Part 34 (1/2)
”After we leave this patch of ti to have our own troubles on the road”
They looked at the sleigh driver and saw that he, too, was disturbed He stopped the teaazed upward between the firs to the dull and heavy sky Then he shook his head slowly
”He says another storreat pity that it can't keep off until we reach Bojowak”
They were in the very center of the patch of firs when the wind increased as if bythis way and that, al the travelers The horses, too, could not see, and they stopped short, refusing to go another step
The driver looked around again, and now his face showed that he was frightened
”He says we lishman, after a few hurried words had passed ”He thinks it will be dangerous to re the trees”
”The shelter of the trees is better than nothing,” answered Roger ”If ere in the open and this wind---- Gracious! listen to that!”
A sudden rush of wind swept through the forest, causing the trees to sway and creak The loose snoas blown in all directions, and they had to be careful that they did not get their eyes and mouths full of the stuff ”It's almost as bad as a--a blizzard!” panted Dave ”And I really think it is groorse every o?” said Granbury Laphaested Dave
”If he does----”
The Englishot no further, for at that moment came another rush of air It bore down upon the forest with terrific force, and a second later they heard several trees go doith crashes that terrified the situation, and what to do to protect themselves nobody seemed to know
CHAPTER XXII
sobUND IN THE MOUNTAINS
”If we stay here we'll be in danger of the falling trees!” cried Dave
He had to raise his voice to make himself heard above the fury of the eleo?” questioned Roger The look in his eyes showed his keen anxiety
”Isn't there some kind of a cliff around here, under which we can stand?” asked Granbury Laphaed his shoulders for a moment, then suddenly tossed his head
”Yes, I know such a spot,” he said, in his native tongue ”Come, ill try to reach it before it is too late”
A of the snow, the horses and sleigh were turned partly around, and they struck off on a side trail, leading up the mountain On and on they toiled, a distance of perhaps five hundred feet, although to the boys it see it fairly took their breath away, and the snow all but blinded them They had to walk, for it was all the double teah the snow Once Dave slipped, bulishman, and both rolled doard a distance of several yards
”ExcuseAmerican ”My feet went up before I are”
”Don't asped-out answer ”I fancy we're all doing the best we can”
Presently, through the driving snow, cah driver halted and warned the others to do likewise
”He says there is a pocket at the base of the cliff and we must be careful that we don't fall in it,” said Granbury Lapham ”Let us wait until he makes certain it is perfectly safe”
In a few one forward, came back and led the horses closer to the rocky wall, which towered over their heads a distance of a hundred feet or more Toward the base the wall receded about a rod, so that the overhanging portion afforded a little shelter below Outside of this shelter was a drift of snow as high as their heads, and the travelers had not a little trouble in getting through it
”Well, this is certainly better than nothing,” re as the wind coh”