"Oh! for that matter, it may not come at all," Frank went on.
"Although Smith did say he really believed that this was going to
finish the old geyser, which he believed empties into one of those
queer underground rivers we know are to be found all through the
Southwest. And Smith ought to know something about it, for he's been
watching this business a whole year now, from close quarters."
"I'm willing to take the chances, if you are," declared Bob.
Frank was not at all surprised when he heard his chum say this. He
knew that the Kentucky boy was apt to be rash; and that meant more
caution on his part, in order to counteract this spirit, that might
border on recklessness.
A quick decision had to be made, for delay could do them no good. He
cast one last look up at the dark heavens, as though questioning how
long they might remain mute.
"All right, we'll risk it, Bob," he declared, suddenly; for even if the
worst came Frank believed he knew how to avoid a calamity.
"Good for you, Frank!" exclaimed the other; but Bob understood the
nature of the risk they were taking, and he was not quite so buoyant as
usual.
The canyon was just below them now, and fortunately there seemed a
narrow bit of slope down which they might make their way. This they
did with considerable difficulty. Indeed, Bob was secretly sorry,
after they had started, that he had urged his companion to take this
step; but there could be no going back now.
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