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diff --git a/old/68995-0.txt b/old/68995-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3a9f2a6..0000000 --- a/old/68995-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7804 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Rambler Club with the Northwest -Mounted, by W. Crispin Sheppard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Rambler Club with the Northwest Mounted - -Author: W. Crispin Sheppard - -Illustrator: W. Crispin Sheppard - -Release Date: September 15, 2022 [eBook #68995] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB WITH THE -NORTHWEST MOUNTED *** - - -[Illustration: HE WAVED HIS HAND] - - - - - The Rambler Club - with the - Northwest Mounted - - BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD - - AUTHOR OF - - “THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S MOTOR CAR” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S FOOTBALL TEAM” - - Illustrated by the Author - - [Illustration] - - THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY - PHILADELPHIA - MCMXIV - - - - - COPYRIGHT - 1914 BY - THE PENN - PUBLISHING - COMPANY - - - - -Introduction - - -When Bob Somers and his four friends, of Kingswood, Wisconsin, formed -the Rambler Club they probably had little idea of the numerous and -exciting adventures which were before them. These are related in: “The -Rambler Club Afloat,” “The Rambler Club’s Winter Camp,” “The Rambler -Club in the Mountains,” “The Rambler Club on Circle T Ranch,” “The -Rambler Club Among the Lumberjacks,” “The Rambler Club’s Gold Mine,” -“The Rambler Club’s Aeroplane,” “The Rambler Club’s House-boat,” “The -Rambler Club’s Motor Car,” and “The Rambler Club’s Ball Nine.” - -The present book carries them to the great Northwest Territories, -patrolled by that famous body of men known as the Royal Northwest -Mounted Police. Their intention was to camp out, to see the country, -and to meet their old-time friend, Jed Warren, of Circle T Ranch, -Wyoming, who had become a member of the force. The lads’ plans, -however, are thoroughly disarranged at the start by an unwelcome -surprise, and their energies are immediately turned into other -channels. They do see a great deal of the country, and are also mixed -up with some of the affairs of the “riders of the plains.” In a great -measure this is brought about through the agency of big blond Larry -Burnham; and the astonishing events which follow an apparently trivial -occurrence surprise the lads as much as they do the Royal Northwest -Mounted. - -In “The Rambler Club’s Football Eleven” is told the interesting -experiences of the club at the Wentworth Preparatory School. Here, -again, many unexpected things take place. - - W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD. - - - - -Contents - - - I. AT THE BARRACKS 9 - - II. “WHERE IS JED WARREN?” 22 - - III. TEDDY BANES 39 - - IV. IN THE SADDLE 49 - - V. THE INDIAN VILLAGE 62 - - VI. BILLY ASHE 78 - - VII. THE FIRST CAMP 90 - - VIII. THE STAMPEDE 105 - - IX. LARRY HAS A PLAN 117 - - X. FOOL’S CASTLE 126 - - XI. THE RIDER 136 - - XII. TOM FOLLOWS 145 - - XIII. SMUGGLERS 157 - - XIV. LARRY’S COURAGE 167 - - XV. CAPTURED 178 - - XVI. THE LOADED WAGON 188 - - XVII. THE WHOLE CROWD 199 - - XVIII. ASKING QUESTIONS 209 - - XIX. BOB RIDES ALONE 219 - - XX. THE RANCH-HOUSE 235 - - XXI. LOST 251 - - XXII. A CRY FOR HELP 262 - - XXIII. BILLY ASHE IS DISAPPOINTED 270 - - XXIV. THE PRISONER 281 - - XXV. EVERYBODY HAPPY 299 - - XXVI. FACING THE SERGEANT 303 - - - - -Illustrations - - - PAGE - - “SORRY YOU’RE GOING SO SOON, BOYS” _Frontispiece_ - - “HOW DO YOU DO?” 67 - - “GOOD LUCK, OLD BOY” 147 - - THE WHOLE CROWD WAS THERE 203 - - HE LOOKED UP AT THE MAN 273 - - - - -The Rambler Club Among the Northwest Mounted - - - - -CHAPTER I - -AT THE BARRACKS - - -Sergeant Jarvis Erskine of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, -stationed at a lonely outpost barracks, was hard at work on his -headquarters’ report. Occasionally the sergeant, a tall, spare man -with a military bearing, stopped to stroke his iron-gray moustache, -while a serious expression now and again seemed to creep into his keen, -deep-set eyes. He glanced toward his lone companion, Teddy Banes, a -half-breed, who sat so motionless in a shadowed corner of the room as -to give the impression that he was enjoying a doze. - -Teddy Banes, often employed by the police as a trail-breaker and scout, -had on many occasions rendered valuable assistance to the “riders of -the plains.” And though his sullen, morose nature prevented him from -being a favorite, he possessed the confidence and esteem of the men at -the post. - -“Banes,” exclaimed Sergeant Erskine, finally breaking the monotonous -silence which the ticking of the clock and the rustling of the breeze -had served to render oppressive, “I’m afraid this is bad business.” -With his pen half poised in the air, he turned once more to the -half-breed, his eyes running over the long, lean form huddled up in the -chair. “I say this is bad business,” repeated the sergeant, in a louder -key. “One of the most promising young men on the force! I don’t like to -think it, but----” - -For the first time, Teddy Banes stirred, shifting his position so that -the light fell full across his swarthy, large-featured face and long -black hair. - -“Yes, a bad business, sergeant,” he echoed. “He gone. No one ever see -him more. He--what you call him--deserter.” - -The palm of the sergeant’s hand came down upon his desk with a bang. - -“Aye! It looks that way, man. And a fine, well-built chap he was, too.” - -“Bad man scare him, maybe,” said the half-breed, sinking back into his -former position. - -“Jed Warren didn’t look like a chap who could be easily frightened,” -answered Erskine, with a negative shake of his head. “It’s a most -unfortunate affair--a mystery that the Northwest Mounted Police are -going to solve in mighty short order.” - -The explosive force with which the sergeant uttered these words seemed -to have the effect of jerking Teddy Banes to his feet. He began to pace -slowly to and fro, his gaunt shadow trailing fantastically over the -floor and walls of the sturdy log cabin. - -“He is not the first who has crossed the United States border and never -come back,” he exclaimed, “and----” - -“Aye, that’s so,” agreed the military-looking sergeant, “but, somehow, -I can’t believe it of Warren. He should have reported here at least a -week ago.” - -“For sure,” grunted Banes. - -“Of course a good many things could happen to a trooper in a vast -country like this, but a man of his intelligence ought certainly to -have been able to get some word to the post.” - -Teddy Banes came to a halt in front of one of the windows and gazed -reflectively out into the black, gloomy night. Borne over the air, -blending in with the sighing breeze and faint whisperings of grasses -and leaves, came the musical chirping of crickets, or the occasional -cry of some nocturnal bird. - -“Guess we never know,” he said, laconically. - -Sergeant Erskine made no reply, but an uplifting of his eyebrows and -a sudden tightening of his lips indicated that he did not agree with -Teddy Banes’ views. - -For fully ten minutes neither man spoke. Then the sergeant looked -toward the half-breed, who had resumed his place in the chair. “Banes,” -he said, abruptly, “what in thunder is the matter with you?” - -“Matter with me!” echoed Teddy. “What you mean?” - -“Why don’t you say something, instead of sitting there like a bronze -statue?” - -“Me?--I got nothings to say.” - -“What are you thinking about, then?” - -“What I think about?” - -“Yes. I can’t stand a man sitting around looking into space. It gets on -my nerves. But if you’re trying to think out a solution of this little -affair I’ll forgive you.” The sergeant, having finished his report, -rose to his feet and strode across the floor, his tall, erect form -coming to a halt before the half-breed. “Teddy,” he said, “you’ve done -some pretty good work for the police, and in the job that’s ahead of us -you must do your share.” - -“Why for you ask that, sergeant?” queried the other. The monotonous -tone of his voice rose slightly. “Always I work hard for the police. Me -the best frien’ they have; they the best frien’s I have.” - -“Correct,” answered the sergeant, with a short laugh. - -A strict disciplinarian, Sergeant Jarvis Erskine, a man whom all -his subordinates highly respected and liked, yet feared, had always -treated the scout with a consideration which often excited the envy and -wonder of the troopers at the post; and while his stern presence and -penetrating voice may have sometimes awed them it never seemed to have -that effect upon the imperturbable, sullen Teddy Banes. - -The officer turned on his heel and opened the door, to let a flood of -light pour out for a short distance over the ground. To his left he saw -the men’s quarters, still illuminated, and faintly heard the sound of -their voices. A dim yellow beam shone from one of the stable windows, -but beyond and on all sides contours and forms were lost in the -darkness of the night. The pine-clad hill to the north might as well -have been a part of the sky for all that could be seen of its bold, -rugged sides, which dropped abruptly to the plain. Between the rifts of -cloud, now beginning to break away, a few stars beamed brightly upon -the earth. - -To the grizzled and seasoned veteran of the Royal Mounted Police the -uninspiring sight made no impression, and the sudden and peculiar -manner with which he stepped outside the door was not caused by any -phenomenon of nature. - -“Banes,” he called sharply, “come here!” - -The lethargic movements of the scout seemed suddenly to desert him. A -few long strides took him to the officer’s side. - -“Banes”--the sergeant spoke with curious intensity--“listen!” - -“Ah, you have hear something, sergeant?” - -“Yes--most assuredly,” answered Erskine. “All the men are at quarters, -yet that thick blackness out there hides either one man or several. -Perhaps Jed Warren is----” - -“No, me think not,” interrupted Banes. “For sure he crossed the line. -No--never see him more.” - -The half-breed paused, for his keen ears had suddenly detected the -sound of human voices. True they were so faint and partly swallowed -up in the breeze that only a man whose ears were trained by long -experience would have noticed them. - -“They were louder than that before, Banes,” exclaimed the sergeant. - -“Wonder who it be?” - -“Evidently some one who isn’t afraid of traveling on a dark night.” - -“They come this way, I think.” - -“I only hope it’s Jed Warren, or some one with a message from him. -This is not quite the hour for receiving visitors.” Erskine chuckled -audibly. “Still, my suspicions are always roused when men pass by the -brightly-lighted barracks of the police without stopping in to say -howdy-do.” - -“Yes; for they sure come this way,” said Teddy Banes. “One, two, -three--four, maybe.” - -“Yes; and mounted, as every respectable man ought to be in a country -like this. I’ll stake my month’s pay I heard the neigh of a horse.” - -“For sure. I hear him, too.” - -Straining all their faculties the two stepped from the bright light -which issued from the open door and windows into the gloom beyond. For -some time neither uttered a sound. But, at length, as the voices which -had so aroused their curiosity were no longer heard, Sergeant Erskine -spoke up: - -“I’ve a good mind to saddle my horse and take a run out on the prairie.” - -The half-breed grunted a monosyllable. - -“Since Jed Warren’s unaccountable disappearance,” went on the sergeant, -“I am more particular than ever to look over every one who passes this -way.” - -“You take lantern then, I s’pose?” said Teddy Banes, a touch of sarcasm -in his tone. - -The sergeant laughed dryly. - -“Quite good, Banes,” he said. “Ah! Did you hear that?” - -“Certain I hear him,” answered the half-breed. - -“I reckon you are right, Banes. They seem to be headed this way. From -the prairie these barracks must shine like a constellation.” - -“Nobody could miss him but one who wants to,” remarked Teddy, sagely. - -“I’m still hoping Jed Warren may be among that party.” - -“No--no!” - -“What makes you so confounded sure about it, Banes? Why in thunder do -you always insist he’s a deserter?” - -“Why?” echoed Teddy, sharply. “How many times you say same thing?” - -“Well, suppose I have? I won’t believe it until it’s proved. Guess it -isn’t necessary to saddle up, Banes. That bunch out there is coming -nearer every minute.” - -The sound of voices was certainly growing louder, while occasionally -the hoof-beats of horses easily overcame the whisperings and sighings -of nature. - -For a long time no visitors had been at the post. Now and again a ranch -owner or some of his men stopped in to while away a few hours at the -barracks; and all received a generous welcome at the lonely outpost -station, where the police sometimes grew tired of always seeing only -one another’s faces. - -Within a short time the noise made by the advancing riders grew to -such proportions that several troopers hurried out of the mess room -to join their commanding officer. And the rays of light which flashed -across their forms showed them to be strong, athletic-looking chaps who -carried themselves as erect as any soldiers in the Dominion. - -It was quite evident that all were full of curiosity, even eagerness, -to let their eyes rest upon the newcomers; and the steady progress with -which the latter were now approaching made it quite certain that their -wishes would soon be gratified. - -“It sounds like a pretty big crowd,” remarked Trooper Farr to Jack -Stanford. - -“’Tain’t often around here that so many’s travelin’ together.” - -“Maybe they’re from Cummin’s ranch, to tell us the cattle rustlers have -done a couple more jobs,” said Stanford. - -“Or perhaps Jed Warren has rounded up that band of smugglers he was -after an’ is bringin’ ’em in single-handed,” laughed Phil Cole. - -Several minutes passed while the men busily conjectured and theorized. -Then, from out of the shadows, there appeared a number of dusky patches -so blended and lost in the surrounding darkness that only the sharpest -eyes could have detected the forms of horses and riders. - -“Stanford,” commanded Sergeant Erskine, “go back to the mess room, get -a lantern and hurry down to the gate. Those chaps are going to miss -it by more than a few yards; and we won’t ask ’em to hurdle over the -fence.” - -“If Stanford isn’t quick they may ride into it and bump their noses,” -said Cole, pleasantly. - -Stanford was quick, however. He almost immediately returned with a -lighted lantern, which sent curious streaks and dashes of yellow rays -darting in all directions, then, followed by Trooper Farr, walked -rapidly toward the gate. - -Sergeant Erskine and the others waited and watched with the keenest -interest. - -Suddenly they heard a loud hail from the distance and an answering -salutation from Stanford. - -It was quite the most unusual event which had happened at the post for -several months; and those standing close to the barracks experienced a -feeling of satisfaction when they heard the gate beginning to creak. - -And now from the direction of the swinging lantern came the sound -of clear, lusty voices, with the heavier tones of Stanford and Farr -joining in. - -It soon became evident from bits of conversation which were carried -crisply over the air that the visitors had not stumbled accidentally -upon police headquarters. Even Sergeant Erskine, whose stern exterior -seldom reflected emotion of any sort, felt a rather curious thrill when -he heard Jed Warren’s name pronounced by various voices. - -“Ah, Banes, I reckon we’re going to have some news from him after all,” -he remarked. - -The half-breed made no answer. All the intensity of his small black -eyes was fixed in the direction of the gate, where the body of horsemen -were now filing in. On they came, galloping across the grounds with an -abandon that showed them to be skilful riders. - -An instant later the friendly lights of the barracks plucked forms and -faces from the obscurity. And even Sergeant Erskine allowed a slight -gasp of surprise to escape him when he noted that the travelers, -instead of being the troop of hardy men he had expected to see, were -but a healthy-looking lot of lads. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -“WHERE IS JED WARREN?” - - -“Is Sergeant Erskine of the Royal Mounted Police here?” - -All the boys had swung from the saddle, and one of their number, -advancing toward the grinning and astonished members of the police, had -asked the question. - -“Great Scott!” murmured Cole. “What does this mean?--a lot o’ kids!” - -“I am Sergeant Erskine,” answered the officer. His eyes ran over his -questioner, taking in every detail of the well-set, sturdy figure which -stood before him. “Who are you, and where do you come from?” - -A very tall lad, looming up behind the first speaker, took it upon -himself to answer. - -“We’re the Rambler Club of Wisconsin,” he said, in a tone which seemed -to indicate that he felt this announcement ought to create an enormous -sensation. - -“The Rambler Club of Wisconsin!” exclaimed Sergeant Erskine, while -several loud guffaws came from his men. “Who are they?” - -“My name is Bob Somers,” began the lad who had spoken first, “and----” - -“Bob Somers!” interrupted Sergeant Erskine. “Well--a light breaks in -upon me, as the fellow in the only play I ever saw remarked. If I -haven’t heard Jed Warren mention your name about fifty times I won’t -take the next furlough that’s coming to me.” - -“What’s this we hear about Jed Warren having disappeared?” demanded the -tall lad, abruptly. - -“Yes, I know all about you chaps now,” said Erskine, without heeding -this remark. “You boys exchanged a lot of letters with Jed. He told me -he’d asked you to come out.” - -“And we’re here,” said the tall member of the group. - -“Said you could have lots of fun in the Northwest Territories camping -out, hobnobbing with an occasional policeman or ranch owner.” - -“And perhaps incidentally rounding up a bunch of smugglers or cattle -rustlers,” snickered Farr. - -“Hey?” said the big boy, quite fiercely. - -“Well, Ramblers,” continued the sergeant, “I’m sorry you came all this -way to meet with disappointment. Your friend is not here, and we don’t -know when he will be.” - -A chorus of remarks and questions which immediately began to flow from -the lads was cut short by a wave of Sergeant Erskine’s big hand. - -“Easy, boys, easy,” he counseled. Then, turning to Farr, he asked: -“Who’s on stable duty to-night?” - -“Stephen Stevens, sir,” answered the trooper. - -“Well, tell him to take charge of the horses. Now, boys,” he added, -“come inside. I suppose you must be pretty tired. How long have you -been in the saddle?” - -“Ever since early this morning,” answered the tall Rambler. “Tired! Oh, -I guess not. I’m good for another twenty mile jaunt. You see we’re used -to this sort of thing, and----” - -“Tom Clifton is the greatest fellow that ever happened outside the -covers of a story book,” came in a drawling voice from some one. -“Never gets tired; never gets sleepy. He could look a grizzly bear in -the face without even winking. It’s a wonder to me that----” - -“Oh, cut it all out, Larry Burnham,” snapped the other. “I wasn’t born -lazy, for one thing. Are we coming in? Yes, sergeant; right away.” - -As they fell in behind Erskine’s tall, erect figure the troopers led -their tired mounts toward the stables. - -On two sides of the barracks were long benches, and upon these six lads -were soon seated comfortably. - -“Sergeant Erskine,” began Bob Somers, “we’ve heard a good deal about -you from Jed. Now I’ll introduce the crowd.” - -The “crowd” promptly stood up, while Bob Somers, with a wave of his -hand toward each, in a delightfully informal fashion, made known their -names. - -“Dave Brandon,” he said, indicating a stout, round-faced lad; “Tom -Clifton”--his hand dropped on the tall boy’s wrist; “Sam Randall; Dick -Travers, and Larry Burnham.” - -“Last and least,” murmured Tom, sotto voce. - -“A most promising football player,” went on Bob, “who thought he’d like -to take a little jaunt out to the Northwest Territories with us.” - -“That’s putting it pretty mild, Bob,” snickered Tom Clifton. “If Larry -didn’t coax and plead to come along I’ll----” - -“Just listen to the little story-book hero!” growled Larry, in accents -of disgust. “It’s a wonder I ever got his permission, I’m sure.” - -“See here, fellows,” interposed Bob Somers, “we haven’t found out yet -why Jed isn’t here.” - -“That’s so,” cried Tom. “Those chaps who met us at the gate didn’t say -very much, but what they did say sounded kind of queer.” - -“I should sort o’ think it did,” agreed Larry Burnham. - -All the boys had reseated themselves except the latter; and, as the -sergeant’s eyes rested on his six feet of solid bone and muscle, he -thought to himself that, for physique, he had never seen a better -specimen than the blond youth before him. But he also noticed a -curious droop in Larry’s mouth and a generally dissatisfied expression -on his face which seemed to indicate that the “promising football -player” might not be a very pleasant companion to have around. - -“I say, sergeant, where is Jed Warren?” inquired Tom Clifton, who -possessed a remarkably gruff voice. - -“He gone, an’ no one ever see him more,” exclaimed Teddy Banes, -abruptly. - -“Gone!--gone from the post?” gasped Tom Clifton. “What in thunder do -you mean? Why, we got a letter from Jed just a short time ago telling -us what a dandy time we could have out here!” - -“Perhaps Sergeant Erskine will be willing to explain,” interposed -Dave Brandon, who, with his eyes half shut, was leaning in a most -comfortable position against the wall. - -“Not the least objection, I’m sure,” answered Erskine, drawing a chair -up before the group and seating himself. “You see, quite recently -a slick band of smugglers has begun operations in this part of the -country, and though we’ve been pretty hot on their trail at times, -somehow they’ve always managed to elude us. Banes knows all about it, -don’t you, Banes?” - -“Eh--what you mean?” demanded Banes, coming a step forward, his morose, -bronzed face turned full upon his questioner. - -“What I say,” laughed Erskine. “I guess you’ll get mixed up in a tussle -with them yet, Banes. But I can see by your faces, boys, that you’re in -suspense. So here’s the story.” - -“Please do let us have it fast,” said Tom. - -“I will, son. Jed Warren was sent off on a special assignment to trace -up several clues which we felt certain would finally land the smugglers -in our net.” - -“Well?” queried Tom. - -“He had strict orders to report on a certain date. And that date was -passed more than a week ago.” - -“Gee whiz!” exclaimed Tom. - -“I suppose, sergeant, you’ve sent out men to look for him?” drawled -Dave Brandon. - -“Your supposition is quite correct,” answered Erskine. “We have means -of tracing people, and our men kept on Warren’s trail until a certain -point was reached. Then--well--the man was nowhere to be found--he had -vanished.” - -“Some accident must have happened to him,” exclaimed Sam Randall. “We -met Jed on the plains of Wyoming, and you couldn’t find a straighter, -squarer fellow than he.” - -“I’ll subscribe to that,” put in Bob Somers. - -“When anybody says anything good about Jed Warren I’ll agree to it,” -remarked Dick Travers. - -“Never having seen the hero I can’t say,” drawled Larry Burnham, with -a sidelong glance at Tom. “But I’ve heard enough about him to make me -think he’s a wonder.” - -“You’re as sour as you are big,” growled Tom. - -“Go on, sergeant; please finish your story,” pleaded Dick Travers. - -“I don’t know about any accident happening to Warren,” resumed the -sergeant, “for we pretty soon struck a clue which makes things look bad -for him.” - -“What!--How?” cried Tom Clifton, springing to his feet. - -A ripple of exclamations came from the others. Sergeant Erskine -surveyed them gravely. - -“Just this: his horse was recovered on the other side of the -international border. It had evidently been turned loose. What do you -make out of that?” - -“Never see him more,” exclaimed Teddy Banes. - -“You mean to say that Jed--Jed Warren--is a deserter?” demanded Bob -Somers, incredulously. - -“We let the facts speak for themselves,” answered Erskine. “If you were -not such particular friends of his I might tell you that the Mounted -Police are not accustomed to discuss their affairs with strangers, -but----” - -“Of course we understand,” said Dave Brandon. - -“What are the facts? Just these: It takes a man of resourcefulness -and iron nerve to work on the kind of a case we put into Jed Warren’s -hands.” - -“Jed has both,” broke in Tom Clifton. - -The sergeant inclined his head, then resumed: - -“At any rate, we have reliable evidence that your friend was last seen -near the international boundary line. The next piece of information -which came to us is the declaration of a border patrol who says Warren -told him he was disgusted with the job.” - -“I can’t believe Jed Warren is a deserter!” fairly exploded Tom -Clifton. His eyes were flashing. “It’s all ridiculous!” - -“Don’t get excited, Tom,” counseled Larry Burnham. - -“Why do you think for an instant he’d have asked us to come out here if -he intended to desert?” - -“Perhaps you will give us your views on the subject,” said Sergeant -Erskine, with a quizzical light in his eye. - -“Do, Tom; let’s have ’em,” drawled Larry. - -“All I’ve got to say is this,” declared Tom, hotly: “that no one could -ever get me to believe Jed Warren is that sort of a chap--no sir!” - -“You wrong, then,” interrupted Teddy Banes. “Bah! You know nothings.” - -The tall lad turned upon him wrathfully. - -“And what do you know?” he demanded. - -“What I know? You ask him.” The half-breed’s bony finger was pointed -directly at Erskine. - -“Teddy Banes is one of the best scouts the police ever employed,” -explained the sergeant. “The coyote hasn’t much on him when it comes -to following trails. When he thinks a man has crossed the border -line I’m pretty well satisfied he has; and Banes”--Erskine paused -impressively--“says he doesn’t see how the evidence could mean anything -else.” - -“Goodness gracious! It seems to me we’re always running into some sort -of a mystery,” sighed the stout boy, whose eyes were now wide open. - -“That’s so. When we’re around something is always happening,” said Dick -Travers. - -“And, from what Tom Clifton says, I should judge the Rambler Club is -one of the greatest mystery-solving organizations in America,” gurgled -Larry Burnham. - -“Oh, but you do make me tired, Larry,” burst out Tom, darting an angry -look at the big blond boy. “But I can tell you this”--he stopped an -instant to give his words added effect--“we came up in Canada to camp -out, and to see the country; but I vote that we get busy on this case, -and--and--help to solve it.” - -To Tom’s intense indignation, the usually quiet and undemonstrative -Larry began to roar with laughter. He slapped his knees, poked Dave -Brandon violently in the ribs, and ended up his outburst by slapping -Dick Travers on the shoulder. - -“I thought so; I thought so!” he cried. “Think of his nerve, -fellows--talking that way before an officer of the Royal Mounted -Police! If they can’t solve the mystery Tom’ll do it for ’em. Now I -sort o’ think the sergeant ought to be pleased.” - -“Oh, get out!” scoffed Tom, a trifle disconcerted to find the stern, -deep-set eyes of Sergeant Erskine leveled full upon him. “Do you -suppose we’re going to sit around and do nothing while Jed is suspected -of being a deserter? Well, I guess not!” - -“What you do?” demanded Banes, with a guttural laugh. - -“You’ll find out one of these days,” answered Tom. - -The sergeant’s eyes were beginning to twinkle. - -“I had no idea we were to receive a visit from so highly trained a -body,” he remarked, with a tinge of sarcasm in his tones. “Candidly, my -curiosity’s aroused: tell me something about yourselves, and how you -were able to find your way to our barracks on a dark night like this.” - -“Dave Brandon is our historian,” laughed Bob. “Speak up, Dave, and -oblige the sergeant.” - -Dave protested; he tried to pass along the honor. But, by unanimous -vote, the others overruled him. So the “historian,” with a sigh, began. - -It was quite a long story that Sergeant Erskine heard, and frequently a -slight smile played about his mouth. At times he asked questions, too, -which brought a snapping light into Tom Clifton’s eyes, for they seemed -to indicate doubt on the part of the speaker. - -“Well, well,” he exclaimed finally, leaning back in his chair and -fumbling a heavy watch fob which hung from his pocket. “’Pon my word, -it’s quite remarkable! What do you think of it, Banes?” - -“Not much. I think nothings of it,” answered the half-breed, surlily. -“It is like the big wind in the trees which makes a noise and nothing -more.” - -Erskine came as near to laughing as he ever did, while Larry Burnham -immediately went into another paroxysm of mirth. - -“A corking good simile,” he exclaimed. “How about it, Tom? For -goodness’ sake, don’t look so mad.” - -“Who’s mad?” sneered Tom. - -“You mustn’t mind Teddy Banes,” said Sergeant Erskine. “He generally -speaks his mind pretty freely. So you steered your way here by the aid -of maps and a compass, eh?” - -“But it was only by good luck that we managed to hit it right,” -remarked Dave, modestly. - -“Our field-glass helped some, too,” supplemented Bob. “You see, we -reached the summit of a hill--it was a mighty long way from here, too; -but the instrument obligingly picked out these lights.” - -“So we guessed they must come from either a ranch-house or a barracks,” -finished Tom. - -“An’ it wasn’t any easy job to keep steerin’ in the right direction,” -interposed Larry Burnham. “We got mixed up so often that I began to -think we were in for another little snooze under the stars.” - -“Well, boys, you’re all right,” said Erskine, heartily. “I can see that -your outdoor life has made you self-reliant, anyway. There’s plenty of -room for you over in the men’s quarters, so I invite the crowd to stay.” - -“An’ I sort o’ think we’ll accept,” drawled Larry. “Outdoor life may -make a chap self-reliant, but it can also give him a confounded lot of -aches an’ pains.” - -“Humph!” sniffed Tom, “you’re not seasoned yet.” - -“I’m seasoned enough to get pretty hot at times,” growled Larry. - -“How long you stay here?” demanded Teddy Banes, suddenly. - -“We won’t get back over the boundary line until this Jed Warren affair -is settled,” answered Tom, firmly. - -“Bah! You can do nothings. It makes me laugh.” - -“Well, laugh, then,” retorted Tom. “I guess we won’t mind.” - -“It seems pretty certain that I shall have to do some more writing in -that book of mine,” Dave Brandon was saying to Bob Somers. - -“And I guess that means another serial for the Kingswood High School -‘Reflector,’” said Larry Burnham. “What’s that, sergeant--do we want -a bite to eat? No, thanks. We’ve had our canned goods, salt pork and -other delicacies.” - -“And I’m uncommonly glad to have found a good place to rest,” said -Dave. “A thousand thanks, sergeant.” - -Erskine nodded. - -“You’re more than welcome,” he said. He turned toward Sam Randall, who -had asked a question in regard to the duties and work of the Royal -Northwest Mounted Police. “Yes; I don’t mind telling you something -about it,” he answered. - -Erskine was so disarmed by the liveliness and hearty good spirits of -the crowd that his usually severe and frigid demeanor unconsciously -slipped away. - -So the boys soon learned many interesting things about the hardships -and dangers which often confront the police. As Dave said, it was -very delightful to sit in the comfortable barracks and listen to tales -which often thrilled. Each member of the group, however, would have -felt a great deal more lighthearted but for their disappointment at -not meeting Jed Warren and the added feeling of apprehension which his -strange absence caused. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -TEDDY BANES - - -After their many hours in the saddle the lads spent a comfortable -night in the men’s quarters. True, Dave Brandon and Larry Burnham were -the only ones fortunate enough to have bunks; but the other “seasoned -veterans of mountains and plains,” as Larry facetiously dubbed them, -rolled themselves up in blankets and slept as soundly as though in -their own bedrooms at home. - -On the following morning all were astir soon after the beams of light -from the rising sun began to trace their cheerful course over the -somber walls. They met two other troopers besides Stanford, Farr and -Cole, and each declared himself heartily pleased to see the visitors. - -“I hope to thunder you’re going to hang around here for a while, boys,” -said Stanford, as they all sat at a long table in the mess room eating -breakfast. - -“Can’t,” answered Tom Clifton, laconically. - -“Why not?” - -“Well, you see, we’ve got to hunt for Jed Warren.” - -“Tom is bound to give some pointers to the Mounted Police,” remarked -Larry, with his usual drawl. - -“Don’t try to be funny,” snapped Tom. - -“You’re the only one around here that’s funny,” said the “promising -football player,” with conviction. - -“It’s too early in the morning to start scrapping, fellows,” laughed -Dave. “What’s the program for to-day, Bob?” - -“Of course I agree with Larry that it’s all nonsense for us to expect -to beat the police at their own game,” began Bob. “Still----” - -“Still what?” interposed Tom, with a toss of his head. - -“Sergeant Erskine was good enough to tell me the direction in which Jed -was going. He gave me a lot of other clues, too, which may help us to -follow him up.” - -“I knew you’d agree with my plan!” cried Tom, enthusiastically. - -“His plan!” snickered Larry. - -“Well, I’ll leave it to the crowd: didn’t I tell Sergeant Erskine last -night----” - -“Oh, yes--that the bunch was going to solve the mystery,” jeered Larry. - -“Wouldn’t make us jealous a bit if you did, I’m sure,” said Stephen -Stevens, with a hearty laugh. “Poor old Jed! He seemed to be a pretty -good sort. For my part, I don’t believe a word of all this yawp about -his deserting.” - -“Can’t say I like the way his nag was found, though,” said Cole, -shaking his head. - -“Nor me, either,” admitted Farr. - -“And Warren was certainly too good a rider to get thrown,” came from -Stanford. - -“I’m afraid Jed may have met with some serious accident,” said Sam -Randall, thoughtfully. “I do wish to thunder all this hadn’t happened. -We were going to have such dandy fun camping out.” - -“I’ve got an idea that Jed’s all right,” insisted Tom, stoutly. “Say, -fellows, what do you think? The sarge told me last night----” - -From the tone of his voice one might have supposed that Tom and the -sergeant had become the greatest of cronies. - -“What?” asked Dick Travers. - -“Jed’s a Canadian.” - -“Get out!” cried Sam Randall. - -“It’s a fact. Any of you chaps ever ask him where he came from?” - -The noes had it unanimously. - -“I knew it,” grinned Tom. “When we met Jed at Circle T Ranch in Wyoming -I always thought he was an out and out bona fide American cowboy. Gee! -A chap can’t be sure about anything--can he?” - -“You seem to be sure about everything,” chirped Larry. - -“I certainly am sure about your being the laziest fellow who ever -traveled with our crowd,” retorted Tom, witheringly. “Say, Bob, let’s -hurry up. You see, if----” - -Tom suddenly stopped, for the faint sound of a footstep just outside -reached his ears; and, on looking up, he saw a lean, muscular form -suddenly appear in the doorway, a proceeding which threw a long, gaunt -shadow over the floor. - -As the rosy morning light played across it, Teddy Banes’ swarthy face -suggested a head of bronze. - -Tom Clifton was not at all pleased. He had taken a great dislike to -the half-breed, and, somehow, felt it was cordially returned. The -man’s sullen demeanor, a peculiar glint in his eyes, and his apparent -contempt for the club inspired Tom with indignation. - -“Good-morning,” saluted Bob Somers. - -“Mornin’,” responded Teddy Banes, slipping upon his seat by the table. -“How soon you go away?” - -“Right after breakfast,” answered Bob. - -“Back to States, eh?” - -“Back to the States nothing,” sniffed Tom. - -“Why? What you do, then?” inquired Banes, fixing his dark eyes intently -upon him. - -“Don’t you worry.” - -“What you mean?” - -“That our crowd doesn’t intend to get away from Canada until we’ve -learned what happened to Jed Warren--that’s what I mean.” - -“I certainly shouldn’t like to,” said Bob, thoughtfully. - -“Shouldn’t like to! Well, for my part, I won’t!” cried Tom, -emphatically. - -His hand came down on the table with sufficient force to rattle the -dishes. - -“If necessary I suppose you’ll clear it all up alone,” teased Larry, -winking in the direction of Farr. - -The opportune appearance of the cook to serve the half-breed probably -prevented a lively wrangle between the two, for the crushing retort -which Tom was about to utter remained unspoken. - -“One thing I tells you,” remarked Banes; “in a big country like this -you boys get lost--starve, maybe.” - -“Just listen to him,” said Tom, disgustedly. “Lost!