CHAPTER XIX.
INTO THE CAVERN.
Hank Hazletine and Jack Dudley having failed to find the missing Fred Greenwood, let us try our hand at the task.
Going back to that afternoon when the elder youth from his concealment on the crest of the ridge fired down into the little herd of antelope grazing in the valley in front of him, and secured a supper for the two, it will be remembered that Fred had started along the side of the valley, with a view of placing himself beyond the game and rendering the success of himself and friend certain.
He never dreamed of danger to himself.

His attention was fixed upon the pretty animals, and, hungry as he was, he felt a sympathy for them, knowing that in all probability one of the number would be sacrificed.
Nevertheless, he put forth the utmost pains to prevent their taking alarm, and there is hardly a doubt that he would have succeeded in his purpose but for the catastrophe which overtook him when half the distance had been passed.
Suddenly, while he was stealing forward in a crouching posture, a low, threatening voice reached his ear.

Only the single word, "_Stop!_" was uttered, but it could not have startled the youth more than the whir of a rattlesnake under his feet.

Before he could straighten up he turned his head like a flash.

Not a rod distant, kneeling upon one knee, was Motoza, the Sioux, with his Winchester aimed at him! Believing that he would press the trigger of his weapon the next moment, Fred Greenwood was transfixed.