Adams, from the moment of discovering the
cleverness of Timon, that this very thing should be done. If
Lieutenant Russell took such a precaution, it could not fail to be
effective. Returning to the main trail after his pursuers were out of
the way, he would have an open path through the mountains to
Sacramento. If the lameness of Nellie's pony continued, her saddle
could be transferred to one of the other horses, and, leading or
driving the remainder of the animals, the four men would soon find
their task a hopeless one.

But the young officer was restrained from such action by a certain
chivalry that governed all his actions. He could not consent to take
so unfair an advantage of an enemy, even though the fate of one dearer
than his own life was at stake. And yet it must be confessed that the
lieutenant drew it very fine. His course did not win the respect of
his enemies, who were inclined to attribute it to stupidity, rather
than courtesy.

But no time was to be lost in deciding their line of action.

"I think we'd better make a hunt among them rocks," suggested Wade
Ruggles.

The others studied them with as much interest as if it were the first
time they had been seen. If the couple had taken refuge among the
caverns and crevices of this immense pile of stone, they must have
left their animals on the ground below where they could be readily
discovered.

"We may as well have a look," remarked the captain; "what do you
think, Vose?"

"I don't think anything; don't ask me any questions."

He never looked more angry. He had not forgotten the slur of the
captain and had spirit enough to resent it. Dawson was too proud to
apologize and he could not do so, when his suspicion of the fellow's
loyalty was as strong as ever. On the contrary, having made his
blunder, the officer drove the arrow home.

"I am sorry you didn't take that resolution in the first place; it
would have been better for all of us, though not so good for those we
are looking for."

The captain and Ruggles now turned to the right, while the other two
took the opposite direction. They were thus enabled, after more hard
work, practically to pass around the mass of rocks, returning to their
starting point, without having discovered any traces of man, woman or
their animals. On the journey, Adams and the parson exchanged few
words, but it was different with the other couple.

"What do you think of his long absence yesterday?" asked the captain.