"I notice neither of you mention bear meat," chuckled the elder of
the chums.
"Because it doesn't agree with us," returned Tom, and at this
allusion to their recent adventure they all laughed merrily.
In delight at the extrication from their dilemma the boys chatted
and joked as they repacked the saddle bags, unhobbled their ponies
and prepared to resume riding.
"There's only one thing that could, add to my happiness," remarked
Larry as he swung onto Lightning's back.
"What's that?" Inquired his companions.
"About a gallon of drinking water."
"I'm some thirsty, too," said Horace, "but I don't know of a place
where there is any water."
"Then we'll leave it to the horses," asserted Tom. "Mr. Wilder
told me they would always locate water if there was any about.
From the way Blackhawk acts, I think he scents some."
"Scents water!" sneered Horace.
"Just you wait and see," retorted the younger of the comrades, and
giving free rein to his pony, he let him nose along through the
grass for some distance when the animal turned abruptly and entered
the woods, stopping beside a brook.
"You'd better appoint me guide and captain of this company," smiled
the boy as they dismounted and drank greedily of the cool water.
"You'd be a fine captain without a gun," retorted Larry, and in
high spirits they remounted.
For a time the boys had the moon for company, but toward, midnight
clouds gathered in the sky and a chilly wind began to blow.
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