The Maid of the Mountain — page 53: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A QUEER PLACE. 55 “Course I will. What of it?” “ Nothing, only there is some danger in the undertaking.” “ Wal, never mind that. We'll try what we ken do, yew and I. Haow dew yew mean tew git down there Fi... “ That will be easy enough,” said the young man. “ Come over to the other side.” : “What for?” : “ You will see,” replied the other. “Don't waste time.” _ They crossed the hastily-constructed bridge, and stood in safety on the other side. pe" « We want two or three lariats,” said Elliot. The lariats were produced, and the young man fastened one end to the rocks in a strong manner and let himself ~ down over the brink of the precipice, descending hand over hand. As he reached the spect. where the cavity began, he pushed hard upon the rock, and then slid further down the rope; keeping the motion imparted by the push. By great muscular exertion, he kept himself swinging in this way, low- ering himself a little at every swing, until he was near enough to the floor ofthe refuge to risk a jump. He then swung back for the last time, and released his grip upon the rope, striking on his feet on the . The moment he re- leased the rope, the Yankee and slid down. He found it easier work to reach the floor, for Tommy. him the impetus required, and he stood by the side of his youthful They stood upon a platform of quartz, in which glittered particles of gold. These were the days when quartz minipz was not even thought of, and they never dreamed of the wealth which lay beneath their feet. But, where had all those people gone-who had occupied the platform not ten minutes before ? There were evidences of a hasty flight, broken arrows, a bow- string, an Indign scalp, and a dainty moccasin, which Elliot at once. “What'll yew bet I don’t know who owns that ar ?” de- manded Josh. | - 5g you do,” said Eliot. “Ithinkido.” = * “It was the pretty gal. But she let that Mexican loose.” comiclooks.con