upon his memory certain landmarks which they
passed to ask questions; and Mukoki, with the natural taciturnity of his
race, seldom found occasion to break into conversation unless spoken to
first. Although his eyes were constantly on the alert, Rod could see no
way in which a descent could be made into the chasm from the ridge they
were on. This was a little disappointing, for he had made up his mind to
explore the gloomy, sunless gulch at his first opportunity. He had no
doubt that Wabi would join in the adventure. Or he might take his own
time, and explore it alone. He was reasonably sure that from somewhere
on the opposite ridge a descent could be made into it.

Wabi was in camp when they arrived. He had set eighteen traps and had
shot two spruce partridges. The birds were already cleaned for their
early supper, and a thick slice of venison steak was added to the menu.
During the preparation of the meal Rod described their discovery of the
chasm and revealed some of his thoughts concerning it, but Wabi betrayed
only passing flashes of interest. At times he seemed strangely
preoccupied and would stand in an idle, contemplative mood, his hands
buried deep in his pockets, while Rod or Mukoki proceeded with the
little duties about the table or the stove. Finally, after arousing
himself from one of these momentary spells, he pulled a brass shell from
his pocket and held it out to the old Indian.

"See here," he said. "I don't want to stir up any false fears, or
anything of that sort--but I found that on the trail to-day!"

Mukoki clutched at the shell as though it had been another newly found
nugget of gold. The shell was empty. The lettering on the rim was still
very distinct. He read ".35 Rem."

"Why, that's--"

"A shell from Rod's gun!"

For a few moments Rod and Mukoki stared at the young Indian in blank
amazement.

"It's a .35 caliber Remington," continued Wabi, "and it's an auto-loading
shell. There are only three guns like that in this country. I've got
one, Mukoki has another--and you lost the third in your fight with the
Woongas!"

The venison had begun to burn, and Mukoki quickly transferred it to the
table. Without a word the three sat down to their meal.

"That means the Woongas are on our trail," declared Rod presently.

"That is what I have been trying to reason out all the afternoon,"
replied Wabi. "It certainly is proof that they are, or have been quite
recently, on this side of the mountain.