CHAPTER TEN.
A BRAVE STEED ABANDONED.
In making his bold dash, Walt Wilder was not acting without a preconceived plan.

He had one.

The smoke, with its covering cloud, might be the means of concealment, and ultimate salvation; at all events, it would cover their retreat long enough to give them a start of the pursuers, and then the speed of their horses might possibly be depended upon for the rest.
They at first followed this plan, but unfortunately soon found that it would not long avail them.

The smoke was not drifting in the right direction.

The breeze carried it almost straight towards the line of the cliffs, while their only chance was to strike for the open plain.
At the cliffs their flight would be stopped.
So far the smoke had favoured them.