.
It's always the way. Who remembers a kodak until it is needed, laughed Anne.
John promised to bring me a fine camera this summer, but he never came home from college, so I didn't get it, said Polly, wistfully.
Haven't you one, Poll? wondered Eleanor.
Not yet.
It's a shame—and you with such wonderful ways to use it. The moment we get home, I shall give you my new one, and you can give me some prints from it in exchange, said Eleanor, generously.
Why, Eleanor Maynard! Yours is brand new and cost forty dollars! cried shocked Barbara.
Of course it's new! Would I give my best friend a second-hand thing? retorted Eleanor.
Oh, Nolla, it's awfully good of you but I wouldn't think of taking it! exclaimed Polly, gratefully.
If you don't I'll give it to Sary, and then you can look for trouble! She'll snap pictures of Jeb at dinner, of Jeb at the pump, and Jeb here, there, and everywhere!
The girls laughed merrily at the pictures outlined, and the camera was forgotten.
After climbing for two hours more, Noddy wrinkled his nose and twitched his sensitive ears.
Noddy scents water. See, Choko is acting the same way, called Polly; and sure enough both burros were making faces at the sky-line.
In a short time the riders reached another Park but this one was not half the size of the first. Instead of encircling forest trees, the girls saw giant up-thrusts of rock that deft the blue sky. On each side of the widened trail stood lodge-pole pine that ran up to the summit and down the other side of the peak.
At last—Top Notch Trail! exclaimed Polly.
You seem relieved? ventured Anne.
I am, because I half-doubted whether I would remember the right route without an older guide.
When in doubt don't do anything, suggested Eleanor.
If we didn't do anything we wouldn't have been up here, argued Anne.
This trail runs straight to Grizzly Slide, a glacial peak I've always wanted to see. Father never had time to take me and mother wouldn't allow me to find it alone. Explorers say it is a permanent glacier that seldom changes its form as most of our other snow-capped peaks do in summertime.
How I'd love to see it! sighed Eleanor.
It sounds as if we were in Switzerland about to visit the Alps, added
Barbara.
Have you any plans for to-day, Polly? asked Anne.
Nothing particular. I thought we would try for this trail and have dinner up here, then do whatever you liked before starting for home.
"
How long might it take to ride along the top and hunt for Grizzly Slide? asked Eleanor eagerly.
"I'm not sure of the distance, although I hear it is four miles from Four Mile Blaze. From here to the blaze may be one or ten miles, but the going is fine on this trail, replied Polly, eagerly showing her inclinations.
I simply won't consider going back home yet! declared Eleanor.
"
We might go on a bit further before eating, and then we can see what the trail is like. If we decided to try for the Grizzly Something-or-other Poll mentioned, I'll agree, all right! ventured
"Anne, the gleam of adventure shining in her eyes.
I'm the only molly-coddle in the crowd and I'd like to see more of this mountain, myself, laughed Barbara.
'Nuff said,' when Barbara talks like that! laughed Eleanor.
So they continued along the crest of the mountain from which grand views of distant peaks and vast forest-sides could be seen. The brilliant hues of wild flowers, everywhere, mottled the ground; the dark-green of towering pines, or again the shorter aspens like pickets on guard in the foreground; the bleached skeletons of lodge-pole pine burnt clean in forest fires; and just before the riders, the plunging water falling from a cliff that shut out any glimpse of the trail ahead, combined to produce a master-piece of Nature's work.
Why not camp at those Falls for dinner? asked Eleanor.
Good idea—I'm half-starved, admitted Anne.
And maybe the horses can rest, too, from Barbara.
Bob's going to join the S.P.C.A. soon, laughed Eleanor.
No, I'm not, but horses will last longer if you feed and rest them, and I do not care to walk home! retorted Barbara.
"
I brought my fishing tackle, girls, and while you are unpacking dinner I may as well cast for a few trout in that stream, suggested Polly.
"Can you fish trout? exclaimed Barbara, wonderingly.
Can a bird fly? laughed Anne.
The idea! A westerner and not know how to fish! scorned Eleanor.
But Barbara was not sensitive to-day so did not feel offended at these remarks; neither did she take pains to disguise her real sentiments when it would have been kinder to keep silence on a subject.
Having reached the base of the cliff, the girls found a delightful spot for the luncheon. The packs were slipped from Choko and he, with the other mounts, were hobbled and left to graze on the buffalo grass in the clearing.
The girls unpacked a pannier while Polly arranged her tackle and started for the top of the cliff whence fell the water.
Let me go with you, Poll, and watch? asked Eleanor.
If you won't speak, and mind you don't slip and fall!
I won't, promised Eleanor, crawling up after the sure-footed Polly until both reached the top. To their surprise, the girls found a cleft between two great rocks with a quiet pool resting at the base. The current passed, rushing onward to the Falls, but the water circulating in the nook scarcely rippled. Even as the two girls watched, a flash of a speckled back flounced up in play and splashed their shoes.
What a spot for trout! whispered Polly, crawling out to the rim of a rock while Eleanor watched breathlessly.
Not too far out, Poll! whispered Eleanor, anxiously, as Polly leaned over the edge to gaze into the clear depths.
Without a word, Polly carefully cast her fly far out upon the smooth surface of the sparkling water. Then flashes deep down, and in incredibly short time a large speckled trout rose to the bait, and Polly felt her nerves tauten with the excitement of the sportsman. Eleanor held her breath for fear the trout would disappear.
Polly landed that one, weighing at least three pounds, then caught two more, weighing about two pounds each.
Guess these will be enough for this noon. No use catching more than we need! remarked Polly, coming back to Eleanor's side.
The girls hastened down the rocks and brought the fish over to the place where Polly expected to find a good fire burning.
Why, I don't see any fire—didn't you build one for the fish? cried
Polly.
You didn't tell us to! Anyway, what would we make it with—no matches and no kindlings! replied Barbara.
Can't you girls start fire with flint—or some sticks? asked Polly, curiously.
The only fire I can light is with a safety match and the valve of a gas-stove! replied Barbara, quaintly.
The others considered her remark very funny and Polly promised to teach them how to make a fire with two sticks only!
Do it now, and fry the fish for us! said Eleanor.
No, it will be too late for us to begin all that now. We had better wait until supper-time. We really ought to be on the trail by this time, said Polly.
Child alive! You don't intend being out in the woods at supper-time, do you? gasped Barbara, fearfully.
Polly laughed. "Is that so fearful? Why, I think it is piles of fun to camp out on a fine night!"
Maybe you do, but remember the rattle-snake! We may be sleeping on the ground when one comes along-Oh, OH! cried Barbara, shivering.
Oh, come now, Bob! No use conjuring up such gruesome pictures to tickle your nerves! exclaimed Eleanor, impatiently.
If you don't want to go on to Grizzly Slide, now's the time to say so! When we get there it will be too late to complain about the lateness of the hour in getting home! said sensible Polly. "Oh, we all want to go to Grizzly Slide!" asserted Anne, hastily.
And we will take everything that comes with it! declared Eleanor, eagerly.
Well, all right, but for the love of goodness, don't let's camp in the wilderness all night! cried Barbara.
They sat down after that discussion and ate the sandwiches and fruit, but Polly wanted a piece of the chocolate cake she thought Sary had packed for them.
I couldn't find any! We looked through and found only sandwiches in the papers, said Anne.
Oh, pshaw! I was sure there was cake! grumbled Polly.
It may possibly be in the bottom of the other pannier, as we didn't unpack everything, you know, suggested Barbara.
If it is, we'll eat it to-night for supper. At least we know Sary packed something good for us, added Anne.
Once more on the trail, the adventurers rode through forests where the notes of unseen birds blending with the murmur of pines sounded like weird music to the city girls.
Just like the sea's roar in a conch-shell, isn't it? whispered Anne, as she listened rapturously.
They passed tumbling, hurrying mountain streams where the burnished trout flashed swiftly back and forth in the clear water. They came to an upland park where the soft whistle of quail caused Polly to lift her rifle, but the whir of wings told of a flight. From jagged rents in the cliffs, through which the horses passed, their hoofs ringing echoes from the iron-veined rock, they came to sleepy hollows where the Quaker Aspens stood ghostlike as sentinels on guard before their beautiful Eden.
Having climbed one peak and descended it, then the next one, and so on, and on, following the winding trail that became more difficult to find and more dangerous to climb, Polly finally drew rein beside a tree distinctly scarred.
Hurrah! The blaze to the Slide, shouted she, scraping away the lichen that covered the spot.
Glad of an excuse to jump down and stretch their limbs, the other girls joined Polly at the tree and saw the blaze, although so old, to be perfectly plain and easily traced.
Four miles to Grizzly Slide! read Polly, exultantly.
But it must be three o'clock or more. When can we hope to get back home? murmured Barbara, glancing down the trail they just left.
Too late to worry about that now, said Eleanor.
I plan to see Grizzly Slide and then camp somewhere, said Polly.
That is the best thing, now, added Anne.
You don't mean to sleep out in this awful wilderness, do you? gasped
Barbara.
No, we're going to engage a suite of rooms at the 'Queen Victoria' for to-night! jeered Eleanor.
I hope to reach the Slide and ride back to those Falls for camp. We have fish and pasture and soft moss there, said Polly.
Ideal place, too, approved Anne.
But the wild beasts, and, oh, suppose a rattler comes along while we are asleep? almost sobbed Barbara.
He'll steer clear of you, Bob! retorted Eleanor.
Come on, girls, don't waste time arguing, or we'll camp on top of the peak, yonder, laughed Polly, jumping back into her saddle and urging Noddy along the way.
Although Grizzly Slide was but four miles from the blaze, the trail was so rough that the horses had to go slowly. Too, the rarefied air strained the animals' hearts and Polly advised frequent halts to rest the heavily breathing beasts.
During those four miles, the trail often opened from the heavy timber and gave a glimpse of far-off valleys, and dreadfully nearby abysses that made one feel that one was on top of the world. Even the pines in the nearer crests and clefts looked like wisps of green—so small they appeared from the tremendous height.
The trail finally led through a thick forest of lodge-pole pine that looked interminable, but suddenly ended at a line as if it had been purposely cleared away. The riders all sat in silent awe at the sight before them. They had reached Grizzly Slide!
The snow-capped peak, reaching an altitude, from the clearing where they stood, of at least a thousand feet sheer up, dazzled their eyes in the bright sunshine. To the left of the peak, the sides dropped down almost perpendicularly to the level floor of a valley many thousand feet below. To the right, the snow-fields stretched across a vast area before any timber could be seen on the downward slope.
The snow of the Slide was continually melting in summer and furnishing icy streams that cut through in every direction to reach the vales far down. The temperature was almost at freezing point near the peak, and the girls quickly donned their sweaters which had been packed in Choko's panniers.
In removing the sweaters, Polly accidentally pulled out a heavy coil of rope, but hung it back on one of the knobs of Choko's harness instead of buckling it inside the pocket. Well she did, too.
Come on, girls, I want to see what that blue line is over on the ice-field, said Polly, starting up the Slide.
The horses were sharp-shod and sure-footed, so the girls rode as safely as if on the mossy trail, but they had not gone far before Polly began murmuring to herself.
What's the matter? wondered Anne, aloud.
That blue line looks to me like a crevice in the ice.
What of that? asked Barbara, stupidly.
That shows something queer! This slide seldom cracks into fissures, but when it does it means trouble. If that crevice goes down very deep it shows unusual warmth underneath. And that may move this upper section of ice-field any time, thus creating an awful land-slide, don't you see?
Oh, mercy! Let's hurry back! cried Barbara, wheeling her horse immediately.
It isn't likely to occur as quickly as that, Bob, said Anne, soothingly. Then turning to Polly, said: "But this slide is said to be stationary."
It has moved, but so seldom that folks never fear it. I know something about land-slides after living in Pebbly Pit for fourteen years, and even a little slide at the lava cliffs causes an awful destruction, so I can picture what this gigantic slide would do if it ever got started down!
You said it happened when Montresor's Mine was buried? reminded
Eleanor.
Yes, a small one then, and it may happen again, so we won't stay another moment, begged Barbara, from a distance.
It's all right at present, Bob, and I'm going to see if the chasm runs along very far, returned Polly, riding Noddy away from the girls.
Anne and Eleanor watched the blinding peak where clouds drifted lazily about so that the top of the crest was visible only now and then. At such times, the sun flashed upon the ice and reflected myriad colors as in a rainbow.
Isn't it just beautiful! sighed Anne.
As wonderful and beautiful as his Satanic Majesty! declared Eleanor, but she anxiously watched Polly ride along the brink of the fissure.
Oh, girls! Won't you please come home! I won't be easy till my horse is traveling that corduroy road again! wailed Barbara.
The others laughed. "You complained about that when we crossed it.
The time may come when you'd be glad to be standing on Grizzly
Slide—after it has slid!" teased Eleanor.
Now I'm going back! So there! threatened Barbara, but she remained exactly where she was, for she feared to go back alone.
Well, it looks as if we would have to return unrewarded. I can't find a place safe enough to cross to the peak, and the crevice seems to run all the way across and deep down, too, said Polly, coming back to join Anne and Eleanor.
Now will you come back? nagged Barbara, desperately.
In a minute! We want to watch those rainbow-tinted clouds—they are so beautiful! sighed Anne.
But even as she spoke, the fleecy clouds of snowy white changed quickly to gray. From gray they turned to dark ominous-looking colors, and Polly hastily glanced at the sun.
Let's ride back at once! said she shortly.
[Illustration: NODDY LED THE WAY TO TIMBER AS THE BLIZZARD BEGAN ANEW.]
Noddy was turned and urged to lead off as fast as possible, but Polly turned every few moments to watch the clouds now gathering in somber banks and falling down over the Slide.
Girls, make more haste! ordered she.