--Starve! It shows -just how much you know about us, Mr. Teddy Banes. Our crowd has -traveled a lot and been in some pretty tight places--yes, sir. We know -enough to keep out of any very bad mess.” - -“Many bad mens around here--smugglers--cattle rustlers,” continued -Banes. “They shoot, maybe--shoot to kill. You laugh! Ah! You think it -is nothings! Ask Stanford; ask Cole. Listen!”--The half-breed raised -a large brown finger in the air. “Much dangerous, I tell you again. -Warren a brave man, yet he get scared; yes--so scared he desert.” - -“No such thing!” stormed Tom. - -“An’ I say yes. Better go, or maybe you never see home again.” - -“That sounds interesting,” exclaimed Larry Burnham. “But in this -confounded big country it wouldn’t be such a hard matter to get lost, -as he says, Tom. An’ who knows but some of the chaps we’d meet might be -pretty rough characters?” - -“Oh, if you’re getting frightened,” began Tom. - -“No, I’m not getting frightened, but talking common sense. Suppose we -couldn’t find water? Or suppose, for instance----” - -“Oh, for goodness’ sake, don’t suppose any more. Fellows, let’s escort -Larry over to the nearest railroad station and see him safely aboard,” -said Tom, so disgusted that a hot flush mantled his cheek. “We don’t -want any pullbacks or kickers in this crowd.” - -“What’s the use of jawing so much?” put in Sam Randall. “Larry doesn’t -want to back out.” - -“You chaps look as if you were able to take care of yourselves,” said -Farr, “and there isn’t much danger as long as you don’t wander too far -away from the settlements or Indian villages. But as for your finding -out anything about Jed Warren!”--he laughed--“sounds rather like a joke -to me.” - -“I sort o’ think it does,” drawled Larry. - -“Your sort of thinks make me smile,” grumbled Tom. - -“I believe in action--not words,” laughed Dave Brandon. “Wake me up, -fellows, when it’s time to start.” - -“It’s time now,” cried Dick Travers, jumping to his feet. “Let’s saddle -up, boys, and hit the trail.” - -“Where for?” asked one of the troopers. - -“Sergeant Erskine told me there is a Cree village a good many miles to -the northwest of here,” answered Bob Somers, “and as he said Jed Warren -passed that way we thought we’d take it in and interview the chief.” - -“Indians!” mused Larry, reflectively. - -“Oh, you needn’t be afraid, son,” laughed Cole. “There isn’t anything -fierce or warlike about ’em; though years ago, before the herds of -buffalo had given place to long-horned cattle, they used to have some -fierce mix-ups with the Sioux and Blackfeet.” - -“I’ll be little Fear-not, with Tom Clifton along,” laughed Larry. - -“In a couple of days you no more talk like that,” grumbled Teddy Banes. -“I start for village this morning. We go together.” - -This information had the effect of putting Tom in a very bad humor -indeed. He wanted to get away from the sight of Teddy Banes’ sullen -face; and to feel that he was going to have his company all day put -a very frowning expression on his face. He was almost on the point -of objecting, but, seeing that the announcement had no effect on his -companions, refrained. - -By the time the crowd had bidden Sergeant Erskine good-bye Stephen -Stevens had the horses saddled and bridled. He saw to it, too, that the -saddle bags were well filled. - -The men who wore the scarlet jackets gathered around, as the horses, -refreshed by rest and food, impatiently pawed the ground, or sought to -pull away from restraining hands. - -“Sorry you’re going so soon, boys,” said Farr. “Before leaving the -country be sure to drop in and see us again.” - -“You can just bet we will--and perhaps we’ll bring some news, too,” -cried Tom, swinging into the saddle. “So-long, sergeant!” He waved his -hand as the commanding figure of Erskine appeared at the headquarters -door. “Whoop! Come on, fellows. The search begins.” - -With farewells flung over their shoulders, the six riders galloped -away, leaving the sullen, morose-looking Teddy Banes to follow at his -leisure. - -“Bah!” exclaimed the latter to Cole. “Make me sick. Why for you not -tell them to go away?” - -“Because I didn’t choose to,” laughed the other. “Besides, I reckon a -few days traveling about with not a soul in sight but themselves will -cure ’em of any hankerin’ to stay.” - -“For sure. They go, an’ never come back,” agreed Banes. - -And, with a surly nod which took in the entire group, he gave his reins -a jerk, in obedience to which his brown and white-patched horse began -to pound swiftly toward the gate. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -IN THE SADDLE - - -Once out of sight of the police barracks Larry Burnham began to -question the wisdom of his course in accompanying the Ramblers to the -Northwest Territories. It was a very different matter, he reflected, to -sit in an easy chair and read about the kind of experiences they were -having than it was to be an actual participant in them. Every bone and -muscle in his big frame voiced a protest to the strain he had put on -them the day before. Then, too, they had had so many difficulties in -finding the way that the warnings of Teddy Banes began to be forced -unpleasantly on his mind. - -Suppose they did get lost? Suppose their canteens were emptied while -they were in the midst of a wild and trackless country far from any -streams or lakes?--what then? And, worst of all, suppose ill-fortune -did throw them in the path of smugglers or other dangerous characters? - -The big blond football player didn’t like to think about these things. -But, in spite of his efforts, he often found his mind going over and -over such unpleasant possibilities. - -“It strikes me as foolish business,” he murmured. “Then, Tom Clifton -always jumping on me is a trifle more’n I care to stand.” - -The sound of a horse’s hoofs rising above the steady patter of the -cavalcade caused him to look around. - -Teddy Banes was rapidly overtaking them. With a six-shooter at his -belt, a rifle resting across the pommel of his saddle, and the fringe -of his buckskin coat flapping about, he seemed, in Larry Burnham’s eyes -at least, to typify the country. - -His gaze followed the half-breed as he swung toward the head of the -column, and he could not help admiring the superb horsemanship which -every movement of his lithe body expressed. - -Although it was still early the day gave an indication of the heat that -was yet to come. Not a cloud flecked the surface of the sky, which -at the horizon became enveloped in a scintillating whitish haze that -almost dazzled the eye. - -“It certainly is a vast country,” thought Larry. He raised himself in -his stirrups to gaze in all directions. - -On every side it wore the same appearance--waving yellow bunch grass -covering an undulating prairie, with here and there a low line of hills -to break its monotonous uniformity. - -And as he gazed upon this immensity of space it seemed to forcibly -impress upon his mind the insignificance of all living things. How -small the horsemen just ahead appeared! - -“Great Scott!” he remarked, half aloud. “And yet Tom Clifton has an -idea we may be able to strike that policeman’s trail.” - -It all seemed so preposterous--so utterly without reason--that Larry -burst into a peal of laughter, somewhat to the astonishment of Dick -Travers who was cantering several yards in advance. Larry, however, -without offering an explanation, spurred up his horse, soon overtaking -Bob Somers and the half-breed at the head of the column. - -“We’re forging ahead, Bob,” he said. “And gee, I certainly do hope -we find some sort of shade by the time the mercury climbs up in the -hundreds.” - -“It’s going to be a scorcher, all right,” said Bob, cheerfully. - -“What time ought we to reach this Cree village?” - -“Late in the afternoon.” - -Larry groaned. - -“Gee whiz, Bob, I call this pretty hard work,” he groaned. “Yet I -s’pose Tom Clifton’s thinkin’ he’s having the grandest time of his -life.” - -“You bet I am,” sang out Tom, who had overheard. “There’s nothing like -having a good horse under you and plenty of space to gallop in, eh, -Bob? Besides, there’s always a chance for adventure.” - -“And if we really don’t run into a lot I’ll be surprised,” said Dave -Brandon. - -“So will I,” laughed Sam Randall. - -“Most likely there are some ranch-houses not so very far from here,” -said Tom; “and if so it means we’re likely to see big bunches of -longhorns roaming over the prairie before very long. Then, perhaps, a -smuggler or two may bob up to help make things interesting.” - -Tom glared sternly toward the half-breed, who seemed to be totally -oblivious of their presence. - -This remark, however, had the effect of bringing his head sharply -around, to reveal a curious light in his black, snappy eyes. - -“Ah, you make fun of Teddy Banes,” he growled. “But you see! How long -you been here?--few days, eh? Me lived here always; yet you know more -already.” - -“How could you expect it otherwise?” grinned Larry Burnham. “I sort o’ -think it’s Tom Clifton’s privilege to know more’n anybody else.” - -A long, low line of hills was looming up before the travelers. Here and -there a dark, scraggly tree spotted their surface, while mingling in -with the soft billowing folds of grass, which, under the effects of the -faint breeze, seemed to ripple like waves of the sea, were stretches of -purplish earth. - -“An’ beyond them I suppose it looks just like this; an’ beyond some -other hills just like this again,” grumbled Larry. “Whew, but it’s -gettin’ hot! If there’s any shade on the other side, for goodness’ sake -let’s take a rest. How do you know we’re goin’ in the right direction, -Bob Somers?” - -“By the aid of map and compass,” answered Bob. “Of course, though, -Teddy Banes knows the easiest route; so I’m leaving it to him.” - -“How far is he going with us?” - -“To the Cree village.” - -“Then me leave,” grunted the half-breed. - -As the seven horsemen cantered swiftly through the tall grass, beating -it under foot, the crest of the hills rose higher and sharper against -the sky. Instead of making directly toward them, as Larry expected, -Teddy Banes soon swerved to the left, and the blond lad finally -discovered that he was leading them toward a point where gray masses of -shadow indicated a deep cleft in the slopes. - -Eagerly he kept his eyes on the grateful shade, watching it growing -stronger with a feeling of intense satisfaction; and when at last his -sorrel picked its way into a pass cluttered with underbrush and stones -he gave a shout of approval. - -By the side of an overhanging slope the half-breed drew rein. - -“Much hot,” he said, using a gorgeously red handkerchief to mop his -perspiring face. “But this is nothings. In a few days you see.” - -“Well, I don’t think I’ll wait to see,” growled Larry. - -“This isn’t anything,” said Tom Clifton. “And I’ll bet it isn’t going -to be a bit hotter. Besides, when a chap’s on a roughing-it expedition -he’s got to expect all sorts of things.” - -“Another lecture from the scout-master,” grinned Larry. - -“And if he can’t stand ’em, and gets grumpy and sour-faced he ought to -stay at his own cozy little home.” - -“Mercy! I suppose a broadside like that ought to bowl me right over,” -said Larry. “When you get to be a doctor, Tom, you’re likely to scare -your patients into recovering fast.” - -Tom, with a shrug of his shoulders, turned toward Dave Brandon, the -first to tether his horse and find a comfortable resting place. “Why so -quiet, Dave? What are you thinking about?” he inquired. - -The chronicler of the Rambler Club’s adventures made no reply until the -others were sprawling in various attitudes in the most inviting places -they could find. Then he said, slowly: - -“Thinking about something serious, Tom.” - -“Do let your musings find expression in words,” grinned Clifton. - -“Well, you know, we graduated at the Kingswood High School last -term----” - -“Gracious sakes, I’ve been trying to forget school,” interrupted the -tall boy. - -“I can’t,” said Dave, solemnly. “Every once in a while it persists in -bobbing up in my mind with fearful force.” - -“Poor chap--but what’s the use of it now?” - -“Well, isn’t the crowd going to enter the Wentworth Preparatory School -next fall?” - -“Of course.” - -“And that means more hard study--athletics, perhaps, and----” - -“Athletics! That’s so!” broke in Tom, his expression undergoing a -wonderful change. “If I don’t become a candidate for a freshman team -Larry isn’t a tenderfoot.” - -“My foot isn’t very tender when it comes to kicking a pigskin,” -laughed Larry. “By the way, fellows, I haven’t thought much about it, -but I’d like to enter that school myself.” - -“Bully idea! Why don’t you?” asked Sam Randall. - -“Well, the fact is, my people aren’t very well fixed.” - -“Work your way through school, then. Lots of chaps do it.” - -“By George, I sort o’ think it would be a good plan,” said Larry, -forgetting for an instant his usual drawl. “Honest--I’m just aching to -tumble into football togs.” - -“And with twelve feet of Clifton and Burnham any eleven ought to be a -winner,” laughed Bob. - -Larry was so pleased with the idea that he very nearly forgot the heat -and clouds of insects which persisted in buzzing around his head. - -All the discomforts, however, which nature held in store for him were -forcibly recalled to his mind when the half-breed, with a sullen grunt, -commanded them to mount. - -The shade did not extend far. Soon, leaving the miniature canyon, they -came out upon the yellow plain once more, to see shimmering heat waves -between them and a hazy distance. The only living object was a flock of -birds, but so far off that none could recognize their species. - -Then followed a ride which Larry Burnham never forgot, and which, for -the time being, completely effaced from his mind any pleasing thoughts -of Freshfield Prep School or football. - -At his home near Kingswood, Wisconsin, he had considered himself a -pretty good rider. But an occasional jog to town or about the farm was -not at all like spending entire days in the saddle. He looked curiously -at his companions to see if they seemed to be affected in any way by -the ordeal. But all appeared exasperatingly fresh and unconcerned. - -Tom Clifton, indeed, wore such an air of joy that Larry felt positively -aggrieved. - -“This isn’t quite the thing I bargained for,” he reflected, grimly. -“I imagined a nice camp in a patch of woods, an’ a bit of huntin’ -an’ fishin’--not a crazy search after a policeman who has done the -disappearin’ act. Of course he deserted--the chump! Everything points -that way. Gee whiz! Another day o’ this, an’ I think I’ll get out.” - -An hour later they reached the bed of a dried up creek fringed on -either side by bushes and scrawny willows. And here Teddy Banes forgot -his usual surly manner long enough to show them many evidences of -ancient buffalo trails. - -“Too bad they nearly wiped the poor creatures out,” said Tom. - -“I guess you mean it’s too bad they didn’t let a few herds remain to be -targets for the rifles of the Rambler Club,” said Larry, sourly. “How -much further have we to go, Banes?” - -“Many miles,” responded the half-breed. “We have just begin.” - -“This is certainly the country of long distances,” said Sam Randall, -smiling in spite of himself as he noticed the unhappy expression which -flitted across Larry’s face. - -The creek bottom, often overgrown with sage-brush, wound its tortuous -course in a westerly direction toward another line of hills. From the -nostrils and shaggy coats of the horses rose clouds of steam; and, -as they did not wish to push the animals too hard, the aspect of the -ridges changed with exasperating slowness. - -Finally, however, they entered another gap, through which the former -water route became strewn with rocks, decaying branches and other -obstructions. All this necessitated slow traveling--a slowness which -sorely taxed Larry Burnham’s patience. And every now and then a rather -indiscreet remark of Tom’s served to further add to his troubled -feelings. - -“Yes, sir, I’ve had enough of this,” he muttered, disgustedly. “The -first chance I get I’ll clear out an’ leave this bunch to keep up the -chase all by themselves.” - -And Bob, who surmised from Larry’s expression the state of his -feelings, thought to console him. - -“It isn’t going to be as bad as this always,” he said. - -“I’m quite certain of that,” responded Larry, meaningly. - -And nothing occurred during the afternoon’s ride to change a resolution -he had made on a certain point. - -It was decided not to halt for lunch, the travelers contenting -themselves with crackers, dried beef, and a drink of water from their -canteens. - -At last the half-breed leader left the creek bottom and struck off once -more through the bunch grass toward a third range of thickly-timbered -hills. - -On reaching them the boys this time found no convenient pass through -which they might file. The odor of the fragrant balsam and fir filling -the air, with other sweet scents from leaves and grass, was very -delightful to inhale, and the cool bluish shadows trailing over the -ground an agreeable change from the glare of the open spaces. - -For the last hour the boys had carried on very little conversation. -Larry himself felt too hot and miserable to utter a word. He was, -therefore, totally unprepared for the view which met his eye upon -reaching the top of the hills. - -Down in a basin, or, rather, amphitheater, enclosed on three sides by -the tree-grown slopes, he saw a large collection of Indian teepees. It -was a sight which almost made him join in the exultant shout which came -from Tom Clifton’s lips. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE INDIAN VILLAGE - - -“Hooray--Cree village!” cried Tom. - -“Yes,” assented the half-breed. “Soon you see Wandering Bear, much big -chief, old as a withered tree, but strong.” - -Dave Brandon looked earnestly at the picturesque circle of teepees, -one in the center dominating all the rest, and at the red men he could -see on every side. Many, attracted by their appearance, were stalking -solemnly forward. - -“Oh, ho, this is mighty interesting,” he murmured. “What a nice -sheltered retreat.” His eyes wandered from the teepees to the break in -the hills beyond, where a silvery streak of white indicated a water -course. “Guess I’ll have to devote a whole chapter in my book to this, -eh, Bob?” - -“At least two or three,” laughed Bob. - -“Hello,” cried Sam Randall, “what’s that scarlet spot down there? See -it, fellows?” - -He pointed toward a group in the furthest part of the encampment. -Strikingly prominent in the midst of the dusky mass was a spot of color. - -“Him a policeman,” answered Teddy Banes. - -“Great Scott!” cried Dick Travers. “Wouldn’t it be the jolliest luck if -it should prove to be Jed Warren?” - -The half-breed sniffed contemptuously. - -“He gone, I tell you--never come back.” - -“Oh, forget it,” scoffed Tom. “Sail ahead, fellows. Bet I’ll get there -first.” - -His challenge was not accepted, mainly on account of the hot and tired -ponies, which, as though anxious to remain under the cooling shadows, -picked their way but slowly down the incline. - -The nearer they approached the village the greater became the curiosity -and interest in the picturesque scene before them. The wide basin was -becoming filled with tribesmen; thin, bluish columns of smoke from -various fires ascended almost vertically in the air, while further -afield, cropping the grass, sheltered from the blazing sun by the -hills, were Indian ponies tethered in a long line. - -“The real thing beats a moving picture show all hollow,” exclaimed Tom -Clifton, his face glowing with pleasurable anticipation. “Gee! That -redcoat is coming nearer. He’s on foot, too.” - -“I wonder what a member of the Northwest Mounted is doing in this -Indian lodge?” drawled Dave. - -“Perhaps he will be kind enough to explain,” grinned Sam Randall. - -“And if his reasons aren’t mighty good Tom’ll most likely jump on him -hard,” remarked Larry. “Say, fellows, what wouldn’t I give for a nice, -large ice-cream soda!” - -Tom laughed uproariously. - -“Now I know what’s the matter with you, Larry,” he cried. “If we could -only find a confectionery shop at every corner I reckon that glum -expression would flit away from your face.” - -As the last stretch was almost level the horses took it at a good pace; -and, somehow, the boys could not resist sending off on the air a series -of wild whoops, which, in volume of sound, might have rivaled those of -the Crees when they fought against their old-time enemies. - -At the base of the hill they were so quickly surrounded that Larry -Burnham began to feel a trifle apprehensive lest such an unceremonious -entrance into the village had offended these descendants of a warlike -race. - -In their fringed garments, quaint ornaments, and necklaces made of -gaudily-colored beads or animals’ teeth, with a brave here and there -wearing a feather in his hair, they presented a most picturesque -sight. Grizzled old warriors, young men lithe and sinewy, and squaws -crowding about regarded these white invaders of their domain intently. -But on none of the coppery-colored faces turned toward them could any -expression of surprise be detected. - -The jabbering which commenced immediately had not the slightest meaning -to any of the boys, though it served to show them the evident mastery -of Teddy Banes over the Cree dialect. And it was not until a tall, -good-looking youth forced his way to the front that their own voices -became of use. - -“Me glad to see you,” exclaimed the Indian, in very good English. “My -name Thunderbolt.” - -“Very happy to meet you, Mr. Thunderbolt,” drawled Larry. - -“Just the same for me. My grandfather great chief. Him called Wandering -Bear. You come with me. He see you.” - -“Yes, we’ll be mighty glad to meet the chief,” said Bob Somers, -smilingly. “How did you learn to speak English?” - -“Oh, I have many fren’s. What you call him?--cowpunchers and Billy -Ashe--he teach me lots of things.” - -“Who’s Billy Ashe?” - -The intelligent-looking brown-skinned lad, at this question, -immediately swung himself around, looking earnestly toward a certain -point, and evidently having seen what he wanted, uttered a grunt of -satisfaction. - -“Him,” he said, indicating the trooper in the scarlet jacket, now -approaching with long strides. - -“So that’s Billy Ashe, is it?” remarked Dave Brandon. - -[Illustration: “HOW DO YOU DO?”] - -“Say, Thunderbolt,” broke in Tom Clifton, eagerly, “do you know Jed -Warren?” - -“Sure I know him. Why for you ask?” - -“Because we’re going to try to find him. You see”--Tom’s hand made a -sweep so wide as to include the entire crowd of lads--“we’re great -friends of his. Came a mighty long distance to see him, too, only to -discover that----” - -“Well, well--what does all this mean?” - -A voice which showed the possessor to enjoy unusual lung power brought -Tom Clifton’s sentence to a sudden close. - -The man who wore the uniform of the Northwest Mounted was surveying the -boys with unfeigned astonishment. His expression of wonderment seemed -to increase each instant, as his eyes traveled from one to another. - -“How do you do, Mr. Policeman?” greeted Larry, pleasantly. - -“Great Scott--nothing but kids! Search me if I ever saw anything to -beat it. Where on earth did you drop from?” asked the other. - -“We rolled down the hill,” answered Tom Clifton, upon whose -sensibilities the word “kids,” and, especially, uttered by one who -did not appear to be so very much older than themselves, had a most -irritating effect. - -“Lost--probably!” - -This incautious remark further increased Tom’s poor impression of -Trooper Billy Ashe. - -“Lost?” he snorted, his eyes flashing with indignation. “Well, I rather -guess not.” - -“What in the world are you doing here, then? How did you happen to run -into Teddy Banes?” - -In a few words Bob Somers enlightened the surprised trooper of the -Northwest Mounted Police; and Tom obligingly added a few words to the -effect that the crowd had no intention of leaving the country until Jed -Warren was found. - -“Jed Warren!” exclaimed Billy Ashe. “You won’t find him in the -Northwest Territories.” - -“Why not?” asked Bob Somers. - -“Because he’s deserted--that’s why,” answered Ashe, bluntly. - -“Just the same thing me told ’em,” put in Teddy Banes. “For sure he -gone.” - -Tom bristled up; his color heightened. - -“And you could say it a hundred times more, and still I wouldn’t -believe such a thing,” he stormed. - -“Oh, go on!” said the trooper, with an impatient shrug of his -shoulders. He was plainly not prepossessed in Tom’s favor. “What do you -know about it, I’d like to ask?” - -“And what do you know about it?” retorted Tom. - -Billy Ashe’s sun-browned face took on a peculiar expression. He felt -that the uniform he wore should entitle him to a great deal more -deference than was shown by the six-foot lad’s manner. - -A loud argument, which the others vainly tried to stop, ensued; and -during this several cowpunchers were observed to come up and mingle -with the Indians. Tom’s eyes flashed as he told in a most emphatic -manner of their hope to aid the missing trooper. - -A word from Thunderbolt at last attracted sufficient attention to -change the trend of the conversation. - -“You come with me,” invited the young Indian again. “You see my -grandfather--much great chief.” - -Turning to the surrounding Indians he addressed them in a sharp, -incisive fashion. Then the groups began to slowly scatter. - -Riding closely behind their guide, who led the way in and around the -numerous teepees, the lads finally reached the center of the village. - -“It’s a mighty good thing Indians are tame nowadays,” remarked Larry to -Dave Brandon, the nearest to him. “I can kind o’ imagine how prisoners -must have felt when----” - -“My grandfather, Wandering Bear,” came in the clear, musical voice of -Thunderbolt. - -Before the largest and most imposing teepee the ancient chief, a -striking figure in the full glare of sunlight, stood waiting to receive -them. Wandering Bear, though the oldest Indian in the lodge, held his -herculean proportions as erect as ever. - -The chief’s long black hair was plentifully sprinkled with gray, while -myriads of wrinkles seamed his bronze-colored face. A head-dress of -gaudily-colored feathers and various ornaments served to add to the -stern dignity of his presence. - -Never before in the history of the Cree lodge had the Indians -received a visit from a party of boys. But Chief Wandering Bear, like -his tribesmen, did not seem in the least surprised. Imperturbably, -he continued smoking a long-stemmed sandstone pipe, listened with -attention to Thunderbolt’s explanations, then inclined his head, saying -in grave tones: “Howdy!” - -“Most delighted to meet you, Mr. Wandering Bear, I’m sure!” exclaimed -Larry. - -The others responded to his salutation heartily, though in a more -serious fashion, and promptly accepted Thunderbolt’s invitation to -dismount. The horses were then given in charge of several young -Indians, who led them into the pasture-land by the hills. - -The chief shook each of his visitors by the hand. - -“Yes, I speak the tongue of the white man,” he said, in answer to a -question from Bob Somers. “Not many year from now the Indian tongue -shall have passed away. This year, so many less braves; next year, -so many less.” He shook his head sadly. “The white man always -bigger--stronger. But soon the Indian he see no more.” - -All felt impressed by the pathos of the old warrior’s words and manner. - -“Come inside teepee,” commanded Thunderbolt. “Outside too hot.” - -The interior they found a great deal more commodious than any had -expected. None of the Indians attempted to follow the party, which -included the half-breed and Billy Ashe, though several of the younger -braves lingered near the entrance. - -“This is certainly great,” pronounced Dave Brandon, promptly seating -himself upon the ground. - -“You bet,” agreed Larry, wiping his perspiring face. - -The yellowish, translucent sides of the teepee allowed a soft dim light -to pervade their surroundings, while through the partly-open flap came -a glistening ray from out-of-doors. - -Wandering Bear drew up a low stool in the center, the group forming -a semicircle about him. Even Larry Burnham began to enjoy the novel -experience. From the outside came a murmur of guttural voices, or the -occasional sound of moccasined feet passing to and fro. - -Although Thunderbolt displayed the usual stolidity of his race he -nevertheless began to ply the boys with questions. - -“Ah, you come here to hunt and fish,” he exclaimed. “Fine! You take me -for guide, maybe. Me good guide; know all country. You shoot big game; -catch plenty fish--what you say?” - -“I should say it’s a capital idea,” said Dave, stifling a yawn; “eh, -Larry?” - -“Yes; it may save you chaps a heap o’ trouble,” drawled the blond lad, -with a peculiar grin. - -“But we don’t intend to do any hunting or fishing, Thunderbolt, until -this Jed Warren affair is cleared up,” put in Tom. - -“Then you might as well pack up and go home,” declared Billy Ashe, -bluntly. “Jed Warren is gone. He won’t come back, either--depend upon -that. I’ve been working on the case, and am in a good position to know. -Did Sergeant Erskine tell you what we’ve learned?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom, shortly. - -“And still you don’t believe it?” - -“No!” cried Tom, with almost a touch of anger in his voice. “Jed Warren -wouldn’t have deserted if a whole army of smugglers and cattle rustlers -had been hot on his trail.” - -“I like to see a fellow stick up for his friends,” commented the -trooper. “But there’s no sense in dodging facts.” - -“For sure,” put in Teddy Banes. “Him one big fool to think he find -Warren. Many times I tell him so; but always he shakes his head.” - -“And I’ll shake it some more,” cried Tom, highly indignant. - -“Don’t carry your quarrels into Indian teepees, Tom,” advised Larry. -“You mustn’t mislay your manners.” - -“White boys look strong as Indian brave,” remarked Wandering Bear. -“Plenty big, you,” he added, turning toward Larry Burnham, whose huge -form seemed to appear even larger in the dim light. - -“Yes,” grinned Larry. “An’ a ‘promising football player’ ought to be, I -s’pose; but not quite so large as you, Mr. Wandering Bear.” - -The chief nodded gravely. - -“I am old now,” he said--“very old. But at your age no one so strong as -I; no one so quick, or shoot so straight.” He sighed. “Now the muscle -is weak; the eye is dim; the hand trembles.” - -“Git out! You’re more active than many a man of half your age,” -laughed Billy Ashe. He turned toward the boys. “Take my advice: hire -Thunderbolt as a guide. Have a good time, and forget a fellow who once -wore a scarlet coat and was cowardly enough to desert.” - -Tom jumped to his feet, his face flushed and excited. - -“I’ll bet there never was a braver policeman among the Northwest -Mounted!” he exclaimed, in a voice which fairly rang through the -teepee. “Jed a coward! Well, I guess you haven’t anything on him when -it comes to courage, Mr. Billy Ashe.” - -“Cut it out, Tom,” advised Bob Somers. - -“Too much excitement is bad for the nerves,” grinned Larry. - -Ashe rose to face the angry Rambler. - -“It strikes me you’ve got a pretty flip tongue for a youngster,” he -said, slowly. “Better learn to curb it before you get in a mix-up with -some one who is liable to mislay his manners.” - -Larry Burnham’s loud chuckle added to Tom’s feelings of hot resentment, -although a glance from Dave Brandon was sufficient to check an angry -reply. - -“Are you going to stay in the village long?” asked Sam Randall. - -“No; I’m on a ‘special,’” answered Ashe. And being a young trooper he -spoke with an air of some importance. - -“Hope you’ll succeed,” said Dick Travers, “and won’t get mixed up with -any of those dangerous characters Teddy Banes has been telling us -about.” - -“Smugglers,” laughed Tom--“those awful chaps who scared Jed Warren -away!” - -“Many time Warren come here,” said Thunderbolt. “Much good man.” - -Chief Wandering Bear, puffing away on his pipe with mechanical -precision, nodded assent. - -“Yes--a strong man,” he said. “He rides like Indian; Indian likes him.” - -“Sure,” agreed Thunderbolt. “Last time me see him he say: -‘Thunderbolt, I go to Fool’s Castle, and----’” - -“Sergeant Erskine told me something about Fool’s Castle,” broke in Bob. -“In which direction is it?” - -“Fool’s Castle!” echoed Tom Clifton. “What in thunder is that?” - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -BILLY ASHE - - -“It’s an old deserted ranch-house,” explained Ashe, “close to a ridge -of hills. A good many years ago a man named Walt Allen and his two sons -built it. He was a man with plenty of money--had traveled all over the -continent, and picked up a whole lot of queer ideas--at least everybody -around here thought so.” - -“What like?” asked Dave, interestedly. - -“Oh, artistic. Wanted style to his ranch-house, he said; and, would you -believe it, he stuck up a lot of columns in front of the door. They -make you think of an entrance to some old Greek temple.” - -“He must have been odd,” murmured Larry Burnham. - -“Yes,” added Thunderbolt. “Cost much money. No good. Peoples laugh.” - -“Ah, much laugh!” supplemented Wandering Bear, slowly nodding his head. - -“A man often has to pay a big price for being a little out of the -ordinary,” sighed Dave Brandon. “What else did Mr. Allen do to make -people give his place such a curious name?” - -“Put ribbons around the cattle’s necks, I s’pose,” grinned Larry. - -“Or maybe had an ice-cream soda factory in his yard,” chuckled Tom. - -“Something pretty near as bad,” laughed Billy Ashe. “He built a high -stockade around his ranch-house, and stuck up inside a lot of old -statues he’d brought over from Italy.” - -“I’d like to have known him,” said Dave, reflectively. - -“Most of ’em looked as if they’d been in an awful scrimmage with cattle -rustlers, for either an arm or a leg was missing, or perhaps a nose or -an ear busted.” - -“He no have sense,” grumbled the half-breed. - -“Ah! Much queer,” said Wandering Bear. - -“Then he planted fir and cedars about, and, in one corner, built the -prettiest little temple you ever saw.” - -“Any more counts in the indictment?” laughed Bob. - -“Yes,” answered the trooper. “He got some artist to come all the way -from Winnipeg to paint pictures on his ceilings and walls.” - -“He must have been a very delightful person,” said Dave. - -“What became of this ‘delightful person’?” drawled Larry. - -“In those days there was a great deal more lawlessness than now,” -answered the trooper. “The cattle rustlers evidently thought Allen must -be an easy mark, so they paid particular attention to his stock. This -kept on until the Allens got so disgusted they took everything of value -from the ranch-house and left. So, ever since, the place has been known -as Fool’s Castle.” - -“Anybody else ever live there afterward?” asked Sam Randall. - -“No. One wing of the building was struck by lightning and partly -burned.” - -“Lots of history for one house,” remarked Dick Travers. - -“Some of the cowpunchers”--Billy Ashe sniffed contemptuously--“got an -idea there’s something queer about the old place.” - -“Gee!” exclaimed Tom. - -“Yes, it’s a fact; an’ most of ’em are wary of stoppin’ there.” - -“Me no afraid,” said Thunderbolt. He turned to Bob Somers. “You go -there?” - -“Yes,” answered Bob, “with you as guide.” - -“Thunderbolt much good guide,” said Wandering Bear, his stern -eyes resting fondly on his grandson. “Always he fear nothing. -See?”