"
So they passed into the outer air.
"Seems pretty much the same as when we left," remarked Bob, as he
stared up at the dark sky against which they could see the rocky crown
of Thunder Mountain dimly outlined.
"Why, what did you expect?" asked Frank.
"I didn't know but what some of that thunder might be the genuine
article, and we'd find the rain coming down to beat the band. Glad it
isn't, because we want to get down from this to where our horses are."
"Little Lopez has our burro and bronco quartered in a small ravine
where they can't escape," remarked the old miner, as he handed Frank
the lantern he had been carrying, the girl taking the other.
"But would they be in danger in case of a storm-burst?" asked Bob.
"We counted on that when we arranged the exit by piling up stones,"
came the ready reply. "There is little danger, for the ravine has high
banks, where they are able to go in case of hard luck. But now we have
a tough job ahead, boys. Mind your steps all the time. A slip might
cost you dear."
"Reckon I know that, Mr. Smith," remarked Bob. "I've had experience,
you see. And only for the helping hand of my trusty chum here, I'm
afraid I wouldn't be alive right now. Oh! I'll be careful, I give you
my word."
And he was, seldom putting a foot forward without first making certain
how the land lay below, and that the stone he expected to step upon was
firmly planted.
They were making fair progress when the old miner called out:
"We've reached the parting of the ways, boys.
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