r his weight
and made a downward curve, so that when he attempted so ascend on the
opposite side it was a climb up, but with the ropes made of woven
prairie grass and sticks and boughs he easily ascended. He had carried
his lantern with him, and he flashed its light across his bridge and
asked, "Who will come next?"

"You go," said Desmond to Brooks.

The tramp did not hesitate, but started to crawl over the oddly
constructed bridge, and he did so as well as the guide had done. Then
Desmond crossed and the instant all hands were over the guide took up
his bridge stowed it away, and said:

"When we cross back it will be in the daytime, and much harder."

"Much harder in the daytime?"

"Yes."

"I should think it would be easier."

The guide laughed and said:

"It might appear so, but in the daytime you will realize just what you
are doing. You will see the dark abyss beneath you, and when the bridge
sways downward your heart will be in your throat, I tell you. At night,
however, you do not know just what you are doing."

Desmond saw the truth of what the guide said, and observed that the man
was quite a philosopher.

"Now let me go in advance," said Creedon.

He led the way and soon turned into what he called Creedon Street. It
was a broad opening with a solid flooring, and walls of rock on either
side--the most singular and remarkable rock conformation that either
Brooks or Desmond had ever seen. The guide walked right ahead boldly; he
evidently knew that there were no rents down which they might plunge.

"Here is Creedon Hall," said the guide, as he turned into a broad
opening and flashed his light around. The party were in a cave, and yet
we can hardly call it a cave; it appeared to be merely a huge underline
in the side of the cliff, as it was open, as the guide said, facing
Creedon Street.

"I will soon have Creedon Hall illuminated for you," said the guide. He
secured some wood, and as Desmond followed him he saw that he had
abundance of it, and the guide said:

"This wood, some of it, has been stowed here for over ten years, and we
can have a jolly fire in a few minutes, and no fear of attracting
Indians or any one else. We are as safe here as though we were making a
grate fire in a big hotel in New York."

Creedon made good his word, and soon Creedon Hall was brilliantly
illuminated, and Desmond was delighted. He exclaimed in his enthusiasm.

"This is just immense!"

"Well, it is."

Brooks