What's the matter, Poll? called Anne, who was in the rear.
I want to get you-all to the timber line just as fast as we can travel. Don't waste breath talking—just ride! cried Polly, fearfully.
I told you to come home. I knew something terrible would happen up here! wailed Barbara, trying to push her horse, by leaning far over his neck.
Yes, you always were a Calamity Jane. If we'd left you down with the rattle-snake we wouldn't have been so hoo-dooed! cried Eleanor, in her nervousness.
Noddy, dear, won't you go faster? We must set a better pace for the others, you see, pet! said Polly to her little burro.
Apparently Noddy understood the need of a brisker step, for she started so that she soon out-distanced the others and Polly had to wait for them. As she waited impatiently, she watched the clouds sweeping down and along over the ice-fields. Then she remembered the rope hung on Choko's collar. She jumped off, grabbed it, and soon had Choko securely fastened to the end of the rope. Another loop was fastened to Noddy's collar. As the others rode up she tied a loop to each mount so that a chain was made of the five animals.
Is it a blizzard or a tornado, Poll? gasped Anne.
Don't know! Just race on as fast as you can!
Then as they hurried across the icy slope, the sun seemed suddenly quenched and the daylight turned to sodden drab. Heavy drifts of snow could be seen falling headlong from the clouds hanging about the peak, making a wonderful if awesome sight.
Girls, our lives are in jeopardy unless we reach the timber belt! shouted Polly, trying to outcry the wind that shrieked down the Slide.
Noddy, brave little burro, quivered in dread of the elements sweeping about them, but she responded to Polly's call and fairly dragged the trembling Choko after her.
The hurricane was now screaming about the peak and howling horribly through the fissures in the ice. As the blizzard gathered fury and strength, the clouds, like rags torn from the sky, raged past the riders, every now and then sweeping the snow completely over them. Still the full fury of the gale had not yet appeared.
Polly stopped momentarily and yelled back her orders: "Every one grab hold on the tail of the horse in front of you!"
They comprehended the sense of this advice, but could not manage to act upon it, as the drifts of snow and ice made it impossible to jump from the saddle, or lean over to hold to anything.
By this time, everything was hidden from sight and even the foremost rider looked ghostlike in the gray light and snow. The trail was obliterated by the drifts and the going was slippery and slow.
We've simply got to make that timber, girls! shouted Polly, more to encourage than to urge, as she knew the beasts were doing their utmost.
The three other girls, too cold and frightened to speak, clung to their animals hopelessly. Noddy seemed imbued with supernatural powers, for she never made a miss-step or swerved from the trail, although it was invisible. This instinct of scent, so marvelous in these little burros, proved the salvation of the adventurers.
Then darkness fell completely and the storm broke loose in its fierce madness, so confusing the chain of horses that they stamped and turned until the rope was so tangled that the riders were threatened with being thrown. Even in that awful moment, Polly was glad she tied the beasts to-gether, for surely one or another of them would have bolted or strayed to doom with its rider.
Noddy seemed the only animal to keep her sense. As the other horses snorted and wheeled, Polly cried desperately:
Noddy, Noddy! Can't you help us out?
With a tremendous spurt of strength the little burro pulled herself free from the tangle, dragging Choko along, too. The other horses soon calmed down again and followed in the wake.
A glassy surface had formed over everything, so that a slip would prove extremely dangerous on that steep slide, but Noddy plodded along as if she knew that the responsibility of all depended upon her accuracy in trailing. The girls had to trust blindly to the burro's sixth sense, as no one could see whether a yawning chasm or a rocky projection was directly before them.
Polly, I'm falling! I can't stick on another moment! cried Anne, her voice reaching Polly, as the wind blew in that direction.
Anne Stewart—you must! We're right at the timber-line now, and I'd be ashamed to say you gave in before Barbara! shrilled Polly, to give her friend new endurance.
I'm all in, too! wailed the plaintive voice of Eleanor.
Oh, dear God, tell me what to do? screamed Polly, as if she must make the Almighty hear and help.
Just as all seemed at its worst, the wind suddenly died down, and the gloomy mantle of darkness lifted perceptibly. Polly felt sure the cessation of wind and sleet was but a lull before a second and worse cloud-sweep, but she made the most of the interval.
One more step, girls, and we are safe! Keep up courage!
To Noddy she crooned anxiously: "Now or never again, little one!"
Noddy turned momentarily to look into her beloved mistress's eyes as if to plead for breath and a moment's rest, and then she responded to the call of necessity and led the staggering line to the timber just as the gale began anew.
It was darker in the forest of lodge-pole pine than out on the ice-field, but the timber offered comparative refuge from the driving sleet and wind. Another difficulty presented itself, however, in the close growth of trees. To avoid collision with the crowded trunks, it became necessary to undo the rope that held the five beasts together. Each was thus allowed to roam his own way, and this was the more hazardous, as the hurricane ofttimes tore up a smaller pine and, twisting it about like a cork-screw, flung it down like a straw.
Noddy seemed possessed to travel in a certain direction, so Polly, sure of a burro's instinct for shelter and refuge, gave her her head. Eleanor's burro also seemed anxious to go in the same direction Noddy took, and followed in her footsteps. But Choko, freed from the detaining rope and not so worn by battling the gale with a rider to carry, made for a spot to the right of Noddy.
Suddenly Eleanor screamed and pointed at Choko. "Oh, look quick! Choko!
Choko!"
Even as she cried, Choko was seen frantically scrambling on the verge of a cliff, and suddenly vanished over its side.
"Oh, my little Choko!" sobbed Polly, quickly turning Noddy to go down to the edge of the precipice where the burro had slipped over and down.
Now we haven't a thing to eat, and no blankets for the night! I knew this was a foolish outing, complained Barbara.
Eleanor failed to hear her sister's selfish remark, for she was driving her burro closely upon Noddy's heels. Anne was so impatient at Barbara that she urged her horse after Eleanor to keep herself busy.
Good gracious! Am I to sit here alone and freeze! I'm sure I'm not such a fool as to have the same thing happen to me as it did to Choko, cried Barbara, but the wind carried her words back to Grizzly Slide.
Polly slid from her saddle and stretched out flat upon the brink to peer over the edge for a possible sight of the burro. As she did so, she saw a mass of baggage and burro scramble upright and shake itself violently. Then a plaintive whinny rose up to welcome the fearful girls.
Whoa! Whoa, Choko! shouted Polly, instantly.
Jumping up, she called to Eleanor: "Choko fell upon a ledge, but there's a great hole behind him and should he back he will surely fall in and be lost. I'm going down to lead him out!"
Oh, Polly, don't risk your precious life for a burro! screamed
Barbara, hysterically.
If Noddy can creep down, I'll save Choko without risk to myself, declared Polly, climbing in the saddle.
If Polly goes, I go too! exclaimed Eleanor, turning her burro to follow Noddy.
Don't you dare! Nolla—think of mother grieving for you, and me left alone in Colorado, helpless! cried Barbara.
Now I'm going, anyway! I'd like mother to appreciate me, was Eleanor's unexpected reply, but Anne caught an undaunted look in the girl's eyes.
The combined persuasions of Barbara and Anne had no effect on Eleanor, who, truth to tell, exulted in this daring feat and would not have missed the thrill for anything. But her burro balked at the point where Noddy began the descent.
Noddy was making for a place where the ledge met the downward slope of the mountain-side. The burro felt about for sure footing and then took a step forward. Prodding carefully again, she took the next step, and so on. Sometimes, feeling suspiciously, she would essay a step and as suddenly bring back her hoof before breaking into the pit. Thus taking one assured step after another, she finally reached the beginning of the ledge where Choko had landed.
Upon the mountain-side where the frozen girls and beasts trembled, the wind howled and the blizzard swept along between the trunk of trees, but on the ledge Polly found comparative shelter and only now and then a blast of the gale.
She stopped to beckon to Eleanor and then urged Noddy along the foothold cleft from the cliff. Above, the rock-wall rose to the mountain-top; beneath, Polly could not gauge the depth—it was too dreadful and was now blurred by fine drifts from the blizzard.
After what seemed an age, Polly reached Choko, who still stood obedient to his mistress's command of "Whoa." But he shook and seemed completely broken up with fear and the shock of the fall.
Dear little Choko! purred Polly, jumping from Noddy's back and softly patting the burro's woolly face.
The burro affectionately nosed Polly, who gazed quickly at what she thought to be a pit back of the little beast. She gasped in wonderment and went to the dark hole. Then she quickly ran back and took hold of Noddy's and Choko's bridles. Standing thus, she shouted to the anxious girls above:
Come down as carefully as I did and here you will find a cave. With that she disappeared into the yawning black hole, leading both burros. Barbara and Anne stared at each other in amazement, and the latter said: "Come carefully! Anything is better than freezing here."
Eleanor had already reached the ledge, when Polly came forth from the cavern to shout out advices. The two older girls made the perilous descent safely, and then guided their horses along the ledge until all stood before the cave where the burros were waiting.
Isn't this a miracle? cried Polly, the moment all were safe and the poor beasts were being led inside the refuge.
The girls laughed and cried hysterically when they saw the haven, but the animals seemed uneasy, and Noddy came up to Polly with fear apparent in her expressive eyes.
Noddy, are you frightened? Surely no wild beast can be in here, at present? queried Polly, looking around in the semi-gloom.
Polly! What can it be? shrieked Barbara, clinging to Anne in fear.
Better get out again, Polly, suggested Eleanor, seeing the horses paw the floor, and strain their eyes to see.
Are we safe here, Polly dear? asked Anne.
Safer here than up there, returned Polly, and as she spoke a great tree was flung down over the edge of the gorge just where ledge and slope met.
Now we can't crawl out if we wanted to—the tree obstructs the way, declared Polly, decidedly.
But we must see what it is that disturbs the animals, advised Anne.
I'd rather throw myself over the cliff than be clawed to bits by a panther! wailed Barbara.
The horses are quieting down now, and Noddy seems as much at home as anywhere, so I reckon it was only strangeness that made them act queer, said Eleanor.
But something may pounce out upon us, and take us unawares! wailed
Barbara.
I propose to smoke them out as soon as I make a fire! said Polly, looking about in the darkness of the cave for a possible stick of wood, but not finding any.
I'll have to chop some of that pine! Noddy can carry me safer than I can walk on this ledge, so I want you girls to promise to keep the horses close about you and wait right here until I get back! said Polly, taking the ax from the pack.
Polly, I'm coming too! Two axes are better than one, and I can ride my burro, too! declared Eleanor.
Anne and Polly sent the girl a look of gratitude, while Barbara was speechless until after Eleanor started to go, then she remonstrated volubly.
The two girls crept toward the down-thrown pine, and Eleanor said,
We'll need wood for a fire, won't we?
Yes, we will have to remain in the cave all night, and it gets so terribly cold upon these mountain peaks that we will be frozen unless we warm up the interior of the cavern. Then, too, we may need to keep fires going at the back end of the cave as well as in front, to ward off wild beasts!
They were slowly advancing when another awful crash came from the slope above. Both girls ducked instinctively, but the decayed pine that was broken off above ground fell over the edge of the cliff just in front of them and obstructed the way so that progress was impossible.
Eleanor quaked and cried, "Oh, let's go back, Polly!"
But Polly laughed. "Glory be, our fire-wood came to us halfway."
At her cheerful words, Eleanor braced up again.
Polly jumped from Noddy's back and started to hew at the soft decayed wood. It was easy to chop and would furnish a flaring fire, even though it would burn rapidly and need constant replenishing.
Nolla, this is the second miracle to-day! Had we hunted the mountain over, no better wood could have been found for just our need. Yonder on that other pine, when this is out of our way, awaits our bedding.
What funny bedding!
Just you wait and see.
When enough wood was chopped to clear a way on the ledge, Polly showed Eleanor how to make bundles of it. These were tied by means of the rope to Noddy's harness and carefully dragged back to the cave. Several trips had to be made before both burros had brought the firewood to the growing pile in the cave.
When Polly spoke of cutting balsam for beds, Anne offered to help, as she was so cold.
And leave me here alone? cried Barbara.
Why don't you come with us? asked Eleanor.
I'm dead! I can't do another thing!
Then stay here and cheer the burros, said Eleanor.
I won't let every one of you go and leave me to be killed by a wild animal, shuddered Barbara, looking over her shoulder.
Nothing wild here, but you, Bob. However, you may light a fire for us, while we are gone, retorted Eleanor, unsympathetically.
Without further comment, Barbara was left, and soon the girls were stripping the spruce which had blown over the ledge. Its green branches would make the softest of wild-wood beds.
It really was fortunate that both these trees came down when they did! We would have to remove them as obstacles to our going out in the morning, and I would have had to hunt well before I could have found such fine tinder! So I've really saved myself a double chopping! said Polly, as they tied up the last bundle of evergreen branches and started the burros for the cave.
I'm just frozen, and I wish you would hurry and build a fire! cried
Barbara, petulantly, when the girls came within hearing.
No one replied, but Eleanor was furious, while the others were impatient with the girl.
I was so hungry that I tried to get a sandwich out of the pannier, but something made a noise back in the cave, and I'm sure it was a rattle-snake buzzing! added Barbara, trying to win sympathy from the stony-faced companions.
Pooh! You've got rattle-snake on the brain! It would have done you good to get out there with us and do some rattling of the ax on the wood!
Why, Nolla! How unkind you are since we came to this awful country! cried Barbara, not able to find a handkerchief, and sniffing audibly.
Here! Use this to amuse yourself with while we work! said Eleanor, taking a neatly folded handkerchief from her coat pocket.
When Eleanor turned again to the others, she found Anne had unharnessed the burros and piled the saddles upon a stone projection near the opening of the cave.