--he pointed to the massive antlers of a moose resting close -by--“Thunderbolt kill him.” - -“Ah! The Rambler Club has a rival!” laughed Larry. - -“I’ll be leaving in about an hour or two,” Ashe was saying, “so it -isn’t likely I’ll see you chaps again unless you find your way back to -the post.” - -“We’ll get there all right,” said Tom Clifton, confidently. - -“About how many men are there in the service of the Northwest Mounted?” -inquired Dave. - -“Not far from seven hundred,” answered Ashe. “Saskatchewan has the -most; Alberta comes second, while the rest are divided between -Manitoba, Yukon and the Territories.” - -“Have lots of work to do?” - -“We always manage to earn our pay. The boys even patrol mining camps; -and, believe me, some of ’em are in pretty out-of-the-way places.” - -“The work must be awful in winter,” remarked Larry Burnham. - -“It’s no easy snap,” admitted Ashe. “With a blizzard howling about you, -and perhaps a pack of fierce, hungry coyotes on your trail, only a man -with a good stout heart could stand it.” - -“I’d rather brave the dangers of a football game,” said Dave. - -“Or umpire a series of rushes between freshmen and sophomores,” grinned -Tom. - -“Maybe, after a while, I be scout for policeman like Teddy Banes,” said -Thunderbolt. “You like work for the police, Banes?” - -“Sure,” answered the half-breed, surlily. - -“And Teddy is a mighty good hand at the business,” commented Ashe. - -“You stay--eat with Indian?” asked Wandering Bear, suddenly. - -The crowd accepted the invitation with enthusiasm, and heartily thanked -the aged chief. - -They asked many questions concerning the life of the tribesmen, and -learned interesting details about their mode of hunting and fishing. -Some of the tales were quite thrilling, too. The tragic end of the old -bull moose whose antlers lay in the teepee was related by Thunderbolt -in his quaint English with pleasing effect. - -Then the Ramblers told of their own experiences, Tom Clifton having a -great deal to say, while a rather sarcastic smile played about Larry -Burnham’s mouth. - -When the sun had sunk beneath the horizon, leaving as a reminder of its -presence flashes of gold and purple on the few clouds which hovered -lazily above, preparations for supper were made. - -The cooking was done on a bed of live coals in front of the wigwam. -Even Larry thoroughly enjoyed the fried pork, roast potatoes and baked -fish. And, besides all this, Thunderbolt passed around corn cakes and -plenty of tea. - -As the grayness of dusk deepened the lights of the various fires threw -a rosy glow over the teepees and redskins. The forms of the hills -slowly became lost, until only the topmost branches of the trees, -outlining themselves weirdly against the sky, could be distinguished -in the black, somber masses. Finally they, too, disappeared in an -impenetrable darkness which settled over the great basin. - -The guttural voices of unseen Indians came over the air; sometimes a -horse whinnied, or a bird flying overhead, or in the timbered reaches, -uttered a note which seemed to carry with remarkable clearness. - -“Gee! I never knew it could be so black out-of-doors,” said Larry. - -“I’ve seen it blacker than this,” returned Tom Clifton. - -“Oh, of course we know that,” drawled Larry. “But I’ll bet a white -horse would look like a spot of ink to-night.” - -Soon after supper was over Billy Ashe rose to his feet. - -“I must be off, boys,” he said. - -“What! Going to police barracks now?” asked Larry, in astonishment. -“How can you find your way?” - -“No; I’m not bound in that direction,” answered the trooper, with a -returning touch of importance. “I can steer myself well enough by the -stars and compass--eh, Wandering Bear?” - -The chief, whose shadow was thrown fantastically over the sides of the -wigwam, nodded. - -“Yes,” he said. “The white man much good. But never so good as Indian, -who has the eyes of the eagle, the scent of the coyote, and the hearing -of the hare.” - -“I sort o’ think they must have it down pretty fine,” said Larry. - -Billy Ashe shook hands all around; he even slapped Tom Clifton on the -shoulder, although still a trifle nettled at some of his remarks. - -“I guess, son, by this time,” he said, “you’ve got rid of that foolish -notion about Jed Warren, eh?” - -“Foolish notion!” cried Tom, indignantly. “I never had any.” - -“Of course he hadn’t,” said Larry, satirically. “If he doesn’t discover -that missing trooper by the aid of the sun, the moon and the twinkling -stars, I won’t get an ice-cream soda at the very first town I reach.” - -With a merry laugh, Billy Ashe strode away. - -“So-long, fellows,” he called. “Hope you’ll have a good time.” - -“Some chaps are awful stubborn,” complained Tom. “Honest--I don’t -believe they’d change their ideas even if you could prove ’em to be in -the wrong.” - -The fit of laughter which seized Larry at this statement made Wandering -Bear and his grandson regard him with mild surprise. - -“Come,” invited Thunderbolt. “I show you village.” - -Leaving Wandering Bear calmly puffing away on his long-stemmed pipe -and Teddy Banes sitting motionless with his back resting against the -teepee, the lads promptly followed the young Indian. - -It was a very novel sensation to the big blond lad to find himself -wandering about a real Indian village. And the picturesque groups -of red men sitting around the fires, with the ruddy glow over their -blanketed forms, or moving here and there, now caught by the beams of -light, then disappearing in the shadows, interested him about as much -as anything could, considering his state of mind and aching bones. - -Before one teepee Thunderbolt stopped to introduce the boys to Sulking -Wolf, whose stock of English consisted of three words: “How you do!” - -“Very well, thank you,” said Larry. “It’s an awful dark night, isn’t -it?” - -“How you do!” answered Sulking Wolf, gravely. - -“Listen!” cried Tom. - -The sound of hoof-beats coming from their left had attracted his -attention. - -“Billy Ashe go now,” exclaimed Thunderbolt. - -“He seems to have plenty of nerve,” remarked Larry, reflectively. A -rather shivery sensation stole through him as he thought of the lonely -ride which must be before the trooper in the gloom and silence of the -prairie. - -“Oh, it’s all in getting used to it,” said Tom. - -“Of course,” returned Larry, wearily. - -“I’d like to stay here for a week,” remarked Dave Brandon. “There is -something so cozy about these Indian teepees. And to sit beside a bed -of glowing coals and look at the starry sky----” - -“Help!” laughed Larry. “It’s been too much for him.” - -“And to feel an inspiration for a poem steadily growing is -certainly----” - -“Delightful--if it never appears in the Kingswood High School -‘Reflector.’” - -“I can sympathize with Mr. Walt Allen,” sighed Dave, somewhat -irrelevantly. - -At the extreme edge of the village, not far from the break in the -hills, the party encountered several dogs whose vociferous barking -and angry snarls made Larry Burnham step back in alarm. The dim forms -whisking around so close at hand caused him to fear that at any moment -the brutes might spring upon him. - -“Great Scott; they seem to be as big as wolves, and as dangerous!” he -cried. - -“Oh, if you’d ever seen the real articles you wouldn’t talk that way,” -exclaimed Tom. - -“Dog no hurt,” said Thunderbolt, reassuringly. - -He spoke sharply to the skulking animals, and by a threatening -movement of his foot caused them to retire. - -At last, beyond the confines of the village, the lads turned to look -back at the collection of wigwams. Here and there some were brought out -clearly by the flickering campfires; others rose spectrally, scarcely -seen amidst their surroundings, while many were completely enveloped in -the gloom. - -Above the forbidding amphitheater of hills the stars and constellations -shone with singular brilliancy. - -“Hold a match for me, Bob,” cried Dave, suddenly. “I’ve got that -inspiration for a poem. I’ll scribble it off in a jiffy.” - -Amid the laughter of the others, Bob obligingly complied. - -“Are we ever going to read it?” asked Larry. - -“That remains to be seen,” answered Dave. - -“It never will be, I reckon,” returned Larry, with a laugh. - -Having visited all the points of interest they sauntered slowly back to -the chief’s teepee, where they found Wandering Bear and the half-breed -sitting in exactly the same positions. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -THE FIRST CAMP - - -“White man and Indian are brothers,” remarked Wandering Bear, solemnly, -on the following morning. “Indian always friend of white man. White man -give him much presents; Indian show him big game; where fish is plenty. -Yes, always much friend now.” - -Breakfast was over. The crowd, with the exception of Larry, to whom the -situation was so novel as to prevent him from sleeping with any degree -of soundness, had spent a comfortable night. - -To Tom Clifton’s great satisfaction, Teddy Banes announced his -intention of remaining at the Cree village. - -“Good! That old sour-face would be enough to take all the fun out of -the trip,” said the aspirant for football honors. “Acts awful queer, -doesn’t he?” - -“At times he did hand out a few awful knocks, if that’s what you -mean,” grinned Larry. - -He glanced at the sky, in the vast expanse of which not a fleck of -cloud could be seen. Every indication pointed to another sunny, -sizzling day; and, anticipating the discomfort before him, the lad made -a wry face. - -“What’s up?” demanded Tom. - -“I am,” responded Larry, rising to his feet. “Isn’t it time to skip?” - -“Yes! Fool’s Castle is a long way from here,” said Bob. “We shan’t -reach it even to-night, eh, Thunderbolt?” - -“To-morrow,” answered the young Indian. - -“But for stern duty,” remarked Dave, “I’d refuse to leave the -delightful shade of these hills.” - -At Thunderbolt’s direction several young braves departed for the -horses, soon leading them up to the teepee. They had been well fed and -cared for, so were in a mettlesome mood. A mass of tribesmen gathered -around as Wandering Bear bade them a stately adieu. - -“White man come again,” he invited. “Always welcome.” - -“How you do,” said Sulking Wolf, shaking hands with each. And, as they -sprang into the saddle and started off, they heard him utter the same -words as a parting salutation. - -Thunderbolt, mounted on a brown-patched nag, led the advance. - -Soon after passing the break in the rugged hills they reached a narrow -stream which rippled and bubbled and sang its way over a rocky bed. - -“We go across,” announced the Indian. - -“It looks jolly inviting,” said Larry. “If I could find any excuse I’d -fall off my horse and take a swim.” - -“Did you ever think how curious a fish’s life must be?” began Dave. - -“No! But I’ve often thought how curious the Rambler Club’s life must -be,” grinned Larry. - -The cool, clear water splashed over stirrup leathers, while the hoofs -of the ponies scattered showers of shining drops. - -Crossing the marshy strip of shore, with the imprints of many -longhorns’ hoofs upon it, they struck off in a westerly direction. - -The further they progressed the more Larry Burnham became convinced of -the silliness of the whole proceeding. Frequently, when the pace was -not too great, he was observed to take a folder from his pocket and -scan it intently. - -“Wonder what that chap’s doing?” remarked Tom Clifton to Dick Travers -on one occasion. - -“Ask him,” laughed Dick. - -“And get some kind of mean answer?” snapped Tom. “No--I don’t think. -But I’ll find out, just the same.” - -At noon a halt for lunch was made in a little patch of timber, and -upon resuming the march the seven lads pushed steadily ahead, at long -intervals skirting around or crossing ranges of hills, and seeing on -many occasions great herds of grazing cattle. - -“Where are we going to stop, Thunderbolt?” asked Dave, when it came -time to look for another camping ground. - -The young Indian pointed to a patch of woods in the distance. - -“Good place,” he announced. “Water. White boys much pleased. -Thunderbolt know all good places.” - -“Well, there’s one lucky thing,” mused Larry to himself. “As far as -I can make out, this jaunt has taken me in just the right direction. -I wonder if the fellows will be mad? But what in thunder do I care if -they are?” - -As their guide had said the timber seemed to be a most excellent place -for a camp. There were plenty of fragrant balsam boughs for couches, -all the fire-wood necessary, and a tiny creeklet flowing through the -center. - -“Simply jim dandy!” cried Tom, enthusiastically. “Everything we -need--except ice-cream sodas. How about it, little ‘Fear-not’?” - -Larry, feeling that his tribulations were almost over, grinned. - -“It’s perfectly lovely, Tom,” he said. “I don’t know what kind of -an insect bit me on the cheek just now, but I’ll bet they have an -enthusiastic reception committee waiting to receive us.” - -“Don’t forget I carry with me all sorts of medical stuff,” said Tom. - -“For instance?” - -“The first aid to the injured kind.” - -“Try to use any o’ it on me, an’ there’ll be a scrap,” snickered Larry. - -Dismounting, the boys led their ponies through the woods, coming to a -stop in a small, grassy clearing. - -“Couldn’t be better,” exclaimed Bob. “Pitch in, fellows; we’ll have a -camp made in a jiffy.” - -Setting the example, he quickly unsaddled his tired horse, whose shaggy -sides were flecked with foam. Then, tethering the animal to a near-by -sapling, he drew a hatchet from his belt. - -“We’ll need lots of fire-wood,” he said. - -“I’ll help you cut some,” announced Tom. - -“Me too,” said Thunderbolt. - -“My job will be getting the water, and things ready to cook,” declared -Dick Travers. “It’s your turn to-night, Tom, to play chef.” - -“Guess I’ll gather a whole lot of balsam boughs for beds,” supplemented -Sam Randall. - -After the horses had been cared for Dave Brandon, on looking around, -discovered a spot which promised to afford a delightful resting place; -and, in order to see if his ideas were correct, promptly tested it. - -The result proved highly satisfactory. - -Seeing this, the tired, hot and dusty Larry Burnham, after washing -his face and hands in the creek, and satisfying his thirst with the -fresh, cool water, sauntered back to the glade and imitated Dave with -considerable success. - -There was no doubt that the blond lad, as Tom often declared, lacked -get up and go. He had everything in him to make a great success but the -willingness to hustle. His laziness differed from Dave’s; for while the -former editor of the High School “Reflector” often indulged in periods -of rest, it was more in order to allow his mental faculties full play. -Then, too, Dave could be very strenuous and determined when anything -called for such an effort. - -And no one had ever seen Larry Burnham either active or strenuous, -although he was generally known to be determined--to exert himself as -little as possible on all occasions. - -Presently the noise of the hatchets stopped, and Tom Clifton, -bearing in his arms an enormous quantity of brush and wood, was seen -approaching. He threw his burden down on the grass, then began to eye -Larry sternly. - -“What are you sitting there for?” he demanded. - -“Resting, thank you, Mr. Clifton,” responded Larry, sweetly. - -“You’re a nice one, I must say.” - -“Yes, as fellows go, I suppose I must be pretty nice,” chirped Larry. - -“Why in thunder don’t you get up and hustle like the rest of us?” - -“There’s no use in everybody working.” - -“Oh, there isn’t, eh? Well, that’s a good one! There’s plenty for a -chap to do if he only wants to look for it. Come--get up, Larry. Start -the fire going.” - -“No, thanks,” drawled Larry, with a shake of his head. “Don’t think -Dick Travers’d like it.” His eyes began to twinkle. “When Dick gets all -the kindlings together I won’t mind puttin’ a match to ’em.” - -“You haven’t done a blessed thing since you’ve been with us,” stormed -Tom. “You’re always sitting around waiting for grub to be served.” - -“Mercy! Just listen to the boss!” - -“It makes me tired. On a camping-out trip the work ought to be divided -equally. Be sensible, Larry. I’m willing to do my share, but I want to -see every other chap do his.” - -“Don’t waste so much time, Tom. Talk to Dave. He’s loafin’.” - -“Aren’t you going to give us a hand then?” - -“I sort o’ think it isn’t worth while.” - -“You’re lazy, Larry Burnham!” cried Tom, hotly. “A fine football player -you’ll make if you don’t wake up and put a little ginger into that big -form of yours.” - -“Softly--softly, Tom!” laughed Dave. - -“I’ve been talking to a big softy, I know,” growled Tom, thoroughly -disgusted, “and----” - -“Hold on!” interrupted Larry. His anger began to rise. “Fire off a -little more talk like that, an’ I’ll tell you what I think of you.” - -“Go ahead, then!” snapped Tom. - -“For goodness’ sake, fellows, cut it all out,” put in Dave. “I’ll -prescribe a good supper and a couple of hours rest----” - -“Don’t be afraid, Larry,” persisted Tom. - -“Afraid of what?” jeered Larry--“you? See here, Tom Clifton”--the big -fellow rose to his feet--“believe me, I’m tired of your always pitchin’ -into me. Do you understand?” - -“I should worry,” said Tom. “The idea of your talking like that after -all the mean things you’ve said about the Rambler Club! Didn’t you -nearly die with laughter when that idiot of a Teddy Banes made silly -remarks? Oh, no!” The color mounted to his face. “I’ve been thinking -about it ever since.” - -“I don’t sport a chip on my shoulder, but I’ll take just so much an’ no -more!” exclaimed the blond lad. - -His belligerent attitude and the look which came into his mild blue -eyes quite astounded Tom Clifton. Here was a chap whom he sometimes -thought belonged in the overgrown baby class actually threatening a -member of the Rambler Club. To retreat would never do. - -“Are you going to start a scrap?” - -For a few seconds the two tall boys, but a few paces apart, eyed each -other so angrily that the “historian” felt compelled to literally step -into the breach. - -“That will do, fellows,” he said, quietly. - -“He needn’t think I’m afraid of him!” cried Tom. - -Dave gently urged him away. - -Thereupon Clifton, with a snort of disgust, seized a water pail and -went off toward the creek. Larry then resumed his former position. - -“A conceited dub!” he remarked, kicking lazily at the turf. - -“No,” answered Dave; “Tom really isn’t conceited. He’s simply terribly -in earnest.” - -“Oh, I don’t know!” growled Larry. - -The stout boy smiled. - -“I’ll admit that sometimes he’s a little too free in expressing his -opinions; but he’s fair and square as a chap can be. You’re lazy, -Larry--so am I.” He ended the sentence with a good-natured laugh. - -By this time the workers were coming back. Enough wood had been -gathered for the entire night, and a sufficient quantity of balsam -boughs for the beds was only waiting to be dragged into the glade. - -Whistling cheerily, Dick Travers returned with pails of water, closely -followed by Tom. - -“Say, Dave, would you believe it,” remarked the former, “there’s a big -bunch of longhorns grazing on the other side of these woods. Some of -them have just crossed the creek a bit further down.” - -“Gee!” exclaimed Larry. “Suppose they should come upon us while we’re -asleep!” - -Feeling sorry he had given way to his temper, he addressed this remark -to Tom. Tom, however, preserved an icy silence. - -“Cattle no hurt,” said Thunderbolt, reassuringly. - -The meal was prepared in a surprisingly short time. Luscious slices of -bacon sizzled away in the frying-pan; potatoes were baking on red-hot -embers; while coffee-pots sent up clouds of hissing steam. Then there -were crackers and cheese and preserves. - -Any boy who could not have enjoyed the “spread” which Chef Tom Clifton -prepared would have been in a pretty poor condition. - -But every boy did enjoy it, even though the insects, both flying and -crawling, persisted in making themselves unduly conspicuous. - -Thunderbolt proved a most agreeable guide and companion. He related -stories, told them secrets of woodcraft which even Tom admitted he had -not heard before, and helped to drag the balsam boughs into the glade -and arrange them in neat, smooth piles. - -“He’s a crackerjack,” laughed Sam Randall. “After this, don’t let -anybody talk to me about lazy Indians.” - -“Thunderbolt certainly isn’t one,” said Tom, with strong emphasis. - -When preparations for the night’s rest were finished the fire was -sending a wide circle of dancing light over the darkening woods. And in -this little oasis of light amidst a vast desert of gloom the boys sat, -often conjecturing about Jed Warren’s strange disappearance. - -“I’m going to turn in,” remarked Dave, finally. - -“I think we’d better all do the same,” said Bob. “We want to make an -early start for Fool’s Castle to-morrow morning.” - -Thereupon the crowd unstrapped their blankets and betook themselves to -the fragrant balsam boughs--that is, all except Sam Randall, whose duty -it was to stand first watch. - -“And don’t you dare to wake me up a minute before time, Sam,” warned -Dave, laughingly. - -So the lone sentinel began pacing to and fro. The occasional comments -from the recumbent forms ceased, and the soft pat, pat of Sam Randall’s -feet, the never-ceasing rustling of grass and leaves, and the noises -made by the horses moving about were the sounds which reigned supreme. - -Sam was too “seasoned a veteran” to have his emotions stirred. -Mechanically, he watched the light flashing over tree trunks, tinging -deep recesses with its ruddy glow, and the smoke rising high and -drifting slowly out of view. - -Every now and again he replenished the fire, until the flames shot up, -and crackling sparks, like a miniature fire display, dropped about him. - -His lonely vigil neared an end. - -“Poor old Dave,” he reflected, glancing at the round face of the -sleeping “historian.” “I almost hate to do it.” - -He was about stepping over to awaken him when a series of -blood-curdling yells from a point not far distant, followed by the -sharp cracking of pistol shots, gave him the start of his life. - -Then came the neighs of frightened horses, the stamping of hoofs, and -the sound of a heavy crashing through the underbrush. - -Before the astounded Sam Randall had time to even voice a warning the -camp was astir. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THE STAMPEDE - - -Bob Somers was the first to spring to his feet. - -“Good gracious! What’s the matter?” he yelled. - -“What--what--what----” began Larry Burnham, frantically throwing aside -his enfolding blanket. - -“Who’s that shooting?” cried Tom. - -Thunderbolt alone made no comment, but sprang toward the darkness, -while the others, with wide, staring eyes, sought to penetrate its -mysteries. And as they stood there, with every feeling of sleepiness -entirely gone, the same awe-inspiring cries and cracking of a pistol -began again. - -“Fall flat on your faces! Get back of a tree!” yelled Larry, in terror. -“It must be cattle rustlers or smugglers.” - -He was about to follow his own advice when the heavy crashing in the -woods, which at no time had ceased, broke forth with renewed violence. - -Several huge, indistinct forms were seen making toward the fire. Larry, -for an instant too startled to move, uttered a piercing yell. - -“Save yourselves!” he called out frantically. - -Then, breaking the spell which had seemed to hold him fast, he made a -wild dash for safety. - -“The cattle are stampeding, fellows!” shouted Bob Somers. - -There was no time, in that moment of confusion and alarm, for any -concerted action. Each lad was compelled to depend entirely upon -himself. - -As a herd of terrified longhorns bore directly down upon them the -alarmed campers flew in all directions. The sound of pounding hoofs, -carrying to their senses the imminence of the peril, made them put -forth every exertion to get beyond the animals’ path. - -“Great Scott!” breathed Bob Somers. - -He had crossed the glade and become entangled in a thick mass of -underbrush on the opposite side. - -Several of the fleeing longhorns were almost upon him. Desperately he -shot a glance over his shoulder, to see the ponderous bodies faintly -brought into view by the firelight. - -A hoarse bellow seemed to sound almost in his very ears. He heard -several of his companions utter wild yells; but he himself, even in the -excitement of the moment, remained silent, using every faculty at his -command to escape the danger. - -Now it was impossible to see a yard in advance. He was in the woods, -groping, blindly pushing through, stumbling and tripping; now bringing -up against a tree; then impeded by the brush. And at every step of the -way he appeared to be directly in the track of the stampeding cattle. - -Bob Somers’ heart was beating fast. Every moment he expected to feel -the impact of a frightened steer, and every moment he realized the -hopelessness of getting outside the zone of the animals’ flight. - -Suddenly a low-hanging branch swept him off his feet. Sprawling on the -ground he felt a thrill like an electric shock. Then, with a supreme -effort, he dragged himself behind the trunk, stood erect, and pressed -his form hard--painfully hard--against it. - -The heavy hoof-beats were crashing by on either side. Trembling with -excitement, and breathing hard, he passed a few tense moments, in the -midst of which the fierce yells and pistol shots sounded for a third -time. - -Almost surprised to find himself unharmed, the Rambler listened, first -with added fear--then thankfulness, as they abruptly ended, and the -last steer floundered by. - -For a moment he remained motionless. Now that danger was over the -adventure left a curious feeling of unreality. The camp-fire had -entirely disappeared; the darkness was so intense as to make it -impossible to determine in which direction he had come. Both hands and -face were smarting. Then, as a reminder of the violent impact of the -branch, his shoulder ached dully. - -Bob Somers’ thoughts, however, were too busy to pay any attention to -these annoyances. Were his companions safe? What had become of the -cattle rustlers who had apparently started the stampede? - -Putting his hands to his mouth he uttered a cry which sounded shrilly -through the woods. - -In a second a response came, then another, until five had sounded from -widely separated points. - -“Hooray! What a relief!” cried Bob. He felt like uttering shouts of -joy. “Hello, Dave, hello!” he called. “Where are you?” - -“I don’t know where I am, but I’m here,” came back his friend’s -familiar voice. - -“Has anybody been hurt?” came a demand, in quavering tones. - -It was Larry Burnham; and his tremolo was loud enough to bring forth a -number of negative responses. - -“Gee, isn’t that great!” cried Bob. “I had dreadful visions of Tom’s -supply of medical stuffs giving out before the whole crowd could be -treated. Whew! A mighty close shave, eh?” - -“I’m lost!” yelled Dave, cheerily; “I’m floundering! Where’s -Thunderbolt?” - -A peculiar call, like a war-whoop, suddenly trilled through the -darkness. - -“Me by the fire,” yelled Thunderbolt. “You come.” - -Guided by a frequent repetition of his shouts, the lads were soon able -to steer themselves in the proper direction. - -Bob Somers was the first to reach the fire, whose embers had been -scattered by the cattle. Thunderbolt, busily replenishing it, looked up. - -“Anybody hurt?” he demanded, anxiously. - -“None of us; not a bit,” laughed Bob. “Here come the fellows now.” - -Dusky forms were pushing their way toward them as fast as circumstances -would allow. And it was a highly mystified and still excited crowd -which, a moment later, were gathered together once more. - -“Goodness gracious, Bob!” began Tom. “Talk about narrow escapes! Maybe -I’m not glad everybody’s safe and sound. Honest--one of those hulking -big brutes grazed me. Come anywhere near you, Dave?” - -“Just a few yards away,” answered the stout boy. “I kept on running as -hard as I could until something tripped me, and I fell flat on my face. -Fortunately the cattle missed me.” - -Thunderbolt remained impassive--silent, during a series of thrilling -recitals. Larry Burnham told of having been struck a heavy, glancing -blow by one of the animals. From the expression on his face it was very -evident the experience had greatly terrified him. - -“Who do you suppose could have fired those pistol shots and made such -awful yells?” cried Tom. “It sounded like a dozen men, at least, eh, -fellows?” - -“Cattle rustlers, of course,” snapped Larry, his voice still unsteady. -“Now maybe you won’t believe what Teddy Banes told us!” - -Bob Somers stared at the depths of the fire thoughtfully. - -“Cattle rustlers usually follow up the steers, don’t they?” he asked. -“Yet it’s mighty certain no horsemen came through that woods.” - -“One of the strangest mysteries we ever ran into!” said Dick. - -“What nearly ran into me was no mystery,” commented Larry, decidedly. - -“But why are we standing around doing nothing?” cried Sam. “Let’s -reconnoiter.” - -“Of course,” agreed Tom. “Come ahead, fellows; hustle for torches.” - -“Much queer,” interrupted Thunderbolt. “Never me see anything like it. -I run into woods; I see flash of pistol many times. Then I make big -jump. Four--five cow come straight. I say: ‘Thunderbolt, you gone!’ I -make another jump. I say: ‘You killed, Thunderbolt!’ Ugh! Him pass me -this close.” - -The young Indian, holding his hands up, indicated a space of about a -foot. - -“What’s your idea, Thunderbolt?” asked Dave. - -“Me not know. Much queer. Cattle rustlers no drive steers in woods. -Never I see anything like it.” - -“Or I either,” said Bob. “The only thing we’re certain of is that some -one was hanging around this camp.” - -“Makes a fellow feel kind of shivery to think of it, too,” admitted -Larry. - -“And that either he or they started a stampede.” - -“And just made a botch of it,” suggested Tom Clifton. “They wanted to -drive the plagued brutes one way, and, instead, they beat it right for -our camp. Then the rustlers, afraid of being seen, gave us a mighty -wide berth, but caught up with ’em outside the woods.” - -“Not bad deduction, Tom,” commented Sam Randall, who had gathered -together a collection of pine-knots for torches. - -“It hardly seems worth while to make a search now,” remarked Dave. -“I’ll bet by this time those chaps are a mighty long distance off.” - -Larry Burnham devoutly wished himself back in his Wisconsin home. -After all, the half-breed had uttered no idle warning. Here they -were, miles and miles from any settlement, at the mercy of the -first band of marauders who should choose to attack them. It was a -very unpleasant thought. When he looked beyond the rosy glow of the -firelight into the thick, awesome blackness, which might be concealing -some of the dangerous characters his mind pictured, his nerves tingled -unpleasantly. Little sounds before scarcely noticed assumed a deep -significance. To his imagination, fired by the unexpected event, it -seemed as though footsteps were not far away. - -“Come on, Larry,” sang out Tom. “Don’t let’s all keep together, -fellows. I’m going this way.” - -Tom was already holding aloft a blazing pine-knot. And, to Larry’s -amazement, without waiting for any one to join him, he started off in -the direction from whence the sounds had come. - -“He’s certainly got a lot of nerve,” mused the blond lad. Then, turning -toward Dave, he added, “I’ll go with you.” - -And presently seven pine-knots were sending weird shoots of light into -the depths of the woods. Trees sprang into view, and flashed out; great -masses of underbrush caught the glow, held it for an instant, then -dropped from sight. - -Thunderbolt, eager as a coyote, with Sam Randall at his side, -frequently stooped over to examine the ground. Bushes and grass had -been trampled almost flat by the cattle. Down by the dark, silent water -of the creek the Indian’s eye scanned a muddy strip of shore for signs -of men or horses. - -He saw plenty of signs, but even he, with all his cunning and sagacity, -was unable to determine whether any of them had been made by strangers -or not. - -“We can’t find a single clue,” remarked Sam, disappointedly. - -“Men all gone now,” said Thunderbolt. “Much queer. I no understand. -Maybe cattle rustlers; maybe not.” - -“It’s as deep a mystery as the Jed Warren affair,” murmured Sam. - -Following the bank they explored every foot of the way. But no -discoveries of any kind rewarded their eager search. - -“We find nothings,” said Thunderbolt, disconsolately. - -“Perhaps when daylight comes it may be easier,” commented Sam. -“Certainly no use in keeping this up any longer.” - -As the two slowly returned toward the camp they could see torches -moving erratically about, and hear the various searchers occasionally -calling to one another. Dave and Larry were discovered seated before -the fire. - -“Oh, ho!” yawned Dave, “didn’t find a thing, eh? Well, neither did -we--didn’t expect to, either.” - -“I reckon we won’t do any more sleeping to-night,” suggested Larry. - -“If any one is willing to take my turn on guard,” laughed Dave, “I’ll -guarantee to be in the land of unrealities within ten minutes. Really, -I’m uncommonly tired.” - -Loud tramping in the underbrush soon announced the return of the others. - -“No luck at all!” exclaimed Bob, cheerfully. - -“It beats me all hollow,” said Dick Travers. “Guess Tom must have -struck it about right.” - -“It’s another mystery for you chaps to solve, Clifton,” said Larry, -managing to grin for the first time since his scare. - -Tom tossed the remains of his torch into the fire. - -“Yes, it is,” he answered, grimly. “And, by Jove, if we leave the -Northwest Territories without doing it I’ll be ashamed of the crowd.