The Elk Mountain pilot., 1919-11-27
cesvAsAl ioip. h vls.e.sA

tts richness; scarce able to believe
their senses. At last becoming con-
scious that the day was rapidly feet
ing, they agreed that Rainface should
take Bridget back to the cabin by
means OF the tunnel, while Davis
showed the others the way he had
found into the pine through the mar
row cleft. At tie entrance to 1t, how
ever. Morgan, iayiAg that he was too
badly dons up to 90 farther. sat down,
to await their feturn; whereupOn the
Spider also decided to remain behind.
Left to themselves, Ethel and John
pursued their way.
Scarcely were the lovers out Of sight
than the Hawk. with grin of triumph
ut his follower. pointed to small box
which was half covered by debris in
one corner and upon the end Of which
was the brand that signified that Its
contents was galnt powder.
'srhey overlooked that little package.
which must have been left here by old
Carr when he was working the mine"
chuckled. Dragging 1t hurrieily to the
opening of the niche they attached the
fuse. Then lighting 1t. they scuttIed
from the place as rats desert sink
ing ship.
Davis. CHANGING to glance back along
the narrow passage, saw the crawling
light of the fuse. Instantly scenting
danger, he picked the girl up bodily,
swinging her out upon the edge Into
the open air. threw himself after her
In such haste that he fell headlong at
her feet. Az he did 30, a blast of gas
and flame came roaring from the crew
Ice like the discharge from giant can
non, streaming far out over the edge
Of the cliff and spewing in its wake
volley Of rocks that fell crashing into
the treetops far below. They had es-
capped being blown to eternity by YER
liable. belching volcano by the mere
matter Of second and u yard.
Waiting only long enoughs for the
narrow passage to free itself Of the
poisonous fumes. Davis and the Eiri
ventured back. The entrance to the
cave was hopelessly blocked. Helpless
ly they stood staring at each other.
Were In 4 sweet fix." mused the
man a. returning to the narrow ledge
they looked Into the swimming depths
below. Here we are marOoned half
way between earth and heaven. with
walls above and below US that 1t would
ltake . lizard to climb. 1t looks like
1t was going to be long time between
meals" A little cry from the girl in
lterrupted him.
"Seew she exclaimed. pointing down.
The mans glance followed her point
| Ing finger. Some few yards below
them, rsposing where It had caught
on . slight obstruction upon the face
Of the wall. was the rope which had
supported him before he fell upon this
ledge By reason Of the Spiders coev-
ardIy grinding OF the frayed strands
apart. Could the Iariat be obtained
they might well hope to descend from
cleft to cleft. but with It lying = dozen
feet below their reach II seemed that
It might as we'll have reposed at the
bottom Of the valley. The girls quick
wit came to their rescue.
perhaps we can manage It," she
laughed a. she sat down and began
removing the lacings Of her high boots.
Quickly grasping her thoughts, John
added the buckskin thongs which ran
through, his own footGear to hers. and
plucking q hatpln from her head. fash
ic0ed Il into hook. Throwing himself
prose he lowered his line. finding to his
jog that 1t was Of sufllcient length.
Not much later he hoisted the lariat in
triumph.
Looping one end about her body. he
h,vp tn = 1ufJ0a nAYt
below, and she having safely landed
there. freed herself while he made the
upper end fast. Then aiding down
he released the upper end with deft
Nip, repeating the operation from time
to time until at last they reached q
footing upon which they could proceed
without further use q the life-savinE
line. Hurrying homeward with all
speed they entered the house together.
Briefly relating their experience
while the listeners sat in. apaxemsnt.
Morgan struck his open palm with his
clenched nst. KS
'That-Hermit agnin. After you and
Miss Ethxi left us. B1llas and rest
ed for moment and then came back
here BY the tunnel. We did not meet
him ON the way, therefore there must
be still another entrance to the tun-
mel a. yet unknown to u.s." Davis,
acquiescing. changed the subject.
''Now that We have found the mine
We must 20 to San FrancIsco for men.
machinery and supplies in order to
start work upon 1t at once" said he.
Morgan at once assented.
"RiSht.. We've good half day be-
fore US and am feeling much strong
er Suppose we start ut once"
but mer protested Ethel. Johns
hand stole over her own.
1--WE are going to make flying
trip There II no need Of your going
through the inconvenience Of the Jour