In the darkness there may be some chance of our being able to steal past them." These words have scarce passed the lips of the young prairie merchant, when their effect is counteracted by an exclamation.

It comes from Walt Wilder, who has been acting as guide to the party.
"Dog-goned!" he cries; "not the shadder o' a chance.

They ain't goin' to give us till night.

I knewed the Horned Lizard 'ud be after some trick." "What ?" inquire several voices.
"Look whar that lot's stannin' out yonder.

Can't ye guess what they're at, Frank Hamersley ?" "No.