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -LARRY HAS A PLAN - - -Larry Burnham didn’t get any more sleep that night. And, as he lay with -eyes half closed, gazing at one “sentinel” after another, he often -reflected that a country in which such startling things could happen -was no place for him. - -“These adventures are all right in books, or when some chap tells about -’em,” he murmured; “but when it comes to the real thing--excuse me!” - -The boys were up with the twittering birds, and after breakfast a -thorough investigation was made. - -Daylight, however, did not aid them. - -“I suppose,” drawled Dave, “that in my history of the Rambler Club -this particular incident must be told with the explanation that no -explanation could ever be found.” - -“Saddle up, fellows,” laughed Bob. “En route to Fool’s Castle!” - -Larry Burnham listened with a grim smile. This was the day he -intended to carry out a certain resolution. With a perseverance quite -extraordinary for him, the “promising football player,” by the aid of -a small compass, had kept a pretty accurate record of their travels. -Directly to the south, on the line of the railroad, was a settlement. - -“No one could possibly miss it,” he reflected. And to keep going in -a straight line would require no great skill. “If it wasn’t for Tom -Clifton’s tongue, an’ that look he can put on his face, I’d come right -out an’ tell ’em what I intend to do.” - -Canteens were filled at the creek, and saddle bags repacked. The horses -seemed fresh and mettlesome--quite ready for the journey before them. - -“No good, hurry too fast,” remarked Thunderbolt. “Reach Castle this -afternoon.” - -“I’ll be mighty glad to see it,” commented Dave. “All men who have -ideas above the ordinary should be respected.” - -“They certainly made Walt Allen pay a jolly dear price for his -originality,” remarked Sam Randall, leaping into the saddle. - -With Tom Clifton at the head the seven riders picked their way through -the woods, which were sweetly scented with nature’s perfumes. The dew -of early morning glistened like diamonds on leaves and grasses, and -through the openings in the trees came bright shafts of sunlight. - -At a convenient place the creek was forded; then, sweeping out into the -open, they saw before them once more vast monotonous stretches covered -with waving bunch grass. - -“If it was only a bit cooler I’d like to race the crowd,” said Tom. -“Slow traveling never suited me.” - -“White boy ride well,” commented Thunderbolt--“just like Indian brave.” - -“A chap who has been in the saddle as much as I have couldn’t help -riding well,” said Tom, modestly. “There’s nothing like a life in the -open to bring out what’s in a fellow. A little later, Larry, you’ll -thank us for letting you come along.” - -“Will I?” said Larry. - -“Of course you will,” laughed Tom, who had magnanimously decided to -forgive the other for his impolite conduct on the night before. “I’ll -bet you’ll even be glad to do your share of the work.” - -“How joyful!” jeered Larry. - -“Seem to be lots of cattle around,” interposed Sam Randall. - -“I guess the rustlers were considerate enough to leave a few behind as -souvenirs,” grinned Dick. - -Soon they were riding in the midst of a great herd of browsing -longhorns. - -“Whoppers, all right,” said Larry, surveying the animals with much -interest. “Chirping crickets! Think of what they almost did to us last -night!” - -“I shall always feel grateful to that patch of woods,” said Dave. “It -probably helped to save us.” - -“Stampede much queer,” put in Thunderbolt, shaking his head gravely. “I -no understand.” - -“It shows, for one thing, that Teddy Banes knew exactly what he was -talking about,” said Larry, decisively. - -When the crowd finally halted for lunch in the shadow of a barren ridge -of hills Larry Burnham began to feel nervous. The time had come to -act. Somehow twinges of conscience, which before had not troubled the -lad, assailed him fiercely. Was it right to desert the crowd in such a -manner? - -Of course Larry knew the answer, and all his efforts to convince -himself of the soundness of his position were unavailing. - -“I don’t care; I’ll do it anyway,” he muttered savagely. - -Luck, however, was against him. Many times he had let opportunities -slip when he could have cantered away without attracting especial -attention. But to-day the crowd seemed to hang around him with -exasperating persistence. Always one or another was close at his elbow. - -“Confound it!” he muttered angrily. “If I don’t get off within a couple -of hours it’ll be too late. I don’t want to do any traveling in the -dark.” - -When they were again in the saddle, cantering leisurely over the -prairie, a suspicion suddenly entered his mind. - -Could the boys have suspected his scheme? - -Larry reflected that on several occasions he had made pretty broad -hints, not expecting, however, to be taken seriously. - -“What a silly idiot I was,” he murmured, in great disgust. “I’ll find -out mighty soon if it’s so.” - -He immediately tested his theory by riding a considerable distance in -advance; and, upon glancing over his shoulder, saw a Rambler cantering -not far behind. In fact, their every act showed them to be clearly on -the watch. - -In proportion as Larry’s anger increased, so his scruples vanished. It -was now a question of either declaring himself boldly or pitting his -wits against the others’. He rebelled at the idea of the former. Wasn’t -he his own master? Should he be forced to submit to Tom Clifton’s -sarcasm, or the loud protestations and arguments which were sure to -come from all? - -No! In spite of everything he would choose the easiest way out. - -And noting a peculiar grin on Tom Clifton’s face, whenever the tall lad -glanced toward him, he often muttered: “I’ll fool ’em yet.” - -A pleasant breeze sweeping for miles and miles over the vast expanse -proved a great relief to the hot and perspiring boys. It enabled them -to make better progress, too; for their mounts did not show the same -traces of fatigue as before. - -“I reckon, at this rate, we ought to reach Fool’s Castle late in the -afternoon,” remarked Bob Somers. - -“Yes,” affirmed the guide. - -“And I’ll be uncommonly glad to see the place,” said Dave. “Can we go -inside, Thunderbolt?” - -“Sure thing. No door; no window,” answered the young Indian. - -“I’ll bet Larry is just aching to make a tour of investigation,” -grinned Tom. - -“I’m simply hilarious about it,” snapped Larry. “I should think you -chaps ought to fit pretty well in a castle of that name.” - -“I’ll feel perfectly at home, anyway,” laughed Dave, gazing into Tom’s -snapping eyes with a twinkle of amusement. - -The blond lad, thoroughly disgusted at the failure of his plans, -sometimes left the main body, feeling in no mood to take part in the -merry conversation. - -“He’s just as sore as can be,” confided Tom to Bob Somers. - -It was, indeed, Tom who had first discovered what Larry had in mind. Of -a very inquisitive nature, his curiosity was not satisfied until he had -discovered the nature of the paper which appeared to interest Larry so -greatly. This feat he succeeded in accomplishing by lagging behind and -viewing the unsuspecting lad through a field-glass. - -Tom, of course, immediately made a number of deductions and explained -them to his companions, who were soon convinced of the correctness of -his views. - -“And to think of his wanting to sneak away!” went on Tom. “It’s a -mighty poor way of treating us, I’m sure.” - -“And I’ll bet Larry would always regret it,” said Bob. - -“Sure thing! The funny part is, that I don’t think he suspects us of -knowing anything about it.” - -A long time after, the travelers, hot, dusty and tired, reached the -top of an eminence which brought into view a vast stretch of country, -broken here and there by low ridges of hills. - -Thunderbolt halted. He turned toward the horsemen crowding closely -behind him, his manner showing them that he had something interesting -to communicate. The brown, muscular arm of the young Cree was extended -in the direction of the now declining sun. - -“Well?” cried Tom, his eyes wide open. - -In a sort of bowl-shaped valley which nestled snugly at the base of the -encircling hills a purplish spot formed against a shadowed background -the outlines of a ranch-house. - -“Fool’s Castle!” said Thunderbolt, impressively. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -FOOL’S CASTLE - - -The former ranch-house of Walt Allen could only be reached with any -degree of ease from the open country. The hills were rocky, rather -barren, with treacherous declivities and steep descents. - -The thought of an old deserted ranch-house with so much history -clinging about it appealed strongly to Tom Clifton’s imagination. His -curiosity and impatience increased as the distance which lay between -them was gradually cut down, and only compassion for the pony prevented -him from taking the last stretch on a fast gallop. - -The upper portion of Fool’s Castle, rising high above the stockade, -rapidly became stronger. The tall Rambler kept well in the lead, -arriving at the entrance yards ahead of his companions. The great iron -gate which once guarded it no longer barred the way. So, with a loud -“Come on, fellows!” he clattered by. - -All that Billy Ashe had told them was true. The glowing light of -the afternoon sun shed a poetic luster over Fool’s Castle and its -picturesque surroundings. The columns at the entrance, stained and -broken, gave to it the appearance of some ancient temple of the old -world. Here and there, amidst a setting of cedars and firs, all sending -long purplish shadows over the turf, were the mutilated statues and -busts; and at the farther end a little Greek temple revealed its form -in delicate touches of orange and blue. - -“Hooray!” cried Tom. “It’s worth paying an admission to see all this.” -He swung around in his saddle. “Hurry up, Dave. Isn’t it fine?” - -“We owe Walt Allen a vote of thanks,” cried the “historian,” his eyes -shining. “It’s just as though we were dropped from the prairie into an -old Italian garden. Splendid!” - -Urged on by Tom, they pounded over the hard ground, not slackening -speed until the Greek columns at the entrance were towering high above -them. - -Quickly dismounting, picket pins were driven into the ground and horses -tethered. Then, free to do as they pleased, the boys began to examine -the structure which had earned Walt Allen so much notoriety. - -The western end of the building plainly showed the effects of the bolt -of lightning. Just outside the wide, sashless windows smoke and flame -had discolored the walls. - -“Much rain and cowboys help put fire out,” explained Thunderbolt. - -“It’s a wonder it didn’t sweep through the whole place,” said Dick -Travers. - -“I’m mighty glad it didn’t,” remarked Bob. - -“This is simply grand!” cried the “poet.” - -“Come on, fellows; let’s take a look at some of these ‘treasures’ Mr. -Allen was kind enough to leave behind.” - -“So poor old Jed Warren was here, too,” murmured Tom. “Doesn’t it seem -odd?” - -But he found himself speaking to the empty air, for the others, too -eager to wait, were already some distance off. - -Dave Brandon’s face was glowing as he walked from place to place. Now -he stopped before a statue so stained and discolored by its long vigil -in the open air as to make it almost as ancient in appearance as the -original from which it had been copied. Then the “editor” passed on to -a high pedestal surmounted by a bust of some stern-visaged old Roman. - -“Delightful!” he exclaimed. “And look at these cedars and firs! In the -golden effulgence of----” - -“Mercy!” snickered Larry. “What’s that?” - -“A word,” answered Dave. “But I suppose I must drag myself down from -the heights of Parnassus----” - -“Oh--oh! Stop him, fellows!” - -“To the commonplace level of----” - -“The prairie,” supplemented Sam, laughingly. - -Thunderbolt listened to the various comments with an expression which -appeared to indicate that the armor of his stoical Indian nature was -penetrated by a feeling of amusement. - -“You no think him one crazy man, then?” he inquired. - -“Certainly not!” laughed Dave. “He was a credit to himself and the -country.” - -“Let’s go into the house, fellows. There isn’t any door to stop us,” -suggested Tom. - -“I’ll bet it’s full of rats,” said Larry. - -“Or bats,” grinned Sam. - -Stepping upon the porch, in the shadow of the columns, the group paused -at the entrance, to gaze into a grim, dark passageway. - -“Awful black!” commented Larry. - -“Real awe-inspiring,” laughed Tom. - -“Don’t be afraid, little ‘Fear-not.’ I’ll lead the way.” - -The tall lad started briskly ahead, the others crowding at his heels. - -It was very dark, indeed, at first; but a warm, mellow light entered -through the windows of a room just beyond and served as a guiding star. -The sound of voices and footsteps reverberated strangely. The boards -creaked a dismal protest to the unusual treatment accorded them, while -dust rose up in clouds. - -“Hope to thunder we don’t fall into the cellar or some hole in the -floor,” said Larry, who was not at all enjoying the experience. - -“Floor plenty strong,” assured the young Cree. - -The investigators soon found that the first floor of the ranch-house -consisted of three large rooms and a kitchen. The rays of the sun -streaking over the walls revealed the barrenness of their dingy -surroundings and brought out strongly the thick festoons of cobwebs -which hung from the ceiling. In places the plaster had fallen, exposing -the laths. - -To Larry Burnham the old, deserted place, so far away from -civilization, possessed as uninviting an aspect as any house he had -ever seen. The traces of ornamentation, too, which still remained -served only to add to the dreary appearance. - -“For goodness’ sake, let’s get outside,” he said. - -“Not until we’ve visited every room,” said Tom. - -Following the active, tireless Rambler, they trooped up-stairs. Here -they found more to show what the ranch-house must have been in its -prime. In the largest room, probably once occupied by the owner, were -figure decorations painted on the plaster of the ceiling, but now so -faded and otherwise marred by age and dampness as to show only a few -traces of their original design. - -From here the lads wandered to the apartment where the fire had -occurred, examining the charred beams, the smoke-begrimed walls, the -plaster lying in heaps on the floor, and other damage wrought by -lightning and fire. - -“Must have been a pretty hot time in lots o’ ways,” commented Larry. - -“Very interesting,” said Dave; “but that view outside the window -interests me more. Mark the contrast between the rich, deep green of -the firs and cedars and the delicate tones of the temple.” - -“He’s getting worse and worse,” said Larry. - -“Your description, at least, fits my hunger,” laughed Dave. “Who’s cook -to-night?” - -“From the sublime to the ridiculous!” laughed Bob. - -“Larry, of course,” said Tom. - -“I’m neither sublime, ridiculous nor a cook,” grinned Larry. - -The blond lad, the first one down-stairs, breathed a sigh of great -relief. - -“Whew! This place certainly gives me the creeps,” he murmured, with a -shiver. - -The meal was soon prepared, and eaten with great relish. Then the crowd -wandered about the stockade, or explored the hills, until darkness came -and the firelight danced and flickered over the walls of Fool’s Castle. - -“At any rate we’ll have a nice, quiet night, with a roof over our -heads,” said Bob, at length. - -“I’m going to enjoy it,” said Dave, “especially after that -extraordinary rumpus of last evening.” - -“Say, Bob, I’ve been thinking an awful lot about Jed Warren,” remarked -Tom, abruptly. - -“Forget it!” snapped Larry. - -“Go on, go on!” scoffed Tom. - -“I will--to the States,” murmured the big lad under his breath. - -“Our job is to hunt up the border patrol who saw him last,” put in Bob. -“His name is Phil Hughes. Sergeant Erskine said that by keeping due -south from here we could easily find his post near the international -boundary line. He ought to be able to give us a lot of information.” - -“I never heard of such a bunch,” sniffed Larry. - -“Oh, ho,” broke in Dave, with a yawn, “I’m going to lie down. There’s -no earthly use for any one standing guard to-night, fellows, so nobody -need wake me up.” - -“All right--it’s understood,” laughed Bob. - -The stout boy, with a blanket tucked under his arm, presently mounted -the steps; then, one by one, the others followed. - -The fire, piled high with wood, sent a flaring yellow glow through -the windows of the room in which they intended to spend the night. -The corners, however, were very dark and mysterious; and the shadows -flitting about assumed curious, uncanny shapes. - -The Ramblers, long accustomed to roughing it, promptly rolled -themselves in blankets and lay down. Larry did the same. To his tired, -aching body the floor seemed very hard and uncomfortable. He was rather -fearful, too, that wandering rats or spiders might make a voyage of -discovery over his recumbent form. - -“I guess the five husky little travelers will have a surprise in the -morning,” he reflected. “The crowd may be smart, all right, but I sort -o’ think they’ll have to be a bit smarter to outwit little ‘Fear-not.’” - -“We want to make an awful early start, Bob,” Tom was saying; “so we’d -better not do any talking. Pleasant dreams, fellows!” - -Long after the others were enjoying blissful slumber Larry was still -awake. The windows appeared as two glowing parallelograms amidst a -field of darkness. The forms of the sleepers were partially lost in -obscurity. Occasionally one of them stirred; but, apart from this, the -silence was dense--oppressive. - -At last Larry began to slumber, and really being much wearied, was -in a profound sleep when a frightful series of yells and pistol -shots, apparently just outside the windows, brought him to his feet, -white-faced and trembling. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE RIDER - - -The confusion which instantly reigned in that particular room of -Fool’s Castle far outdid the same kind of performance enacted on the -previous night. The boys, springing up, bumped into each other, wildly -scrambling for points of safety, and by every action indicating that -the night surprise had acted with terrific force on their nerves. - -“Help, help!” yelled Larry. - -The pistol shots and yells were ringing out again. Momentarily he -expected to hear the whirr of bullets flying through the open windows. - -What did it mean? - -Bob Somers was the first to regain control of his faculties. Regardless -of the threatened danger, he dashed out of the room. Stout Dave Brandon -followed but a few feet behind. - -Fairly leaping from the porch to the ground, the two, with muscles -still twitching from the excitement, gazed about them. The appearance -of nature had changed. The moon was sending a soft silvery light over -the landscape. It flooded the walls of Fool’s Castle, which rose white -and ghost-like. The “Italian garden,” looking like some spot fit for -the tread of fairies’ feet, seemed as deserted and quiet as a place -could be. - -“Nothing,” said Bob--“not a sign of any one!” - -“Nothing!” echoed Dave. - -A crowd of wildly-excited boys was now fairly tumbling out of the -ranch-house. - -“Who in the world could it have been, Bob?” cried Tom Clifton, striving -hard to appear calm and collected. - -“It was exactly like the rumpus we heard last night,” came from Dick -Travers. - -“And, by Jove, the same person or persons certainly made it!” exclaimed -Sam Randall. - -“Much queer--no understand!” said Thunderbolt. His bronze face showed -unmistakable evidence of great bewilderment. - -And every one of the group was as bewildered as he--astounded at an -event which had happened two nights in succession. Tongues fairly -hurled questions and answers. The cattle rustler theory seemed to be -exploded. - -Standing in plain view, easily exposed to attack, Larry Burnham’s -nerves began to shake so violently as to interfere with his -articulation. - -“Come on, fellows!” cried Bob, suddenly. “They can’t be very far away.” - -“H-h-hold on!” stuttered Larry. “Do you w-w-want to get shot? -S-s-somebody may be h-h-hiding among those trees!” - -“Then let’s find ’em!” yelled Tom, valiantly. - -The lads, their eyes sparkling with excitement, dashed from point to -point of the big enclosure, Larry dragging along unwillingly at the -rear. Now they were by the deep shadows of the cedars; then close to -the graceful columns of the little Greek temple, only halting a moment -at a time to satisfy themselves that no other human beings were near. - -“And yet,” said Bob Somers, voicing the thoughts of all, “those sounds -were right close to the house.” - -“They certainly were,” stammered Larry. - -“I think men have time to get out of stockade,” declared Thunderbolt. - -This reasoning seemed to be correct. The search was carried on with -unabated vigor. But their eager eyes, now turned toward the immediate -surroundings of the enclosure, failed to detect any signs of life. - -“What--what’s to be done?” cried Larry. - -“Let’s try to think it out,” suggested Tom. - -“We’ve gone over almost every possible theory,” said Dave, wearily. -“It’s uncommonly exasperating.” - -“We never know,” murmured Thunderbolt. - -“Confound it all--we will know!” shouted Tom. “Some kind of a crowd is -following us.” - -“Either cattle rustlers or smugglers,” declared Larry, positively. “You -heard what Teddy Banes said about ’em.” - -“But what object would they have in so rudely disturbing our slumber?” -asked Dave, with a negative shake of his head. - -“Just now we don’t know, and can’t know,” said Bob. “Let’s make another -search.” - -Fully an hour was spent before the boys were reluctantly obliged to -confess their failure; and, more and more mystified, they finally -reëntered Fool’s Castle. - -“This ought to be a lesson to us, fellows,” announced Bob Somers. “We -must never miss taking turns on guard.” - -“It was my fault, Bob,” said Dave, magnanimously. - -“And as a penalty I suppose you’ll take the first watch?” grinned Dick. - -“A confession generally means a mitigation of sentence,” laughed Dave. - -It was the stout boy, however, who presently left the room, rifle in -hand, to begin his two hour stretch. - -Larry Burnham was quite amazed to find the others lying down again as -though nothing had happened. But sleep for him was utterly impossible. -So, miserable in mind and weary in body, he lay listening to the soft -footsteps of the sentinel outside, or gazing abstractedly at the moon, -which sent its searching rays through the open windows. - -About the time the sun rose the last sentinel ruthlessly disturbed -those still asleep. - -“Peach of a night, wasn’t it!” exclaimed Tom Clifton. - -“The two nights made a fine pair,” grinned Sam. - -“Ho for breakfast!” cried Dave. - -“Well, well,” murmured the blond lad to himself, when he discovered -that no attention was paid to him. “Looks to me as if so much -excitement has put it all out of their minds.” - -And in this he was quite correct. - -“Ha, ha! I’ll be deserter number two,” he murmured, “What a peach o’ a -little ‘Fear-not’ I am. Maybe I was a bit scared last night. But the -idea of gettin’ a chunk o’ lead is enough to scare any one.” - -After breakfast the crowd followed Dave Brandon into the ranch-house. - -“I have some notes to make,” explained the “historian.” - -“That settles it,” said Tom. “We’ve got to stay here until after -dinner.” - -Larry anxiously waited and watched. But no opportunity to slip away -presented itself. - -The lads, still full of the mystery, continued to speculate upon it -as they walked briskly around the stockade, or wandered over the -surrounding hills and prairie. - -To the blond lad’s extreme annoyance, lunch was late. He began to fear -again that the fates were against him. He didn’t enjoy the meal. And -the way the others lingered over it tried his patience almost to the -limit. - -Hope, however, asserted itself while the dishes were being cleared away. - -“It’s never good to travel right after a big meal,” declared Dave; “so -we’d better remain as guests of Fool’s Castle for another hour or two.” - -“Well, it’s a nice cool place, anyway,” said Dick Travers. “Who wants -to do a bit more exploring--you, Tom?--Good! Come along then.” - -Larry sauntered leisurely toward the door. - -Twenty minutes had passed, when a “Hello, Bob; hello!” in Tom -Clifton’s voice brought the Rambler, who was talking to Dave, Sam, and -Thunderbolt, to his feet. - -“What is it, Tom?” he called. - -“We can see a chap riding in the distance!” cried Tom, excitedly. - -“Gee whiz! That’s interesting!” exclaimed Sam Randall. “Maybe it’s one -of those fellows who serenaded us last night.” - -To Sam’s great astonishment, Bob Somers, without replying, made a wild -dash for the door. His eyes quickly ran over the tethered horses. - -“Just what I was afraid of!” he cried, breathlessly. - -Larry Burnham’s mount was missing. - -“Suffering grasshoppers!” burst out Sam, staring with wide-open eyes. -“He--he--has actually skipped!” - -“Hurry up, Bob,” came from Tom. “Get your field-glass on him. He’s only -a tiny speck now.” - -“Outwitted!” grumbled Sam. - -Bob Somers did not wait to listen. Leaping up the steps which led -to the second floor he rushed into the room where the two lads were -standing by the open window. - -“Only wish he was coming this way,” began Tom. “Quick, Bob. I want a -squint. We may learn something.” - -“We have already!” cried Bob. - -“What--what?” - -Then, as Sam Randall and Thunderbolt burst in upon them, a belated -suspicion of the truth flashed into Tom Clifton’s mind. His mouth -opened; a deep scowl settled on his features; his fists were clenched. - -“Oh--oh! What a dub I was, never to think of it! Oh--oh! It’s -Larry--Larry Burnham; I know it is!” - -Forgetting politeness in his eagerness Tom seized the field-glass from -Bob Somers’ hands and leveled it hastily upon the tiny figure of horse -and rider. - -His fears were realized. There, in a bright circle of light, the -high-power glass showed the image of Larry Burnham and his horse. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -TOM FOLLOWS - - -“The meanest thing I ever heard of!” cried Tom, handing back the -binocular. - -“A silly chump, all right; but he got ahead of us this time,” exclaimed -Sam Randall. - -“Me no understand why he do it,” came from Thunderbolt. - -“It means that some one will have to ride after him,” remarked Bob, -quietly. “Larry may miss his way.” - -“And get into all sorts of trouble, besides,” said Dick. - -“Fellows,” cried Tom, “I’ll chase him. There isn’t a bit of use in the -whole bunch going.” - -In a fever of impatience he sprang toward the door. - -“Hold on, Tom,” called Sam. “Suppose Larry refuses to come back?--What -then?” - -Tom found a ready answer to this question. Even if the blond lad -should, indeed, decline to listen to persuasion, arguments, or shafts -of sarcasm, his mission would not be a failure. - -“I’ll see him safely aboard a train,” he said. “Then we won’t be -worrying our heads off for fear he’s either lost or starving.” - -“Or done up by those gentlemen who fired off pistols, and uttered such -riotous yells,” laughed Sam Randall. - -Down-stairs, a brief consultation was held. The opinion that Tom should -go alone was not unanimous. - -Tom, however, determined to show his mettle, resourcefulness and -courage, stoutly insisted. - -Then, to end the argument, he ran briskly from the room; and, once -outside, dashed toward the horses at a rate which set them all to -prancing wildly about. - -The tall boy made it a point to be always in a state of preparedness. -His saddle bags and canteens were already filled. What little work -remained to be done he accomplished quickly, and just as the reins -snapped into place sang out: - -[Illustration: “GOOD LUCK, OLD BOY”] - -“Now I’m off, fellows, in search of Larry--and adventure!” - -His companions, standing near the imposing columns of Fool’s Castle, -were waving farewells. - -“Good luck, old boy!” shouted Bob Somers. - -“Don’t worry about me,” yelled Tom, leaping on the pony’s back. “I’m -too old a hand at this game to get into any trouble. So-long!” - -His hand came down sharply on the animal’s flank. Then the interested -onlookers saw their chum galloping swiftly toward the gate, leaving -behind him clouds of yellowish dust. - -Tom’s chagrin had given place to a feeling of elation. Now there was -no one to hold him in check. He was his own master, to ride the great -reaches before him as fast or as slowly as he pleased. Cattle rustlers! -Smugglers!--Bah! He’d like to see any who could frighten him! - -“I know the settlement Larry is bound for,” he reflected--“found it on -Bob Somers’ map. Ha, ha--won’t little ‘Fear-not’ be surprised to see me -flying up behind him?” - -Fool’s Castle soon became but a spot of light in the far-away distance. -Before him was the undulating prairie, the grass and earth sometimes -glowing with color, then shadowed by passing clouds. Although Tom rode -fast, he eagerly kept his eyes open for evidences of the “fugitive.” - -“This isn’t like a paper chase,” he muttered. “Guess even Thunderbolt -wouldn’t find it so easy.” - -Then, for the first time, the lad noted a sense of loneliness beginning -to steal over him. Before, his thoughts had been so busily occupied -that he had scarcely considered anything but duty. Now, however, -without the cheery voices of his companions, or the sight of them -galloping close by, the prairie, vast and almost unbroken, took on a -strangely desolate appearance. - -Not a living thing was in sight; not even a bird. He reflected how -easy it might be for an inexperienced traveler like Larry to lose his -bearings. - -After several hours’ traveling Tom reached a range of hills over which -it was extremely difficult to find a route. Steep and rocky slopes -turned him aside, or thickly-timbered stretches filled with underbrush -made progress very slow. - -“Gee whiz! There wasn’t anything on Bob Somers’ map that looked -like this,” soliloquized the lad. “I wonder how in the world little -‘Fear-not’ managed?” - -As the horse struggled up a steep incline, every impact of its hoofs -sending down showers of turf and stones, Tom’s face reflected his -worried feelings. Long before this he had expected to overtake the -“deserter.” His pride rebelled at the thought of returning to the camp -without him, or not being able to greet his friends with the triumphant -shout: - -“Hello, boys; I saw Larry off on the train, all right!” - -But here was nature conspiring against him--a very unkind proceeding, -he thought. Tom’s lips tightened. A scowl of determination appeared on -his forehead. - -“I’ll find that fellow if it takes a week,” he growled savagely. “The -chaps back there’ll know I’m safe.” - -In spite of his impatience, however, he felt obliged to give his horse -a rest at the top of the hill. Below him was a valley; directly -across, another range of hills, their tree-covered tops showing sharply -against the sky. It all looked very wild--desolate. But for his long -experience in camping out and roughing it his task of finding Larry -would have seemed a hopeless one. - -The Rambler gazed at the cool shadow of the hill already beginning to -climb the side of its neighbor. - -“I declare, this is exasperating!” he said, aloud. “By George, I’ll -give a yell. Maybe the big dunce is near enough to hear me. Hello, -Larry; hello!” he shouted. - -His gruff, deep voice was taken up by the surrounding hills and hurled -back in a series of weird echoes. He waited expectantly. But no answer -was returned. - -“Get up, old boy,” commanded Tom. “Sorry, but you’ve got more hard -traveling before you.” - -The descent was difficult--even dangerous. Frequently his horse’s legs -slid on slippery turf, or were caught in the tenacious grip of tangled -vines. - -Tom’s indignation against Larry returned, and grew in proportion to -the difficulties encountered. - -“Oh, I do wonder why we ever let that big tenderfoot come along,” he -grumbled. “Honest, I don’t believe I was ever more disgusted in my -life. I’d certainly like to take a punch at him.” - -Down in the valley traveling became easier. So Tom urged his horse into -a gallop, keeping up a good pace until the opposite range of hills rose -before him. Here, again, the same difficulties were encountered. - -“All the same, it isn’t going to stop little Stick-at-it,” mused Tom, -determinedly. “If a Northwest Mounted Policeman can ride alone through -places like this I guess I can.” - -After another long, toilsome climb the traveler saw extending before -him a great reach of undulating prairie--a sight which was, indeed, -refreshing. - -“Hooray!” he shouted. - -Pulling up, he critically surveyed the topography of the land somewhat -after the fashion of a general about to plan a strategic move. - -Fully two miles away a river cut across the plain in a northwesterly -direction. - -“It may mean a swim,” he thought. “Come on, old boy.” - -He began to thread his way down the hill, occasionally taking portions -at a rattling pace. - -At the base he stopped to give his horse a good rest and refresh -himself with a few crackers and a drink of water from his canteen. - -One thing greatly puzzled Tom Clifton: had Larry Burnham been left in -the rear, or was his start sufficient to enable him to cross the hills -in advance? - -In view of Larry’s general character the former theory seemed the more -probable. He was not one to conquer difficulties with ease; nor did he -possess any great amount of resourcefulness. The most courageous thing -he had ever done was, probably, actually to undertake this long journey -alone. - -“It shows that being with us has done Larry a whole lot of good,” he -said, aloud. “Why, I believe at first he’d have been scared enough to -blubber if the crowd had ever got out of his sight.” - -He remounted, and, riding at a good clip, soon saw the hills dropping -low behind him, while the line of scrubby trees by the river assumed -strength and color with each passing minute. - -Every now and again he called with all his force, hoping that in a -place where sounds carry such astonishing distances, his cries might -possibly reach the other’s ears. - -No responses, however, were carried back on the breeze. - -Now he could see the river plainly, tinted by the hues of the sky -overhead. - -He quickly cantered across the space which lay between, and on drawing -rein upon the grass-covered bank gave vent to an exclamation of -surprise. The river was far wider than he had expected. - -“Huh! I’ll bet Larry Burnham never crossed this,” he cried, decisively; -“no, sir--never in the world. He can’t swim. This is certainly a pretty -how-de-do.” - -His investigations in either direction did not reveal enough change in -the width of the stream to cause him to alter his opinion. - -“Of course there isn’t a bit of use in crossing,” he exclaimed aloud. -“What’s to be done? By Jove, I’ll camp right here.” - -The lad, thoroughly disgusted, looked around for a suitable place. Some -distance back from the stream a hollow fringed by a growth of scrubby -trees and bushes was discovered. - -“Just as good as though it had been made to order,” he murmured, when -he presently dismounted and picketed his horse. - -Now hunger, thirst and weary bones were beginning to occupy a prominent -place in his thoughts. Working hard, he built a fire and cooked supper. - -By the time it was eaten the sky was already growing gray and somber. -Watching the slow approach of night alone wasn’t half so much fun as -when his friends surrounded him. Perhaps never before had he felt quite -so lonely, or been so much impressed by the solemnity of nature. - -“I won’t be sorry when the moon shows its face,” he reflected. “Gee -whiz--I wonder how poor old Larry feels!” - -Before it became too dark he watered his horse; then returning to the -hollow piled on wood until the tongues of fiercely shooting flames -sent a ruddy illumination far beyond the camp. - -For a while he walked up and down some distance out on the prairie. -The stars were shining brightly, but the intense blackness finally -drove the Rambler back to the little hollow, the only spot in the great -expanse which seemed to hold a ray of cheer. - -At last Tom spread his blanket over the ground and lay down. He began -to think of the splendid account of his experiences he could give his -school-fellows. - -Then the hush of the night, the playful gleams of the fire, combined -with his own fatigue, made a drowsy feeling steal over him; and, on the -border line between sleeping and waking, he lay, scarcely stirring as -time passed on. - -Dimly it began to be impressed upon his mind that the moon was rising. -He could see a glow over the hills which vaguely suggested a far-off -conflagration. A bright rim presently crept over the brow. He was glad. -The awesome darkness would fly. - -Lazily he watched the satellite; then fell into a doze. And when his -eyes opened again, after what seemed to be but a moment’s interval, -he was surprised to see how far it had climbed in the sky. The fire -had died away, leaving a crumbling mass of red-hot coals. It was too -cheerful a companion to be lost. - -So Tom, with a yawn, raised himself on his elbow, intent upon -replenishing it. - -At this instant his ears caught a slight sound which did not seem to be -made by his horse or the breeze. Something impelled him to jump hastily -to his feet--to swing around and face the clump of trees over whose -stunted forms the moonbeams were playing. - -A thrill that was almost a shock suddenly gripped him. He staggered -back. He had made an astounding discovery. - -Sitting silent and motionless in the shadow was a man. His face could -be scarcely seen; but the barrel of a rifle resting across his knees -threw out gleams of light. - -The momentary shock having passed, Tom Clifton was about to speak, -when, to his amazement and alarm, the man sprang to his feet and darted -toward him. