would naturally
go to them first. I do not think any one of the four has a glass, so,
despite their sharp eyes, we have a big advantage in that respect."

"But they know the route better than we, and we are losing time."

The course of the trail took them out of the field of vision of their
pursuers. It was at the suggestion of Russell that the two turned
aside from the canyon into the fissure-like gorge. This would have been
a serious mistake, except for the plan he had in view, for it must
place the pursuers in advance, the very thing which it would seem the
fugitives ought if possible to prevent.

The lieutenant had believed from the first that Vose Adams, in
threading his way through the mountains, traveled a good many miles
more than was necessary. It was quite likely that, if he could follow
a straight line, he would shorten the distance one-half. Although this
was impossible, the young man, nevertheless, was convinced that by
changing the route, a good many miles could be saved: and it was in
his mind to do that thing.

The lieutenant's experience in campaigning had taught him the danger
of going astray, when picking his way through an unfamiliar country,
but the little compass attached as a charm to his watch chain would
help him to keep track of the variations and windings, and he was
confident of coming out right. He and Nellie were well mounted and
armed, all of which being impressed upon his companion, she offered no
objection to the radical change of plan which took them out of the
canyon into the ravine that led them they knew not whither, but it was
ominous of disaster that at the top of the fissure, when the two were
leading their animals, a grievous mishap occurred. The pony of Nellie
slipped and sprained his ankle so badly that he whined with pain and
paused with his weight supported on three legs.

[Illustration: THE LIEUTENANT PASSED THE GLASS TO HIS COMPANION, WHO
SCRUTINIZED THE PARTY WITH THE KEENEST INTEREST.--PAGE 269.]

"That's a bad go!" exclaimed the dismayed Russell; "it will be several
days before he is able to travel."

She examined the ankle, as best she could, trying to soothe the pain
by passing her hand over the injured part, but it was plain that
neither she nor her companion could give any help.

"Poor fellow," she said sympathetically; "you cannot go any further;
what shall be done, Fred?"

"Only one thing seems possible,--take you on my horse."

"And what will become o