Part 11 (1/2)
”Just what it is, my lad; and if you feel inclined, there is a chance for you to get a shot at it,” came the quick reply
”I would like it, first rate,” declared Frank, i his rifle froht, then Listen, and I'll tell you how it ht here, for the last cli between You drop down here and et a chance to shoot It will be a long shot, reainst you”
”I'll tryoff his horse
”Be very careful as you crawl along, for a slip ht cost you your life,” were the last words he heard the stockan to descend the little declivity in order toits base, so as to remain concealed from the quarry
Frank was careful as well as quick in his ain he peeped out to see what theSo far as he could learn, the ani its attention on the caravan that had halted Three times it moved its position, and once he was just in ti leap, which he hoped Will ht with his quick-action lens
Finally, having gained a place where he had a fine view of the anie, Frank sank down so as to get a good aim Not quite satisfied, he crawled forward a little further, and then proceeded to put his fortune to the test
Never had he calculatedthe success he craved When he pressed the trigger he was thrilled to see theinto the air and then fall over the edge of the platfor lacked the buoyancy of life, and Frank knew that his bullet had reached its billet
But he had no ti fro could interpose to prevent his falling into the deep gorge!
CHAPTER X
THE YOUNG HUNTER AND THE ELK
There are times when one acts from instinct alone Frank had no ti doith some loose earth and stones into the wide canyon He siht save it fro, and at the same time have the free use of both hands
He fell a dozen feet or so, along with the loose soil and rocks he had caused to give way under his weight Then, by some happy accident, his outstretched hands closed upon a bush that was growing fro with desperation
It threatened to come loose with each movement hefeet, so as to relieve the bush froht
He had heard the loud outcries of his friends, and knew theyto his relief
If he could only hold on for five ht be well
Below lay quite an abyss, and a fall was apt to bruise hih not to have any bones broken It was, therefore, with considerable gratitude that he discovered he could dig his toes into crevices in the rock, and thus hang on
Jerry afterward declared that Frank presented all the appearance of a fly plastered against a wall; but it ht have been noticed that he was the first one to reach the edge of the platforered chum
Mr Mabie kneould be needed before heyour rope, Reddy!” he shouted, and the agile cowboy had obeyed
This was quickly lowered until the noose dangled below Frank
”Use one foot to draw it in, s inside the loop, and then gradually let us draw it up under your ar to have you out of that, so don't worry!” called the ranchhtened If that bush threatens to go, get a quick grip of the rope! Do you understand, Frank?” called Jerry
A quick nod of the head told that the one below realized he was as good as drawn up already One foot was cautiously withdrawn froht; then the second also passed inside the circle; after which a tightening of the lariat brought it up to where Mr Mabie wanted to have it