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -SMUGGLERS - - -Yes, Larry Burnham had outwitted the Ramblers. Smart as they thought -themselves it proved a very easy matter to lead his horse outside the -stockade, mount and gallop away. - -So long as he kept within sight of Fool’s Castle he kept turning -in the saddle; and each time, discovering no pursuers, his grin of -satisfaction increased. - -“I can just imagine how Tom Clifton’ll stamp around and roar,” he -chuckled. “Here’s where little ‘Fear-not’ scores.” - -There was nothing to disturb Larry Burnham’s peace of mind. He just had -to keep riding straight ahead until the settlement was reached; then a -train would speedily carry him back to the States and civilization. - -“But for this miserable Jed Warren business I’d probably have stuck it -out,” he soliloquized. “But such a long wild goose chase!” - -What to do with his horse had at first bothered the boy; but he finally -concluded to have the animal shipped to his father’s Wisconsin farm. - -“All serene,” he laughed. “Even if the bunch are angry I’ll fix it up -with them when they get back to Kingswood.” - -Some hours later Larry’s troubles began. They loomed up in the shape of -hills. He surveyed with dismay the barrier which nature had set against -him. Accustomed to put responsibilities upon others wherever possible, -he was at a disadvantage when compelled to depend entirely upon himself. - -The long detours, the difficulties which beset him on all sides, were -eating up precious time. Often he became confused, lost his bearings, -and, in his impatience plunged blindly ahead, many times forced by -steep declivities or obstructions to retrace his way. - -A troubled look came into his eyes. It was exasperating to be so -balked--to have his well-laid plans threatened with failure. The -thought of Tom Clifton’s laughter, and the sarcastic remarks he would -be certain to make caused Larry’s lips to tighten. - -“Get up, get up!” he growled. “We’ll reach that railroad or leave our -bones on the plain. Ha, ha, ha--that’s a good one! This situation is -makin’ me feel dramatic.” - -Before he at last managed to reach the river the rider had passed a -most unpleasant period. His face was scratched and bruised; while the -jolting and tossing about in the saddle added considerably to the -soreness of his bones and muscles. - -The lad, however, managed to stand all these things with some degree -of patience until he found himself facing a stretch of water far wider -than he had ever expected. - -“Now what am I to do?” he cried, in utter disgust. “By Jingo, I’m -blocked--blocked for fair. Horses are mighty good swimmers, I know; but -trustin’ my safety to a nag when there’s no one around to give me a -hand if anything happens doesn’t suit me.” - -Larry’s impatience soon began to change into genuine alarm. He could -discover no place, either up or down the river, where he dared to ford. -At last, completely at a loss to know what to do, he sprang to the -ground. - -The thought of being obliged to pass the night alone filled him with -dread. For the first time he began bitterly to regret his course. - -“From the map I judged this river to be a small affair like some of the -others the crowd crossed,” he grumbled. “But, hang it all, this might -as well be the Atlantic Ocean.” - -It was a long time before Larry’s unhappy frame of mind permitted -him to get up sufficient energy to search for a camping place. About -a hundred feet from the river a thick clump of bushes spotted the -prairie; and their shelter, he decided, was more inviting than the -broad open stretches. - -After unsaddling and picketing his horse, he drew a hatchet from his -belt and sallied out in search of wood. It seemed as though the irony -of fate was plunging him right into the kind of work he so cordially -detested. - -“I reckon this would make Tom Clifton laugh,” he thought, with a smile -which had little mirth in it. - -The necessity for swift work if he wished to have supper before dark -put some action into his big frame; so, in a comparatively short time, -an armful of wood was carried over to the camp. Larry was doubtful -about his ability as chef, never having prepared a meal in his life. -Still, he reflected, cooking bacon and potatoes requires but little -skill. The quantity of coffee to use, however, puzzled him. - -“I guess it isn’t more’n a cupful, anyway,” he remarked, aloud. - -A roaring fire was immediately kindled and saddle bags unpacked. Larry, -as might have been expected, soon succeeded in burning his fingers, as -well as the bacon. The gravy caught fire, and in attempting to put it -out he knocked several of the largest slices into the flames, thereby -adding for a few seconds a furious sputtering and hissing. - -The coffee had a strangely unfamiliar taste; nor were the potatoes any -better, being burnt almost black on one side and nearly raw on the -other. He was, therefore, obliged to depend almost entirely on the -canned goods and crackers. - -The ill success which attended his efforts served to relieve Larry’s -mind, for a short time, from his greater troubles. They returned, -however, with added force when the tin dishes were cleared away. The -light was fast fading; the hills had become dark and somber. Sounds -of chirping insects, or an occasional cry from some far-away bird, -increased the sense of utter desolation. How heartily glad he would -have been to see the Ramblers about the fire. Even Tom Clifton’s -oddities and annoying ways appeared to him in a different light at this -particular moment. - -While the landscape was in the full glare of sunlight no feelings of -possible danger had worried him. But now his mind began to be occupied -with thoughts of smugglers and cattle rustlers--men whom Teddy Banes -denounced as rough and dangerous characters. And the two mysterious -alarms in the night certainly proved that the half-breed had good -reasons for his warning. - -“Oh, I do wish I had stuck to the crowd!” exclaimed Larry, attempting -to master a nervous feeling which now and again came upon him. “If I -can’t get across this river somewhere it means a jaunt back to Fool’s -Castle. And--and--suppose I can’t find the place?--or the fellows have -gone?” - -He abruptly paused. Such an eventuality quite staggered him. His stock -of provisions would last only a few days. He possessed no knowledge -of woodcraft, or of the ability to keep oneself alive, in case of -emergency, by such edibles as might be found in the woods and fields. -True, Larry carried a rifle; but he suspected, not without good reason, -that any animal would have to be either very large or very close to -stand in danger. - -“Hang it all, I’m in a pretty mess!” he said, disgustedly. - -It was the inaction--the impossibility of making any move for -hours--which drove the usually indolent Larry to pacing up and down -at a furious rate. As the dusk gathered around him he kept closer and -closer to the fire, then, oppressed by the darkness, took a seat close -beside it. - -“Oh, how delightful life in the open is!” he thought. “To hear Tom -Clifton chirp about it a chap might think it was one of the most -glorious things in the world. I’m going to dream about this experience -for a month.” - -At last, hoping he might be able to forget his troubles in sleep, Larry -spread a blanket on the ground and lay down. The long journey had -fatigued him; and this, together with the softly-stirring air, brought -on a condition which soon resulted in deep, heavy slumber. - -Some hours afterward Larry Burnham suddenly awoke. The fire was -practically out. A very faint light came from the rising moon. Vaguely -uneasy, he raised himself to an upright position. - -A sound had aroused him. It came again--a creak, as though made by -wagon wheels. Then, following this, the faint thud of horses’ hoofs was -clearly perceptible. - -With a gasp of surprise, Larry looked eagerly about. - -Over the top of the bushes, scarcely more than a darkish blur against -the landscape, he detected an object moving slowly along. And in -advance, and following, were several horsemen. - -“Great Scott!” he muttered, breathlessly. - -At first a thrill of joy ran through him. Here was relief--men, -undoubtedly, who could put him on the right track. But the impulse to -make his presence known suddenly disappeared. - -Who were they? - -Wasn’t there something queer about a wagon and a silent body of -horsemen passing across the prairie at such an hour? - -Cautiously, Larry dragged himself nearer the bushes. He now began to -feel thankful for having chosen such a secluded retreat, and that the -smouldering remains of his fire were not bright enough to betray his -presence. The horse, too, was lying down. - -The words of Teddy Banes rang in his ears. He strained his eyes to -make out the form of the vehicle. Its blurred outlines, now almost -abreast the bushes, were sufficiently strong to enable him to see its -canvas-covered sides and top. - -“Judgin’ by the speed they’re makin’ it must be pretty heavily loaded,” -thought Larry. - -He listened intently, hoping to catch some stray bits of conversation -which might give him some idea of the character of the men. Not a word, -however, came from the little procession moving so methodically and -steadily by. This curious silence had a peculiar effect on Larry’s -nerves. He felt convinced that he was seeing something entirely out of -the ordinary. - -Time seemed to pass with almost unendurable slowness. He longed to -rise, to stretch his legs--but did not dare to do so until the wagon -and its accompanying horsemen were almost indistinguishable in the -distance. Then Larry Burnham rose to his feet. - -“Score another one for Teddy Banes,” he said, softly. “Sure as I live -it’s a band of smugglers!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -LARRY’S COURAGE - - -“Smugglers!” The word had a very unpleasant sound to Larry Burnham’s -ears. He was sure he had been an actual witness of one of those -expeditions for which the Northwest Mounted Police are continually on -the lookout. - -The blond lad scanned the landscape earnestly. How he longed for -daylight! How slowly the hours would pass! It was bad enough to be -alone in that great wilderness; but it seemed infinitely worse to know -that other human beings were near. - -“Yes, I’ll just go back and take my medicine,” grunted Larry, “and let -Tom do the last laugh business. Why, that big, barren room at Fool’s -Castle would look like a palace to-night. Here’s where I get to work!” - -Larry’s work consisted of walking to and fro, at the same time allowing -his mind to dwell on all the stories he had ever heard concerning -dreadful things which had happened to travelers out in the open. That -same old moon he now saw had looked down upon some mighty strange -scenes. He was quite sure he would never forget how the orb appeared on -this occasion--its shape was so odd, its rays so weird. - -At length he stopped pacing and looked with a searching gaze at the -point in the landscape where the wagon had last been seen. - -“Hello!” he exclaimed, softly; “don’t I see something?” - -His interest became so great that, forgetting caution, he walked beyond -the shelter of the bushes. - -“Great Scott--horsemen again,” he murmured. “Why, the prairie must be -full o’ ’em.” - -Three faint spots not far apart seemed to be moving along at an -extraordinary pace. - -“What in the world can that mean?” thought Larry, becoming excited -again. - -Retreating behind the shelter of the bushes he kept his eyes on the -approaching riders as though fascinated by the spectacle. The three -specks were increasing in size with remarkable rapidity. - -“It looks as though somebody is getting chased,” thought Larry. “That -chap in the lead certainly seems to be doing all he can to get away. -Whew--what a night it has been!” - -At first he was fearful that the horsemen might descend directly upon -his camp. A little study, however, convinced him that unless they -swerved considerably from their course the riders would pass some -distance away. - -There was something so mysterious, so unusual in the scene being -enacted before his eyes that his mind became filled with the most -dreadful misgivings. Now there came to his ears a faint sound of voices -and the rapid hoof-beats of the racing horses. - -“Oh, wouldn’t I give a lot if I had Bob Somers’ field-glass,” he -muttered. “Gee! They’re gainin’ on that chap. In a few minutes more -they’ll have him.” - -Larry’s prediction was quickly verified. He saw the three horses swing -together and form one confused patch of dark against the silvery sheen -of the plain. Almost instantly they came to a standstill. Then, once -more, he heard the sound of voices--angry voices, too. - -“There’s some fellow out there in a whole lot of trouble!” exclaimed -the watcher, half aloud. - -Though with eyes opened to their widest extent and ears primed to catch -the faintest sound, Larry sought vainly to gain some idea of what was -taking place. Curiosity began to get the better of his fears. - -“It surely has something to do with that band of smugglers,” he -thought. “By Jove--look!” - -The three men had wheeled about and were returning in the direction -from whence they had come. All were riding almost as furiously as -before. - -“I’ll bet he’s been taken prisoner!” cried Larry, excitedly, jumping to -his feet. “Gee whiz! Teddy Banes was certainly right!” - -Then he began to experience an uncomfortable feeling that if any -one was in trouble a stern duty lay before him: he must, at least, -investigate. - -“Suppose I got in a fix like that! What should I think of a chap who -stood by and did nothing?” he growled, striking his big chest a blow -with his fist. “By Jove, I’d put him down as a pretty poor specimen!” - -When Larry’s thoughts began to be taken off himself and his own -troubles his courage rapidly rose. - -“Maybe little ‘Fear-not’ will score in this game!” he cried. “And if he -does I’ll make it a point to let Tom Clifton hear all about it.” - -He strode over to the horse. - -“Get up, you lazy creature, get up!” he cried. - -And putting his big hands upon the “lazy creature’s” shoulder he gave -it a violent shove which speedily brought the animal to its feet. - -The change which had come over the “promising football player” within a -few moments was quite remarkable. All his timidity and fear seemed to -have disappeared. Now no one would have recognized in him the lad who -had sheltered himself behind a fringe of bushes. - -For the first time a little get up and go seemed to have crept into his -nature. Faster than he had ever done so before, he saddled the horse. -Then, vaulting upon its back, he rode away at a swift pace. - -The gleams of the rifle barrel resting across the pommel served to give -him a sense of security. Larry actually felt surprised at himself. He -also began to feel a trifle ashamed. Viewing matters from a different -standpoint, he suddenly began to wonder what the boys in Kingswood -would think of his “desertion.” - -“Thunderation!” he growled, angrily. “Maybe they’ll call me a -‘quitter.’ I was sort o’ thinkin’ the joke would be on the other -side; but I guess I’ll be the one that’s going to catch it!” Growing -reckless, he urged his horse into a faster gallop. “Tom Clifton was -right. I’ve been a little ‘Fear-not’ who feared everything.” - -Having come to this unpleasant conclusion, Larry appeared to lose all -caution and restraint. His horse was fresh, the air cool, and almost as -fast as he had seen the mysterious riders dash over the plain, so he -rode in pursuit of them, with the breeze blowing his sandy hair wildly -against his face. - -And all the time he kept an eager lookout for the riders somewhere -ahead. Unless they were making for some pass in the hills he felt sure -his scrutiny would soon be rewarded. The blond lad regarded himself as -quite a hero. - -“By Jinks, I can understand now how the Ramblers feel about these -trips,” he soliloquized. “I must have been asleep all the time.” - -His fiery pony was pounding over the plain at a reckless rate, and the -faster he went the faster he wanted to go. In the exhilaration he felt -almost like shouting. With the bunch grass on every side, it seemed as -though he was plunging into a waste of silvery waves. - -Suddenly a reddish gleam in the midst of a patch of timber caught -his eye; then, as intervening trees came between, flashed out; then -reappeared once more. - -“Whoa--whoa!” whispered Larry, softly. “Here’s a development I wasn’t -expectin’. Where there’s a camp-fire there must be men.” - -Pulling up his steaming horse, some of his old feelings of nervousness -returned. - -“It may be dangerous,” he reflected. “Oh, thunder! Wonder what I’d -better do?” - -For several moments he debated the question; then, making up his mind, -rode to a tree close by, and, dismounting, tied his horse. - -“By George, I’ll sneak up,” he muttered, determinedly. “Little -‘Fear-not’ is going to see this business through to the end.” - -Unslinging his rifle, and using the utmost care, Larry crept slowly -toward the light, which was more often out of sight than in. There -was no sound of voices or anything else to indicate the presence of -campers. This, however, he argued, was not to be wondered at, as the -hour was very late. - -No Indian stealing upon an unwary foe could have used greater care than -he. But not possessing the Indian’s skill the sharp cracking of twigs, -or other noises made by his advance, often caused him to stop, his -heart beating fast. - -“Suppose some one should suddenly pop out from those bushes and draw a -bead on me!” he muttered, shiveringly. - -Several times he was on the point of giving up, but on each occasion -shook his head. - -“If anything happens, it happens!” he said grimly. - -Now came the step which called for all his courage. He could see the -embers, down in a little hollow, glowing brightly. The dark trees rose -before him--ominously dark--their scraggly branches assuming in the -whitish light of the moon a weird and sinister aspect. - -Within their shadows, Larry Burnham, crouching behind a bush, looked -and listened with painful intensity. His mind continually pictured -menacing figures but a few yards away waiting for his appearance. A -crackling of the embers filled him with sudden terror. Only a powerful -effort prevented him from fleeing in mad panic. - -Finally he quelled his shaking nerves, and worked his way to a point -where a clear view of the hollow was before him. The tension leaped -away. He uttered a sigh of heartfelt relief. - -The camp was deserted. - -The instant this discovery was made, Larry, with a boldness in great -contrast to his former stealth, rose to his feet and walked directly -toward the fire. - -The first thing which struck his attention was the appearance of the -ground and grass. The latter in many places was beaten down, while -deep imprints and clods of torn-up earth gave every indication that -some terrific struggle had taken place. And, to add to these evidences, -his eye lighted on a bush, partially flattened, its branches and leaves -scattered about. “By whom?--how?” - -The astounded Larry Burnham asked himself these questions over and over -again. - -The silence, the peace of the enclosure appeared in such striking -contrast to something which he could see only too clearly had taken -place. And the impression on his mind was tremendous. - -“By Jingo!” he murmured, breathlessly, “those shouts and pistol shots -seem tame alongside of this. Believe me, it’s enough to give a chap the -creeps.” - -Bending over, he followed the tracks with the minutest care, then -suddenly straightened up with an exclamation. - -A bit further along, partly hidden by tall grass, he saw several dark -objects. In his eagerness he almost leaped toward them. - -“Great Scott--a bridle an’ saddle!” he exclaimed. “But where is the -horse they belong to? This is another mystery. And, by George, it’s a -hummer!” - -Dragging the saddle to a smoother piece of ground, he began to examine -it. Then, as though something had struck him a blow, he straightened up -and almost staggered back. - -He had seen that particular saddle before. - -“It can’t be possible,” he gasped--“it can’t be!” - -Eager and with trembling hands he looked it over again. Now, all doubts -were stilled. It belonged to a Rambler,--and that Rambler was Tom -Clifton. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -CAPTURED - - -When Tom Clifton realized the danger that confronted him he was so -taken by surprise that it was several seconds before he had recovered -sufficient presence of mind to leap aside. - -“Hold on--hold on!” he yelled. “Who are you?” - -The other threw aside his rifle, but made no reply. Tom Clifton saw a -pair of long arms outstretched; muscular fingers were ready to grip him. - -Despite the rapidity of the attack, Tom, by an adroit movement, eluded -his assailant. The bewilderment which at first had threatened seriously -to interfere with him was gone. Cool-headed and steady of nerve, he -attempted to leap toward his horse. - -Before he could reach the animal, however, his mysterious adversary was -upon him. - -Desperately Tom Clifton strove to tear away from the arms which -encircled his waist. At the high school gymnasium he had learned a few -tricks in wrestling. One of these broke the hold. - -Then two wildly-struggling figures swayed back and forth in the hollow, -now illuminated by the faint light which came from the fire, then, once -again, beyond its range, with the pale rays of the moon sending their -shadows weirdly over the uneven ground. - -What was the object of the attack? Who could this man be who had -crawled up to his camp and sprung upon him as fiercely as a wolf? He -could find no answer. - -All his strength, skill and cunning responded to his call. He was -outmatched in strength but not in generalship. His rapid movements made -firelight, horse and trees appear to be whirling around and around. -Again and again he tore away; again and again, with the skill of a -boxer, he blocked the hands which attempted to seize him. Once he was -down, sprawling on hands and knees. - -His game defense seemed destined to end in failure; for, as rapidly as -an eagle darts upon its prey, so did the other follow up his advantage. -Tom Clifton gritted his teeth. He heard a cry of exultation. Out of -the corner of his eye he saw the dark figure towering above him. - -Then, with extraordinary swiftness, he twisted around and gripped his -opponent’s leg just in time to prevent himself from being crushed to -earth. - -Involuntarily, the enemy straightened up to keep his balance. And in -that instant the nimble Tom had sprung to his feet. - -“See here,” he managed to gasp between his labored breathing, “let up! -You must have taken me for some one else.” - -There was no reply. - -“If I could only get to that horse!” thought Tom. - -He sprang away, with the other lunging heavily at his heels. - -Dashing madly toward the frightened animal he loosened the picket pin -with a lusty kick. Then, driven to close quarters, faced about. - -The fierce struggle was renewed. The shadows danced faster. The hard, -deep breathing of both grew louder. Only the Rambler’s speed kept -him out of the other’s clutches. The realization that once in his -enemy’s grip he would be rendered helpless nerved him to continue the -resistance with all his strength and resourcefulness. - -The man’s silence, the broad-brimmed hat pulled low, so as to conceal -his features, and his evident determination to win at all hazards -filled him with an alarm he had never felt before. - -An idea had occurred to Tom; and, putting it into execution, he managed -to work his way out of the hollow, at length reaching a point many -yards distant from the camp. - -And now he felt that the instant to make his decisive stroke had -arrived. It was a stroke which would mean either victory or defeat. -With an abruptness which took his adversary completely by surprise, the -lad swung to one side; then, with head lowered, made a mad dash for the -camp. - -Never, even in his base stealing for the “Kingswood High,” had Tom’s -legs moved with such extraordinary rapidity. In his ears were ringing -the heavier footfalls of the pursuer, who was putting forth every -effort to overtake him. - -A last desperate spurt, and Tom was swinging wildly toward the fire, -his eyes fixed on the horse, which at this abrupt and startling -reappearance of its owner began prancing about. This still further -loosened the picket pin, and a blow from Tom’s foot as he passed sent -it spinning over the ground. - -A wild leap astride the back of the bridleless and saddleless horse -was made just as the animal realized its freedom. It was a thrilling -moment, in which a second’s time played a most important part. - -Gripping the pony’s halter with all his force, Tom’s free hand came -down hard on its flank. He saw the dark figure almost within reach, the -muscular arm again extended. He heard a loud: “Whoa--whoa!” come from -the man’s lips. - -But the horse’s legs were already in motion. It plunged headlong -through the underbrush, grazing a tree and causing the rider narrowly -to escape being swept from its back. Only Tom’s long apprenticeship -in the saddle saved him. Away he went over the prairie at a furious -gallop, leaving the hollow and his assailant far in the rear. - -Breathless with fatigue and excitement, Tom Clifton made no attempt -to stop the furious dash of the frightened horse. The cool night air -fanned his cheeks; he felt a sense of wild exhilaration. The victory -was his. Even in those moments, with the ground slipping beneath him at -terrific speed, he thought of the sensation his story would create. - -“Get up, old boy, get up!” he yelled. “Hello--hello!” - -On throwing a glance over his shoulder he had made an unpleasant -discovery--the man was pursuing him on horseback. - -Tom uttered a shrill whistle. - -“He must have had his nag hidden somewhere among the trees,” he cried. -“Well, well, this is an adventure, all right! But he’ll never get -within ten yards of me.” - -In the soft light of the moon the prairie presented a picture of the -most poetic charm. It seemed as though he was plunging ahead into a -land of dreams and unrealities. On one side the distant hills cut in -a broken line against a sky of bluish green; shadows wrapped their -base in mystery; and on the other the silent river glimmered faintly -between the trees or lost its placid surface in somber grays. - -“Great Cæsar!” muttered the lad, suddenly. “What’s that?” - -His eye, once more turning far to the rear, had caught sight of several -specks. One seemed to be a wagon; the others horsemen; and all were -moving slowly in the opposite direction to which he was going. - -Tom Clifton’s mind immediately became busy with conjectures. - -“There’s surely something doing out here to-night,” he thought. “I -wonder if that fellow chasing me doesn’t belong to that party yonder. -Gee whiz! I guess Teddy Banes was right.” - -When he looked around again a wave of relief shot through him. The man -had evidently given up the pursuit, for the forms of horse and rider -now appeared considerably smaller than before. - -“Thank goodness!” exclaimed Tom, fervently. - -The nerve-racking pace, the jolting and bumping could come to an end. -He tugged and sawed on the bridle; he yelled sharp commands, or -uttered soothing words. But a spirit of madness seemed to have gripped -the horse. With eyes distended, and snorting from fear, the animal was -beyond all control. - -“Running away!” cried Tom. “Great Scott!” - -His nerves, already wrought to a high pitch of tension, tingled anew. -The objects moving so rapidly past were making a sense of dizziness -come over him. A fear, too, that his horse might stumble and he be -thrown headlong set him to work desperately on the halter again. - -And while he was doing this with every ounce of strength at his command -two horsemen suddenly rode into view from a patch of timber only a -short distance to the right. - -Tom was now too much occupied, too shaken up and jolted about to have -left any room for surprise. He heard, sounding above the clatter of his -horse’s hoofs, a cry, loud and peremptory--a ringing command to halt. - -At the risk of being thrown, he managed to look behind. - -The newcomers had spurred up their mounts and were racing toward him -at a whirlwind pace. Visions of falling into the hands of a band of -desperate men flashed into his mind. The stern order to stop came again -and again. - -The Rambler made no reply. He no longer sought to control his horse; -but, bending far over on its neck, and, riding with the skill of a -cowboy, awaited developments with a fast-beating heart. - -And developments speedily came. The two horsemen were thundering nearer. - -“Stop--stop, I say!” yelled one. - -“Hold on, or it will be the worse for you!” cried the other. - -What could it mean? Were his adventures never to end? No matter how -hard Tom tried he was helpless to shape events. He realized, too, with -a sinking heart, that the exertions of his horse were fast telling on -him; he was slackening speed. The furious race must soon end. - -One backward glance showed him the foremost of the horsemen almost -upon him. From out of the corner of his eye he could see the blurred -outlines of a man leaning forward with arm outstretched ready to grasp -the halter of his flying steed. His gray shadow shot in advance; then, -neck and neck, the animals tore across the prairie, leaving a wake of -trampled grass and sometimes a flattened bush behind them. - -“I’ve got you, feller!” exclaimed a voice. “You wouldn’t stop, eh?” - -His hand shot across the few inches necessary, gripping the halter with -a strength that could not be shaken. - -As the horses slackened speed the second rider swung around to Tom’s -left. He, too, in another instant, placed his hand on the leather -straps. Aching in every joint, with the breath nearly shaken out of his -body, Tom Clifton felt unable to utter a word when muscular arms, with -a final tug, brought the animal to a full stop. - -“Now I reckon you’ll come to your senses!” exclaimed the man who had -spoken before. - -Tom Clifton straightened up to glance into his captor’s face, which was -clearly revealed by the light of the moon. - -For a second he seemed dumfounded into silence; then a cry of -astonishment came from his lips. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -THE LOADED WAGON - - -“Billy Ashe!” exclaimed Tom Clifton, in the greatest amazement, when -his breath and the excited state of his feelings permitted him to speak. - -The trooper seemed to be fully as astonished as the Rambler. - -“You--you!” he cried. “What in thunder are you doing out on the plains -at this time of night? And riding a horse without saddle or bridle?” -His voice became sharp and angry. “Confound it, fellow, you’ve spoilt -the whole business!” - -“What do you mean?” demanded Tom. - -“You’ve made us lose valuable time, besides yelling our heads off to -get you to stop. Don’t you know how far such sounds travel in the -night?” - -“My horse was running away,” snapped Tom. “Didn’t you have sense enough -to know it?” - -“Ah! That was the trouble, eh?” exclaimed the other policeman. “We’ve -been stalking big game, an’ took you to be one of ’em.” - -“Smugglers?” queried Tom, excitedly. - -“Where’s the rest of your crowd?” queried Ashe, abruptly. “Give an -account of yourself--fast, too. We haven’t an instant to spare.” - -His peremptory tone jarred harshly on Tom Clifton’s sensibilities, -especially after all the excitement he had gone through. But, excusing -it on the ground of the urgency of the policeman’s business, the lad, -in brief sentences, told his story. - -“I knew it!” exclaimed Billy Ashe, almost violently, as the last words -fell from his lips. “One of the nicest bits of police work that’s been -done for months all gone for nothing because a nervy kid just bobs up -in time to spoil it.” - -“How have I done anything to hinder you?” demanded Tom, as angrily as -the trooper. - -“But for you we could have tracked the slickest band of smugglers in -Canada to their destination. We’ve been on their trail for hours.” - -“You haven’t lost much time on me.” - -“That isn’t the point. That fellow back there who was watching you -didn’t intend to take any chances of your prying into their game. Now, -you may be sure, he’s put the others on their guard.” - -“Aye, aye!” agreed the other trooper. - -Billy Ashe, a very ambitious young officer, was becoming even more -angry and disgusted. After much patient work, he saw all his efforts -threatened with failure. Since entering the service he had always -kept in mind the idea of some day wearing a sergeant’s stripes on the -sleeves of his scarlet coat. And on this particular job the trooper had -visions of receiving warm commendations from his superior officers. -Tom Clifton had never impressed him favorably; and now, although the -tall lad could not be directly blamed, his presence at a critical time -irritated him, driving away for the moment the natural sympathy he -should have felt. - -Tom, however, was not looking for any. But he didn’t propose to -shoulder undeserved blame. - -“If you’ve made a fluke on the job,” he exclaimed, hotly, “it’s just -exactly as you said yourself: your own shouting must have done it.” - -“I’ll put it all up to Sergeant Erskine,” exclaimed Billy Ashe. “And -when he gets my report I’d advise you to keep far away from the -barracks.” - -“Aye, aye!” said the other trooper. - -“Oh, that doesn’t scare me a little bit,” jeered Tom. “I’ll make a -report to Sergeant Erskine myself.” - -With a sharp command to his horse, Ashe galloped off. - -“Come on, Witmar!” he yelled. “We’ll get the wagon, anyway.” - -“Aye, aye!” answered his companion. - -“Guess I’ll follow this thing up myself,” muttered Tom. “Great Scott! -Just think--I’m going to take part in a chase after smugglers!” - -This thought was enough to stifle his angry feelings, and make him -disregard the shooting pains which were now becoming stronger. - -“Get up!” he yelled; “get up!” - -Although being without saddle or bridle placed him at a great -disadvantage, his horse was a swift, fiery creature--a bundle of -high-strung nerves, ready to dash off at headlong pace upon the -slightest provocation. - -“They won’t leave me very far behind,” muttered Tom, grimly. “I can -guide this nag by knee-pressure as well as any cowboy.” - -The Northwest Mounted policemen, who seemed to have given up hope of -capturing the smugglers, rode furiously. At the pace they set there was -great danger of Tom’s horse running away again. The Rambler knew this, -and though in a reckless and determined spirit, kept all his faculties -alert. The wind was rushing by him once more. An occasional bush seemed -to spring up before his path and be sent flying behind. He saw his -shadow slipping over the ground, waving and wobbling curiously as it -passed over the inequalities. - -And presently a tiny glow showed him his own camp-fire. - -“Wish I had time to skip over for my saddle and bridle,” he thought; -“but business just now is too pressing.” - -The light of his fire quickly faded from view; new scenes sprang up -before him. The hills approached a little nearer to the river. Steep -and precipitous they were at this point, and grimly dark, sending a -delicate shadow over the silvery gray of the prairie. - -The policemen had, naturally, increased their lead, although Tom strove -hard to close up the gap between them. From the shaggy sides of his -horse rose clouds of steam; the pony’s eyes were distended, his ears -thrown back. He seemed to be on the point of bolting again, when the -lad, eagerly gazing over the landscape, saw a dark spot coming into -view. - -“The wagon!” he exclaimed. - -Billy Ashe and his companions were thundering over the prairie as fast -as their horses could take them. And now, as the distance was being cut -down with remarkable rapidity, the canvas-covered wagon began to show -clearly in the moonlight. But there were no indications of horsemen -near. - -Billy Ashe was evidently right. Tom’s appearance on the scene had -resulted in the men’s becoming alarmed and abandoning the vehicle. The -two policemen soon covered the last stretch, and jumped from the saddle. - -Scarcely had their investigations been begun when Tom Clifton clattered -up, sawing away on the halter and yelling sharp commands to his horse. - -“Well, if this chap hasn’t the biggest nerve I ever heard of!” cried -Ashe. - -“They have flown, eh?” exclaimed Tom, when at length he managed to -conquer his fractious steed. - -“I should think they have flown!” growled the trooper, his eyes -flashing angrily. “When a man wants a nice piece of beefsteak he isn’t -satisfied with gravy. We were after the men--not a wagon-load of -contraband stuff, eh, Witmar?” - -“Aye, aye!” said his companion. - -“You can’t put the blame on me,” cried Tom, hotly. - -“I do--and so will the sergeant.” - -“Get out! This is a free country, isn’t it?” - -“It’s not free for any one to interfere with the business of the -Northwest Mounted.” - -“What’s in that old chuck wagon?” demanded Tom, impatiently. - -Witmar had pulled open the flap, and, by the aid of a pocket -search-light, was examining some of the contents. - -“We are not supposed to answer questions put to us by strangers,” -interposed Ashe, who was in such a disappointed frame of mind that he -found it hard to speak with civility. “Come--get out. What do you want -to do--take charge of the wagon--and us besides?” - -“Aye, aye! I reckon he’d like to,” said Witmar. - -“Is this a private park?” demanded Tom. “Where are the ‘keep off the -grass’ signs? Have you any authority over me?” - -“I have authority to arrest any one who interferes with us,” returned -Ashe, threateningly. “There’s many an old stager on the force who might -run you over to the barracks if you didn’t light out the moment he said -the word.” - -“Aye, aye! I’ve seen it done,” said Witmar. - -“Well, you won’t see it done in this case!” cried Tom, wrathfully. -“You’re supposed to protect people. How do I know that the fellow who -pitched into me isn’t lying around somewhere ready to tackle the job -again just as soon as I stray far enough away from the Mounted Police, -eh?” - -“There’s reason in that,” said Witmar. - -Billy Ashe did not reply. Although the smugglers had escaped there -was still much work to be done. The contraband goods would have to be -conveyed to the settlement, where a police post was located; and that -meant one of them would have to remain on guard while the other went in -search of a team. - -“Where do you suppose this wagon was bound?” asked Tom. - -“That’s what we should have found out but for you,” growled Ashe. “Once -these chaps know we’re hot on their trail they’ll keep under cover, -maybe for months.” - -The two troopers climbed into the wagon, and from bits of conversation -which Tom now and then overheard he felt sure they had made a valuable -find of contraband goods. - -The canvas-covered vehicle, resting motionless upon the prairie, -with its deep shadow cutting over the ground, produced a singularly -picturesque effect. The soft moonlight, too, added an impressive -appearance of size. To Tom Clifton’s mind it vaguely suggested some -huge monster brought to bay and rendered helpless. - -He wondered in which direction the men and horses had gone. He -carefully studied the landscape, the hills, the obscure distance -touched with faint lights and delicate shades. Somewhere in that great -expanse were concealed the forms so eagerly sought. - -Then, in another moment, the channel of his thoughts was rudely -changed. A horseman, galloping hard, suddenly appeared. He was headed -directly for the wagon. - -At the same instant the troopers also discovered him. - -“Well, did you ever!” cried Tom, excitedly. “What in thunder----” - -Ashe and Witmar sprang to the ground. - -“He’ll have to give a good account of himself!” cried the former. -“After him, Witmar!” - -Their precaution, however, was unnecessary, for the oncoming rider made -no effort to change his course. - -Not a sound came from the three as they watched him coming nearer and -nearer, until at length his figure was clearly in view. Then Tom -Clifton uttered a shout of surprise and exultation. - -“By George--if this isn’t the greatest piece of luck I ever heard -of!” he yelled, almost wildly. “By all that’s wonderful, it’s Larry -Burnham!