"How about pitching camp pretty soon?" suggested Larry.
"Wait till we get to Elkhorn River," answered Horace".
"How far is that? I didn't suppose there was such a thing in these
plains."
"Oh, I should say it was fifteen miles from here," returned the
young rancher. "It isn't much of a river, but it's better than
none."
"Wouldn't ride fifteen--Hello! What's that glow in the sky right
next the mountains?" exclaimed Tom, pointing to where a faint glare
was visible against the dark background of trees.
"It's a fire," asserted Horace, "a camp fire. You can tell by the
steadiness of the light."
Excitedly they speculated as to whose it could be.
"If it's raiders, we want to know it. Perhaps we can round up some
of them," declared Horace.
And urging their ponies into a gallop, the boys rode forward.
When they were near enough to distinguish the flames they
dismounted, hobbled their horses in the underbrush and approached
on foot.
No sign of man or beast could they see, and their curiosity was
further aroused.
"Stoop down so your heads are In the grass," admonished Horace.
"It may be they have seen us and are hiding among the trees. Don't
make any noise and stick close together."
Crouching low, the trio advanced stealthily. Nearer and nearer
they drew, yet no sound could they hear. Consumed with curiosity,
Horace suddenly stood up, determined to learn if any one were
sleeping beside the fire.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133