Up this, full ten minutes they rode, and then an exclamation of pleased wonder broke from the lips of Willie Pond.

For they came out into an open circular plain or area of several acres in extent, covered with rich grass and centered by a bright, mirror-like lake.
"What a lovely spot!" cried Pond.

"Who on earth would dream of finding such a paradise inside of gates so dark and rude." "One who had been here before," said the Texan.

"But speak low, for careless as they may be over there in camp, some one might be outside listening." "Why, it is over a mile away, is it not ?" "Yes, along the line of the wood.

But over this cliff, were it crossed, it is not a quarter of that distance." And the Texan pointed to a rugged tree-crowned cliff on their right.
"I will be careful," said Pond.