There were numerous little finger-like caves that branched out from the main cave, but they led nowhere and seemed empty. Polly noticed that the dry leaves and loose shale scattered about appeared to have been undisturbed for months. Some of the leaves were from the harvest of the previous fall, so she felt sure no beast had prowled about the "fingers."
Coming to a much larger extension than any of the others had been,
Polly called out: "This must be the thumb of the hand!"
Sure it isn't the arm! laughed Eleanor.
Ah, I thought so—now I have it! murmured Polly, finding a nest of leaves and soft feathers packed down with bits of fur and dry grass.
What have you found? eagerly asked three voices.
The lair of a grizzly. I've got him! cried Polly, triumphantly.
Instantly, three girls screamed and turned to run, and Polly laughed.
I've got him on the outside, girls! He can't get in with that fire smoking his front doorway, you see. "Oh, hurry back and pile more wood on the fire!" cried Eleanor, quaking with fear.
Yes, yes, Polly! Come away and let's build more fires! added Barbara, not knowing which one of the girls to hide behind, and looking at the horses as if pondering a refuge with them.
What! And use all of our 'safety first' before dawn! If you waste the wood now, what will you do when old grizzly comes prowling home and finds your fires dying down? said Polly.
Well, do have one of us go and tend the fire carefully so it can't possibly die down and let him in! added Anne.
We are almost through exploring, so we may as well finish! Then we will all go and have supper and feed the animals.
The remainder of the cave proved to be a rocky wall gradually sloping down until it reached the entrance again. But, just at one side of the "thumb" was an aperture from which the wind blew in, as could be seen when Polly held her torch down to the opening.
That leads out somewhere, and that opening is big enough to let a panther creep through, or a wild-cat! I'd like to crawl through there and make sure where it comes out and if it is quite safe on the other side, suggested Polly, looking at the girls.
Oh, Polly dear! Don't do it! Suppose something should happen to you! cried Anne.
Why, I wouldn't let it, Anne! If I creep through that tunnel, I'd shove the torch in first and keep it moving ahead of me all the way, so that nothing could grab me, you see! said Polly, half laughingly.
I say, Polly, let well enough alone. Let's go back and get supper and rest for to-morrow! advised Barbara.
But just s'posing a rattle-snake was coiled up inside that tunnel! A burro wouldn't smell it, and it could crawl out during the night and take a good straight bite! teased Eleanor.
Polly laughed, but Barbara thought Eleanor meant it, so she replied: "Then Polly had better go in and see if everything is safe for the night."
Anne had been so rudely shocked that day at the selfishness apparent in Barbara's character, that she did not try to hide her opinion. The wonder was, that she ever could have been so completely taken in during the months in Denver, as to declare Barbara to be a splendid girl when one knew her. She now decided that it took ranch life and mountain exploits to show up genuine characteristics and thoughts.
Polly, I'll go in first! offered Eleanor, dropping to her knees to crawl in at the opening.
Eleanor Maynard! Come back here! cried Barbara, taking hold of her sister's feet.
Nolla, you shan't take the glory from me! laughed Polly.
Meantime Eleanor was pulled back and rolled over, laughing as heartily as if she were at a farce-comedy.
Now listen to me! advised Polly, shaking a finger at the three girls. "First of all, Anne and Bob must go and watch the fires, then unpack the panniers, and next make beds of the tips—you know how, Anne?"
I've watched the school children at Bear Forks weave it, so I'm sure I can make them, too, replied Anne.
Good! You stick the little stem-ends under the soft fuzz of the others just laid. The principal thing is not to have hard prods hurting the body, and the tips will take care of the springs and softness, all right, said Polly.
While Anne is making the beds, Bob can fix up odds and ends of spruce and leaves in the 'fingers' for the horses' beds—a bed in each finger, Bob. If the animals are comfortably bedded down they will be fresh in the morning. And if we hide them in those fingers the scent will not be so apt to reach a grizzly or lion should any prowl about to-night.
Where shall I place the spruce beds for us? asked Anne.
"
Fix up two on each side of the cave as near the entrance as possible, Anne. We need air and the warmth from the fires. Then, too, we can hear any wild beast that may prowl around to-night, advised Polly. ""If
"Nolla wants to go with me she takes second place, see!"
Eleanor laughed and said, "Anywhere as long as we start!"
Polly, first I want you to promise me not to be reckless in going through that tunnel. If you meet with the slightest danger or hazard, promise to back right out again, begged Anne.
All right, Anne, I promise, but my shoes will mar my follower's beauty if I back down on her face.
Thus joking to make little of the danger, Polly started in through the hole. Eleanor followed and the two older girls stood watching until not a sound, or ray of the torch, could be seen. Then they went to the front of the cave to replenish the fires and prepare supper.
"I'm afraid to fix the beds in those finger caves, Anne," whimpered Barbara, coming over to where the young woman was weaving the beds of spruce.
What is there to be afraid of? The burros and horses won't hurt you, and they are too weary with this day's troubles to bother about kicking or trampling you. However, you can do this, if you like, and I will make up the beds for the beasts.
The spruce beds were being made—Anne showing Barbara how to lay the tips in rows as wide as the bed was to be, then folding under the sticks of the second row to run under the tips of the first row, and so on, until the length of the bed was made.
This work finished, and the bedding for the horses arranged in the "fingers" as Polly had directed, the two girls stood near the entrance of the cave, wondering what possibly could have happened to keep Polly and Eleanor so long.
I just felt in my bones that it was an awful risk to go into the black hole of the unknown! cried Barbara.
It isn't that that bothers me at all, Bob. But Polly has no sense of fear, and I think they may have found an exit at the other end, so Polly is coming around that way. It is a hazardous thing to do, in this storm! said Anne.
Anne, can't you try to squeeze in there and see what has happened? asked Barbara.
Anne looked at her without saying a word, so Barbara thought she hesitated on account of leaving her alone in the cave.
I won't mind staying alone for a little time. I'll watch the fires and see that the horses do not get away! said Barbara.
Really! was all Anne said, as she turned to place another pine knot on the fire.
But the tone silenced Barbara, who had food for thought thereafter.
Meanwhile Polly and Eleanor had crawled into the aperture, and by dint of squirming and twisting through the passage, found that only the section nearest the cave was of soft debris. It gradually widened as they advanced and Polly distinctly felt a current of cold air blowing in her face.
After creeping along for some distance without finding an outlet,
Eleanor pulled on Polly's foot to attract her attention.
"Let's go back, Poll. No use hunting down in the bowels of Grizzly Slide.
"Nolla, the smoke of the torch blows harder than at first, and there is enough air to waft it backwards, so there will be an opening at the end, I am sure. That is what I must know for certain.
All right, lead on! I'll be with you at the death!
Polly chuckled at Eleanor's loyalty and crept on.
Finally Eleanor rugged again at her feet and shouted: "Hey, Polly!
Aren't we most through to China? Let me know the moment you get the
first peep at a pig-tail, as I have to brush the cobwebs from my
Chinese!"
Polly laughed at the girl who made merry of a journey that would have staggered an older person. Finally, however, the tunnel widened so that both girls could advance comfortably and then, suddenly, the flame of the torch and the smoke ceased to blow into their faces, for they had come out into an open space.
We're here! laughed Polly, trying to stand up and giving her head a smart rap against the overhanging rock.
'We're here!' For goodness' sake, tell me where? cried Eleanor, thrusting her torch ahead so that it was almost snuffed out against Polly's shoes.
Gracious me, Nolla! Don't burn my soles! cried Polly, managing to stand upright and hold aloft her torch.
Ha, that's good! Don't burn your soul! teased Eleanor.
But the moment the girls saw where they were, not another word was uttered, for they found themselves in a vault-like cave somewhat smaller than the entrance cave, but having no "fingers" or outside opening. The dome and sides were rocky, but everywhere, embedded in the rock, myriad points of light reflected as the flare of the torch lit up the place uncertainly.
Eleanor thrust up her torch also, and both girls pivoted around, forgetting about wild beasts and the errand they came upon. After blinking at the bright yellow gleams for a time, Polly turned and stared at Eleanor.
What is it?
I'm sure I don't know, Nolla. It looks like copper.
Polly! If it's copper, then we're rich!
Both girls rushed over to examine the metallic gleams at close range, and Polly frowned as a thought entered her mind. Eleanor turned and looked about to be sure no one could hear, and then whispered:
Polly, it looks like gold! Can it be real GOLD!
The girls stared at each other and then burst out into a simultaneous laugh. But it was excitement, not mirth, that occasioned it. Before the wild echoes had rung through the vault, the hysterical girls were tearing at the hard walls, trying in vain to dislodge a nugget.
Oh, why did I leave that ax in the pannier! wailed Polly.
Isn't it always that way—when you need a thing! exclaimed Eleanor.
In her haste to reach a fragment that looked easy to break off, Polly dropped the torch. She stooped to pick it up again and saw a nugget of the ore on the ground, half-covered with dirt.
I've got a piece! Oh, Nolla, look! LOOK! shouted Polly, holding aloft her treasure.
Eleanor ran over and both girls examined the chunk of yellow streaked and studded rock.
Polly, it really looks like gold, ventured Eleanor, awed.
And it's red-gold, too, like Old Man Montresor's nuggets, added Polly.
At the mention of the gold-seeker, both girls looked at each other and the same thought flashed to both of them at once.
Maybe it is! breathed Polly.
Oh, Poll, hold the torch down near the ground so I can find a chunk, won't you? beseeched Eleanor, now anxious to find a nugget for herself.
There, Nolla—see over by the hole! A little piece for you.
Eleanor ran over and found it to be smaller than the one Polly found, but there was more metal in the nugget. They examined it closely and decided that the shining metal must be gold.
I'm so excited that I feel as if wheels were turning all inside of me—do you? laughed Eleanor, hugging her nugget to her heart.
It's sort of a dizzy and squeamish feeling, isn't it? explained Polly, looking at her companion. Then for the first time since they emerged from the tunnel, she noticed the face.
Oh, Nolla! If you could but see yourself! Just like a negro, but streaky where you smudged the torch smoke from your eyes.
You're no 'bleached blonde' either, Poll! laughed Eleanor, rubbing her sleeve across her face and looking at the soot in amusement.
But mine can't be as black as yours, 'cause you got all the smoke from both torches.
Never mind now; if this is gold we can afford to have the tunnel and cave wired with electricity at once, laughed the excited girl.
Well, let's finish our hunt in the tunnel and then find some more nuggets for Anne and Barbara. They'll want a share, you know, suggested Polly.
Good gracious, Poll! You're not going on now, are you?
Of course! The gold won't melt away, but we've got to close up any opening into outdoors, you know.
Let's go back and tell the girls and then finish the tunnel work, pleaded Eleanor.
How silly to worm a way back for the sake of showing off the ore. No, let's do this thing up and then go back to stay for the night. If we don't close up any aperture, a wild beast may crawl through, then what good will the gold do us if we are dead?
Sensible as ever! Even gold can't turn your head! said Eleanor, starting for the narrow place opposite the tunnel they came from. "Funny, isn't it, that this cave should be here just as if it was an inflated bubble in a glass-blower's tube?" said Polly.
I'll reserve my opinion till I see the end of the tube! said Eleanor, waiting for Polly to creep into the opening.
After considerable twisting and crawling, Polly first, with her torch, and Eleanor second, they suddenly felt a current of fresh air.
Oh! Oh, thank goodness! gasped Polly. "I shoved the torch ahead! I'd have fallen headlong into this abyss."
What is it, Poll?
A pit ever so wide, and I can't see how deep it goes down. It's right in the tunnel ground, cutting off all further investigations.
It'll cut off investigations of a wild beast, too, won't it? asked
Eleanor with relief in her tones.
Of course—there isn't a chance of anything coming in this way. I can hear water rushing, too, way down at the bottom, and the wind blows up from this pit, so there must be an opening down there where the subterranean river rushes out.
Maybe this tunnel was a river, once, and emptied down into that pit, ventured Eleanor.
I don't care if it was! I'm anxious to go back and eat, now that we know the worst, replied Polly.
We won't need both torches now, Poll, so drop yours in the pit and see how deep it may be, suggested Eleanor.
All right, but for pity's sake don't let yours go out!
Polly waited to steady the flame and then dropped the torch. It fell straight down and flared up showing the rocky sides of the pit, then suddenly it "sh-isshed" in water and all was dark once more.
The girls then wormed their way back to the gold cave (as they termed it) and sought for nuggets in the dust and dirt of ages that covered the rocky floor. Eleanor found a few pieces the size of walnuts and Polly secured a handful of small bits.
How can we tie them up if we have to crawl back? asked Eleanor.
Got a handkerchief?
No, I gave it to Bob out of meanness, laughed Eleanor.
Hum! Well, we might put them in our middy blouses, only we take a chance of losing them in squirming back through that tunnel, remarked Polly.
I've heard of folks smuggling things in their shoes.
I have it! Take off our shoes and put the nuggets in, then tie the shoe-strings tightly about the top and fasten them about our necks! exclaimed Polly.
This being a good plan, both girls soon had their precious ore well-tied in their mountain boots, and were ready to proceed. As the two discoverers neared the cave where the others were, Polly shouted excitedly, and Eleanor joined in the clamor.
Anne and Barbara had become so frightened at the prolonged absence of the two girls that Anne was about to crawl in to find them, while Barbara realized how much she really loved her younger sister. The moment they heard the awful sounds issuing from the tunnel, however, they were certain a wild beast had attacked them and the victims were fighting a way out.
Anne grabbed the ax and held it aloft ready to strike, while Barbara stood wringing her hands in despair. By this time Polly stuck her head out of the opening, but neither Barbara nor Anne recognized the black face—her voice alone told them it was Polly.
Oh, my dear child! Are you badly hurt? screamed Anne, dropping the ax and pulling Polly forth, Eleanor crawling directly after her.
