CHAPTER XXIX 

LOCATING THE LOST MINE 

While Yates and another of the men ran toward Noxton to make him a prisoner, the others turned their attention to the Baxters and Al Roebuck. 

The Baxters were hiding behind a clump of bushes, but now, as soon as discovered, they took to their heels, making sure that the bushes and trees should keep them screened, so that there would be no danger from a fire such as had brought down their unlucky companion. 

"They're on us, dad!" groaned Dan Baxter, "Oh, why did we ever come out here!" 

"Silence, Dan," whispered Arnold Baxter. "If we don't keep still they may shoot us down in cold blood." And then Dan became as mum as an oyster, although his teeth chattered with terror. 

On went father and son, down a hill and into a deep valley where the rocks were numerous and the growth thick. Several shots flew over their heads, causing Dan to almost drop from heart failure. 

"I--I can't ru--run much further!" he panted. 

"Come, here is an opening between the rocks," whispered Arnold Baxter. "In you go, before it is too late. If they follow us, we can sell our lives as dearly as possible." 

Dan gave a groan at this, and slipped into the hollow. He did not wish to sell his life at any price. 

"Let us put out a--a flag of truce," he whined. "Give them everything, father, but don't let them shoot us!" Every ounce of courage had oozed away from him, for he had seen Noxton brought down, and thought the rascal was dead. 
Did Dan's teeth chatter because he was cold?
his teeth chattered with terror. 