"We have all we need to claim the rights of the mine, so why lug any
more than we need?" returned Polly.
"Come on, Poll! Let's pack up and be going!" said Eleanor, decisively.
So, with the animals saddled and the panniers packed, the cave-dwellers
started carefully along the ledge towards the slope.
It was an invigorating morning, and the sun with its rays was just
topping the tips of the pines, when the girls rode forth to climb the
slope.
"Not a sign of that awful storm!" said Anne, amazed.
"Only in the glades and ravines, where the snow has drifted into heaps!
Even that will melt rapidly, as the warmth of the day is felt," said
Polly, looking eagerly about as she rode.
"Polly, what do you suppose became of those wild animals?" asked
Eleanor, riding directly behind Polly.
"That is just what I am looking for. I thought maybe I could see some
tracks, for I was sure I got that panther when I took aim and shot!"
"Well, I'm going over near that edge of the cliff and see if there is
any sign of blood or tracks!" declared Eleanor.
"No, no! You stop right here with us, Nolla!" cried Barbara, anxiously.
"I'm going over myself, Bob, because I am curious to see why both of
them should slink away so quickly. A mountain-lion seldom leaves a
possible victim until he has been gorged, and it was strange that he
should go without having tried to get at us!" said Polly.
"Oh, Polly! _Please_ don't talk of such gruesome things! I am so glad
we will soon be back in civilization!" said Barbara.
Pages:
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199