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A CAMP IN CONSTERNATION iii

"Is the storm over?"

"Yes, long ago. It's been over for thirty-six hours. But I can't locate you."

"Here, I tell you! Under this rock. If it had fallen directly on me, I should have been a goner. For God's sake, be careful, or you'll break your own dear neck! Don't get excited. Run for help, and don't stir up the rattlesnakes."

The injured man had fallen at first by the turning of the rock, as he had stated, giving his leg a twist that broke it, and, by the turning of his body in falling farther, had overturned the bowlder again, and thus was held a prisoner.

Mrs. McAlpin peered into a narrow aperture through which the coming daylight had entered. Their eyes met.

"Daphne!"

"RolHn!"

"So near and yet so far!" cried the prisoner, as he struggled to free himself. A spasm of pain overspread his face, and a dew, like the death damp, settled on his hair and forehead.

"O God! he has fainted again!" she cried, running with all her might and screaming for help.

"What in thunder is the matter now?" exclaimed Captain Ranger, as he emerged, half dressed, from his tent.

"I've found Rollin! He's imprisoned in a cave, with a broken leg! Fetch spades and a mattock to dig away the dirt from the rock! Be quick!" cried Mrs. McAlpin, leading the way.

Nobody heard the robins sing, or paused to enjoy the triumphant melody of the lark.

Scotty was still in a merciful swoon. Very carefully the men loosened the rock from its hold on his legs, and with their united strength rolled it away from the mouth of the cave.

"It's damned lucky you are, old boy!" cried Yank, as the crippled man regained consciousness. "That rock