Gold! Gold! GOLD! See—lots of it! Mountains of it! yelled Eleanor, trying to drag her nuggets from the boot without untying the strings.
Oh, Anne, we found a gold mine! A great big cave full of gold! cried
Polly, managing to untie the strings.
Poor children! Are you daffy? exclaimed Anne, not sure whether to cry or laugh.
You'll go daffy when, you see that cave—all shining gold! laughed
Eleanor, handing her nugget to the curious sister.
See here, Anne, isn't this gold? asked Polly, working the large chunk of ore from her shoe.
It looks like it, Polly, but I'm no judge.
Oh, let's crawl in and see the cave! now begged Barbara eagerly.
You know you'd get stuck in that narrow tunnel, Bob! Besides, I'm starved, said Eleanor.
Moreover, you wouldn't go when there seemed to be danger for the girls, and I'm sure I'm not going to try it now! added Anne.
Dear me, won't any one go with me? complained Barbara, who stooped to gaze in at the tunnel, and seemed too fascinated to leave the spot.
Bob, the gold has been there for centuries and it isn't likely to melt away while we eat supper! declared practical Eleanor, following Anne to the opening of the cave.
As they went to the place where Anne had spread the supper, Polly told them of the magnificent sight when they crept out of the dark hole and saw the glimmering of the gold. Over and over, the two girls had to tell minutest details of the cavern, Barbara sighing, frequently, to think she was not small enough to crawl in and see for herself.
While the two adventurers washed their faces and hands with melted snow, Anne fried the fish over some red-hot embers scraped out of the fire. This done, they sat down to eat.
As they ate, they talked continually of their mine not so far from the festive board.
Well, Polly, you surely were born with a silver spoon in your mouth! sighed Anne, smilingly.
What makes you say that?
You can see for yourself, can't you? First you fall into a family that owns no end of wealth in jeweled cliffs, and now you fall into a gold mine, replied Anne.
But Nolla owns half of this mine, and I'm not so sure but you and Bob come in for your share!
The other girls stared at Polly's generosity, as they had never thought of holding any interest in the mine.
Anyway, nobody owns it yet! It legally belongs to the first one who files a claim, so what we must do is to hurry back to Oak Creek and register the mine, said Barbara, businesslike.
My! Gold has brought Bob's brains uppermost! teased Eleanor.
Who knows but this claim has been staked years ago! said Anne, meaningly.
Polly and Eleanor exchanged glances. But Barbara wondered.
What do you mean? asked she.
Well, look out in front: there's a ledge cleft in the side of the mountain wall. Between it and the other lower ledge is a canyon that might be the one Montresor found on his up-climb. Yonder the slope meets the chasm and above is the steep sides leading to Top Notch Trail. Could not the land-slide have buried this wall and then a great wash-out have cleared it again? If we only had a gushing mountain stream pouring from the cliff-side the setting would be complete!
Barbara gasped, but Polly clapped her hands. "Nolla, that's it! The subterranean stream we found in there. Some big upheaval changed its outlet, or maybe this gold vein runs clean through and Montresor's claim is staked opposite this side—just where the river pours out. We must look over that side to-morrow."
The two younger girls then told of the pit and the river and all agreed that it might be the stream found by the prospector before the landslide covered his claim.
Polly turned to place the nuggets in the pannier and almost collided with Noddy.
Hello, darling! What do you want—eh? said she, patting the burro's head.
Noddy continued to gaze wistfully at her mistress and Polly said:
Anne, did you feed the burros and horses?
Yes, just as you told me to.
And make the beds?
Yes, everything.
Then Noddy ambled over to a pan of dirty snow water, in which the explorers had washed their blackened faces. She would have to drink it, if her mistress couldn't understand what she needed!
Oh, you Noddy! Is that what you want? laughed Polly, taking the pan and running out to the ledge to fill it with clean snow. This she brought back and melted to provide drink for the burro.
Did your thoughtless foster-mother forget a drink for her little Noddy! crooned Polly, placing the pan for the thirsty burro. "After all that hard climbing and 'first-aid,' too!"
The other girls laughed at the wise little burro and her doting mistress, but Polly turned and said: "It's lucky Noddy reminded me! We must water the horses well to-night if we want them in good shape for to-morrow."
So Eleanor and Polly gave drink to the thirsty animals while Anne took what was supposed to be a chocolate cake from the bottom of the pannier. It had been so shaken up during transit that the paper felt sticky.
While they all watched her open the bundle, Noddy went back to her finger-stall to sleep. Several wrappings of paper were unwound and finally Anne took forth the surprise Sary had mentioned in the morning.
Why! It's a lemon custard pie! Of all things! cried Barbara.
In the tin dish just as it came from the oven! added Eleanor, laughing.
Not quite like it was when it came from the oven, for such a shaken up mess of meringue and custard we never had at our table! laughed Polly, seeing the condition of the pie from the shaking and falling it had had when Choko went over the cliff.
Any one want a slab? asked Anne, laughing also.
No, thanks! Maybe, if I was famished, I'd eat the crust, but it doesn't appeal to me now! said Polly.
Well, I say, keep it until to-morrow! We may be glad to eat it in the morning if we are very hungry! It won't hurt to save it, anyway! said sensible Eleanor.
So Anne sat the pie-plate down where she was, intending to put it on the ledge when she got up from supper.
Reckon I'll put some more pine on the fires! said Polly, seeing the flames were dying down.
She had raked up and replenished one fire, and was attending to the other when a blood-curdling cry came from the edge of the cliff, causing Polly to jump back and clutch at Anne's arm.
Mercy! How that frightened me! said Polly, trying to laugh her fears away.
The other girls were trembling too, and Anne said, "It was a wolf, wasn't it?"
No, it was the cry of a panther! They wait and wait in quiet for a long time to get a chance at their prey, then if something interferes, they make that awful cry!
Oh, Polly! Can he get in, do you think? wailed Barbara.
I reckon not! But weren't we lucky to have all that pine for the fires! It's the best thing to keep him away! said Polly, creeping out again to see if both fires were doing their duty.
Another howl reached the girls, and Eleanor said in a shaky voice, "He won't jump over the fires, will he, Polly?"
No, smoke and sparks frighten wild beasts from the vicinity. They know from instinct that forest fires kill and they are wary of them. But they haven't the sense to know that a man-made fire is built on purpose to keep them away!
It must be awful late, Polly! If you think everything is safe, suppose we go to bed, Anne suggested after a long interval unbroken by any howls.
All right! Let Bob and Nolla take the last two beds, while you and I take these in front. I'll use this one where I can watch the ledge going up to the slope. If I see anything suspicious, I'll shoot! said Polly, examining the rifle and standing it by the side of the green-bough bed.
For comfort's sake, girls, unbutton your clothes and remove your shoes. They can be dried by the fires to-night so they will feel better in the morning, advised Anne.
The pine fires were burning beautifully, and Anne, completely tired out, was soon asleep. Barbara and Eleanor had succumbed to weariness the moment they rolled over on the beds. But Polly, tired and fatigued, too, knew that some one must keep the fires going all night, so she merely reclined on the pine-bough bed and started up at every sound or crackle of the fires. She piled pine upon them all night through until the first faint gleams of dawn, and then there was no more wood on hand to use.
She worried over the fact that the pine had given out and just as she turned from the fires, having deposited the last small kindlings she had found lying about, she heard the yelping of the mountain-lion and the deep growl of a grizzly bear.
She ran and caught up the rifle, planning to shoot up at the cliff in a venture to frighten them away. She aimed, pulled the trigger, and the rifle-shot rang out making the echoes roar and roll through the chasm as if an army was shooting.
The three girls who had been sleeping, jumped out of the spruce beds and screamed with fright. Barbara ran madly over the ground, back and forth, not certain where to hide. Eleanor stood shivering and Anne rushed over to ask Polly what had happened. Polly explained in a whisper, and Eleanor, as in a trance, watched her sister running about with something that seemed to cleave to her foot closer than a porous-plaster. Finally, Eleanor came to her senses and ran over to keep Barbara from rolling under the burros for hiding.
For the love of Mike! What's all over your foot? cried Eleanor, dragging Barbara out from the "finger-stall" to exhibit her foot to the other girls.
At sound of the unexpected shot, Barbara had jumped up frantically and darted hither and thither, taking little heed of where she ran. Now, as her companions gazed at that foot exposed by Eleanor, they all laughed hysterically while Anne shouted:
Oh, our custard pie!
And sure enough. Lemon meringue clung tenaciously to as much of a nicely-formed foot and lower limb as it possibly could. In spite of the fears over wild animals, the adventurers had to laugh at the sight.
How will I ever get it off? wailed Barbara, when she realized how sticky the custard was.
Rather ask: 'How shall we dispense with our breakfast?' retorted Anne.
But another mad howl from without now made the horses cry and quiver with dread, while the girls blanched in fear. Polly had not told them that the wood was used up, and now Anne ran to carry an extra armful of pine to replenish the fires. When she discovered the truth of the situation, she slowly turned and exchanged a meaning look with Polly.
But Polly now bent suddenly forward and intently eyed something she saw on the verge of the ledge above. She kept her eyes focused there, and carefully felt for and caught up her rifle. She silently lifted it, took aim, and fired!
A gleam of red and a spurt of blue came from the mouth of the gun even as the sharp report cracked the echoes in the gully. Instantly following the shot, a wild howling as of fifty beasts fighting, made Polly shoot again. Snarls and yelps followed, until Polly heard the clamor grow fainter until all was quiet once more.
Well, girls! As long as we are fully awake, suppose we forage for breakfast and make an early start! said Anne.
Can we get away, do you think, Polly? asked Eleanor.
Yes, it's a clear morning and it doesn't take long for the snow to melt, once it gets started! replied Polly.
Have you enough ammunition to load again in case of need? questioned
Anne.
Yes, I always look after that! But I was wondering what we can have for breakfast?
Ha! Leave that to the cook! laughed Anne, going to the ledge and reaching up behind a crevice in the rocky wall. She brought forth one of the small fish spared from the night before.
Good for you, Anne! If you could only dig up some sandwiches as readily! laughed Polly.
Maybe I can do that too, if you will look after the horses and burros! said Anne, taking a small newspaper bundle from behind her spruce bed.
When opened, it showed that Anne had stolen some of the oats from the feed. This she rolled between two stones until it was crushed. Then she told Eleanor to pick out as many of the husks as possible.
She's going to give us Rolled Oats, as I live! laughed Eleanor.
Polly smiled for she was surprised to find Anne could prepare a feast in the wilderness; and soon the oatmeal was cooking beside the fish-pan.
How can you girls enjoy that awful stuff without sugar or cream? asked Barbara, plaintively.
We're eating ours without a grumble, but I notice, you are also eating yours and doing all the complaining! retorted Eleanor.
I have to eat it to keep from starving, still I can't enjoy it as you seem to, Nolla. I declare, you seem to be getting awfully common in your tastes.
Huh! Show me a selection of food for breakfast! laughed Eleanor, smacking her lips over the last spoonful of oats.
What shall we do about feeding the animals? asked Eleanor, as they got up from the ground to pack up the pans and other stuff waiting to be taken back home.
We'll stop at the first good Park and let them graze for an hour or two. Then a good drink from a stream will fix them all right! said Polly, glancing at Noddy, who had come from her stall and stood looking sleepily at the girls.
Doesn't Noddy look for all the world like a sleepy child who has to get up for school, but who hates to be disturbed! laughed Anne, as Noddy's tousled head bobbed up and down while she sniffed the air redolent with oatmeal.
Satisfied that something was cooking for her breakfast, Noddy ran over and nozzled at the girls, who laughed and tried to push her cold nose away.
The other burros and horses came out then, and Polly said, "It makes me feel selfish to eat their oats but then they can eat grass in the park and we can't!"
Girls! Aren't you going to have another look at the gold-mine before you leave here? asked Barbara.
What for? It won't do us any good and only waste time, replied Polly.
Maybe you can find some more nuggets to carry back! ventured Barbara.
We have all we need to claim the rights of the mine, so why lug any more than we need? returned Polly.
Come on, Poll! Let's pack up and be going! said Eleanor, decisively.
So, with the animals saddled and the panniers packed, the cave-dwellers started carefully along the ledge towards the slope.
It was an invigorating morning, and the sun with its rays was just topping the tips of the pines, when the girls rode forth to climb the slope.
Not a sign of that awful storm! said Anne, amazed.
"
Only in the glades and ravines, where the snow has drifted into heaps! Even that will melt rapidly, as the warmth of the day is felt, said
"Polly, looking eagerly about as she rode.
Polly, what do you suppose became of those wild animals? asked
Eleanor, riding directly behind Polly.
That is just what I am looking for. I thought maybe I could see some tracks, for I was sure I got that panther when I took aim and shot!
Well, I'm going over near that edge of the cliff and see if there is any sign of blood or tracks! declared Eleanor.
No, no! You stop right here with us, Nolla! cried Barbara, anxiously.
I'm going over myself, Bob, because I am curious to see why both of them should slink away so quickly. A mountain-lion seldom leaves a possible victim until he has been gorged, and it was strange that he should go without having tried to get at us! said Polly.
Oh, Polly! Please don't talk of such gruesome things! I am so glad we will soon be back in civilization! said Barbara.
The horses reached the top of the slope and Polly guided Noddy across the rough place to the cliff, where the fight had taken place.
Here she sought for some track or sign of the fight, but saw only a few small spots of red in the white snow.
Eleanor tried to make her burro follow after Noddy, but he was fractious and would not go near the cliff. He made a detour, however, about a small group of trees and just as he came opposite them, something upon the snow-drift at the base of the largest tree, caused him to shy violently.
Oh, girls! Run! Come here and see what's here, cried Eleanor, excitedly, jumping from her burro but remembering to hold the bridle.
The burro backed and refused to go nearer the thing, but Polly rode Noddy over and saw that Eleanor had discovered one of the victims of the fight.
