It had been in use not long
since. What for I cannot imagine. The rest was very easy. I reached
the top of the cliff just after daylight."
"How--how did you find your way back?" wondered Stacy.
"I followed along the ridge. After a while I saw the smoke from your
camp-fire, then I hurried in and here I am."
"You always were a lucky fellow," laughed Ned. "Now if that had been
myself I should have been down there yet, or else in the river or
whatever you call that stream down there."
"Got anything to eat?" asked Tad. "My appetite this morning is a
thing to be feared."
"Depends upon how much the guide has eaten," replied Walter. "I guess
you will have to lick the frying pan."
"Yes, that's all he'll get," added Ned. "Any fellow who has filled up
on canned peaches and the like doesn't need any more than that."
"Professor," continued Tad, "I would suggest that we pack up and move
along down until we come to the trail. We can all then work into the
gorge leaving the ponies on top. It will be an easy matter for us to
pack the stuff to the top. We'll be in good shape then. Shall we do
it?"
"Yes, yes," answered the Professor absently.
"Come on then, fellows. I'll tighten my belt and save my appetite
until we get something like real food to eat. Licking a frying pan
won't satisfy my longings this morning.
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