Ralph agreed with him. But where were they to go to get from under the lofty trees that invited the lightning to pass through their columnular[190] trunks earthward? Suddenly Mountain Jim gave a shout:
There we are yonder. The Hotel de Bothwell,” he cried with a grin.
Ralph looked and saw a small opening under some rocks not far distant. It was only a small cave seemingly, but at least, in case anything in their vicinity was struck, it would keep them out of harm’s way.
Amidst incessant flashes of lightning and peals of thunder they made for the place.
Have to hitch the ponies outside,” said Mountain Jim. Too bad there ain’t room to take ’em in, too; but it can’t be helped.”
However, the space in front of the cave mouth was fairly open and free from trees, so that it was not as bad as if they had had to tie their mounts in the dense forest. In the downpour the mountaineer and the boy made the terrified ponies fast, and then made a dash for the dark mouth of the cave. It appeared to be little more[191] than a recess formed by the piling of a mass of huge rocks one on top of another, reminding one of a giant’s game of blocks. Had the professor been there, he would have ascribed the presence of the Titanic rock pile to glacial action; but to Mountain Jim and Ralph, the place stood for nothing more than a welcome means of shelter.
They were just about to enter it when a low moaning groan came from the back of the place and a huge, tawny body flashed past them, almost knocking Ralph over.
CHAPTER XX. PRISONERS!
W-w-w-what under the canopy was that?” stammered Ralph as soon as he had recovered himself somewhat from his surprise.
Mountain lion, cougar, some calls ’em. Lucky she didn’t claw you, boy,” responded Mountain Jim. If she hadn’t dived off so quick I’d have shot her. But hullo, what’s that?”
From the back of the cave came a plaintive sound of mewing, as if there were a litter of kittens concealed there.
Young ones, by the Blue Bells of Scotland!” exclaimed Mountain Jim. Say, we’re mighty lucky that the old lioness didn’t attack us.”
Why didn’t she?” asked Ralph.
Dunno. There’s no accountin’ for the freaks of wild things. At one time they’d attack a[193] battleship, at another time they’ll run like cotton-tails. But I reckon this old lioness is off looking for her mate.”
And they will come back and attack us?”
That ain’t worryin’ me. We’ve got good rifles, and cougars are mostly dumb cowards anyhow.”
I hope these are,” said Ralph fervently, although I’d like a shot at one, all right.”