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE WHOLE CROWD - - -It was, indeed, the big Wisconsin lad. And although Larry felt almost -staggered by surprise he overcame it by a tremendous effort. - -“Good-evening, Tom,” he exclaimed, pulling up his horse with a jerk; “I -thought I’d run over with these things. They seem to belong to you.” -Whereupon he lowered to the ground Tom Clifton’s property. - -Tom, not to be outdone, controlled his own astonishment. - -“Thanks, Larry,” he said. “I was in a bit of a hurry, and so left ’em -behind.” - -“Why, these chaps seem to be spread out all over the prairie,” -exclaimed Ashe. - -“Aye, aye!” laughed Witmar. - -Of course neither of the boys could restrain their impatience long. -Larry simply burned with curiosity to learn what had taken place, and -Tom was equally anxious to hear about “Little Fear-not’s” adventures. -He even forgot to be disgusted with the big lad; while Larry, in his -excitement and jubilation, entirely lost sight of his previous chagrin -and disappointment. - -The boys’ tongues flew rapidly. Larry touched but lightly upon his -dismay at finding himself cut off from the settlement by the river; nor -did he mention the dreadful moments passed behind the shelter of the -bushes. Indeed one might have supposed that observing the movements of -smugglers on a moonlight night was quite the most enjoyable thing in -the world. - -And at any other time he would have burst into peals of laughter -at Tom’s thrilling description of his struggle with the mysterious -assailant. But, under the circumstances, he was tremendously impressed -with the seriousness of the encounter. In fact the two big lads seemed -to have reached a better understanding of one another than they had -ever had before. - -“I was a dub to want to leave you chaps,” said Larry, candidly. “Jolly -fine for you to come after me, Tom, an’ I won’t forget it.” - -“We couldn’t think of losing such good company,” laughed the Rambler. - -“Well, fellows,” put in Billy Ashe, “you’ve had a pretty lively night -of it. Now I’m going to skip.” - -“Where to?” asked Tom, interestedly. - -“Over to the settlement. Witmar’ll stay here to guard the wagon.” - -“Aye, aye!” said Witmar. “And a tiresome job, I call it.” - -“Oh, we’ll stick by you,” said Tom. “Good company always seems to make -the time pass faster.” - -“How are you going to get across the river, Mr. Ashe?” asked Larry. - -“Easy enough. The horse can wade. It isn’t over a man’s waist line.” - -“Goodness gracious,” muttered Larry. - -He felt half ashamed and half amused when he reflected how completely -he had allowed the stream to block his plans. - -“Still, it may be for the best,” he thought. “Honestly, I believe this -experience has done me a pile of good. Besides, I’ve learned what a -fine chap Tom Clifton really is.” - -Billy Ashe, who had been conversing earnestly with Witmar, suddenly -sang out: “So-long, fellows! Maybe I’ll see you again.” - -“You certainly will,” laughed Tom. “Good-bye, and good luck!” - -“Exactly my sentiments, too,” cried Larry. - -The lads eyed the form of the trooper, rapidly growing smaller in the -distance; then, when a patch of timber finally hid him from view, -dismounted and picketed their horses. - -“It’s a long time before daylight,” said Witmar. “I’d advise you to -take a snooze.” - -At first neither of the boys felt disposed to accept his suggestion. -The excitement of the night had affected their nerves to too great an -extent. But finally tiring of walking up and down, or endeavoring to -draw the silent policeman into conversation, they spread out their -blankets and lay down. - -Tom was continually finding something new to relate about his -adventures, and Larry, also, discovered several points he had omitted. -Gradually, however, under the influence of the silent, peaceful night, -their lively tongues began to be heard less and less, and in another -hour Witmar alone was awake. - -[Illustration: THE WHOLE CROWD WAS THERE] - -To Tom Clifton it seemed but an instant when his slumber was broken -by the sound of voices and pounding of horses’ hoofs. He had a dim -consciousness that this was but the part of a dream, until Witmar’s -voice, raised as though in a loud hail, effectually startled sleep from -his heavy eyes. - -Tossing aside the blanket, he rose to a sitting position, then uttered -a loud exclamation. - -Several horsemen, riding at a good pace, were bearing down directly -upon the wagon, and, to his unbounded amazement and delight, he -recognized in the foremost the sturdy, athletic form of Bob Somers. - -With a yell as loud as any Indian war-whoop the Rambler sprang to his -feet, in his haste almost sprawling over the prostrate form of Larry -Burnham, who, aroused in this startling fashion, added a weird cry to -the din. This was about the last thing in the world the blond lad had -expected. - -He rubbed his eyes. Could it be possible? Yes, the whole crowd was -there. The early morning sunlight bathed them in a rosy glow, while -from revolvers and horses’ trappings came flashes and streaks of -gleaming light. - -“Bob Somers!” cried the delighted Tom, darting forward. “Great Scott, -but this is jolly--a glorious surprise!” - -“Aye, aye! It certainly is,” admitted Witmar. - -“I’m nearly bowled over!” cried Larry. - -A chorus of salutations came from the newcomers. They were all in -a hilarious frame of mind. Thunderbolt’s coppery-hued visage, too, -expressed the pleasure he felt. - -“Didn’t expect us, eh?” laughed Bob. “Mighty glad to see you, Larry.” - -Larry Burnham felt decidedly sheepish, for he realized that he had put -the crowd to a great deal of trouble. - -“They must think I played a mighty mean trick on ’em,” he mentally -concluded. “Hang it all, I don’t see why I ever did such a thing!” - -He waited in anticipation of either complaint or sarcastic remarks, -but, to his surprise and gratitude, none came. - -Of course it was some time before the excitement quieted down, and the -Ramblers, on foot, gathered by the side of the wagon. Trooper Witmar -surveyed the crowd with a quizzical smile. - -“One might think,” he remarked, “that you chaps hadn’t seen each other -for a month.” - -“I guess it does look that way,” laughed Dave. He glanced at Tom. “I -guess you’ve had a rather quiet time of it, eh?” - -“Quiet time!” cried Tom. “Well, I rather think not! I had the fight of -my life.” - -This startling announcement immediately brought to a stop a volley of -inquiries relative to the wagon and the presence of the trooper. Dick -Travers, who had just uttered the word “Smugglers!” echoing a terse -observation of the policeman, turned to stare at Tom in the utmost -amazement. - -“A scrap--a real scrap?” he cried, wonderingly. - -“It certainly was a real scrap!” And Tom, who hugely enjoyed the -sensation he had created, launched forth. - -His tale held his listeners spellbound; and this time the Rambler did -not forget a single point. - -Numerous were the exclamations which punctuated his remarks. - -“Well, that’s certainly a story with a punch to it!” cried Dick Travers. - -Tom was bombarded with questions. The minutest particulars were -insistently demanded. Like a lawyer cross-examining a witness, Sam -Randall drew from him all the particulars he could in regard to his -mysterious assailant. - -“My, what a pity you didn’t get a good view of the fellow’s face,” he -exclaimed, finally. “Think you’d recognize him again?” - -“You bet!” cried Tom--“and lined up among a dozen.” - -The crowd was not satisfied until Larry Burnham’s experiences were -related; and not once during the whole recital did they make any -unfavorable comment. Of course Larry could see that all this must -have been arranged beforehand; but it increased his feeling of -gratitude, especially as his companions highly praised his action in so -courageously following the three riders. - -“After such thrilling tales our own seems tame enough,” said Bob. -“Several hours after you had gone, Tom, as things began to get rather -dull, we decided to make a run over to the settlement ourselves. We -camped on those hills yonder for the night. Sam, who was the early -morning watch, sighted the wagon--you know the rest.” - -“You’re a great lot,” laughed Witmar. “What’s the next thing you’re -going to be up to?” - -“I heard there’s been quite a bit of cattle rustling going on around -here. So I suppose there must be ranch-houses within easy riding -distance?” - -“Aye, aye!” said Witmar. “The nearest is Jerry Duncan’s. A fine chap he -is, too. Jerry’s lost quite a bunch of steers.” - -“If there’s a house so close I propose we call on the owner,” put in -Dave Brandon. “After such a long ride we ought to have a good rest -before going on our trip to the border.” - -The thought of a nice big room proved so irresistible to the -comfort-loving Dave that he spoke eloquently on the subject. And the -crowd, never liking to go against his wishes, finally put the question -to a vote. - -Tom, notwithstanding his anxiety to reach their destination, cast his -ballot for the affirmative side, remarking: - -“Who knows, fellows, perhaps Jerry Duncan may be able to give us some -information about Jed Warren?” - -Policeman Witmar, who had heard from Billy Ashe all about the amazing -search of the Ramblers, much to the tall boy’s astonishment guffawed -loudly. - -“Well?” demanded Tom, in his gruffest voice. - -Witmar diplomatically evaded a direct answer. - -“There are lots of ranchmen and cowpunchers over in that direction who -knew Jed Warren,” he said. - -“That settles it,” declared Tom. “I’m glad we’re going.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -ASKING QUESTIONS - - -“If you chaps are pining for adventure this certainly doesn’t look much -like it,” remarked Larry Burnham. - -The seven, led by Thunderbolt, were traveling in the direction of Jerry -Duncan’s ranch. - -“You never can tell,” grinned Dick. - -“I’m afraid the Rambler Club won’t solve any mysteries on this trip,” -insisted Larry. - -“Don’t you fool yourself,” retorted Tom. “Wait and see.” - -In another half hour the lads were approaching a range of hills, rather -higher and wilder-looking than any encountered before. Great numbers of -cattle bearing Jerry Duncan’s brand grazing on the plain and up over -the slopes gave a cheering indication that somewhere among the rolling -ridges his ranch-house was located. - -Thunderbolt assured them that any one unacquainted with the topography -of the country would have a hard task to find it. - -“Why in the dickens did they ever build in such a place?” cried Tom. - -“Much nice,” said Thunderbolt. “In winter wind no so strong. A creek -close by and many trees.” - -After skirting the hills for about a mile the young Indian halted, and -pointed to a deeply-shadowed break in their rugged slopes. - -“We go through pass,” he explained. - -“It’s a rather wild-looking place,” commented Dave. - -“I sort o’ think it’ll make me wild to ride through it,” murmured Larry. - -In spite of his lesson he felt discontented feelings coming over him -again. He longed for the camping-out time to arrive, when, lolling in -the pleasant shade of some tree, he could read, or otherwise amuse -himself. - -On all sides of the gorge, which the lads soon entered, was a beaten -trail made by the passing of countless horses and cattle. Though often -turned aside by grim-looking boulders, groups of stunted trees, or -thickets, they made good progress. - -“I see it,” sang out Tom. - -Just above a jutting crag the upper part of the ranch-house, glowing in -the sun, had appeared to his eagerly searching vision. - -“Jerry Duncan’s!” exclaimed Thunderbolt. - -“Hooray!” cried Tom, spurring his horse into a gallop. - -Now over a smooth grassy stretch, the seven swung along, and, sweeping -around a rocky barrier, saw the solid, substantial home of Jerry Duncan -rising before them. It was surrounded by a wide, cozy-looking porch, -and not far in the rear stood a commodious stable. - -Resting in a cup-shaped enclosure between the hills, the ranch-house -suggested a pleasing retreat. The shadow of the opposite range was -already beginning to steal across the grassy floor over which a number -of horses and cattle were grazing. At their rapid approach the deep -baying of a dog chained to a post echoed startlingly clear. - -On the instant two men came running out of the house. - -“Hello!” yelled Bob Somers. “Is Mr. Duncan in?” - -A short, stout man, whose face, deeply browned by exposure to the -weather, wore a most jovial expression, spoke up. - -“My name’s Duncan,” he exclaimed. “For gracious sakes, boys, who are -you, and----” - -“I’ll finish the sentence,” laughed Tom. “Where do you come from? I -never saw a parcel of boys traveling over the country like this before.” - -“Exactly; you couldn’t have hit it better.” - -The lads did not lose any time in acquainting Mr. Duncan and his -cowpuncher with enough information to satisfy their curiosity. - -“Jed Warren!” exclaimed the ranchman reflectively. “Why, to be sure, -I know him. He was often around these hills, and, excepting for the -border patrol which you mention, the very last man to see him was a -chap back there.” - -A comprehensive wave of the hand indicated that “back there” meant the -same direction in which the boys had been traveling. - -“What’s his name?” asked Tom, eagerly. - -“Oscar Lawton. How far is it? Oh, about five miles. Easy to get there? -Yes--in an aeroplane.” - -The good-natured cattleman laughed. - -“Let’s take a chance on it, fellows,” cried Tom, eagerly. - -“Oh--oh! Just listen to him!” groaned Larry. - -“A good detective never allows a single clue to get by him,” insisted -Tom, with an air of superior wisdom. - -“Oh, yes; I suppose that settles it,” returned Larry, wearily. - -“I agree with Tom,” remarked Sam Randall. “Since we started out on this -job let’s be able to say that everything possible has been done to -clear it up.” - -“That’s the idea!” exclaimed Bob, heartily. - -“You’d better come in and rest for a while,” said Mr. Duncan, “and get -a bite to eat.” - -“Joy--oh, joy!” murmured Larry. “Of course we will.” - -After spending over an hour in the pleasant shade of the porch, -indulging in roast beef sandwiches, plenty of coffee and other good -things, the crowd voiced an emphatic vote of thanks. - -The cattleman insisted on their coming again. “Because,” explained Mr. -Duncan, with a rather suspicious twinkle in his eye, “I want to know -how this detective work of yours turns out.” - -“We’ll certainly drop around and tell you,” cried Bob, heartily. - -Then began a long, tedious march over high ridges where nature seemed -to have put up many barriers, not only to endanger the safety but also -to wear out the patience of unwary travelers. The young Cree, however, -proved himself to be a most excellent guide. No difficulty was too -great for him to overcome; and, as little time was lost in detours, -the ranch-house for which they were seeking came into view long before -Larry Burnham had expected. - -The building rested in a broad, grass-covered valley almost midway -between the hills. And on nearer approach its rather neglected -appearance became strikingly evident. - -But the boys, weary with their long ride, paid no attention to this. -They were too eager to meet the owner, and then continue on their long -journey southward to the border. A great disappointment awaited them, -however. - -Oscar Lawton, they were informed by several men lounging about, was -miles away on the open range. And none could state the exact time of -his return. - -“Oh, this is perfectly awful!” cried Larry Burnham, in exasperation. -“Won’t it ever end?” - -“Jed Warren!” exclaimed one of the men, in answer to a question. “No; -we don’t know nothin’ about Jed Warren. What in thunder are you fellers -expectin’ to do--ketch up with that there scarlet jacket?” - -“Our expectations cannot be measured in words,” drawled Larry. - -“Is there another ranch near by?” asked Bob. - -“Oh, yes; there’s several of ’em hereabouts,” answered a cowpuncher. - -“Well, then, let’s go to one or two more, fellows,” suggested Tom -Clifton. “If Mr. Lawton saw Jed perhaps some other people have, too.” - -“Ah! Much good,” approved Thunderbolt. “Sure! Maybe we learn -somethings.” - -As long as they remained in sight the cowpunchers kept waving their -hands in farewell. - -“I don’t suppose you chaps feel a bit discouraged even yet,” said -Larry, satirically. “I’d call this perseverance and perversity.” - -“Oh, we’ve just begun,” chirped Tom. - -Another long ride followed. Sometimes the lads traveled over hills; -then, again, across the undulating plain, or forded narrow streams. -And Larry was as hopelessly mixed on their location as a boy could be. -Herds of grazing cattle were often encountered, and left behind. - -Even the sanguine, hopeful Tom began to lose his accustomed air of -cheerfulness after several ranches had been visited without a scrap -of information being gained. Things were not breaking very well, he -reflected; and it made him feel angry and disgusted indeed. - -“We go some more ranches?” asked Thunderbolt. “Not many mile from Jerry -Duncan’s is one. What you say?” - -“Don’t ask, but just go,” said Larry. “And when we get through there -take a short cut to the next.” - -Some time later they came once more in sight of the range of hills -in which Duncan’s ranch was situated, though at a point considerably -further to the east. The late afternoon sun sent a mellow glow over -the landscape, touching boughs and branches with golden luster, and -sending long purplish shadows down the slopes or trailing over the -ground. - -“No far now,” announced Thunderbolt. - -He swerved to the right, leading them toward the base of a hill which -jutted out a considerable distance on the prairie. - -“And I, for one, propose to stay there for the night, if the owner is -willing,” announced Dave. - -“I’ll back you up,” cried Larry. “Who runs this ranch, Thunderbolt?” - -“Him called Hank Styles,” answered the young Cree. - -“And I do certainly hope to goodness Hank is in,” said Tom. - -“He hasn’t much of a looking ranch-house,” remarked Bob, as the -building gradually came into view. - -Certainly the abode of Hank Styles and his cowpunchers was not -calculated to impress the visitors with favor. It had a crumbling, -neglected appearance. Everything about the place suggested age and -decay. - -“I hope Mr. Styles doesn’t correspond in looks to his building,” -remarked Sam Randall. “If he does, perhaps we’d better keep on to Jerry -Duncan’s.” - -“So say I,” laughed Bob. - -“Ah! He come now,” said Thunderbolt, suddenly. “Him much little fellow.” - -A man had appeared in the doorway, and after gazing long and earnestly -at the approaching horsemen, stepped down and walked toward them with -long, swinging strides. - -“Thank goodness,” exclaimed Tom. “In luck at last. Good-afternoon, -Mr. Styles,” he added, raising his voice. “We’ve come to see you on -important business. What do you know about Jed Warren?” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -BOB RIDES ALONE - - -The ranchman, at this salutation, stopped short and stood looking -fixedly at them. - -“How do you do, sir?” said Dave, politely. - -“Well, what do you want?” demanded Hank Styles. “What do you want, I -say?” - -There was such ungraciousness expressed in his manner and tone that the -boys felt considerably surprised--a surprise which prevented them from -replying until the ranchman had spoken again. - -“Can’t you answer a civil question?” he snarled. - -“We are looking for Jed Warren,” explained Bob Somers, “and thought -possibly you might know something about him.” - -“Jed Warren!” repeated the man. “What should I know about Jed Warren?” - -“Didn’t you ever meet him--a mounted policeman?” cried Tom. - -“Well, I’ve seen lots of the redcoats around; an’ maybe I have, an’ -maybe I haven’t. Who sent you here?” - -“Nobody sent us.” - -“Well, then, you’d better go away. Ask somebody else.” - -“See here, Mr. Styles,” interposed Dave, “would you have any objection -to our resting a short time in your house?” - -This request brought a sudden change of expression into the ranchman’s -face. - -Of all the boys lined up before Mr. Styles no one was surveying the -situation more keenly than Tom Clifton. He was vaguely impressed with a -feeling that something was behind the man’s peculiar manner; and this -idea growing, as ideas usually did with Tom, he sprang to the ground, -exclaiming: - -“A good scheme, Dave. No objections, I suppose, Mr. Styles? Come on, -fellows!” - -“How long are you going to hang around these parts?” demanded Styles. - -“Some considerable time,” replied Tom, greatly to the astonishment and -disgust of Larry Burnham; “and we’re going to camp right within sight -of your ranch-house. It’s dangerous out on the plains after dark. I -was attacked the other night; and if I ever run across the chap who did -it he’ll get all that’s coming to him.” - -Then, while the occupant of the ranch eyed him with a peculiarly -sinister expression, Tom began striding toward the dilapidated building. - -“Hold on, there!” The command came sharp and peremptory. “You’re in an -awful big hurry, ain’t you? Can’t even wait till a man tells you he’s -ready!” - -“Better picket your horse, Tom,” cautioned Sam Randall. - -Bob Somers, viewing the trend of affairs with considerable surprise, -exchanged a significant look with Dave, who immediately eased himself -from his saddle with a sigh of relief. - -“I’ll follow your example, Tom,” said the writer, as the tall boy drove -in a picket pin. - -“So shall I,” said Bob. - -Larry Burnham was considerably astonished also, but in a different way. -He regarded the action of the Ramblers as a decidedly cool proceeding. -Here they were practically forcing themselves upon a man whose every -action indicated that their presence was by no means welcome. - -“I don’t wonder Hank Styles looks a bit peeved,” he reflected. “Gee! -It’s certainly awful nerve on their part.” - -“The house ain’t in no condition to receive visitors,” explained the -ranchman. - -“Oh, no matter,” said Tom. - -“Yes, but it does matter. You can just stay here until I get things in -a little more ship-shape order--understan’?” - -Without ceremony, Hank Styles abruptly turned and reëntered the house. - -“You’re a jolly nice lot,” began Larry. - -“Just close down on any talk of that sort,” snapped Tom. “Don’t you see -something queer in the way that man’s acting?” - -“I don’t wonder at it, after the way you’re actin’.” - -“You leave things to us.” - -The blond lad looked at Tom in wonderment. - -“What’s the matter?” he demanded. - -“I’m not saying anything,” answered Tom. - -“That’s the way the rest ought to do,” said Dave. “Keep cool, Tom. You -know jumping at conclusions sometimes only makes a chap tumble to his -own folly.” - -“Humph! I suppose this is another mystery,” snickered Larry--“never to -be solved.” - -“Hank Styles is a pretty rough-looking customer,” said Bob. “I think -I know what’s been going on in your mind, Tom. A chap is justified in -trying to find out all he can in a case like this. Fellows”--he raised -his hand impressively--“no objections, now. What I am going to do may -be only the result of a foolish whim, but perhaps it may do some good, -after all.” - -“What’s the idea?” demanded Tom, breathlessly. - -“I’ll skip off. All of you go in the house. With such a big bunch -around he’ll probably never miss me. Even if he does it can’t do any -harm.” - -“But look here, Bob,” protested Sam Randall. - -“Not a word,” warned Bob. “Don’t pay the slightest attention to -me--remember!” - -“Go as far as you like, Bob,” whispered Tom. - -Hank Styles reappeared at the door a short time later. His manner had -undergone a decided change. - -“Come right in, fellows!” he called. “I straightened things up a bit; -an’ there’s a nice room where you kin rest jist as long as you like.” - -Bob Somers, Dave Brandon and Larry Burnham kept to the rear of the -little procession which immediately started off. - -Just as they reached the steps of the ranch-house Bob Somers dropped -behind, and, while the rest crowded toward the entrance, the Rambler, -with a quick, noiseless tread, slipped around the side of the house. - -Pausing for an instant to study his surroundings, he headed directly -toward a spur in the hills thickly overgrown with bushes and only about -a hundred feet distant. Several times he turned, half expecting to see -other men around the ranch. - -But from the rear the old house presented a picture of loneliness -and desolation. Even the dilapidated sheds and stable close by were -apparently deserted, although, through an open door, he caught a -glimpse of several horses. - -“I’ll admit if a motion picture photographer had his camera trained on -me I’d feel rather foolish,” muttered Bob, when he reached his goal -and threw himself flat on the ground behind the bushes. “I don’t know -exactly why I’m here--but I am here! If I don’t see anything suspicious -within a half hour or so guess I’d better go back to the crowd.” - -From his position he was able to get a good view of both buildings, and -at the same time was thoroughly concealed by the bushes. - -The lone watcher, busily debating in his mind the question as to -whether he was acting foolishly or pursuing a course of wisdom, -answered the problem to his own satisfaction within the next five -minutes. - -The back door of the house opened, and three men came hurriedly out, -almost running toward the stable; and the one in the rear he recognized -as Hank Styles. - -“Good gracious!” murmured Bob. “There’s something doing, sure as I -live. Wonder what in the world has become of the fellows?” - -Now he felt thankful indeed that his forethought had been, apparently, -wise. There was something so hasty in the movements of the men as to -convince him that they were on no ordinary errand. - -They disappeared inside the stable, and the sound of their voices came -over the air, mingling in with the stamping of horses’ hoofs. - -“Ah! They are saddling their mounts,” murmured Bob. “Mighty -interesting, I call it.” - -Snuggling closer among the bushes the Rambler peered eagerly through an -opening. - -“Ah!” he breathed. The men were leading their horses outside, at the -same time talking in excited tones, but too low for the words to reach -him. “Going to skip, eh?” - -One of the trio began tearing a bit of paper into strips. Then, taking -off his sombrero, he dropped the pieces inside, while the others, -standing near by, gesticulated in an angry fashion. Not a move was -lost to Bob Somers’ eager gaze. Their actions bore out in an almost -startling fashion his idea that something was up. - -“Ah!” he muttered again. - -Little Hank Styles was holding his hat high in the air. - -Two arms were immediately outstretched, as his companions one after -another drew forth a slip from the hat. Each seemed to scan the pieces -with great eagerness. The next instant Hank Styles and another burst -into a loud peal of laughter and began to slap their knees and give -other evidences of extreme satisfaction. The third, however, indicated -his displeasure in a way there could be no mistaking. He shook his fist -in the air and at the house. And all this seemed to excite further the -risibilities of the other two. - -Bob Somers was clearly puzzled. - -“I can’t understand it,” he mused. - -Now the cattlemen were engaged in a most earnest and animated -conversation. Frequently voices rose higher. Then, as though arriving -at some understanding, the three sprang on their horses, cracked their -quirts and were off. - -Two rode away in the direction of the open prairie, while the third, -the man who had become so angry, wheeled about and headed in Bob’s -direction. - -The Rambler’s nerves did not forsake him. Lying flat on the ground he -contrived to shield his body still more by the aid of the bushes and -tall grass which grew around him in profusion. As the hoof-beats of -the horse told of the rider’s rapid approach he felt his heart beating -faster. Discovery might lead to most unpleasant results. With muscles -tense, he was ready to spring to his feet at the first intimation of -danger. - -But the rider clattered by without seeing the amateur detective. - -Then there flashed into Bob Somers’ mind a possible explanation of the -men’s peculiar actions. - -“They must have drawn lots,” he exclaimed. “By Jingo, I’ll bet that’s -it. If I followed this chap I might make some more interesting -discoveries.” - -His thoughts reverted to the crowd. Why had none of them appeared? -Were they sitting comfortably in the ranch-house, unmindful of the -fact that their host had flown? His confidence in his friends was too -great to make him feel uneasy about their safety. He had the choice of -two decisions. And if he selected the one he was almost irresistibly -prompted to do it meant leaving without an instant’s loss of time. - -“Of course they’ll know I’m safe,” reflected Bob. - -Cautiously he rose to a sitting position, for the sound of the horseman -could still be heard. - -“Yes, I’ll risk it,” he muttered, with grim emphasis. “Better a failure -than to be wondering always if a good chance had slipped by.” - -Now he stood upright, and still fearful lest other men should have -remained in the vicinity of the house took a quick survey before -venturing forth. Then he ran, silently and rapidly, to the front of the -building, where his horse was tethered. - -Fearing the loss of an instant’s time, he resisted a temptation to dash -inside and tell his friends, and a moment later had jumped into the -saddle and was on the move. - -His work required the greatest care. Should he approach too close it -meant danger of being seen; should he lag too far behind the risk of -losing the other’s trail. The route which the cowpuncher had taken led -directly up the hill; so Bob Somers followed. - -The presence of the man in advance was occasionally betrayed by a -crackling in the underbrush, as his horse plunged through. He was -evidently traveling hard. - -The Rambler took the precaution to keep intervening objects between, or -to ride in the shadows now thickly falling about him in the deep woods. -Steadily forging ahead, he only came to a halt when the top of the hill -was reached. - -Overlooking the trees and vegetation which covered the descending -slope, Bob Somers could see a narrow valley, then, beyond, a succession -of rolling ridges. It was a wild, desolate and silent scene, with no -suggestion of either human or animal life in all its vast reaches. - -He realized, however, that if the man kept straight ahead he must soon -emerge into the open valley. So, sheltered behind a mass of scrubby -cedars, he watched and waited. - -“Hello--there he is now!” - -The horseman, abruptly appearing in the field of vision, began to -gallop at top speed over the level stretch; and Bob Somers, eagerly -following his course, saw him heading for a wide break in the hills. - -“He’s in a mighty big hurry,” said Bob, half aloud. “By Jingo, seems -to be getting rather suspicious, too.” - -The man had suddenly reined up; then, swinging around in his saddle, he -looked long and earnestly in every direction. Apparently satisfied, he -whipped up his steed and never slackened pace until the jagged sides of -the pass hid him from view. - -“Gee--one hasty move, and the jig might be up!” reflected the Rambler, -as he rode down the slope. - -When Bob, in his turn, crossed the valley and reached the break in the -hills he surveyed the somber-looking depths and precipitous slopes with -a critical air. - -“Whew! I certainly shouldn’t like to be caught in there on a dark -night,” he murmured. “By George--there he goes again!” - -Scarcely visible against the surroundings, horse and rider were seen -moving across an open space. - -The lad pulled hastily back, not stirring until he judged the other to -be sufficiently far ahead for him to escape the risk of detection. - -The cool, damp air was filled with the odor of rank weeds and grasses. -Occasionally he came across decaying branches and boughs strewn over -the ground; tangled thickets and slabs of rock, too, added to the -difficulties of the way. Pools of water and marshy stretches mirrored -the gray sky above; and numerous insects hovering over their slimy -surfaces attacked the traveler and his horse with unpleasant vigor. - -Naturally, Bob often questioned the wisdom of his course. What would -his companions think? - -“Hang it all, I’ve gone too far now to back out,” he concluded, -shrugging his shoulders. - -At last the gulch began opening out into another valley. - -Before leaving the deep shadows of the hills Bob rose in his stirrups, -to sweep the country with his field-glass. After several minutes of -anxious search the powerful instrument brought into view the horseman -already climbing the side of a hill directly opposite. - -Now and again, riding in and out among the trees, he was lost to view, -and, finally, disappeared. - -“Perhaps I’ve made a pretty mess of it,” soliloquized Bob, with a look -at the darkening sky. “Even if I started back now I couldn’t get very -far before the night would be down on me black as pitch.” - -At a rattling pace the lad pounded across the valley, then up the hill. -On reflecting that the man might have halted somewhere in the vicinity, -he proceeded slowly, never relaxing his vigilance for a moment. - -The timber grew thickly on the slopes; deep, gloomy shadows lay across -his path. The sky between the interlocking branches appeared in weirdly -shaped patches of light. The outlook was not encouraging. - -At the top of the hill Bob could find no point of vantage, as before, -from which to gaze over the surrounding landscape. The timber was too -thick, the inequalities of the ground too great. - -“Still,” he reflected, “I’ll take a chance, and plunge ahead.” - -And when night finally came Bob Somers found himself on the slope of -another wooded hill. He dismounted, picketed and unsaddled his horse, -then sat down on a grassy knoll to think over the situation. His sudden -whim had turned out disastrously. He was miles and miles away from his -companions. In all his travels he had never been in the midst of a more -desolate-looking place; and the trail was utterly lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE RANCH-HOUSE - - -“This here is a kind of an old place,” began Hank Styles, as the boys -entered the ranch-house. “We never went in for no fancy fixin’s, like -Walt Allen over to Fool’s Castle. I reckon you might as well come right -up-stairs.” - -He led them to a rough wooden stairway which led up from the main room. - -Hank Styles waited until all had passed, then followed. - -It impressed Larry Burnham as being rather singular that they should be -conducted to the second floor, and suddenly his comfortable feeling of -security vanished. Bob Somers was a pretty bright chap, he reflected, -and his suspicions might be justified. The echoing of their footsteps -sounded through the big ranch-house with dismal, uncanny clearness. He -didn’t like the little ranchman following so close behind, as though -driving them before him. - -“Here we are!” Hank Styles’ rough voice broke in harshly upon his -meditations. “If this here ain’t a nice room I never seen one. Plenty -of stools. A nice bench. We ain’t got no books or other foolish things; -but that there view out the winder can be looked at a long time.” - -Larry Burnham, brushing past the ranchman, noted the massiveness of the -door and its powerful lock. - -“It’s certainly a big room,” said Dave. - -Tom stepped quickly over to the window. - -“I don’t see much to gaze at,” he sniffed. - -“That there is the beauty of it,” remarked Hank Styles, coolly. “You’ve -got to look a long time before you kin see where it comes in.” - -He was now standing with his back against the partly-open door -surveying the crowd with such a curious expression that Larry’s -uneasiness changed like a flash into alarm. The man’s eyes seemed to -suggest a curious mixture of triumph and maliciousness. - -“Sit down, fellows,” commanded the ranchman. “Make yourselves at home.” - -Dave Brandon, usually the first to comply with such invitations, gave -the little man a swift, keen glance. - -“That tired feeling I had has sort of worn off,” he remarked. He -glanced significantly toward Sam Randall. “So I don’t think we’ll stay.” - -The moment these words were