CHAPTER VIII.
Into a Snake's Nest
"All night underground!" murmured Allen to himself, as he surveyed the scene before him in intense surprise. "Heaven be thanked for my escape!"
His climb had so exhausted him that for a long while he sat on the ground, unable to move. He felt both cold and hungry, but paid no heed. It was blessing enough for the time being to be safe.
When he felt stronger, he began to speculate upon where he was and how far he would have to travel to reach the ranch. The face of the country looked new and strange to him.
"I must mark this spot, so I can find the mine again," he thought. "Uncle Barnaby may not know of this opening."
Close at hand was a tall tree, and upon this Allen cut his initials in large letters. Then he walked to all the trees in the vicinity and cut hands on them pointing to the first tree.
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