Part 17 (1/2)

”Sounds like a bit of an avalanche, though this here is a queer time of year for that Generally comes, you know, in snow time, or when the rains arrive,” was the cowboy's ready answer

”But--Will--he one down into one of these beastly holes!” observed Bluff uneasily

”Let's go back, fellows, and make sure,” remarked Frank instantly

They retraced their steps, Reddy leading the way, and every one on the lookout for any signs of an unusual happening

”There's where it fell, and it looks like quite a lot of stuff had gone down the slope,” said their guide presently

”hello, Will! Will!” shouted Frank

”Well, I' for you,” said a quiet voice close at hand

”Where in the world are you, pard?” burst out Jerry

”Oh, here,” caer! I believe he's down the bank!” cried Bluff

”Just what he is! Co to beat that? Talk to s! Here's one that takes the cake every tie of the platforan

”Oh, I don't know There have been cases where people have been saved from all sorts of disasters by the fortunate presence of a rope Chuck us a loop, Reddy, will you, please?” said Will, and Jerry becahed, even while he watched the cowboy dropping his lariat down as the other so coolly requested Will had slid so with the loose surface stuff, which gathered force as it proceeded Then a projecting stone had caught the bag of his coat, and he was supported in this fashi+on by the stout fabric

”What are you trying to do down there? Expect to cut me out of ly

”Not so that you'd notice Thought Ihere But first of all, save my precious camera, before I consent to co the saet back at his chu the same line that he had suffered in the past, so he called out:

”Here, you! Just hold your horses! I' there It will do to aet horapher into these pictures Now, here you are Look pleasant! There! That job's done! Now yank hiood digging for scaring us so”

But Will had suffered no material harm from his little slide

”Glad I stopped part way,” he observed, looking down, ”for it's quite some distance to the bottom, and then those rocks would have bruised ree with Bluff, there; it's better to be born lucky than rich”

After that they saw to it that Will did not lag behind He was not to be trusted any ood as his word He eventually brought the elk They carried out his further directions to the letter, and were thus enabled to approach within easy gunshot of the unsuspicious anied, and every one knew just what part in it he was expected to play Consequently, there was no confusion Frank, Jerry and Bluff had their chance to aih after the first shot they were to fire as they pleased

”Ready?” whispered the master of ceremonies, after Will had performed his little, necessary operation with his camera that would produce happy results