spoken Larry Burnham, yielding to his -fears, attempted to pass Hank Styles. - -“You don’t think you’ll stay, eh?” yelled the ranchman savagely. “But I -reckon you will--you confounded lot of spies!” - -As though overpowered with rage he gave the blond lad a mighty push -which sent him staggering back, to bring up violently in the arms of -Sam Randall. - -The room was in an uproar at once. Dave Brandon leaped forward. - -Hank Styles, however, with the agility of a cat, eluded him, and by an -adroit movement of his foot almost sent the stout boy to the floor. -Then, with a yell of derision, he slipped outside the room, and before -the combined rush of angry and excited boys could prevent it had closed -the great door with a bang. Instantly they heard the ominous sound of -the lock being turned. - -“Trapped!” groaned Larry Burnham. “Oh, what easy marks!” - -“I no understand!” cried Thunderbolt. - -“Let us out,” howled Tom, “or you’ll get in the worst trouble of your -life!” - -A tremendous onslaught was made on the door. Every ounce of their -united strength was exerted in an effort to force it open. But the only -result was to make themselves hot, tired and perspiring. - -“Yes; push on it hard!” yelled a derisive voice. “‘Walk inter my -parler,’ says the spider to the fly. Thought yerselves smart, didn’t -yer? Well, all I kin say is that ye’re goin’ ter smart for it.” - -“Come now, this has gone far enough,” shouted Dick Travers. “We don’t -mind a little joke----” - -“A joke, is it?” Hank Styles’ voice, muffled by the partition, came -again. “Thought I couldn’t see through yer little trick, didn’t yer? -Sit there an’ think it over. It’s a nice, comfor’ble room with stools -an’ benches. An’ when you git tired o’ sittin’ look out o’ the winder -at that there beautiful view.” - -Tom Clifton immediately attacked the door with a fury that, if not -emulated by the others, at least caused them to join in another supreme -effort to break the lock. - -Puny indeed was the lads’ force against the mighty strength and -solidity of the great door. Their efforts were as fruitless as those of -a bird fluttering and beating its wings against the bars of its cage. - -“Oh, what a beautiful mess!” cried Larry, despairingly. “Now what are -we going to do?” - -“Not blubber--for one thing!” cried Tom, so exasperated that he could -scarcely speak. “Hank Styles is going to pay for this. I knew there was -something wrong the moment he opened his mouth.” - -“Then why did you want to come in, like a silly idiot?” stormed Larry. - -“Because I thought we could find out something.” - -“Well, we’re found in something.” - -“Oh, but this is much queer!” exclaimed Thunderbolt. - -“Come now, don’t let us get excited,” admonished Dave. “We have an -ally on the outside--a mighty lucky idea of Bob Somers’.” - -“Yes. And he’ll find a way to get us out,” said Sam, confidently. -“Fellows, what kind of a place do you suppose we’ve run into?” - -“The headquarters of a band of smugglers, of course,” cried Tom, with -conviction. “Didn’t you see how strange Hank Styles looked when I spoke -about the man who attacked me?” - -“I certainly did,” answered Dick Travers. - -“Are we going to jaw here all night?” demanded Larry Burnham. “I’m -beginning to know what a chicken in a coop feels like. Let’s open that -window an’ yell for Bob.” - -“Gee! I was never so mad in all my life!” fumed Tom. - -“And you look it,” said Dave, cheerfully. - -Dick Travers, at this moment, was vainly trying to open the window. But -the sash was nailed fast. - -“Score another one for Hank Styles,” he said, calmly. - -“Stand back, fellows,” cautioned Larry Burnham, picking up a stool. “I -know a capital remedy for windows that won’t open.” - -“Hold on, Larry, hold on!” interposed Sam Randall. “What’s the use of -spoiling perfectly good panes of glass? Where’s your confidence in Bob -Somers?” - -“That uncommonly tired feeling I had has returned,” said Dave. “I’m -going to take a rest.” - -Larry placed the stool on the floor and sat down. - -“I wonder why Hank Styles locked us in?” he exclaimed. “What can he -expect to gain by it?” - -A lengthy and earnest discussion followed. Many theories were advanced; -but beyond being absolutely certain that the whole affair was most -extraordinary none could give a plausible explanation. - -“I’ll bet there’s a big bunch around this place,” said Tom. - -“An’ maybe ready to pounce on us the moment we get out,” suggested the -blond lad. “Gee! I only hope nothing’s happened to Bob.” - -“They’d never catch him napping,” said Dick. - -“Oh, I don’t know about that. For all we know, they may have tied him -up an’ tossed him in a corner like a sack of wheat. Look out, fellows! -This time it goes.” - -With all the strength of his powerful arms the big lad hurled the stool. - -The sound of a fearful crash instantly followed. The woodwork was torn -asunder, while showers of glass rattled over the floor, or, falling -outside, were splintered and smashed to bits on the ground. A dull thud -announced the arrival of the stool on the turf. - -“Not a neat job, but effective,” remarked Dave. - -“Would have been quite a pretty sight from down below,” commented Sam. - -A number of heads were immediately poked out through the broken window. - -“Hello, Bob, hello!” yelled Tom. - -The others joined in a rousing chorus. - -When no replies came to repeated calls the lads began to look at each -other with expressions of wonderment. - -“Still,” remarked Tom, with great confidence, “you may be mighty sure -Bob has some good reason for not opening his mouth.” - -“I guess I’ve stated it,” grunted Larry; “an’ it wouldn’t surprise me -a bit if we never saw our horses an’ stuff again.” - -This possibility quite staggered the crowd. - -“Wouldn’t that be a jolly fine ending to your mystery-solving -expedition?” went on Larry relentlessly. - -“‘Words, words, words’!” came from Dave. “Boys, we must get out of -here. Can’t jump--the distance is entirely too great.” - -“Let’s see,” exclaimed Sam. “Our khaki coats are strong and tough. -What’s the matter with tying the sleeves of two together, and----” - -“Good!” broke in Tom. “I’d have thought of that myself in another -moment. Quick! Let’s try it.” - -He and Larry immediately took off their coats and followed Sam’s -suggestion. - -“It ought to be strong enough to hold an elephant,” remarked Dave, -approvingly, as he examined their work. - -Tom seized one of the sleeves, Larry Burnham and Dick gripping the -other. Then, easing himself over the window sill, the tall lad was -lowered steadily toward the grass-bestrewn ground. It was such an easy -operation that he laughed in derision at Hank Styles’ effort to hold -them prisoners. - -The instant his feet touched the ground Tom dashed off at top speed. -A glad cry of relief presently escaped his lips--the horses were -contentedly munching the grass in front of the house. A quick count, -however, showed one to be missing. - -“Ah! No wonder Bob didn’t answer,” he exclaimed. An idea of the true -state of affairs flashed into his mind. “Hooray! I’ll just bet he’s up -to some detective work.” - -Running back he yelled: “There doesn’t seem to be a soul about the old -place, fellows, and I guess Bob is on their trail.” - -Dick Travers was soon standing beside him; then came the young Cree. -And presently all were on solid earth once more. - -“I think the view looks much finer from here than it does up above,” -laughed Tom, joyously. - -“Hank Styles much bad man!” exclaimed Thunderbolt, with emphasis. “If -him ever come over to Cree village again he run away mighty fast. Me -see him there many times.” - -“Half the fun of getting out is spoiled by Bob’s not being here,” -growled Dick. “I guess Tom’s theory is correct. Let’s go inside.” - -He led the way to the front door. - -It proved to be locked. - -“Humph! I believe those fellows have gone away for good!” cried Tom. - -“We must wait here until Bob gets back,” remarked Dave. “So what’s the -matter with making ourselves comfortable? Suppose we try the windows.” - -“But--but--just imagine what might happen if Hank Styles an’ some -others should come back,” began Larry. - -“Ease your mind, son,” interrupted Tom, loftily. “We’re not a bit -afraid.” - -Finding all the ground floor sashes fastened the crowd decided to adopt -heroic measures. A ponderous sawhorse was found in the stable; and, -armed with this, they attacked the door. Before their onslaught it soon -tottered back on creaking hinges. - -“Hooray--hooray!” shouted Tom. And, followed by the others, he dashed -inside. - -“Let’s get something to eat,” suggested Dave. “I’m uncommonly hungry.” - -“That seems to be the best plan,” agreed Sam. “Here’s a big stove and -enough wood to start a fire. Let’s pitch in hard.” - -Several of the boys immediately went out and got the saddle bags. - -But one thing marred their happiness--the absence of Bob Somers. -Without his cheery presence a damper seemed to have come over the group. - -“Him much nice boy,” said the young Cree. “Hope nothing hurt him.” - -“Well, he’s staying away a blamed long time,” said Larry, uneasily. -“Perhaps we ought to go off on a search.” - -“While the grub is cooking I’ll do it,” cried Tom. “Come along?” - -“Me go, too,” said Thunderbolt. - -The three scouts departed at once, and did not return until Dave was -placing the steaming viands on a long pine table which stood in the -middle of the room. - -“No news,” announced Larry, “although we nearly yelled our heads off.” - -“Bad--very bad!” cried Thunderbolt. - -“If I didn’t know Bob Somers so well I’d feel worried,” remarked Dave -Brandon. “But he’s a strong, courageous and resourceful chap. We can -save his share of the meal.” - -In spite of anxiety every one possessed a tremendous appetite. After -their long ride it seemed almost impossible to get enough. - -While the big square window still framed in an expanse of greenish sky -and glowing clouds Tom lighted an oil lamp that hung from the ceiling, -and its dull yellow glow partly chased away the gloom which pervaded -their surroundings. - -As time passed slowly on, bringing no sound of footsteps, and twinkling -stars appeared in the dark and colorless sky, the lads found it -increasingly difficult to keep up the mask of cheerfulness. - -“There’s one thing pretty certain,” remarked Dave: “if Bob has gone -anywhere among those hills there’s not much chance of our seeing him -again to-night.” - -Outside, a fitful wind rustled the grass. From the gently swaying -branches of a tree close by came a musical sighing. Walking to the door -Tom looked out upon a field of darkness so intense that nothing beyond -a few feet could be distinguished. - -“Whew, how black!” he exclaimed. “Let’s get some more lanterns, -fellows.” - -“Going to illuminate the prairie?” inquired Larry. - -“No; but we’ll make the windows shine so brightly that if Bob should -happen to be out in the open he’d see the beacon for miles.” - -The boys hustled around, soon finding three lanterns in a closet. These -were lighted, carried to adjoining rooms and placed on the window sills. - -“Now, for the present, there is nothing to do but wait,” exclaimed Dave. - -After a while Thunderbolt and Tom went outside and led the horses to -the stable, then rejoined the disconsolate-looking Ramblers, who were -either lounging or walking about the big room. The light from the lamp -failed to clear away entirely the gloom which hovered over the corners, -and every movement of the lads sent odd-shaped shadows traveling -fantastically across the floor or walls. - -At last Dave picked up his blanket. - -“I’m going to make a mighty good try to sleep,” he said. - -“You’ll succeed, all right,” grinned Larry. “Who’s standin’ guard?” - -“My turn,” replied Tom. - -The rest of the crowd, weary and worried, concluded to follow the stout -boy’s example. - -“Sleep well,” said the sentinel, with an effort to smile. - -Rifle in hand, he walked outside and began pacing to and fro. - -His watch passed in a very uneventful fashion. Sam Randall relieved -him, and when Sam’s time was up he called Tom. - -“Gee!” muttered the tall Rambler, rubbing his eyes. “I wish the next -two hours would pass as quickly as the last.” - -He took up a position by the window, and, just as watchful as though a -host of enemies surrounded them, kept a keen lookout. - -“I do wonder where Bob is at the present moment,” he thought. “It’s a -mighty queer affair. If he doesn’t turn up pretty soon we’ll have to go -on a hunt for him.” - -Occasionally it required heroic efforts to keep his eyes from closing. -He envied the sleepers, so blissfully unconscious of time or place. Now -he tiptoed softly up and down; then walked to the partly-open door, or -stood by the window trying to penetrate the obscurity beyond. - -He felt relieved to see a change gradually coming over the scene. The -eastern sky became tinged with a cold and grayish light--dawn was -approaching, and ghostly streamers of mist were revealed hanging low -over the prairie and hills. - -“Well, I was certainly never so glad to see it in my life,” exclaimed -Tom, softly. “My, hasn’t the time dragged out, and----” - -He abruptly paused--for, without warning, there happened the most -singular thing which had ever taken place in the history of the Rambler -Club. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -LOST - - -Bob Somers, in his camp among the hills, with the black night about -him, tried to accept the situation philosophically. It looked as though -his pursuit had been a dismal failure. And here he was, cut off from -any hope of reaching his friends for hours. - -“If I’d only taken time to tell the fellows I’d feel much better,” he -reflected. - -He had built a fire in a secluded spot and eaten supper. And now -there was nothing to do but think, or gaze at the flashes of light -which often pierced the darkness. The stars were shining with unusual -brilliancy. He tried to remember what he had read about these orbs so -many million miles away, but his thoughts would constantly return to -the boys he had left in the lonely ranch-house and the man who was -possibly encamped somewhere on the same range of hills. - -“I only hope he doesn’t see the light of this fire,” he murmured. - -Long experience in the woods had steeled his nerves to stand without a -tremor the rustlings and whisperings which sometimes even the slightest -breeze occasions. A twig snapping, a broken branch falling earthward, -or some small animal scurrying through the brush sounds in the silence -of the night with unaccountable clearness. - -Bob Somers, sitting on a broad, smooth slab of stone, was often obliged -to fight off swarms of insects attracted by the glow of the fire. An -inquisitive toad hopped up, fixed its beady eyes on him for a moment, -then turned about and solemnly hopped away. - -Often he asked himself if they actually had stumbled upon the -smugglers’ stronghold. At any rate there was clearly something wrong. -He had been forcibly impressed with the idea that the man who had -ridden among the hills was delegated to perform some most important -work. It made his disappointment all the keener. - -“Well, the only way is to make the best of it,” mused Bob. “I’ll join -the ‘Don’t Worry’ Club. Worry certainly never did a chap a bit of -good. When things begin to go wrong be glad they aren’t any worse.” - -Having spoken this bit of philosophy aloud the Rambler rose to his -feet. His pocket search-light cut a brilliant streak over the ground, -and by its aid he was able to find his way across the uneven surface. -From a little distance the firelight dancing and sparkling, its cheery -rays flashing upon the surrounding trees and bushes, made a decidedly -cheerful spot of color in a field of blackness. - -He found walking rather difficult. Bushes rose up before his path; -here and there a treacherous declivity had to be avoided. But still he -pushed on, hoping to catch sight somewhere in the scene before him of -another glowing spot of color which might tell him of the presence in -that vast expanse of the man he had pursued. - -There was none, however. Bob, following his own advice, thrust aside -the feeling of disappointment and began to retrace his steps. - -“I might as well turn in,” he reflected, “and get up with the day. I’ll -make a mighty good try to pick up that fellow’s trail again.” - -Accordingly he rolled himself in his blanket and lay down. Out in the -open air, with the scent of the earth and growing things about him, and -a pleasant breeze sweeping over the hilltop, slumber did not need to -be wooed. The Rambler was soon fast asleep. And it was not until early -morning that his eyes were once more open. - -“Hello!” he exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Daylight already! And -there’s plenty of work to be done.” - -Only a few charred sticks remained of his fire, but Bob soon had -it going again. A breakfast was hastily cooked and eaten; then, -considerably refreshed, he saddled his horse. - -Cheerless and grim appeared the flattish clouds of mist which hung -between him and the distance. Vegetation dripped with moisture and -reflected the cold gray of the sky above. - -Bob’s first work was to make a careful search of the surroundings, to -see if he could discover any indications of the rider having passed -that way. In this he was not successful. So he at last vaulted on his -horse’s back and started off. - -A rosy glow was now appearing in the eastern sky; and presently streaks -of light began stealing over the ridge of hills, picking out here and -there a resting place. As the sun crept above the horizon and showed -its gorgeous rim over the even gray of a distant elevation Bob Somers -rode down into the still-shadowed valley, examining every foot of the -way with the keenest scrutiny. - -“I’ll use up all morning in the search,” he decided. “I certainly hope -the fellows won’t be worried. Don’t believe any of ’em, though, would -want me to turn back now.” - -Traveling up the slope of another hill he reached the summit just as -the full glow of sunlight shot over the landscape. Somber shadows were -immediately transformed into tints of delicate blue, barren surfaces of -rock on hillsides caught and held the gleams of gold, while the woods -became patches of mellow green. - -There was a delightful sense of freshness in the fragrant air. Bob -Somers felt buoyed up. He reflected that any one who could experience -gloomy feelings on such a morning must be hopelessly out of tune with -nature. - -Descending again, he reached a creek which rippled musically over -a boulder-strewn bed between two high ridges. On the opposite side -traveling was impossible, owing to precipitous slopes. - -“By Jove, I’m getting into a regular wilderness!” exclaimed Bob. - -A few minutes later, on turning a bend, he saw before him a point where -the stream was almost choked with the débris brought down by floods. -Around decaying boughs and branches the water swirled and bubbled, -as if seeking to tear them from their fastenings. A murmur, never -slackening for an instant, filled the narrow gorge with a pleasing -sound. - -Bob Somers rode along a narrow space with the stream some four or five -feet below, while above towered a wall of dull slate-colored rock. -He saw with satisfaction, however, that a short distance beyond a -gentle descent led down to the water’s edge. There numerous pools had -formed, and a marshy stretch partly overgrown with weeds and tall grass -followed the receding base of the hill. - -As he reached it the Rambler uttered an exclamation of surprise. Deeply -imprinted on this tract were impressions of horses’ hoofs. - -“Great Scott!” cried Bob, leaping to the ground. - -All thoughts of returning for the present vanished from his mind. -Here was exactly what he had been looking for so anxiously. A careful -examination, too, convinced him that the tracks were fresh. - -“Well, this is certainly a great piece of luck,” he exclaimed, -joyously. “I haven’t the least doubt in the world that it was Mr. Hank -Styles’ friend who passed this way.” - -Highly encouraged, Bob Somers resumed the trail, and presently made -another interesting discovery. Beside the fresh tracks were many others -clearly much older. A pathway, too, had been beaten through the tall -grass. - -Satisfied that for the present at least there was no danger of his -going off the track, Bob traveled on, putting mile after mile behind -him. Occasionally he urged his horse through dark, somber ravines which -suggested the abode of wild animals, for nature here had contrived to -put on its grimmest aspect. - -At last progress by the side of the stream was no longer possible. The -hills rose steeply from the water’s edge. - -“Blocked from the creek, that’s certain,” mused Bob. - -After taking the precaution to fill his canteen and give the horse a -drink, he surveyed the landscape carefully in all directions. From the -character of the ground he felt sure that the man had been obliged to -follow the stream on the same side, and, on further consideration, -concluded it to be quite possible that he had mounted the hill, either -there or at a point close by. - -“So I’ll climb it myself,” he said, giving the reins a jerk. - -Although the Rambler tried to keep close to the creek so many obstacles -were encountered that the distance between them seemed steadily to -increase. - -“Well, now I’m certainly as badly off as ever,” soliloquized Bob -Somers, ruefully. “If I hadn’t come across those hoof-prints I’d -probably be a long way on the back track by this time. And--by -George--I really do believe I’m getting mixed.” - -He raised himself in his stirrups. Everywhere ridge after ridge rolled -off to meet the sky, all looking monotonously alike. - -“For the life of me I don’t know in which direction Hank Styles’ -ranch-house lies,” he grinned. “It’s a good thing my saddle bags are -full of grub.” - -A spirit of recklessness seized him. - -“Of course,” he argued, “the fellows must know I’m safe; and as I’ve -stayed away so long a few hours more or less can’t matter. Get up, old -boy! I’ll give Larry Burnham a chance to say that this was the wildest -wild goose chase he ever heard of.” - -About an hour later he drew rein at the bottom of a deep ravine. There -could be no question now that his task had utterly failed. The horseman -who had passed through the swampy section might have pursued a course -miles and miles away from his present situation. The Rambler was -reconciled. At least, he had made a faithful effort. His mistake had -been in allowing himself to be led on and on when common sense should -have told him the futility and absurdity of such a course. - -“Oh, yes, I know it’s very dreadful,” grinned Bob. “Still, I guess -Tom’ll stick up for me against the stings and jibes of outrageous -tongues.” He laughed merrily. “Now for a bite of lunch.” - -Realizing the importance of every minute, if he expected to reach the -ranch-house before nightfall, the lad satisfied himself with crackers -and dried beef. Then, consulting his compass, he set off in search of -the creek. - -“And once there it won’t take me long to get my bearings,” he thought, -confidently. - -Up and down hill he rode; but the stream persistently remained out of -sight. - -To Bob Somers’ mind there was humor in the situation--but the humor was -of rather a grim sort. Weeks might be spent in that wild region without -encountering a single human soul. - -“It’s a good thing I’m not a tenderfoot,” he grinned. He stroked his -pony’s neck. “I guess, though, we’ll be able to find our way out of -here before very long, old boy.” - -Bob Somers’ hopeful prediction did not seem likely of fulfilment. He -could find nothing that looked familiar. - -“Lost at last!” he muttered, with a smile. - -His horse was plainly showing evidences of distress. The long, hard -climbs over steep and slippery surfaces, together with the heat of the -day, were exhausting the animal. So Bob presently dismounted. - -“Poor old chap,” he murmured, commiseratively. “You certainly need a -rest.” - -The lad looked over the oval-shaped valley and the line of encircling -hills, then, drawing a long breath, exclaimed: - -“I guess my troubles are only beginning.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -A CRY FOR HELP - - -Too considerate of his pony to push the animal hard, Bob now made but -slow progress. His canteens were empty and his throat already becoming -parched. The horse, too, needed water. This, then, began to be a more -important consideration than a steady march toward the ranch-house. - -From the top of a high hill he finally saw through his field-glass a -line of scrubby willows crossing a valley. Their presence suggested a -watercourse. - -“By Jingo, I believe it’s the creek!” he cried, hopefully. “Hooray!” - -After a long, arduous descent he reached the trees, finding that a -narrow creek coursed its way between their overhanging branches toward -a wide gash in the hills beyond. - -“Ah, this is a fine sight!” exclaimed the Rambler, enthusiastically. - -Rarely had clear, sparkling water held such a delightful appeal. The -very air seemed filled with its fresh, pleasant odor. The pony neighed -and tugged hard to pull away from his restraining hands. - -“No, no, old chap,” whispered Bob. “You must rest a bit and cool off -first.” - -How delightful it was to wash his face and hands in the stream and -drink the cool, refreshing liquid! And then, having satisfied nature’s -cravings, he began to figure out his position. - -“Yes, sir, I believe this is the very creek,” he decided, at length, -“but miles beyond the place where the gorge pushed me aside.” He -glanced at the sun. His brow clouded over. “I’ll never make it -to-night,” he exclaimed, with finality. “So what’s the use of -exhausting this pony any more? No, sir--I won’t do it.” - -Some distance further along, near the base of the hill, he discovered -an inviting little depression, and in the middle of this built a -fire. Then, while the coffee-pot simmered on a bed of red-hot coals -and frying bacon sent off a pleasant aroma, he reflected on the many -mysterious things which had happened, and on the ill-luck which had -attended all their efforts to solve them. - -“It begins to look as though Larry Burnham was right,” he murmured. -“Still, somehow, I don’t regret having taken this chance.” - -He strolled up and down for a while; then followed the creek quite a -distance as it wound its way among the hills. - -“I have a pretty good idea how Robinson Crusoe must have felt in his -solitude,” he grinned, as he turned and began to walk back toward the -fire. - -Finding inactivity trying to his patience, Bob Somers kept busy while -the end of the day approached. Even then time seemed to pass with -extraordinary slowness. He heartily welcomed dusk; and as the shadows -of night stole over the hills and crept into the valleys, gradually -wrapping the landscape in impenetrable gloom, he decided to seek repose. - -“And I’ll hit the trail back on the very first signs of day,” he -concluded. - -Being a good sleeper, and nothing occurring to disturb him, morning -found Bob Somers fresh, and eager to conquer the difficulties of -travel which he knew lay between him and the ranch-house. - -His breakfast was cooked and eaten in short order. When the pony, in -response to the crack of his quirt, leaped ahead, Bob felt like giving -a shout of exultation. - -“Mighty certain, after this, the crowd will stick together,” he said, -aloud. “By Jingo, I suppose the fellows must be pretty badly worried.” - -He found the passage between the hills comparatively easy, so made -rather rapid progress. - -Always an alert and careful observer, he noticed, when the hills began -to fall away, a beaten trail. - -“By George!” he exclaimed, in some excitement. “I do wonder if this can -have any connection with the other? It seems very likely,” he argued. -“If I hadn’t lost the trail among the hills it would probably have led -me to this very place.” - -His eyes followed the track, which, approaching from the distance, left -the creek rather abruptly and cut across the wide undulating valley. -He was in the grip of all his old feelings like a flash. An intense -curiosity to know where the trail led, if nothing more, stole over him. -The thought of possible discoveries kindled his imagination. A strong -allurement tempted him once more to brave Dame Fortune. - -“Why not?” he asked himself. - -Indecision lasted but an instant. The day was young; the broad expanse -seemed to beckon him on. He drew a long breath. - -“Yes, I’ll do it!” he exclaimed, determinedly. “Get up, old chap!” - -The horse broke into a gallop. No great amount of care was necessary -to keep the trail in view, though in places it was either faint or -entirely obliterated. - -“I only hope things don’t turn out as they did before,” he exclaimed. - -The opposite hills rose higher, ever cutting more sharply against the -sky. His pony, in a spirited mood, needed no urging. He swung over a -gently-swelling rise, then galloped swiftly down on the other side. - -The trail was still before him. But instead of climbing the hill, as he -had expected, it skirted along the base. - -Bob Somers was about to ride on when he observed a lesser track leading -around the slope in the opposite direction. He instantly halted. - -“Shouldn’t wonder a bit if it goes to some cabin or house,” he said to -himself. “Perhaps it would pay to investigate.” - -He wheeled sharply about, then rode slowly along, examining every foot -of the way with the keenest attention. In several places the earth was -considerably cut up by horses’ hoofs, some of the imprints having a -fresh appearance. - -“Good--good!” cried Bob. - -The trail presently led over a slope, through a patch of woods, and -kept luring him on until he soon found himself deep among the hills -again. On a rocky stretch all traces vanished, but a careful search -revealed it further along. - -At last, turning into a dark and narrow gorge, the Rambler suddenly -reined up with an exclamation. - -Between leafy openings in the trees his keen eyes had caught sight of -a log cabin. Yes, there was a cabin--somebody’s home. Triumphantly he -gazed upon it. - -“I’ve found something, anyway,” he whispered softly. “But what a -curious idea to build in such an out-of-the-way place! I wonder if----” - -He paused. Suppose the occupants of the cabin should prove to be some -of the rough and dangerous characters Teddy Banes had spoken about? - -“Guess I’d better go a bit slow on this,” he reflected, picketing his -horse behind a clump of bushes. - -Presently he stole ahead almost as silently as an Indian. - -A few moments later he paused behind a thick bush, with the structure -right before him. He studied it earnestly. There were no sounds of -life, although the cabin did not bear the appearance of a place -deserted. True enough, the door was closed, one window boarded up, the -sash of another down; but there seemed to be plenty of evidences of the -recent presence of human beings. - -“I suppose they’ve just gone away for a while,” mused Bob. - -He waited for several minutes; then, straightening up, walked boldly -across the gulch. - -“I know it’s scarcely worth while to knock,” he thought, “but here -goes--just for fun.” - -The butt of his quirt came against the heavy door with force enough to -send a series of sharp echoes throughout the narrow confines. - -The Rambler laughed softly. - -“That certainly made an awful racket,” he began. - -Then, as though an electric shock had passed through him, the -expression on his face changed to one of amazement. - -The sound of a voice had come from within--and of a voice raised, as -though in a cry for help. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -BILLY ASHE IS DISAPPOINTED - - -Tom Clifton, the sentinel, gazing abstractedly out of the window, -suddenly saw a number of horsemen, like shadowy phantoms, ride from -behind a spur of the hill, and, with ominous silence, bear down upon -the house. - -This sight so astounded the tall boy that for an instant he stood stock -still. But, with a strong effort, recovering mastery over his tingling -nerves, he yelled a warning. - -“Great Cæsar! Wake up, fellows, wake up!” - -His ringing alarm had not ceased to echo when sharp gleams of fire -caught his eye and he heard the rapid crack, crack of pistol shots, -together with a succession of shouts. - -By this time the boys were springing to their feet, as wide awake as -they had ever been in their lives, every one hurling eager, anxious -inquiries toward the Rambler. - -“Keep under cover!” screamed Larry. “You chaps wouldn’t take any -warning. Now see what’s come of it!” - -Crack--crack--crack! The fusillade of shots rang out again. They could -hear the sound of many voices. Thoroughly alarmed, all sprang for -points of safety, as far away from the range of bullets as possible. - -Every instant they expected to hear the ping, ping of flying lead. - -This ominous sound, however, failed to reach their ears. - -But something else did. - -“We call upon you to surrender!” shouted a powerful voice. “The house -is surrounded. There are no possible means of escape!” - -“Oh--oh!” wailed Larry. “What is going to happen?” - -“Come out one by one and throw up your arms!” again thundered the -voice. “Be lively, now, or we’ll fire on the house!” - -At this awe-inspiring command the boys stood motionless, as though -their muscles refused to perform their usual functions. They realized -instantly that no time would be given them to choose any plan of -action. The voice of the speaker indicated a deadly earnestness not to -be trifled with. - -Who among them would be the first to go out in the gray, cheerless dawn -to face this mysterious body of horsemen who had them completely at -their mercy? - -For a few seconds the silence was dense--painful. Each waited for the -others to speak. - -“Are you coming, or shall we fire?” roared the man outside. “Surrender, -in the name of the law!” - -“Ah ha!” cried Dave, suddenly. “What does that mean? In the name of the -law--the name of the law!” - -“I--I--be-be-lieve it’s only some kind of a trick!” cried Larry, with -vibrating voice. - -“For the third and last time: are you going to come out?” - -“I’ll go,” said Dave. - -“You’ll do nothing of the sort!” exclaimed Tom, heroically. - -He brushed hastily past the stout boy, and, with a fast-beating heart, -swung open the big front door and stepped outside. - -“Up with your hands!” came a ringing order. “Do you surrender?” - -[Illustration: HE LOOKED UP AT THE MAN] - -For the first time gaining an unobstructed view, Tom Clifton uttered -a gasp of astonishment. A half dozen red-coated figures stationed at -different points were covering him with revolvers. - -“Great Scott--the--the Mounted Police!” he cried. - -The feeling of relief was so great that he almost felt like bursting -into a laugh. - -“Do we surrender? Why, certainly--anything to oblige.” - -A distinct cry of amazement from the foremost rider was immediately -heard. A touch of the quirt sent his horse leaping toward the Rambler, -whose arms dropped to his side. - -An explosive exclamation came from the officer, so loud, so full of -pent-up wrath as to cause Tom Clifton to step hastily back. - -He looked up at the man. - -“You!