They would likely first follow up the chasm where the kerchief had been cast, but, should that also prove a _cul-de-sac_, they would return and try the other.
The fugitives saw that it was too late to retrace their steps.

They sprang together upon the platform, and commenced searching among the loose rocks, with a faint hope of finding some place of concealment.
It was but a despairing sort of search, again like two drowning men who clutch at a straw.
All at once an exclamation from the guide called his companion to his side.

It was accompanied by a gesture, and followed by words low muttered.
"Look hyar, Frank! Look at this hole! Let's git into it!" As Hamersley came close he perceived a dark cavity among the stones, to which Wilder was pointing.

It opened vertically downward, and was of an irregular, roundish shape, somewhat resembling the mouth of a well, half-coped with slabs.
Dare they enter it?
Could they?
What depth was it?
Wilder took up a pebble and flung it down.

They could hear it descending, not at a single drop, but striking and ricochetting from side to side.
It was long before it reached the bottom and lay silent.