Though they dared not refuse to go, the men, however, were not
backward in expressing their disapproval of the move, declaring
that they were tempting disaster by returning when they had made so
successful a start.
But Megget paid no attention to their grumblings and soon his
companions lapsed into silence.
Fate, however, which had saved the two brothers and the young
rancher from stumbling into the ambush, was still favoring them.
For when the raiders reached the edge of the prairie Megget ordered
a halt that they might eat, and when again they resumed their ride
the boys were far on their way toward the spot where they met their
friends.
Not long did it take their pursuers to discover the place where the
three had eaten and then to find the direction in which they had
departed.
"What's the use of following any farther, Gus?" demanded one of
them. "So long as they have ridden to the south, and there are
only three of them, anyhow, we are in no danger."
But with a blind obstinacy the leader of the cattle thieves
persisted in continuing the pursuit, and set the pace at a fast
gallop.
In due course of time, as the boys before them, they discovered the
glare from the camp fire.
"We'll ride into the mountains, dismount and then find out who it
is that has the fire," declared Megget.
"You're playing with trouble, Gus," protested his companions.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138