This confidence of the owner of the Half-Moon in his foreman was
justified, when, at the end of another hour, the men caught the
flare of a camp fire in the direction of the pool.
"Must have hurried some," asserted Snider.
But this comment elicited no other response than a quickening of
the pace.
When they were within a mile of the fire Mr. Wilder drew rein.
"You boys wait here," he commanded. "I haven't any doubt but that
it's Pete's fire. Still, it won't pay to take any chances. Snider
and I will ride ahead to reconnoiter. If we are not back within
half an hour, you'll know it's all right and can follow."
Little relishing the enforced halt, the cowboys, however, obeyed,
some of them dismounting and stretching out in the grass.
Riding a rod or so from the others, Bill, Nails and Sandy eagerly
peered through the darkness, listening intently for any sound that
should indicate danger.
The two ranch owners, being experienced in the art of scouting,
rode to the left into a roll of the plains, one crest of which shut
them off from the light. For they were aware that should they ride
in its glare they would be seen by whoever was about the fire, and
they wished to make sure it was Pete and his men at the pool before
disclosing themselves.
But their caution was unnecessary. When they had covered only a
little more than half the distance the lowing of cattle broke on
their ears.
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