Ha! I thought so! said Polly, with satisfaction.
Noddy was left to watch from a comfortable vantage point, while her mistress ran up to the large panther which was stretched out at the foot of the tree. He had tried to climb it in order to escape the grizzly's claws.
Isn't he a massive beast! cried Anne, watching from her horse some distance away.
You girls come back! He may not be dead! shrieked Barbara, the moment she saw the animal.
Say, Bob, if he wasn't dead, he'd have had me down long before you came along to warn us! laughed Eleanor.
Polly, he's a beauty, even if he is such a terror, isn't he? said Eleanor, admiring the satiny coat and beautiful form of the large mountain-lion, so majestic in death.
I never saw a larger one! He must be at least nine feet long from nose to tip of tail! said Polly, lifting the tail with her foot, then letting it drop again.
She stooped over looking closely at the wounds made by the grizzly, then she suddenly cried out, "Oh! I thought that shot hit him! It must have been that first shot from the rifle that sent him back from the cliff. Then, the bear tracked him and had the fight back here in the forest. That is when we heard the sounds diminishing.
Well, old fellow, I'm sorry it had to be so! But you decreed it! It was you or one of us, and I preferred to have had it you! Old Grizzly wouldn't be so cattish about sneaking up and laying low for us until the fire died down, or till one of us happened to step out of the circle of light! He would have made a big noise from the beginning and pounced down upon us willy-nilly. And now he has given you yours!
As Polly spoke, she stood looking regretfully at the creature, as if she wished the world was ordered otherwise than all the killing and taking, one from another, in the vain belief of living!
Polly, how much do you think he weighs? asked Eleanor eagerly.
Too much to drag home—if that is why you asked! laughed Polly, looking up at Eleanor, with a wise shake of the head.
To tell the truth, that is exactly what I planned to do until I saw how big he was! laughed Eleanor.
He must weigh at least two hundred pounds, Nolla, said Anne, who had come nearer during the examination.
Yes, nearer two hundred and fifty pounds, I reckon, said Polly.
I wanted to ship him to Chicago and show all of my society friends what we killed during my mountain visit! explained Eleanor.
Your motive killed the project before you saw him, said Anne, wagging her head at Eleanor as a rebuke.
Eleanor laughed merrily. "Well, I intend having a regular exhibit when I get back! All kinds of wild things will be shown my friends. I propose having Polly and Noddy sitting upon a pedestal in the drawing-room as a sample of the wildest things on the Rockies!" laughed Eleanor, giving Polly an affectionate glance.
"
Oh, Nolla, don't talk so foolishly! As if Polly would come to Chicago! What would she do with herself while we had to entertain? said
"Barbara, pettishly, but no one hearkened.
Maybe we can blaze a trail from here to the nearest ranch on our way home, and send some one from there to come and cart the brute home for us. I'd pay him well! said Eleanor, not willing to forego the pleasure of showing the lion at home.
Oh, but then, you will make these ranchers curious. Once this far, they will look about the place where we spent the night, and that will lead them to discover the mine! said Polly.
I forgot that! Of course it would be foolish to give any one the slightest clew to our ever being here, and of what we did while here! I see I shall have to say good-by to the lion I hoped to be lionized for! said Eleanor, laughingly.
With a gold mine as rich as yours, you'll be lionized without the lion! laughed Anne.
By the way, did you bring your nugget, Polly? asked Eleanor.
Reckon I did!
Then before we leave, don't you think we ought to make some sort of a plan, or mark the spot so we can find it again? We don't want to make the same mistake old Montresor did, you know! said Eleanor, anxiously.
I have a plan all made. I did it while sitting by the fire this morning, before you girls were awake, said Polly, taking off her hat and removing a folded paper.
The girls were surprised at the accuracy of the sketch, and Anne said,
Any one can find it from these directions!
Thank you, but you see, it would be hazardous to risk any one else coming here. The importance of keeping the whole adventure a profound secret until we have duly filed papers and can claim right of ownership to the claim, can be seen now. I hardly think it wise to speak of the crevice or danger of a land-slide until after we get some inside information about taking hold of the mine, said Polly, seriously.
An hour more was used by Polly in staking a legal claim and marking the corners with heaps of stone. She also left a very deep blaze in each of the four trees that cornered the large square area she thought would cover the cavern.
Noddy soon found the Top Notch Trail when they were again on the way homeward. By riding steadily all morning, they reached the spot where the rattle-snake was waiting for transportation. Anne and the others had experienced so many greater shocks since the killing of the reptile that they felt no qualms about carrying the snake now.
When the four riders finally turned in on the Pebbly Pit Trail, it was past four o'clock. They had been going steadily since morning, without food or rest, excepting the hour they had to stop at the falls to give the animals grass and water, and the girls were the sorriest-looking lot as they dragged up the road to the house and stopped at the porch.
"Glory be! You-all war givin' Mis' Brewster fits wid no sign of hide nor hair sence yistermorn!" cried Sary, rushing out of the kitchen door, the moment she heard the horses' hoof-beats.
Mrs. Brewster heard Sary and also ran out, crying, "Oh, my dear children! We've had such a day! Sam just went to the barn to hook up and start the ranchers on a hunt! A trapper rode in this morning and spoke of the awful blizzard that hit Top Notch Trail. Of course, we knew you couldn't find that or we'd have been still more worried!"
The girls looked at each other and laughed aloud. Mrs. Brewster shrewdly guessed the truth.
Did you find it? And where under the sun did you hide during that awful storm? cried she, anxiously.
Sary paid no attention to a recital of trails and storms, however, for it was half past four and Jeb would have to take care of the five mounts before he could hope to come in for supper, and spend a quiet evening with her. So, to prevent any delay, she turned to Polly.
You-all 'pear to be tuckered out! Jest flop inter the cheers an' rest whiles Ah carry the hosses to th' barn. Ah'll tell Mr. Brewster like-ez-how you-all come home, an' spared him a trip!
Mrs. Brewster objected to the offer for she wanted Sary to finish the preparations for supper and give her time to talk with the girls. Sary, however, paid no attention to her mistress's objections but gathered all the reins together and led the animals to the barn.
Shortly after the girls had gone indoors to drink some hot milk—for Mrs. Brewster said hot milk would take most of the fatigue out of their bodies—Sam Brewster ran down the path from the barn, and burst into the living-room.
Well, say! Ah shore am glad to see you-all back home! Ah just was preparing to wire some detectives to be on the lookout in the Zoo for any lions or bears lately come in who looked unusually well-fed!
Every one was so delighted at the reunion that Mr. Brewster's foolishness made them laugh merrily. He hugged Polly until she cried for breath, then he shook hands over and over again with Anne and the girls, Mrs. Brewster, remonstrating meantime, that she wanted to hear of their adventures!
The girls were so eager to tell about the cavern of gold that they refused to wash and dress, or remove any stains of the climb, until after the whole story was told.
Mr. and Mrs. Brewster thought it was the tale of the trip and the trials throughout the blizzard, and they cared little for what had passed as long as all were safe and happy again. But Polly blurted out the truth to make them listen.
I found Montresor's gold mine, Paw!
It hit the mark! In the shock the news made upon the Brewsters, no one noticed Polly's slip on the old pet title. After a long tense period of silence, however, Sam Brewster said: "Daughter, it can't be true!"
'Tis, though, Mr. Brewster! Polly and I crawled through the tunnel until we came out into that marvelous cavern of gold, and Eleanor sighed audibly as she thought of that sight.
What cavern! You-all must be clean locoed with the blizzard and the long ride! cried Mr. Brewster, testily.
The girls laughed appreciatively, for they understood just how those who remained at home would feel at such news!
So Polly sat upon her father's knee and told him the story of the mine, from the time Choko fell over the cliff until they left the panther at the foot of the tree.
And here's the plan and claim, and there's the gold!
Polly drew the nuggets from her dress and took the papers from her sombrero, and placed them in her father's hands.
Mrs. Brewster dropped upon her knees to the floor to look at the map and the ore, while her husband was examining the large nugget. The four girls had no idea how anxious they were about this ore until they saw Mr. Brewster carefully looking it over with the eye of an expert miner.
His first words were a decided shock.
Ah wouldn't set much store about this mine, girls! You-all don't see what Ah see in this discovery. It's gold—yes, it looks to me like red-gold of good quality, and if it is as you say—a cavern exposed so any one can value it off-hand, so much the better! But, the end of Top Notch Trail, where you doubtless spent the night, is a far haul from Oak Creek, and the chasm in front, and the mountain on top, are drawbacks to mining. However, we will ride into Oak Creek in the morning and file this claim of yours and see if it comes anywhere near to being the one old Montresor left, Polly. It would give me the keenest joy to be able to say something to a few of the mean old rascals about Oak Creek, who called me a fool for paying the funeral costs and filing the claim of that kind old man, Montresor!
"
But, Dad—father! If this mine happens to cross the claim staked by Mr. Montresor, will it interfere with our filing a new claim? asked
"Polly, anxiously.
It depends on how much ground you covered with your corners! replied her father.
You can depend upon it, I covered all I could think might come within a mile of gold! laughed Polly.
Well, girls, listen to some good advice on this! Not a word to be said about this cave—not even among yourselves until the claim is filed and investigated! You see, the walls have ears when any one speaks of gold! Then, having attended to the legal aspects of the mine, we will all ride over to remain a few days, as visitors to Old Mr. Grizzly! When we get back we ought to have some information worth while!
And what about sending for John's friend to come and go with us? If he knew enough to tell you about the lava, he will surely be able to judge about the gold! ventured Polly, eagerly.
I think that is a splendid idea, Sam! When we go in to Oak Creek to-morrow, let us send John a day-letter explaining about this cavern, added Mrs. Brewster.
Hain't you-all comin' to supper? Har hev Ah ben and wukked all day hopin' fer a night off to-night! said Sary, suddenly appearing at the doorway between the living-room and the kitchen.
Every one started for she had not made a sound before speaking, so no one knew how much she had over-heard. Mrs. Brewster quickly replied, however.
Why, Sary! I didn't know you wished to go out! I could have attended to supper myself, had you asked me!
Ah hain't planned to go out—Ah said a 'night off,' Mis' Brewster, said Sary, hardly deigning to wait for an answer, but looking at the girls with an impatient frown.
Mother, we really must wash before supper! said Polly.
Sary tossed her head. Mrs. Brewster knew what that meant, so she urged the girls to forego any lengthy toilets and merely wash away the worst signs of travel.
Sary was pacified when Eleanor came out of the room and handed her a large paper bundle.
Sary, I have a little present for you because we made so much trouble to-night.
Oh, Miss Nolla, Ah'm much obleeged t' you-all. Ah don' mind trouble, onny yoh see Ah expec' comp'ny to-night.
It took Sary but an instant to open the package and when she beheld a ruffled organdy dress discarded by Barbara the previous season and accidentally packed in the trunk with other clothes, she rolled her eyes heavenward.
Miss Nolla! Is this fine gown'd fer me?
Eleanor stifled a laugh but Sary made as if she would clasp the girl in her powerful arms, so discretion was needed. Eleanor backed behind the kitchen chair.
Miss Nolla, Ah wonder ef a widder of seven months' standin' mought wear little yaller rose-buds on a dress, like-ez-how this is?
Certainly, Sary, came from Mrs. Brewster, who now joined the two. "It's not the color or quantity of clothes as much as the sincerity of one's mourning."
Quite unintentionally, Mrs. Brewster touched upon a tender spot. In fact, so tender was it, that Sary blamed Bill for having died so recently instead of two years back. She might have now been ending her second year of mourning!
Eleanor being trained to the wiles of polite society, saw and understood Sary's flash of resentment, so she turned to Mrs. Brewster with the remark:
I've heard said, that the highest regard a widow can pay her departed, is, to take a second husband. It speaks well for her happiness with the first one, you see.
Mrs. Brewster stared at Eleanor but Sary smirked and quickly replied:
You-all is right, Miss Nolla! A widder what hez ben so happy that she gits lonesome whiles thinkin' of her departed, hez a right t' find a second husban'.
Mrs. Brewster choked a laugh as she saw the sublime look in the help's eyes, and hurried out. Eleanor then suggested:
Now you run away and beautify yourself, Sary, and I will wash the dishes to-night.
Sary needed no second invitation and in another moment she had disappeared to her "boudoir" back of the buttery.
Eleanor was as good as her word, for she was soon busy with dish-water and mop, rattling the china, and banging pans about as if noise and bustle were sure signs of hard work and energy. Polly laughed as she cleared away the remains of the meal and then caught up a towel to dry the dishes. As they worked the two girls talked.
Poll, now that you have this gold mine, what will you do with all the wealth that is yours? asked Eleanor.
Polly held a decorated plate in front of her face to hide her smile, and pretended to be looking for grease on its surface. When she had straightened her face again, she said: "Oh, I'm going away to school, first of all. I'm not so sure that I want to stay in Denver, now that you have told me all about Chicago. I'll write for catalogues of schools there; and then I can see John quite often during the school year."
Just what I would have suggested, Poll! Then you can live at home with me. Dad and you and I will have the best times!
To accentuate her approval of Polly's premature plans, Eleanor swished the dish-mop wildly up and down in the soapy water, but the suds flew up lightly, as soapsuds will, and a bubble burst in Polly's eye.
Oo-h! Stop throwing dish water in my face, Nolla! cried Polly, with eyes screwed shut and one free hand trying to rub the smarting lye from her eye.
I never did, Polly! It must have splashed accidentally when I was washing the pan.
You have done nothing since you began the dishes, but rattle and swash that mop about in the pan as if you were mining the ore from the cave, complained Polly, as she managed to open her eyes again.
I suppose it is because we are so excited over the find, and all it means for you, Polly, explained Eleanor, contritely.