--You again!” cried a furious voice. - -“Billy Ashe!” fell from Tom’s lips in tones of amazement. - -The two faced each other. There was a moment of tense--dramatic silence. - -The young trooper of the Northwest Mounted was apparently too -dumfounded to follow up his speech. The other horsemen galloped up, -while the crowd rushed pell-mell from the ranch-house. - -“I can hardly believe it!” came in Witmar’s voice. He turned toward the -other men. “These are the very chaps we told you about.” - -“Ah! Good-morning, Mr. Ashe!” remarked Sam Randall, pleasantly. “This, -indeed, is a joyous surprise!” - -The trooper found his voice. - -“I never heard of such confounded luck in all my life!” he yelled. “Are -there any men in that house? Quick--tell me!” - -“Not a single one,” answered Tom. “We scared Hank Styles away.” - -“We might have known it!” exclaimed Ashe, violently. “This is the -second time you’ve bungled things and allowed the men to escape us.” - -“Aye, aye!” said Witmar. “We’ll never get ’em as long as these chaps -remain in Canada.” And, to Billy Ashe’s intense anger and disgust, he -burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Several of the others -joined in. - -This wave of mirth immediately communicated itself to the lads. - -Billy Ashe’s disappointment, however, was too great to permit him to -see any humor in the situation. An all-night’s vigil, which every one -had confidently predicted would be the means of their rounding up the -entire band, had only resulted in bringing them once more face to face -with this crowd of boys from the States. It was too exasperating to -overlook. - -“You fellows are under arrest!” he exclaimed, harshly. “Step right back -into that house!” - -“Must we hold up our hands?” asked Tom. - -“No back talk now. You have interfered with officers of His Majesty’s -service. That’s no joking matter.” - -“Don’t try to resist, boys,” exclaimed Witmar, grinning broadly, “or -we’ll cover you again.” - -“Fellow prisoners,” cried Dick, “let us invite our captors to -breakfast.” - -“I am sorry we should have been the means of putting you to so much -trouble,” said Dave Brandon. “I hope next time things will turn out -better.” - -“They never will,” growled Ashe. “Every time I expect to make an -important capture I’ll find one of you chaps bobbing up to say: ‘Why, -hello, here’s Billy Ashe again!’” - -The policemen picketed their horses, then followed the crowd inside. - -It didn’t look very much like captors and captured. A big breakfast was -cooked; and gradually the awful frown which rested on Trooper Ashe’s -face departed. He listened to all they had to say, and actually smiled -when he learned the trick Hank Styles had played upon them. - -“And you haven’t seen your friend since?” he asked. - -“No,” responded Tom. “And we’re a bit worried about him, too.” - -“Don’t let that bother you in the least,” said Ashe. “He’s probably -arranging things so that whatever little chance we might have had to -nab ’em is gone.” - -The roars of laughter which followed this remark were hearty and -spontaneous. - -“Now, fellows,” went on Ashe, turning to the other policemen, “you’d -better scour the country.” Then he added, addressing Tom: “No, I’m not -going to tell you how Hank Styles and his men came to be suspected--or -when. If Sergeant Erskine chooses to do so, all right.” - -“Are we still under arrest?” laughed Sam. - -“Technically--yes,” returned Ashe. “I want your word of honor that all -will report to the sergeant within a week’s time.” - -“You have it,” said Dave, calmly. “I suppose we shall run across Bob -Somers before then.” - -At this remark the boys’ thoughts were turned into another channel. -Their apprehensions returned. Tom walked over to the window and poked -his head outside, to see that the long streamers of whitish mist were -being gradually driven away by the rays of the rising sun. But in -whatever direction he looked empty stretches alone met his eye. - -The troopers, accompanied by the boys, were soon outside searching for -clues. In this the young Cree was of material assistance. Near the base -of the hill, on a stretch of bare earth, he pointed out the imprints of -a horse’s hoofs so sharp and clear as to indicate a rapid pace. A bit -further along a small bush was partly flattened. - -“Tracks fresh,” said Thunderbolt. “Him go up hill.” - -“Two of you had better ride in that direction, while the others scout -about over the prairie,” said Ashe to his men. - -On returning to the ranch-house the trooper, aided by Witmar, made a -thorough search for contraband goods. None, however, were found. - -“A slick lot!” exclaimed the former. “I reckon, though, they’ll never -pull off any more of their tricks around these parts. Now, fellows, we -must be off.” - -“Where to?” asked Sam. - -“We’ll stop at Jerry Duncan’s, on our way to the post of police at the -settlement.” - -The lads accompanied the policemen outside, and watched them mount and -ride away. - -As soon as their forms were lost to view behind a rise in the rolling -prairie plans were made for the day. It was decided to divide up into -searching parties; some to explore the hills, others to ride off into -the open country. - -And although they continued their task until nightfall not the -slightest sign of the missing Rambler could be found. - -Supper was eaten in dismal silence. Sunset, twilight and night came on. -Lanterns were lighted and again placed in the windows. Monotony and -anxiety literally drove the lads to their blankets. But none of them -slept well. And in their waking moments the all-absorbing topic was -continually discussed. - -Morning rolled around. They jumped up unrefreshed, had a cold -breakfast, and, following this, horses were saddled. It was impossible -to banish from their minds the fear that something might be amiss with -Bob. - -No longer could the suspense be borne. - -Seizing eagerly upon a suggestion made by Dave, Tom wrote a note and -placed it on the table. - -“Yes, sir--Jerry Duncan’s for us!” he cried. “Gee, fellows! Bob may -have gone off in that direction and stopped in to see the ranchman.” - -It was a very faint hope, but better than none. - -Following directions given by Ashe, the lads started off, pushing -their horses hard. And never had their eyes seen a more welcome sight -than when Jerry Duncan’s ranch-house, in its secluded situation among -the hills, appeared in view. - -As the big dog’s loud barking announced their presence the smiling and -genial owner stepped hastily out of the door and almost rushed toward -them. - -“Welcome, boys!” he exclaimed, in his most hearty tone. “Welcome!” -His eyes ran quickly over the group. A shadow seemed to cross his -face. “Ashe and Witmar were here yesterday, and told me Bob Somers was -missing. It isn’t possible----” - -“Then you haven’t seen or heard anything of him?” asked Tom, with -painful apprehension. - -“Indeed I only wish I had.” - -This answer, although half expected, filled the hearts of the boys with -a sinking feeling. They looked at one another in silence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -THE PRISONER - - -At first Bob Somers, standing by the door of the lonely cabin, almost -thought his senses were playing him a trick. But a second shout caused -his heart to quicken. - -Though the thick walls muffled the sound, the words, “Help--help!” were -clearly distinguishable. - -“By all that’s wonderful, what have I come across?” he gasped. “What -can it mean--some one imprisoned?” - -He gave an answering hail, then attacked the door with all the strength -of his sturdy muscles. - -“Help--help!” - -This appeal coming once more made Bob Somers work with redoubled vigor. -All his efforts went for naught. As though built to resist attack, the -panels scarcely jarred beneath his most furious onslaught. - -With his pulse quickened by excitement, the Rambler, even in those busy -moments, asked himself over and over again what this new mystery could -mean. He was thankful indeed that good fortune had led him into this -narrow gulch to aid some one in distress. - -“I’ll have to break in,” he decided. - -Taking a short-handled axe from his belt he sent blows crashing -one after another around the lock. Chips of wood flew about him. -Crash--smack--bang! The sound of rending wood and the sharp snap of -splintering panels told him that his work would soon be over. - -Scarcely taking an instant to regain his breath, he struck harder and -harder, until at last the lock was shattered, and the door, with a -convulsive movement, staggered back. - -But where was the man he had expected to see? - -For a second Bob Somers’ eyes, blinded by the brilliant light of -out-of-doors, could discern but little in the darkened interior. Then -the obscurity appeared to melt away, and in place of the shadows he saw -a mellow glow, through which the furnishings revealed themselves in -blurred patches of darks and softened lights. - -A glance showed him that the interior was divided into two rooms. It -was from the other, then, that the shouts had come. Another sturdy door -lay between him and the prisoner. - -The man shouted again. - -“I’ll get you out of there in a moment,” yelled Bob. - -Attacking the second door, he finally burst it open; and as the man -stepped from the black and forbidding enclosure Bob Somers regarded him -in speechless astonishment. - -For a few seconds the two stood gazing fixedly into each other’s faces. -Then the boy, with a mighty effort, partly recovered his composure. - -“Hello, Jed Warren!” he exclaimed, extending his hand. “I guess you -haven’t forgotten the Rambler Club.” - -The eyes of Jed Warren, former cowpuncher, later a member of the Royal -Northwest Mounted Police, were staring at him; his mouth was open. The -situation seemed unreal--impossible. Here was a boy whom he had last -seen on Circle T Ranch in Wyoming; and now to have him appear before -his vision in such an amazing manner staggered his comprehension. - -“Bob--Bob Somers!” he gasped. “Bob!” He seized the Rambler’s hand and -wrung it with powerful force. “I don’t--I can’t understand! Bob, is -this really you?” - -A revulsion of feeling came to Bob Somers. He felt like dancing and -shouting for joy. Instead of a disheartening failure, his haphazard -trip had brought him the most wonderful success. Right before him stood -his friend, Jed Warren, for whom every man on the mounted force had -been on the lookout. And it had fallen to his lot not only to discover -his whereabouts, but to release him from imprisonment. - -Yet, with the evidence before his eyes, Bob Somers could scarcely -realize it. And if he was excited and astounded at the outcome Jed -Warren continued to be even more so. The policeman passed his hand -across his forehead as though in a daze. He stared hard at the lad and -shook his head. - -“This has sure put my brain in a whirl, Bob Somers,” he exclaimed. -“I’ve got to get some air mighty fast. Come--see if it seems any more -real outside.” - -The two were presently pacing up and down in the bright sunlight. -It didn’t seem any more real, either. Their ready flow of words was -checked. - -“What will the fellows think?” the Rambler kept repeating to himself. -“Won’t they give a yell when Jed Warren and I march right up before -them!” - -“No, I sure can’t get over it, Bob,” Jed Warren exclaimed at length. “I -guess I’ll wake up in another minute an’ discover it ain’t nothin’ but -a dream.” - -Movement--and quick movement--was the only thing which seemed to be -able to calm excited nerves and fast-beating hearts. - -For some time all Bob Somers could get out of Jed was the fact that he -had been captured and imprisoned by smugglers, and for weeks had not -breathed the pure air of out-of-doors. - -“I can’t make it seem real to me, Bob,” Jed kept repeating blankly. “I -can’t, for a fact.” - -Reviewing the situation again Bob Somers pictured the astonishment -of Sergeant Erskine. He thought of Billy Ashe; of Teddy Banes. And -although his sensibilities had never been wounded by the remarks of -either he could not repress a feeling of triumph. - -They continued pacing to and fro in the yellow glare which filled the -narrow gulch until the emotions of each began to slowly subside. Then, -feeling that a good meal was far more important than explanations, Bob -Somers set to work. - -“There’s plenty o’ grub inside that thar room,” explained the former -cowpuncher. “They shoved ’nuff in to keep me goin’ for a spell.” - -Bob dashed toward the cabin, returning in a few moments, his arms -burdened with provisions. He had never felt more joyous in his life. - -A meal was quickly prepared. And perhaps neither the former prisoner -nor his rescuer ever enjoyed one more. They lingered over it a long -time, too, often looking at each other in silence, as though it was -almost impossible for them to realize their good fortune. - -At length Jed began to recount his experiences. - -“It ain’t such a long story, Bob,” he explained. “You haven’t told me -much about yourselves yet; but you’ve mentioned seein’ that thar Hank -Styles.” The trooper scowled angrily. “Every time I think of him an’ -his crowd my dander rises to the b’ilin’ point.” - -“I don’t blame you,” said the Rambler. - -“A little while back, when cattle rustlers an’ smugglers had started -things goin’ at a lively rate, Sergeant Erskine gave me a ‘special’ on -the job. I tell you, Bob, I wanted to make my mark on the force; an’ I -thought it would be the means of givin’ me the first big boost.” - -“Well, I can just bet you did all you could,” cried Bob. - -“You’re sartinly right. I worked day an’ night. Sometimes I thought I -had track of ’em. But nothin’ seemed to pan out; an’ I began to get -sick o’ the job.” - -“Remember saying something like that to one of the border patrols?” - -“Sure thing. Why?” - -“He got an idea you were tired of the force.” - -Jed Warren shook his head emphatically. - -“Then he didn’t get it straight, Bob. I can see you’ve got some -interesting things to tell me, so I’ll make short work o’ this here -tale of mine.” - -“I have,” laughed Bob. - -“Of course I knew a lot of ranchmen an’ cowpunchers. Some of ’em used -to hang around the Cree village; an’ I kind of thought that a feller -named Hank Styles an’ some of his men seemed to be takin’ things purty -easy.” - -“So he was the ringleader, eh?” inquired Bob. - -“He sartinly were. Honest, Bob, I hate to admit it, but I never -suspicioned him. He seemed always so friendly, an’ sayin’ a smart young -chap like me was bound to git ahead; an’, somehow, that kind o’ dope -got me, Bob.” - -Jed Warren paused. His eyes flashed as he began again: - -“Several times, in passin’ that way, I stopped in to have a friendly -chat with Styles. He treated me fine. Nothin’, he said, was too good -for a trooper of the Northwest Mounted. I fell for that, too, Bob.” -Warren’s tone became sorrowful. - -“What a sly old duffer!” exclaimed Bob. - -“Yes! An’ all the time I was askin’ myself why them thar fellers didn’t -fix up the ranch-house, an’ make it a comfortable place to live in. I -talked to Hank about it, an’ he laughed. ‘We’re out here for the dough, -Warren,’ he says; ‘it ain’t worth while to take the time an’ trouble.’ -Even that didn’t open me eyes.” - -“Oh, you can’t blame yourself,” said Bob, consolingly. - -“I’m not so sure. I wouldn’t say it to everybody, Bob, but I kind o’ -think their smooth, oily ways was what made me miss connections. It’s a -bitter story, an’ it makes me feel mighty bitter to tell it.” - -Bob nodded sympathetically. - -“I were a-ridin’ about the prairie one black night when I happened to -think that Hank Styles’ place was purty near. ‘Wal,’ says I, ‘it’s me -for a canter over to the big front door.’” - -“Ah!” cried Bob. “Now we’re coming to the climax.” - -“Hank an’ a couple o’ his cowpunchers were there, an’, as usual, -treated me jist as nice as pie. Though it did strike me they looked -kind o’ odd. They kept sayin’: ‘Well, Jed, I guess you’ll be off in a -few minutes, eh?’ ‘Nary,’ says I; ‘right here seems too good.’” - -“What happened?” asked Bob, breathlessly. - -“About an hour arterward I thought it were time to skip. So I mounted -me nag an’ started to ride around the house. ‘Why, which way are you -goin’, Jed?’ hollers one. ‘In the opposite direction from which I -come,’ says I, laughin’. Hank Styles laughed, too. Wal, Bob, in a -jokin’ sort o’ way, they tried to steer me off in another course. But, -jist the same, I rides toward the rear, an’ almost bumps into a big -wagon.” - -“Ah ha!” exclaimed Bob. - -“‘Hello!’ says I. ‘What’s this?’ ‘Only a chuck wagon full o’ grub for -men on the range,’ replies a feller, in a queer kind o’ tone. All of -a sudden, Bob, I got mighty suspicious, an’ managed to put my hand -inside. It landed kerplunk on the knee o’ some one a-sittin’ there.” - -“Great Scott!” cried Bob. - -“Thinks I, there’s sure somethin’ wrong.” Warren smiled grimly. “An’ -the trouble was, they knew I’d investigate pretty fast. In about two -seconds I felt cold steel pressed against me side. ‘You’ll come right -in the house, Warren,’ says Hank. ‘Don’t make no fuss.’ Yes--they had -me. I went in.” - -“Gee, what an extraordinary tale!” cried Bob. - -Warren quickly told of his later experiences. Without delay he was -escorted under heavy guard to the cabin in the gulch and confined in -the inner room. Hank Styles and his men, although furiously angry, -treated him with consideration, and explained that when all their goods -were disposed of they would leave the country and notify the police of -his whereabouts. - -“But it took them a mighty long time to finish up, didn’t it?” -exclaimed the Rambler. - -“Wal, they probably had a great lot of stuff,” said Jed. “An’ mebbe -they had to go a bit slow, too. I wouldn’t wonder if Styles an’ his men -knew a lot about the cattle stealin’, besides.” - -“Did they leave a guard here?” asked Bob. - -“Sure thing.” - -A sudden idea had flashed into Bob Somers’ mind. Perhaps the object of -the men in drawing lots was to determine which of the three should ride -over to the gulch and notify the sentinel to make his escape. - -“Did you hear anything unusual last night, Jed?” he asked. - -“Yes, siree!” responded the policeman. “A feller rode up; an’ though it -wasn’t so easy to hear inside those thick walls, I could tell from the -excited way he an’ the guard began to chin that somethin’ was up.” - -“Go on!” cried the highly gratified Bob Somers. - -“I pressed me ear to the door, an’ by listenin’ hard, managed to catch -a lot. ‘I tell you the same bunch has jist rid’ up to the house,’ says -one. ‘They know all about us; an’ ye kin be sure the perlice ain’t fur -behind ’em.’” - -Bob laughed gleefully. - -“What happened then?” he demanded. - -“Purty soon one of ’em yells: ‘So-long, Warren. We’re goin’ to skip. -Don’t be skeered. Ye’ll git out soon.’ But say, Bob, what do you know -about it?” - -The lad immediately explained. - -Jed opened his eyes wide with astonishment. - -“So yours was the crowd, eh?” he cried. “Wal, wal! I wonder if I’ll -ever git over this, Bob. But fire away. I want to hear the rest o’ your -story.” - -Warren followed every word with the utmost eagerness. A flash in his -eye and a tightening of the lips indicated his feelings when he heard -about the attack on Tom Clifton. - -“From your description, I think I know the chap, Bob,” he exclaimed. -“I can’t understand those yells and pistol shots you tell me about, -though.” - -“We may find out yet,” grinned the lad. - -“I’m proud o’ you, Bob,” declared the policeman, emphatically, when all -was told, “I sartinly am. You’ve done some wonderfully slick work, but -this is about the slickest yet.” - -Then, to the Rambler’s embarrassment, he abruptly started on a new tack. - -“Bob,” he demanded, “was my horse ever found?” - -“Yes, Jed,” answered Bob. - -“Where?” - -“On the other side of the international boundary line.” - -Warren shook his fist savagely in the air. - -“I think I see through their game!” he cried, springing to his feet. -“Now see here”--he planted himself squarely before the lad--“did -Sergeant Erskine think--think I was--I was”--he seemed to utter the -words with difficulty--“a deserter?” - -“Yes,” answered Bob, frankly. “But we stood up for you as solidly as a -stone wall, Jed.” - -The policeman had been able to bear his capture and imprisonment with -fortitude; he had accepted it as one of those incidents liable to -happen to one in his position. But the thought of having the stigma of -“deserter” attached to his name made his blood fairly boil. - -“Come on, Bob,” he exclaimed. “I can’t lose another instant. I reckon -your horse can carry double. We’ll hit the trail for Jerry Duncan’s.” - -“Jerry Duncan’s?” queried Bob, in surprise. “Why not Hank Styles’, -where I left the crowd?” - -“Because Duncan’s is nearer. Besides, a good trail leads there. And -from his ranch-house you can skirt around the hills and reach Hank -Styles’ without any trouble.” - -Dashing back into the cabin Jed Warren reappeared a moment later with -his scarlet coat--the coat he had worn so proudly. - -“Where’s your horse, Bob?” he demanded, hurriedly. “I reckon you know -how I feel about this thing. Nobody before ever said that Jed Warren -weren’t on the square.” - -“And I don’t believe anybody ever will again,” said Bob, emphatically. -“If those chaps had known you half as well as we do, Jed, they never -could have believed it possible.” - -The athletic young policeman drew himself up to his full height, and -there was a huskiness in his voice as he exclaimed: - -“Bob, when you an’ your crowd are friends to a feller you’re real -friends. Shake!” - -Bob wrung his hand warmly. Then, closing the door of the cabin, the two -started briskly off in the direction of the horse. - -Every step of the way Bob was picturing in his mind the astonishment, -the joy, their arrival was bound to create. He thought how the anxious -watchers would be repaid for all their worry. - -The horse was in good condition to continue the journey. Bob Somers -quickly mounted; then Jed sprang up behind him, and in this fashion -they started off to carry the news of a most sensational event to the -Canadian authorities. - -Jed Warren, being thoroughly familiar with the topography of the -country, directed their course. Bob Somers soon found himself riding -along the trail by the base of the hill. There were still many ridges -to be crossed, so the sturdy little nag was not pushed too hard. - -It was very trying on Jed Warren’s patience, though under the influence -of Bob Somers’ cheery remarks the stern lines on his face gradually -relaxed, to be replaced at length by a grin. - -“I sure think it’s a rich joke on me, Bob,” he exclaimed. “How Hank -Styles an’ his men must have laughed when everybody fell for that -little trick o’ theirs.” - -Up and down hill they jogged, across broad or narrow valleys, with a -soft breeze blowing in their faces and white clouds floating in the -field of blue above. - -The journey seemed very long to both, but, like all journeys, finally -approached an end. Reaching the crest of a hill they looked down, to -see Jerry Duncan’s substantial ranch-house about a quarter of a mile -beyond at the base of the slope. - -“Hooray!” shouted Bob. - -And now he sent his pony pounding along faster and faster until -they were traveling at a pace which might have been trying to less -experienced riders. - -“That’s right, Bob; whoop ’er up!” cried Jed. - -He gave a long, rousing yell, which produced a most extraordinary -result. - -A crowd came rushing out on the porch and down the steps of the house. -And every one among them eyed the approaching horse and its double -burden with apparently the greatest astonishment. - -And Bob Somers was astonished, too; for, as the nag galloped across -the last stretch, he recognized his friends--the friends whom he had -thought were miles away. - -And there was Jerry Duncan, his round, smiling face wearing a ludicrous -expression of amazement. - -“Hello--hello!” yelled Bob. He tried to control the ring of triumph in -his voice--to still the excitement which gripped him. - -They swung up amidst the group and sprang to the ground. Then, for the -first time, the boys seemed to find their tongues. But it was not until -Larry Burnham caught the name “Jed Warren” passing from lip to lip that -he understood what the riotous, uproarious demonstration was all about. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -EVERYBODY HAPPY - - -Yes, it was a riotous and uproarious demonstration. And the noise which -echoed and reëchoed between the hills was probably the greatest those -narrow confines had ever heard. - -The boys slapped Jed Warren on the back and wrung his hand, until the -policeman, in sheer self-defense, was obliged to back up against the -porch and hold them at bay. - -“Enough, fellows, enough!” he gasped. - -“What did I tell you, Larry Burnham?” howled Tom, above the uproar. -“Wasn’t I just sure we could do it? Hurrah for Jed Warren! Hurrah for -everybody!” - -“Order, order!” shouted the genial Mr. Duncan, red-faced and happy. -“Order, I say, boys! Let’s get at the bottom of this thing before I -succumb from excitement.” - -And now, unable to reach Jed Warren, the lads were repeating their -manifestations of enthusiasm on Bob Somers, until he, too, sought -relief by the side of the grinning policeman. - -It was only after exhausted nature came to aid the calmer members of -the group that the hubbub began to cease. - -“I sure knew you fellers was a lively lot,” cried Jed Warren, “but it -strikes me you’ve got more ginger than ever.” - -Then began a fusillade of questions. No one heard Jerry Duncan’s -invitation to come in the house; no one paid the slightest attention to -anybody but Jed Warren and Bob Somers. Tom, triumphant, could scarcely -refrain from shouting. What a superb surprise they had in store for -Billy Ashe and Teddy Banes. Perhaps they, and all the rest who had had -the temerity to reflect on the ability of the Rambler Club, would now -reverse their opinions. - -Yes, it was a glorious occasion, and Larry Burnham enjoyed it as much -as any one; for, he reflected, it was his running away and leading -the others into the territory where the smugglers worked that had -indirectly brought about such a happy result. - -It was a long, long time before every one was satisfied. Not a single -question seemed to remain unasked; nor could another response add to -the information already gained. Bob Somers was the hero; every one had -known it before--but now they were doubly certain. They absolutely -refused to listen to the Rambler’s contention that good fortune had -played the star rôle. - -“Get out!” scoffed Tom. “It was brains--brains--and nothing else. Were -we worried? Oh, a trifle. But of course the crowd knew you were all -right every minute of the time.” - -And at this point Mr. Jerry Duncan managed to make his presence felt. - -“You simply have to come inside now,” he exclaimed. “The smugglers -haven’t anything on me, Jed. I’m going to take you prisoner. Inside -with him, boys! The Mounted Police have no terrors for us.” - -Instantly the ranchman’s hand fell on Jed Warren’s shoulder, and, ably -assisted by his courageous band, he hustled this particular member -of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police unceremoniously into the big -dining-room of the ranch-house. - -“The sentence for your ‘desertion’ is: that you shall be allowed -freedom after eating one of the best meals ever prepared in this place.” - -“And we will ably assist!” cried Dave. “These little incidents that -are always occurring to the Rambler Club do give me an uncommonly good -appetite.” - -“Shortly, you shall be sentenced to make a speech,” cried Mr. Duncan. - -“I’ll make two, if agreeable,” laughed Dave. - -The dinner was, naturally, a lively and jolly affair. Every one rose to -the occasion. Jed made the first “oration.” He laughingly expressed the -opinion that the Canadian government could not do better than to employ -the entire Rambler Club to act as an advisory board. - -“Never,” cried the jovial Mr. Duncan, at the conclusion of the -“banquet,” “have I enjoyed myself so much.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -FACING THE SERGEANT - - -In the outpost barracks of which Sergeant Erskine was in charge a great -crowd had assembled. It included the lads, Jed Warren, Billy Ashe, -Witmar, and Teddy Banes. - -The half-breed’s demeanor toward the boys had entirely changed. And the -bluff old sergeant, too, often looked at them with an expression in -which a great deal of admiration was apparent. - -The rescue of Jed Warren had created a tremendous sensation. The stigma -of “Deserter” was removed. And his superiors expressed as much regret -for ever having suspected him as the dignity of their position would -allow. - -“Young men,” began Sergeant Erskine, in his crisp, businesslike -tone, “you were ordered to report to me by Private William Ashe.” He -smiled rather quizzically. “Of course I know, in view of the unusual -circumstances, you would have done so anyway.” - -“We certainly should,” affirmed Tom. - -“Now, I should like to hear the details of your trip. Somers, kindly -oblige.” - -Bob immediately began; and in his sentences, directly to the point, -recounted everything which had a bearing on the case. - -As he concluded the sergeant nodded toward the half-breed. - -“Banes,” he exclaimed, “I believe you can clear up some of these -points. Begin, for instance, with those mystifying cries and pistol -shots which so startled the boys.” - -“Oh, that’s just what we want to hear about,” cried Dick Travers. - -“I should say we do,” put in Tom. - -Teddy Banes turned his impassive face toward the expectant Ramblers. - -“I sure think I know,” he said, his harsh, guttural voice filling the -room. “Boys go with me to Cree village. Sometimes I see cowpunchers -there, and on that day three--four, maybe.” - -“And so did I!” cried Tom. - -For an instant a gleam of humor seemed to play in Teddy Banes’ eyes. - -“An’ you talk much--very much,” he exclaimed. “You say: ‘No; never we -leave the Northwest Territories until Jed Warren is found.’ And you say -that very loud.” - -“Oh!” said Tom, looking a trifle embarrassed. “Suppose I did? Wasn’t it -true?” - -“Ah--much true! But it do harm. Listen--I tell you how. Those men Hank -Styles’ cowpunchers--but smugglers, too!” - -“Thunderation!” gasped Tom, his expression indicating much surprise. -“If I’d only known that----” - -“Nearly all of us would make fewer mistakes,” interrupted Sergeant -Erskine, in a kindly tone, “if we could only have information in -advance instead of after something has happened. It is not always wise -to speak our thoughts too plainly before strangers.” - -Tom Clifton flushed. He realized that his actions hadn’t been -altogether wise. - -“Yes, smugglers,” went on Teddy Banes, in his imperturbable way. “They -hear what you say. They see six big, strong boys. They get scare, -maybe.” - -“And I’m afraid the rest of the crowd did some hollering, too,” laughed -Dick Travers. “I know I said the same thing myself. Everybody thinking -Jed was a deserter worked us up a bit, I can tell you.” - -“And we had determined to do everything possible to learn the true -facts,” put in Sam Randall, quietly. - -“Smugglers take no chances.” Banes was speaking again. “The men say: -maybe these boys for us make trouble. They come too near where we work. -But we fix ’em.” - -“Banes’ explanation is undoubtedly correct,” interrupted Sergeant -Erskine. “Of course, at that time, none of these cowpunchers was even -suspected. They probably talked it over and decided upon a plan which -they thought would speedily drive you back to civilization. Several of -them followed on your trail and were responsible for the dreadful night -alarms. But the men did not know that you are seasoned veterans of the -plains.” - -The sergeant’s eyes twinkled humorously, and the entire crowd joined in -the laugh which followed. - -“How about that man who attacked me, sergeant?” asked Tom. - -“We have also a very ready explanation for that.” The officer stroked -his iron-gray moustache reflectively. “From your description Private -Ashe immediately came to the conclusion that he was one of the -cowpunchers who had seen your party at the Cree village, and also -overheard what was said in regard to Jed.” - -“Great Cæsar!” murmured Tom. - -“The smugglers with the wagon evidently saw your fire, and this man -concluded it would be wise to investigate. So he reconnoitered. He knew -well enough that if any one should happen to see the wagon there might -be trouble. He was no doubt thoroughly alarmed when he discovered your -identity. In his suspicious state of mind it must have appeared that -you were already on their track.” - -“Yes; there can be no doubt about it,” admitted Dick Travers. - -“If your slumber had not been broken we may reasonably conclude that -the man would, when the vehicle was beyond all chance of discovery, -have simply rejoined his comrades. But you happened to jump up; and he, -fearing recognition, concluded to take you prisoner.” - -“You see,” put in Jed Warren, “Hank knew their game was up. They -couldn’t keep me in the cabin indefinitely. So the idea was to wind up -their business as quickly as possible, then skip out.” - -“May I put a question to Mr. Ashe?” spoke up Larry Burnham. - -“Certainly,” responded the sergeant. - -“How did you happen to get on the trail of the wagon that night?” asked -the blond lad, turning toward the trooper. - -“Well, we were working in that locality, and on the lookout. I reckon -the men were in a desperate hurry, or they wouldn’t have taken a chance -on a night when the moon would be up. We didn’t know where the wagon -came from or its destination.” - -“What made you think they were the smugglers?” asked Sam. - -“Their actions fitted in so well with other information we had that -both Witmar and myself concluded there could be no doubt about it.” - -“Aye, aye!” said Witmar. - -“I will finish the story,” broke in Erskine, in his blunt, -authoritative tone. “Private Ashe, armed with an excellent description -of Clifton’s assailant, immediately reported to the superintendent of -police at a post in the settlement. He conferred with him regarding -his suspicions. What followed would make quite a story, boys, but the -upshot of it was that they decided to make an early morning descent -upon Hank Styles’ ranch-house and capture the entire band.” - -“And the joke was on us,” murmured Witmar. - -“One thing I don’t quite understand,” said Dave, “is this: if the wagon -belonged to Hank Styles, why were the men so foolish as to return -to headquarters, knowing that the finding of the vehicle must throw -suspicion upon them?” - -“There was nothing to identify it as belonging to the ranch. They were -too sly to be caught so easily.” - -“Oh, now it is all clear to me,” declared the “historian.” - -“There is nothing else to say,” remarked Teddy Banes. “Everybody know -everything.” - -“On the contrary, Banes, I have a few remarks to add,” said the -grizzled sergeant. - -“We shall be very glad to hear them,” exclaimed Bob. - -“In a way, you have proved good friends to the smugglers, who were -cowboys and cattle rustlers between times. By a peculiar combination of -circumstances you appeared at exactly the right time to enable them to -escape the clutches of the law.” - -“It was curious,” said Larry. - -“But, on the other hand, you have proved a better friend to the police. -If it hadn’t been for your clever work, Somers”--his stern eyes fell -full on the Rambler’s face--“Jed Warren might not have been found -for many days. Therefore we rather think the balance is entirely in -your favor. So I take the opportunity, as an officer of the Northwest -Mounted, to thank you and your fellow members of the club.” - -“And I am sure we highly appreciate your kind words,” said Bob, while -the rest of the crowd voiced their approval in the most hearty and -spontaneous fashion. - -“I know we shall never forget the great time we’ve had in Canada,” -cried Tom, his face glowing with pride. He looked toward Billy Ashe, -and a twinkle came into his eye. “And the police are certainly a mighty -fine lot--even if they did place us under ‘arrest.’” - -“What are your plans now?” inquired Sergeant Erskine, joining in the -laugh which ran around the room. - -“We shall probably camp out a bit,” answered Bob, “and perhaps try to -get a sight of some big game.” - -“At any rate. I hope you will mess with us to-night?” - -The boys, heartily thanking the sergeant, accepted his kind invitation; -then, not wishing to take up more of his time, withdrew. - -It was mighty pleasant for the boys to see Jed Warren, resplendent in -his scarlet coat, and to reflect how good fortune had aided them in -their fight to bring out the truth. - -Everything around the barracks was so agreeable that they not only -stopped to mess that evening but remained for several days. - -Not long before the time for their departure arrived, an unsigned note -addressed to Sergeant Erskine was brought by a mail carrier. It stated -briefly that the missing Jed Warren could be found in the cabin in the -gulch, the location of which was accurately described. - -“This shows,” commented Sergeant Erskine, exhibiting it to the boys, -“that Hank Styles has some good in his make-up, after all.” - -“Bob,” exclaimed Tom, suddenly, “I guess we’d better be on the move. -You know the time is rushing around fast. I can almost see myself -getting ready for that prep school now--and--and----” - -“And we know you’re not thinking about school books, or examinations, -or any of those things which tax a fellow’s head so confoundedly,” -interrupted Dick, with a laugh. - -“Of course not!” cried Tom. - -Above a loud burst of hilarity which greeted his words, Larry Burnham’s -voice rose high and clear. - -“Hooray--hooray for the Rambler Club’s Football Eleven!” he cried. - -And the others enthusiastically joined in. - - -Other Books in this Series are: - - THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP - THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS - THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH - THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S MOTOR CAR - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S FOOTBALL ELEVEN - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or variant spelling has been retained. - - The title of the book on page 9 is shown incorrectly using the word - _Among_ instead of the word _With_. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB WITH THE -NORTHWEST MOUNTED *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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