d
over again," Polly worried.

"Mr. Brewster'll be all right with Bill around, Miss Polly," said the
young man who had accompanied the city girls. "No one is allowed to run
any risks for nuthin', when the Sheriff is there to stop 'em."

"I just hope Bill _will_ keep father in bounds!" declared Polly.

Very little smoke reached the ravine, which was on the opposite side of
the mountain from that where the fire raged, so the girls knew not how
matters fared until late in the afternoon. Then, to their great relief,
Mr. Brewster shouted a signal from the lodge-pole pine forest.

Polly gave an answering call, and then ran along the dangerous ledge
until she reached the place where the pine trees had been blown down the
day of the blizzard. Here she could see the dim outlines of several
riders as they waited for some evidence that they were on the right
trail.

Before Polly could climb the slope to wave her hat, she saw Mike riding
up behind the party and then go on before them down the trail leading to
the cave.

Polly was kept busy with answering the girls who stood at the cave
entrance, and in calling to her parents and friends who were approaching
as fast as the down-trail would permit. When they rode near enough for
Polly to see their faces, she recognized her mother and Jeb in the
party; she thought they expressed great concern over something that must
have happened to the party--or perhaps something that might happen.

"Well, Polly, you've had all day to dig the gold out of your mine; got
it tied in bags for us to lug home?" called Mr. Simms, jocularly.

"Mr. Simms, you needn't worry over that gold as long as there is
something worse to trouble you. What is it?" answered Polly.

"Ha, ha, ha! Poll must be feeling lonesome; when she talks like this,
it's a sure sign she needs jolly company," replied the lawyer.

"Maybe she thought we were chewed up by the grizzlies," added Mr.
Brewster, forcing a gayety similar to that of Mr. Simms.

"What's the matter with you men? Is there any danger from the fire?"
demanded Polly.

"No, the fire's burning over the down-slope on the other side. You know
it won't come this way," returned Mrs. Brewster.

"Well, then--where are the other men? Did those drunken miners shoot any
one?" persisted the girl.

"Don't bother with questions, Polly. Let us get some supper before we
think of anything else," advised her mother.

Mike was soon busy unpacking the outfit for cooking, a