It doesn't mean much more, now, than before. The thing I am most happy over, is that Old Man Montresor will be vindicated, and people will stop jeering at me, and at what they called his locoed ideas.
The conversation was interrupted at this moment by the appearance of Sary. She first poked her head from the partly opened door of her room and then said: "Is any one about to see me?"
Polly turned to make sure that they were alone in the kitchen, and
Eleanor replied: "No, what is it, Sary?"
Then the maid stepped forth and such a vision! She had curled her red hair on a pair of old-fashioned tongs. The curling irons were but a quarter of an inch in diameter and they were heated by thrusting them into the living embers of the kitchen fire. When Sary drew the comb through her scanty tresses they took on the appearance of carrot-colored cotton threads which had just been ripped out of an old garment—so crinkly and frizzed were the strands of hair. The flowered organdy dress that Eleanor had given Sary to wear for the great occasion of receiving a caller, was much too small for the buxom widow, and she was in great distress about it. This brought her out to ask advice of the girls.
Why bother to wear the dress, Sary, until you have had time to alter it for yourself? asked Polly.
Why, Polly! Ah has to keep up my looks now that comp'ny is lookin' my way again. Ef you-all hadn't such fine city gals at home, what wears th' latest fashions so that Jeb can't help but see what's what, Ah woulden' have to worry so much about looks. But a woman has to keep up when other women set the pace, 'specially ef she is a widow, like-as-how Ah am now.
Eleanor laughed appreciatively and said: "Sary is just like Bob, when it comes to that! It is the eternal feminine, Poll, that drives both Bob and Sary to the verge of tears, because they cannot catch their beaux with their good looks."
Sary smirked self-consciously at Eleanor's words, for she thought she was being coupled with Barbara and her attractions. Sary felt quite sure that she was good-looking and winsome, but she had to hear Eleanor's words to make her believe she was fascinating.
If I was Sary, I'd wear a nice clean blouse and a linen skirt. It would be far more comfortable than that awfully tight gown, remarked Polly.
But the help scorned such simplicity and turned to Eleanor for further advice about her appearance. The latter, wise in her years, turned her head on one side and appeared to be debating.
Seems to me, Sary, that putting on that organdy just as it is, without fixing it over a bit, may make Jeb suspicious of its not being made for you. He may even go so far as to wonder if Bob handed it down to you. Now you do not want him to dream that you did not have it made to order for yourself, so why not take it off until you can remodel it to fit yourself, like new?
Sary pondered this suggestion for a few moments, and then said: "Ah ain't got no fancy dress to wear, onny this, Miss Nolla. Ef Ah puts on my black alpaky, he'll remember 'bout Bill, and sech memories allus dampen a man's plans to pop th' question."
Both girls had to laugh outright at the unexpected confession; but Sary was in a serious frame of mind and paid no attention to their merriment. She resumed her interrupted explanation.
It's jest this way, in Oak Crick country, you-all see! Single men ain't growin' on every bush, and a widder has a hard time of it, anyway, when most ranchers' dawters are waitin' to snap up a likely catch. Jeb's a catch, Ah says. He ain't a gallavantin' dude, ner he ain't spendin' all his wages on gamblin' at Red Mike's saloon. Ah've learned like-as-how being right on th' spot when a man's willin' to be cotched, is more'n half the fight to hook him. Ah kin afford to snap mah fingers at all them ranch gals about Oak Crick, tryin' their bestes to make Jeb wink his eye at 'em, jus' because Ah am whar Ah am keepin' tabs on him, all his time.
When the laughter caused by these words had subsided, somewhat, the two girls replied: Polly to advise and Eleanor to make a giggling explanation.
Eleanor said: "You make a wonderfully accurate time-clock on Jeb's comings and goings, Sary."
And Polly advised: "You run back to your room, Sary, and put on a sensible dress to keep Jeb from wondering how much of his earnings it would take to dress you in fine clothes like that organdy gown cost."
Thar's somethin' in that, too, Polly! Ah reckon you're right, so Ah'll throw on that striped shirt-waist your Maw gave me, and the duck skirt with the tucks in it.
Sary vanished as quickly as she had appeared, and the two girls stood laughing as they saw the bed-room door close. Then they dried the dish-pan, hung up the towels and mop, and turned to go back to the living-room where Sam Brewster and his wife were planning for the ride to Oak Creek on the next day, and the trip up to the cave, on the day following that.
But the girls had not reached the living-room door before a "hist" halted them. They turned in the direction of the sound and saw Jeb's small head at the kitchen door. When he saw that he had gained their attention, he beckoned furtively with a horny index finger.
Both girls tip-toed over to hear what news he had to impart, for his behavior denoted some dread secret.
Is Sary Dodd hangin' 'round? he whispered, anxiously.
She's in her room getting ready for company, was Eleanor's amused reply.
Wall, you-all kin do me a big favor ef you-all explain like-as-how Ah was too sick to come in, to-night. She tol' me Ah jus' had to call on her, to-night, but Ah ain't got courage. Ah kin see jus' whar all this callin' and sittin' alone of evenin's, is goin' to land me. Sary Dodd's got a powerful way for a woman, and Ah ain't no marryin' man—am Ah, Polly?
Jeb's plaintive tone and his beseeching eyes convulsed Eleanor with the desire to laugh, but Polly saw how serious he was, in his fear of being caught by a woman's wiles, and she replied:
No, Jeb; you are not a marrying man, I can say that much. And Sary ought to know better than to lure you on with all her past experiences of mankind.
Polly's earnest explanation made Eleanor lose control of herself and she sat down in a kitchen chair and laughed so heartily that Sary hurried forth. Jeb instantly ducked and tried to lose himself in the dense darkness of the out-of-doors, but Sary was too quick for him.
She darted to the door, called him with an imperative voice, and brought the recreant back to his duty of calling. Then she turned to the two girls, and said calmly, but with meaning:
Ah'se much obliged fer th' dish-washin'. Ah'll see that the kitchen is set to rights fer the evenin'.
With this dismissal, Polly and Eleanor had to go, and laughing still, they went through the living-room door to join the others who sat about the round table figuring and planning.
Sary very quietly closed the door between the two rooms, and Eleanor whispered to Polly: "Poor Jeb! We had to leave him to his fate, after all."
By six o'clock the next morning, the riders were on the way to Oak
Creek. Polly and Eleanor rode side by side and discussed a good name
for the claim. After suggesting and rejecting many fine sounding names,
Polly finally chuckled gleefully.
You've thought of one! declared Eleanor.
Yes, just the thing! Won't 'Choko's Find' suit it?
Great! And it was little Choko that found it, too. If he hadn't fallen over the cliff we never would have discovered the cave and the rest of it.
"
We'll call it that—'Choko's Find!' Say, everybody! Listen to this: The mine is going to be called 'Choko's Find'—do you like it? called
"Polly to the other riders.
Very appropriate, was the answer, so "Choko's Find" was its name.
Reaching Oak Creek, the party rode to Mr. Simm's office and Mr. Brewster told the story in detail. The attorney was completely silenced at the strangeness of the adventure but demanded proof in seeing the ore before he would credit the tale.
Well, Ah declare! If this isn't the derndest thing Ah ever heard of in my life! exclaimed Mr. Simms as he examined the nuggets.
Simms, do you remember Montresor's nuggets and legacy? asked Mr.
Brewster.
The lawyer looked quickly up at his questioner and a look of understanding crept into his eyes. "Sam, Ah reckon it is the same!"
The ledge, the canyon, the trails and the river! added Mr.
Brewster, convincingly.
You-all just wait here till Ah get my papers from the Bank vault! excitedly cried the lawyer, snatching his cap and running out of the office.
Simms keeps his valuable papers in the masoned safe at the bank, you know. If the town burns down during a miners' celebration some night, his papers will be safe, anyway, explained Mr. Brewster.
The lawyer soon returned with a package held closely under his arm. He sat down and opened the papers before his visitors.
Here's th' rough plan of the claim and here's Montresor's letter that was found after he was buried—you know, Sam.
What letter is that, Father? wondered Polly.
We never told you about it, as it wouldn't have helped any one then, but now you shall read it.
Where was it found?
In the pocket of an old hunting coat when we tried to find some clew to his family and home address. But the top of the letter had been torn away so we never knew for whom it was meant.
Polly took the closely written sheet and read the letter penned by her old friend on the mountains.
"
At last I can say to you all, that my education was not wasted as you claimed. I have made good! I am a rich, rich man, as I write these words. I have discovered a gold mine that will prove to be worth millions. I refrained from writing as you had requested, until I had good news. Now I can write. In the years I have spent on these mountains, I felt sure I would strike gold, as every sign in rock and sand formation, of the sides of the peaks, are favorable to gold deposits. To-day I proved my mining education to be of some worth, for it helped to guide me to a ledge, where the red-gold is so rich that it seems to run deep into the rocks, yet quite easy to mine.
""
I had great difficulty in reaching the place and, afterwards, when darkness fell over the place, I had to trust to the horse to find a spot to camp. I left my claims staked out and marked as we used to do in the Klondike, and to-morrow morning I shall ride directly to Oak Creek to file the papers and have an assay on the ore. I am now writing by the light of the camp-fire with grizzlies prowling about and panthers howling to get at me and the horse. But my ring of fire is security for us. I haven't the slightest idea of where this camp is but I will scout around in the morning and then write you again after I return from my trip to Oak Creek.
"
You must understand how happy I am, to be able to pay off my obligations and take my rightful place in the world with my family. God grant that this blessing of wealth bestowed upon me after all these years of separation and disgrace, charged against me, who am innocent, will be the last of my sufferings. I have never heard from the traitorous friend who caused me this ruin, and now it matters little!
Polly looked up at this point and said:
He must have finished this after the land-slide, Daddy.
Yes, daughter: read on and you will see, replied Mr. Brewster, gently.
"
The curse still pursues me. I have not written to conclude this letter since the night I started it, as hard luck again is my lot. I filed the claim and showed the ore but different laws prevail in Colorado, and I found I must register the nearest survey corners and sections to my mine to obtain a legal ownership; however my plans and specifications were sufficient to protect me from claim-jumpers.
""
That afternoon, a storm came over the mountains and lasted three days. It blew, and poured, and snowed, until it seemed as if all the furies in Hades were let loose. Then it cleared again and I started out with my dog and horse to visit my mine and make satisfactory corners and plans for filing. A great land-slide had occurred during that storm and the entire mountain-side was changed. Canyons, cliffs, and mine are gone. Wiped away as if they had never existed. Of course, I know the gold is still there but buried under tons of earth and trash. It will take longer and cost more to unearth, that is all.
""
But I will have to locate the place anew as I have no bearings to work from, so I propose starting from Top Notch Trail and have Patsy help me find it on the down-side, as near as I can remember from the camping-spot of that night where I first wrote this letter: I am reserving this until I find the mine, then I will mail it at once. Now that I have definite grounds to work on, my enthusiasm is equal to carry me through any difficulties in my pathway.""
"
Oh, father, how sad! wept Polly, handing the letter to Anne, to read to the other two girls.
We know the rest, Polly. And that is why we never had you read this. Now that we can prove the poor old man was sane, we will try to establish his reputation for all concerned, said Mr. Brewster.
Why didn't you try to find his family when he died? asked Polly, frowning at what she considered an oversight.
We did. Every newspaper of reputation carried an advertisement, but Ah think, now, that the old man assumed another name than his rightful one. That is why we never had a reply to our ads, replied Mr. Simms.
Eleanor was elated at the romance of this experience, and turned to
Polly, exclaiming:
Oh, Poll! S'posing we meet Montresor's son some day, and you fall in love with him without knowing who he is! Then it will all come out when he visits your parents to ask for you, and he will get his share of the mine, anyway!
Anne laughed heartily at such nonsense but Polly rather favored such an ending, so her mother and father quickly interrupted the romance by saying:
Come, come, sign papers and wind up this affair!
Mr. Simms said the assay was more than satisfactory, and "Choko's Find" was filed as the discovery of "Marybelle Brewster, daughter of Sam and Mary Brewster of Pebbly Pit."
Who's Marybelle Brewster? wondered Eleanor, surprised.
It's me, but no one knows it! laughed Polly.
Sam, when do you reckon you-all ought to go back to the mine and investigate? said Mr. Simms.
We-all plan to ride there early in the morning. Will you-all try to come with us?
Ah'd like it first-rate. Ah haven't had my regular fishing trip this year and this will answer, replied Simms, eagerly.
Then be shore to meet us at seven or eight o'clock at the Pine Tree just by the corduroy roadway, said Mr. Brewster.
"
Sam, better get away before that! We won't be the only riders along Top Notch trail the moment this 'find' gets wind! warned Simms.
" "He's right, Sam! Let's start from the farm at day-break and meet Mr. Simms at five or six, advised Mrs. Brewster.
"Right! Make it six, Simms, and see if the coroner and sheriff want an outing. Mr. Brewster's voice sounded interesting.
Just as the lawyer opened the door for the ladies to leave, a handsome young man of about eighteen came down the road. It was evident, in every way, that he was a "tenderfoot" newly arrived. Probably just came in on the noon local from Denver.
I'm looking for Carew's Camp, sir. That cowboy over at the box-car said you might tell me how to reach it.
Oh, that's the surveyin' crew for the government. Ah reckon you'll have quite a jaunt afore night to reach there. They're working about twenty mile from here—up on the Yellow Jacket Pass road, replied Simms, studying the surprised face closely.
Ah saw Carew's driver stopping at Jake's when we drove by, Simms, said Mr. Brewster at this moment.
If you-all can find Jake, that will be the way to arrive—take a reserved seat beside him,' chuckled Simms.
The youth was shy before so many pretty girls, so he took off his cap to acknowledge the obligation, and would have backed away had not Simms asked a very strange question.
