If
it's for the mine, we can ride back along the plains and try out my
three trails."
"But why not follow the cattle?" interrupted Mr. Wilder.
"Because I'd rather head them off than creep up on them. The
raiders will be expecting us from behind. By riding on the prairie
we can cover ten miles to their one, which will give us time to try
out the three trails, and, when we find the right one, we can get
in ahead and block the trail."
CHAPTER XIV
ANOTHER DISCOVERY
For several minutes the ranch owners discussed the suggestion and
finally decided to act on it unless circumstances should make a
change advisable.
Having settled the matter, they rode to the fire and aroused the
sleeping cowboys, being joined a few minutes later by Bill, Sandy
and the others. Soon the men of the Half-Moon were saddling their
ponies.
"Queer we don't meet Ned anywhere," Bill exclaimed. "I see from
the bags he's been here, Pete."
"He got here all right, but he didn't like to go back very well.
Had a bad case of nerves, so he took down the white awning."
"It's just as well," returned Mr. Wilder. Then, finding that the
men were impatient to be on the move, he gave the command to start
and they rode toward the Long Creek bottoms.
When Tom and Larry awoke it was bright daylight.
"Why it's nine o'clock," exclaimed Larry in amazement as he looked
at his watch.
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