The Painted Desert; A Story of Northern Arizona

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1897. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXI FAREWELL TO THE VALLEY AND OVERTAKEN BY A SAND-STORM "It was one of the neatest tricks I ever heard of I" exclaimed Todd Chalmers that evening, as he again joined his associates in Cliff Castle. "After all his boasting that Do white man, besides himself and his partner, knew of the valley, Harmer was completely staggered by it, and caved right in. I think the French and German did it as much as anything; for he evidently believes that some foreign experts have been brought to the valley, made a thorough examination, discovered the swindle, and departed. The New York experts think so too, and say it is perfectly evident to them that the claim is salted." "What do you suppose Harmer intends to do now?" asked Rick. "Haven't an idea; but he is so wild over the whole business that I don't believe he'd hesitate a moment before shooting any one whom he discovered here and thought might be in any way connected with upsetting his plans. So I think the sooner we leave the better." "That's what I think," said Rick, "and I am ready to start as soon as we have decided in which direction to go. Nanahe here has agreed, if you are willing, to go to San Francisco with me, and I want you to come too, so as to tell my father your own story. Then we can go East together, and Nanahe can go with us, if he chooses." "All right," said Todd, "I shall be glad of a chance to exchange favors; for without your aid I have no idea how I should get back to Baltimore." "Good!" rejoined Rick. "Then it only remains to be settled how we shall leave the desert. I don't care to take a back track to Oraybi; neither do I think it would be safe for Nanahe to go there just now, with both Moquis and Navajos on the lookout for him. By heading towards Holbrook we should run a fine chance of me...