Young man, you look exactly like an old friend I knew in these parts, some years back. So like, that I must ask you your name.
The stranger flushed and stammered: "I am Kenneth Evans, from New York."
Simms frowned when he heard the name and turned to Sam Brewster: "Did you ever see anything to beat that likeness to the man we were just talking about?"
Polly had noticed the resemblance as did her father, but nothing more was said at that time, as so much remained to be attended to before the ride on the morrow.
Well, Boy, be sure to drop in and have a talk with me the next time you are in town. My friend was from your way, too, and who knows but we-all can hook up a relationship, eh? said Simms, holding out his hand to young Evans.
I'll be glad to do that, responded Kenneth, heartily.
Mrs. Brewster's kindly heart was touched by the utter forlornness expressed in the youth's face when he heard how far away the surveyor's camp was located, so she addressed him directly.
Did you want to reach Carew to-night, or can you come home with us and get a fresh start for camp, in the morning?
I was supposed to report to Carew yesterday, but I lost the train at Chicago, and that made me late all along the line of train-connections, explained young Evans, smiling more cheerfully. "I thank you just the same, for inviting me to join your circle, but I really feel that I must find this man Jake and get away."
Well, young man, now abetted Mr. Brewster, "do as you think best, but that won't prevent you from riding over to Pebbly Pit any day you can get away from work, and having dinner with us."
The young man was surprised at such hearty hospitality shown an utter stranger, but he had heard of western generosity and he now felt that he had met such types of westerners. Just now, Mr. Simms called out quickly: "There goes Jake! Hey, Jake! Ah say—J-A-K-E!"
The man called Jake halted as he was crossing the muddy road, and looked towards the group which stood in front of Simms' office. Simms waved his wide-brimmed hat to denote that he was wanted, so the driver turned and slouched along the side of the road until he was within a few feet of the lawyer, before the latter explained.
We-all got a fine young Tenderfoot here, for you, Jake, and Ah just wanted to warn you to handle him with care or these pretty gals of Pebbly Pit will call you to account for him. Boys are scarcer than hen's teeth, since the war, you know, and our gals are having a hard time raking the country to find such a swain as young Evans.
Mr. Simms' frivolous talk made the girls smile, and Kenneth Evans began to feel more at ease. But Jake was replying to the attorney's explanation, and he listened to what was said.
Ah come all the way from camp, yistiddy, and no kid to be seen. Then the boss sent me back to-day to meet this local train but he ain't come yet. Now when he shows up, he can walk to Carew's Camp, fur all I care! I'm going back, right off.
Lookin' for a kid, eh? What sort of one is he? teased Mr. Simms.
Augh, Jim Latimer says he was bigger'n him, but a blondy. And he said he looked a Tenderfoot all through. I asked Red Mike if a feller stopped at his eatin' place for a snack, but Mike tole me he ain't seen no stranger in Oak Crick, this week, Jake grumbled.
Did you say Jim Latimer? exclaimed Eleanor, eagerly.
Jake turned to stare at the girl, and young Evans brightened visibly, then he said: "Do you know Jim?"
Do you know him? chorused several voices, Polly and her parents joining the chorus.
Do I know Jim? repeated Kenneth, laughing like his old merry self. "I should say I did! Why, Jim and I went through school together, back East, and it's Jim who got me in this Crew so I can get experience and money at the same time."
Well, this is great! exclaimed Sam Brewster. "You see my boy John goes to college with Tom Latimer, at Chicago, and that's how we met Jim—his brother gave him a letter of introduction to bring us when he came out here to work with Carew. I knew the Boss of the survey crew, and Jim has been over to Pebbly Pit on Sundays. So now you must get him to show you the way."
This happy discovery, of having a mutual friend, completed Kenneth's feeling of ease and confidence, and he was soon talking unrestrainedly about the Latimers—what splendid people they were. How Jim's father was trying to save his (Ken's) father from having a very valuable patent stolen by a ring of rascals in New York City. And how Mr. Latimer's brother who was a large financier on Wall Street, was financing the lawsuit, and the stock-company that was formed on the value of the patent.
During the time it took for Kenneth to enlarge on the merits of the Latimers, Jake grew restless. He shifted his weight from one cowhide booted leg to the other, and finally he heaved a doleful sigh. Then he drew attention to himself.
Ef we-all ain't goin' to get started mighty soon, thar's no use in gettin' off, to-night. Mike gen'ally has a dance to his ristrant at night, on pay-day, and he can put us up, all right.
Mr. Brewster hurriedly took his watch from his pocket and Mr. Simms turned to look at the old banjo clock in his office, and both men quickly said in one voice: "Oh, no, Jake! You have plenty of time to get off and make camp before dark."
But the suggestion made by the driver, to stop over-night in Oak Creek, was the means of hustling Kenneth Evans along his way. The entire party walked with him, down the road, towards the shed where Jake had the lumbering camp-wagon; and there they waited while Jake drove back to the baggage room to find his passenger's trunk.
During the driver's absence, Simms explained to the young stranger why he was so anxious about getting the man from Carew's Camp away from Oak Creek that afternoon.
You see, my boy, these nights about this burg when the miners and cow-boys have had their pay, are one Bedlam. Decent folks lock their doors and windows and never show a light that might attract any insanely drunken miner. That's why I want you far on your road to camp before these rough foreigners come to town. Jake would revel in a wild night of it, but he'd get fired when Carew heard of it.
The young man smiled but the girls were anxious to make the most of the few minutes left before Jake returned for the Tenderfoot, so Eleanor began the moment Simms concluded.
When do you suppose Jim Latimer and you can come to Pebbly Pit to call?
Never having met the Boss of the Crew, and not being acquainted with distances from camp to the ranch, I couldn't say. But Jim ought to be able to judge, and to decide on a day. We could then write you, couldn't we?
"
Don't forget, Nolla, that we have our hands full of important work on Top Notch Trail, for an indefinite time, was Polly's warning.
"Oh, I didn't forget that, but it won't keep us busy more than a few days, returned Eleanor.
That reminds me, Simms! Did you say you would take care of that wire to John? asked Mr. Brewster, turning to the lawyer. "Yes; I'll send a trustworthy man down the line when the train comes back for Denver, and he can send his message couched so that no wise guy will understand what it means, from some telegraph office a distance from Oak Creek," said Simms.
That's a wise plan. And get him off as soon as possible so John will get the word and start home without delay, added Mrs. Brewster.
Jake drove up beside the group at this moment, and sat waiting for Kenneth to say good-by to his new friends. The girls reminded him again to be sure and have Jim bring him to the ranch and visit, as soon as it could be arranged, then the great heavy wagon rolled away with the first good-looking young man the girls had seen since they left Denver.
"Dear me!" sighed Eleanor. "That boy makes me think of civilization again."
Her companions laughed at her expression, and Polly said: "He's awfully nice, isn't he?"
Yes, but not half as nice as Jim Latimer, added Eleanor. "Oh, I think he is. Jim just takes everything for granted, whether you agree with him or not," rejoined Polly.
Jim Latimer is only a child! Now his brother Tom is what I should call wonderful! Not only handsome, but desirable, as well, remarked Barbara, with more spirit than she usually showed in the younger girls' conversation.
Eleanor smiled knowingly, and said: "If Tom was poverty stricken, maybe you wouldn't find him so desirable."
Why would any one care for a poverty-stricken friend? asked Barbara, wonderingly. But Anne hurriedly changed the subject.
"
How long do you think it might take, before John gets that message, Mr. Brewster?
"Oh, he ought to be within hailing distance of his camp and he'd get the wire when he went for meals, or to sleep. Allowing until morning for it to reach him, and another day for him to pack up and travel, he ought to be in Oak Creek the day after to-morrow.
Every one but Simms watched Anne's face to see her blush, or smile joyously, but Simms was not aware of any tender feelings on the part of the pretty teacher for John Brewster, so he abruptly suggested a plan.
Ah wouldn't wait around the ranch for John's coming, Sam. If the women folks are going up to Top Notch Trail with us, all well and good, but waiting about until John and the engineer gets home will be risky business for the claim. Before to-morrow, every thief in Oak Creek, and for miles around, will be wise to that gold vein, and most of them will want to sneak up there and try to jump the claim.
Oh, no, we won't postpone going up there to guard the spot! explained Anne, anxiously. "I was wondering how long it would take that expert engineer to arrive on the ground and render a reliable verdict about the mine."
Eleanor tittered. "Sure! That is all. Anne never dreamed that John
Brewster might accompany the expert!"
That will do from you, Nolla! came reprovingly from Anne. But the girls all laughed at her annoyance.
Having concluded all the business necessary in connection with filing and signing papers, and arranging details about the trip back to the mine on the following day, the ranch party said good-by to Mr. Simms, and started on the long ride to Pebbly Pit.
The sole subject of conversation between the elder Brewsters and Barbara was the gold mine and the possibilities of it. The engrossing thought that kept Anne so quiet was the unexpected and imminent visit of John to Pebbly Pit. But the topic that now enthused Polly and Eleanor was the arrival of Kenneth Evans, and his acquaintance with Jim Latimer, the pleasant young man who had spent a Sunday at the ranch just before the city girls had arrived.
I wish those boys could join our party up to the cave, remarked
Eleanor to Polly, as they rode behind the others along the road to
Pebbly Pit.
So do I. But they are camping too far from us, for that. We are almost directly opposite their camp site, using Oak Creek as a central point. But the Government Survey plans will work them along to Yellow Jacket Pass, and from that point, along the wilderness, until they reach Buffalo Park and the Top Notch Trail where we were the other day. But they won't reach that part of the work until late this season, explained Polly.
Tom Latimer brought his younger brother Jim to see us in Chicago, when Jim was on his way west, but I never thought he would be so near me, this summer, as to be able to see him. Had I dreamed of such being the case, I would have paid more attention to him at the time. I said to myself, at that visit, 'Oh, we'll never meet again, so why waste time over him?'
Polly laughed at Eleanor's frank confession, and added: "Well, when Tom wrote mother that his little brother would be near enough to Pebbly Pit to permit him to ride over now and then for a visit, we sent word, at once, for Carew to give him Sundays off to come and have dinner with us. But he has only been over once. Now that this friend is in camp with him, maybe he'll come oftener."
If John would only bring Tom with him, wouldn't it be fine! planned
Eleanor. "Anne would have her choice, John. Bob would be supremely
happy if she could flirt with Tom for a time, and you and I would have
Jim and Ken Evans."
Polly glanced at Eleanor in surprise, and said: "Why, Nolla! I wouldn't like that at all. It will be lots more fun if we all go about together for a good time. But John is coming to see about the mine—not to enjoy himself."
You don't think, do you, that having Anne Stewart right in reach, that he's going to spend all his time working that mine? He's going to divide time so that more than half of it will be given to Anne. Then he'll work double-quick on the mine business to catch up on his work, was Eleanor's precocious statement.
Polly said nothing to this, as she had much food for thought given her in Eleanor's words. Rather than pursue a subject that roused her jealousy because of her brother John, she spurred her horse to gallop forward to join the others of the party.
Father, what did you say in your telegram to John? asked Polly, when she slowed up beside Sam Brewster.
Simms and I had to be careful what we said, so no one on the wire would get wise as to our real meaning, so I wrote out: 'Fine party on at the ranch. Big doings that Tom and you must be in on. Also bring your friend who came with you the time we talked about mining Rainbow Cliffs. Do not delay but start immediately, as the girls have the time of their lives set down for day after to-morrow. Don't write or wire, but come on receiving this message.' You see, that was the only way I could think of to get John off without letting others in on the secret. Every one in these parts knows the city girls are with us, and they'll not wonder at our having the boys come home for a visit.
When Sam Brewster concluded his explanation, Anne was smiling happily, and Barbara lifted her head a bit higher as she said: "How nice it will be to see Tom Latimer again, his company so much!"
Eleanor could not deny herself the mean little satisfaction in saying: "Yes, Bob met him once, at our house, and tried to meet him several times after that, at various social gatherings in Chicago."
But Polly pinched her friend's arm for silence, as the two horses crowded close together to pass on a narrow ledge of the trail that ran up to the Cliffs.
If Tom comes with John, and that expert engineer comes, too, mother, I don't see where we are going to put them up.
We were planning that as we rode along, just now, said Mrs. Brewster. "I think we can put up cot-beds, temporarily, in the loft over the first barn, where father keeps his account books and other business papers. Or we can pitch the large tent under the trees over by the terrace, and they can camp there. It will be far more comfortable, in either place, than they will have up on Top Notch, or what they have been having in the movable camp with the engineers, all this summer."
Finding sleeping quarters for the boys is the least of our worries now, laughed Sam Brewster. "Keeping off claim-jumpers and guarding the cave from miners who would steal the gold as fast as they could pick it, or blow it out of the rock, is more concern for us than any other problem, at present."
Well, we won't lack for excitement if all you fear is justly founded, eh? laughed Eleanor, plainly showing how thoroughly she was enjoying the experience and its promised thrills.
Even a westerner, immune to thrills, would have a few entirely new ones in this experience, chuckled Mr. Brewster. "But let a few city gals like you three, and a quiet little mouse like Polly, jump right into such a game as this promises to be, and there will be nothing left for you to thrill over, after that, in everyday life."
If only Jim Latimer and Ken Evans could be at the ranch to go with us when we start for the cave, said Eleanor for the second time. This time her remark caused Mr. Brewster to think.
Then he said: "It is queer how that boy resembled our old friend Montresor. If we only knew what part of the East Montresor came from. I have always said he was not traveling under his own name, but probably was using a family name to hide behind."
Yes, and that may explain the reason we never had any reply to our widely circulated advertisements for his relatives, added Mrs. Brewster.
If Montresor really was related to this young man, father, he surely would have said something when Mr. Simms mentioned the resemblance, and asked the stranger if he knew of a relative being in Colorado, said Polly.
