ind Rod could see that Mukoki's coat was showing a growing
blotch of red.

"Are you sure--you can reach the chasm?"

"Yes."

In proof of his assertion the wounded Indian rose to his feet and
approached the pack of furs. Wabi was ahead of him, and placed it upon
his own shoulders.

"You and Rod lead the way," he said. "You two know where to find the
opening into the chasm. I've never been there."

Mukoki started down the hill, and Rod, close behind, could hear him
breathing heavily; there was no longer fear for himself in his soul, but
for that grim faithful warrior ahead, who would die in his tracks
without a murmur and with a smile of triumph and fearlessness on his
lips.

CHAPTER XV

RODERICK HOLDS THE WOONGAS AT BAY

They traveled more slowly now and Rod found his strength returning. When
they reached the second ridge he took Mukoki by the arm and assisted him
up, and the old Indian made no demur. This spoke more strongly of his
hurt than words. There was still no sign of their enemies behind. From
the top of the second ridge they could look back upon a quarter of a
mile of the valley below, and it was here that Rod suggested that he
remain on watch for a few minutes while Wabigoon went on with Mukoki.
The young hunters could see that the Indian was becoming weaker at every
step, and Mukoki could no longer conceal this weakness in spite of the
tremendous efforts he made to appear natural.

"I believe it is bad," whispered Wabi to Rod, his face strangely white.
"I believe it is worse than we think. He is bleeding hard. Your idea is
a good one. Watch here, and if the Woongas show up in the valley open
fire on them. I'll leave you my gun, too, so they'll think we are going
to give them another fight. That will keep them back for a time. I'm
going to stop Muky up here a little way and dress his wound. He will
bleed to death if I don't."

"And then go on," added Rod. "Don't stop if you hear me fire, but hurry
on to the chasm. I know the way and will join you. I'm as strong as I
ever was now, and can catch up with you easily with Mukoki traveling as
slowly as he does."

During this brief conversation Mukoki had continued his way along the
ridge and Wabi hurried to overtake him. Meanwhile Rod concealed himself
behind a rock, from which vantage-point he could see the whole of that
part of the valley across which they had come.

He looked at his watch and in tense anxiety counted every minute after
that