The boy was right in his surmise of its purpose; but it cannot be supposed that they counted upon losing the blanket under any circumstances.

It was a costly and beautiful one, such as are made by the Indians of the southwest, and it was new enough to be clean, so that the two fugitives had secured a prize.

At all events, the Apaches must have concluded that the people below were keeping watch and ward so well that no one could descend into the cave without danger of being perforated by a rifle ball.
Shortly after this occurrence it began to grow dark above, but the cause was obvious.

The day was drawing to a close.

Darkness, only less profound than that within the cave below, was enwrapping the surface above.
As soon as the night had fairly descended, Mickey O'Rooney, handling a small torch with great care, made his way once more to the puzzling outlet of the underground stream.