Montresor had white hair, it is true, but that did not say that he was an old man. He was prematurely wrinkled from worry and hardships, but he was not much more than forty, I should say, ventured Mr. Brewster.
What are you leading up to, Sam? asked Mrs. Brewster.
I was just thinking, aloud, that Montresor could have had a son as old, or as young, as this Kenneth Evans. If he had gone to the Klondike, as we believed, the boy would have been too young to remember his dad very distinctly. Who knows what drove Old Montresor away from home, to seek adventure or gold so far north as in the Klondike? He and his wife may have separated through some misunderstanding such as that letter would lead us to infer, and his eastern relatives may have kept all facts or news of him from this boy. The poor man's pride and determination to prove himself innocent of some wrong kept him from communicating with his people; we know that from his own letter. So I would not be greatly surprised if we eventually learn that Kenneth Evans is really a son of Montresor's.
Oh, Mr. Brewster! Isn't that exactly what I said to you before, when you hushed me up! declared Eleanor, delighted over her romantic vision.
I hushed you up because you went on weaving stuff that dreams are made of—not because you hinted that this youth might be Montresor's son, corrected Sam Brewster.
The others laughed at Eleanor, and as they rode past the Cliffs, now glimmering faintly in the rays of the new moon rising over the edge of the old crater, Polly said with a sigh:
Thank goodness, we are almost home in time for supper.
The materialistic craving in Polly for a good meal was so different from Eleanor's dreams of romance for her friend that the two elder Brewsters felt relieved to hear the exclamation. Soon afterwards, the riders drew rein at the porch where Jeb was awaiting the return of the party.
"
Wall, did you-all find out if the mine was the same as Old Man Montresor's claim? asked Jeb, eagerly, as they dismounted.
"What's that, Jeb? asked Sam Brewster, frowningly.
Why, Sary says you-all went to Oak Crick to file papers and make sure that Montresor's claim is the same mine like Polly discovered up on the Trail. Ain't it so? wondered Jeb, curiously.
The two elder Brewsters exchanged glances, and the girls had to laugh at having been completely fooled by clever Sary Dodd. Then Mr. Brewster thought best to make a clean breast of the entire matter.
Well, we were not sure when we left Pebbly Pit, this morning, whether this claim was good or not. So we did not say a word about it to either Sary or you, but she must have overheard us speaking about it, last night.
Yeh—that's what she said to me. She had to wait so long fer you-all to come to supper, last night, that she coulden' help hearin' what was said. She says it will be a grand day fer her and me when you-all get this mine goin'. Sary figgers that you-all won't stay in Oak Crick, ner on a ranch, once you have all this money; 'cause Polly'll make you-all go to some fine city to live, explained Jeb, innocently.
Huh! Is that so! sneered Sam Brewster, angrily.
Jeb was gathering up the reins of the horses as he spoke, and now he turned to wonder at his master's tone. Mrs. Brewster was about to say something conciliatory, when Sary rushed out of the side door.
Ah was jus' comin' to see who rode up, when Ah hearn Jeb talk. Now lissun to me, whiles Ah explains how-come Ah spoke: Me and Jeb was sittin' over dinner, this noon, when Ah says to him, 'Ef the Brewsters plan to leave Pebbly Pit, Jeb, will you-all stay on and wuk the ranch fer 'em, or buy it outright?' Now wasn't that a most natchul thing to ask?
Sary's apparent guilelessness made the girls stare and her mistress smile understandingly. "Of course, Sary—go on."
Wall, then, Jeb diden' know a thing about the gold mine ner what you-all rode to Oak Crick fer, so Ah hed to explain. He was that flabbergasted! My, Ah feared he'd keel over right at table. So Ah hurried to brace him up wid puttin' an ambitious idee in his head. That's how-come Ah mentioned his takin' over Pebbly Pit.
Here Jeb interpolated: "But you-all said, Sary, that no self-respecking woman could remain on the ranch ef all the ladies left. And you told me a man needed a help-mate on such a big place."
Sary frowned down on meek little Jeb, but her displeasure was wasted, for Jeb was too earnestly concerned over his master's future plans to see the widow's expression. The girls were so intensely amused over this new development in Sary's affairs that they forgot about their own ambitions for the time being.
Of course, Ah said that! affirmed Sary, when all other escape by excuses seemed vain. "Ah also said to Jeb that now he was callin' on me evenin's, and by such ways showin' the public like-as-how he was courtin' me, it was the right thing to do to marry afore you-all leave the ranch. Then we both could pitch in and do fer your interests, as well as fer our own, what two folks separate can't do as well. See?"
Every one could see plainly what Sary meant, and no one had the heart to ruin her romance by trying to show Jeb that he was a doomed Benedict if he allowed himself to be so beguiled by a scheming widow.
Jeb, if there's any one on earth who can make me leave Pebbly Pit, let me know who it is, and Ah'll mighty soon fight it out with him! declared Sam Brewster, fervently.
Mrs. Brewster and the girls laughed at his intensity, but Jeb's face lighted up with relief, while Sary's clouded with doubt. Then Jeb led the horses away, and a happy whistle sounded from his lips as he marched towards the barn. And Sary stood looking after his receding form as if she was seeing her future happiness vanish, also.
The weary riders went indoors, and after Mrs. Brewster had removed her riding togs, she went to the kitchen to see what was ready for supper. To her joy, she found Sary had prepared an unusually tempting meal, and had everything in readiness to serve. The table had been set in the living-room, as it was too dark to eat under the trees; and soon after the girls had washed and changed their clothes, all sat down to enjoy the well-cooked and carefully seasoned viands.
Sary and Jeb had had supper, a la tete-a-tete, more than an hour before the riders got home, so Sary gave her attention to waiting on the famished family. As she served and passed dishes, she conversed volubly about the mine, and the claim, and the trouble so much work would make for Mr. Brewster, if he kept on with the ranch at the same time.
Not at all, Sary. Ah shall have nothing to do with the work at the mine. John and his engineers will look after all that. But this does not mean that Jeb must always remain a hired man. If the time comes when he wants to settle down at Pebbly Pit and take to himself a spouse, Ah shall be the first man to reach out a hand to help him on in life. He shall have certain parts of the ranch to work on shares, if he prefers that, and he can build a good home for himself down on the road that runs by the pastures.
You-all ain't sayin' this in a joke, be yuh, Sam Brewster? asked
Sary, breathlessly.
No, indeed, Sary. Ah want Jeb to make a good match, that's all. He seldom goes away from the ranch, other than driving to Oak Creek, and he does not have opportunity to see or meet girls. So Ah am seriously thinking of giving him a vacation, very soon, and sending him to Denver for a week or two, just to give him a chance to get acquainted with other women; and then he'll be able to judge what sort of a girl will suit him best for a wife.
Sary gasped fearfully at this unexpected plan of Sam Brewster's, and her grasp on the soup ladle relaxed so that it fell to the floor with a ringing echo. But she paid no attention to it: she stood with mouth open staring at the master of Pebbly Pit.
Mrs. Brewster felt sincerely sorry for her, but the four girls had to smother their laughter behind the dinner napkins. Then Sary found her power of speech.
Why, Sam Brewster! You-all can't mean that! Send dear, innocent Jeb to such a wicked city as Denver, all alone, to be caught by them ravenin' wolves? Ain't you hear'n tell of flirty gals what goes about vampin' nice young men jus' fer a good time? Like as not our Jeb'll get lassoed by one of 'em, and she'll marry him fer his money, er git it all away from him afore she lets him go. Ah've seen it all, over and over again, in the movies at Oak Crick! Sary almost wept as she described the lamentable case of Jeb if he was permitted to visit Denver, alone.
Don't worry over Jeb, Sary. He hasn't gone yet, said Mrs. Brewster, sending her husband a signal to keep quiet.
Sary went out of the room, and when Polly called for a cup, no one replied. So she had to jump up and go to the kitchen for her own cup, but the kitchen was empty—no Sary to be seen, anywhere. Polly reported this discovery when she came back to the table, and Mrs. Brewster spoke impatiently to her husband.
You haven't any judgment about love affairs, Sam! Don't you know that you are actually throwing Jeb at Sary's head by saying such things, as you did—about giving Jeb enough vacation to allow him to go to the city and find a pretty girl for himself?
Mr. Brewster sat back in his chair and dropped his fork upon the table in surprise. He turned wondering eyes at his wife as he said: "Ah only said that to show Sary that she must bide her time with Jeb, and give him a chance to make an honest choice for a wife."
That's what you wanted to do, Sam, but what you actually accomplished was to give Sary a fright over having Jeb get out of her snare, and now she'll move heaven and earth to consummate her own schemes to get Jeb. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if we should find out that she is, even now, helping Jeb at the barn and trying to wheedle him into an out and out proposal. There! was Mrs. Brewster's reply.
At that, Sam Brewster jumped up, and without asking to be excused, rushed away and down the road that led to the barns. Mrs. Brewster, with the girls, laughed at his sudden departure, and when supper was over, with the master of the house still absent, they all cleared away the meal and piled up the dishes for Sary to wash in the morning. Then Mr. Brewster came back.
Well, Mary! You must have second sight, is all Ah can say. Sary was out helping Jeb with the horses, sure enough. And Ah overheard her sayin', when Ah came up to the door: 'Jeb, if you-all ever has time to go visitin' to Denver, or any such place, it would be a fine honeymoon for me and you, woulden' it?'
As Mr. Brewster repeated Sary's words, he glanced at his wife, but every one laughed heartily at his expression and Sary's clever anticipation of Jeb's vacation. Mrs. Brewster wagged her head wisely, as she said:
Didn't I tell you so, Sam? Now Sary will have no rest, nor indeed give poor Jeb any peace of mind, until she has him firmly attached to her by vows. Once the bans are announced at church, she knows Jeb will not try to dodge them and his responsibility.
Well, Mary, after this experience Ah swear Ah shall have nothing more to do in trying to break up any matches. No, not even if my own children plan to marry without having due time to judge what is best for them! His sigh of sacrifice in such a dire case made all eyes turn to Anne, and her companions laughed teasingly at her blush.
Now, girls—all off to bed at once, if you expect to go with us at daybreak, was Mrs. Brewster's advice that cut the conversation short.
I have no objections to tumbling into bed, confessed Polly.
Nor I. If it were not for that ride to-morrow, I could sleep all day, added Eleanor, hiding a yawn.
Ah will set the Big Ben to-night, I think, said Mr. Brewster, "so that we will not miss Simms and his party at Lone Pine Blaze in the morning."
Who besides Simms is going with us, father? asked Polly.
Why, my old pal the Sheriff, and his men; Simms and a few of his best friends, and Rattle-snake Mike as a guide.
Oh, really! Why, it will be a large party, won't it? cried Polly, delightedly.
We'll need a large party, Ah'm thinking, girls, if our surmises are right. In fact, the Sheriff plans to send an extra posse up by a different trail, in order to head off any strange-acting or unfamiliar-looking men who might happen to meet them on this unfrequented ride along Top Notch Trail.
My! It makes me tingle deliciously at thought of the fun we will have if we have to fight for the mine, said Eleanor.
I don't think we women ought to go if there is the least danger, whimpered Barbara, glancing from one to the other in the group.
You can stay at home and chaperone Sary, said Eleanor.
I'll do nothing of the kind, Eleanor Maynard! If you and the others go, I shall go too! declared Barbara, jealously.
Well, no one in this family will go unless you all get into bed inside of the next five minutes, said Mr. Brewster. "Don't take time to use cold cream and wrinkle plasters this night."
Laughingly, the girls said good-night and left the two adult Brewsters alone. The moment the door closed upon the last girl, Mrs. Brewster made sure that Sary was in her room with the door closed, and then she tiptoed back to join her husband. She spoke in a whisper.
Sam, do you really think there will be any danger of claim-jumpers, to-morrow, on Top Notch?
There's always trouble where gold is to be had, returned Mr.
Brewster, seriously.
But I mean, do you apprehend it and thus asked the Sheriff and his men to ride with us?
Simms and the Sheriff think so. It was his idea to prepare against any surprises along the road, and after we get there. But it was the Sheriff's idea to get Rattlesnake Mike to guide us, and hire him to cook while we are in camp. Mike is an honest Indian, you know, Mary, and we may need one who is as good a woodsman as he is.
Well, Sam, if I thought there was to be the slightest risk to these girls, in any way whatever, I should refuse to allow them to go to-morrow, declared Mrs. Brewster.
You don't think that I would consent to have Polly go if I thought there was to be any trouble do you? All the gold in the earth wouldn't bribe me to do such a foolish thing.
I thought you may belittle any risk we might run. You are so accustomed to these ruffians at Oak Creek, but three city girls are different from western ranchmen. Even Polly and I are better seasoned for the adventures we may encounter than Anne and her friends, was Mrs. Brewster's reply.
Well, if you feel the least nervous over this trip you had better remain at home with the girls. Ah reckon we-all can readily find the cave by the descriptions Polly gave us, and by the claim she staked. Then, too, Rattlesnake Mike can guide us to any spot on the mountaintop.
I don't want to deprive the girls of any safe adventure we may experience, Sam, nor do I want them to run risks. So we had better wait and leave it entirely to them, if you feel sure nothing would happen through an encounter with ruffians, said Mrs. Brewster.
Oh, if that is what worries you, Mary, rest your mind on that score. No one will attack such a large party, especially when the Sheriff and his men are in the party.
Well, then, Sam, we'll get out the supplies you need to take for the excursion, and then you can catch a few hours' sleep.
But it will take another book to tell what actually did happen there and on Grizzly Slide; and who Ken proved to be; and whether John Brewster loved Anne Stewart, or Tom Latimer fell a victim to Barbara's blandishments. All these queries are answered in the second volume called: "Polly and Eleanor."