most probable. They were
neither of them the sort to accept defeat without a struggle, and,
after the treatment they had received, the desire for revenge would be
uppermost. Nor thus far would there be any difficulty in their picking
up our trail, at least as far as the creek crossing, and this would
assure them the direction we had chosen. Beyond the ford tracing our
movements might prove more troublesome, as the short, wiry grass under
foot, retained but slight imprint of unshod hoofs, the soil beneath
being of a hard clay. Yet to strike directly out across the prairie
would be a dangerous experiment.

Then suddenly, out of the mysterious darkness which closed us in,
another grove loomed up immediately in our front, and the trail plunged
sharply downward into the depths of a rugged ravine. I was obliged to
dismount and feel my way cautiously to the bottom, delighted to
discover there a smoothly flowing, narrow stream, running from the
eastward between high banks, overhung by trees. It was a dismal,
gloomy spot, a veritable cave of darkness, yet apparently the very
place I had been seeking for our purpose. I could not even perceive
the others, but the restless movement of their horses told me of their
presence.

"Kennedy."

"Right yere, sir. Lord, but it's dark--found enything?"

"There is a creek here. I don't know where it flows from, but it seems
to come out of the east. One thing is certain, we have got to get off
this trail. If we can lead the horses up stream a way and then circle
back it would keep those fellows guessing for a while. Come here and
see what you think of the chance."

He was not to exceed two yards away from me, but came shuffling
uncertainly forward, feeling gingerly for footing in the blackness
along the rock-strewn bank. His outstretched hand touched me,
startling us both, before we were aware of our close proximity.

"Hell, but I'm as blind as a bat," he laughed. "Is this the crick?
How wide is it?"

"I just waded across; about five yards and not more than two feet deep."

"Maybe it's blocked up above."

"Of course, it might be, but it seems like a chance worth taking. We
are sure to be caught if we hang to this trail."

"I reckon thet's so. Ye let me go ahead with the nigger gurl, an' then
follow after us, leadin' Miss Beaucaire's boss. By jeminy crickets,
'tain't deep 'nough fer ter drown us enyway, an' I ain't much afeerd o'
the dark. Thar's likely ter be sum