Part 31 (2/2)
Matt listened with a sinking heart, and as Andy carasped his partner by the shoulder
”We have made a mistake,” he said faintly
”A on did not co track!”
CHAPTER XXVI
SOMETHING OF A SURPRISE
Andy was certainly as much dismayed as Matt at the discovery which had been made Just at the ti closer to the object of their chase, they found that they were most likely further away than ever The older roan, and this was suppleent
”I knew he couldn't cross that river,” growled the latter ”Now, just see what a wild goose chase you have led us!”
”Oh, he crossed the river, there is no doubt of that!” returned Matt quickly ”But where we got off the track was soht track and took so that resembled it”
”Yes, that must be the truth of the matter,” put in Andy ”It's too bad!”
”What's it all about, anyway?” questioned the tavern-keeper curiously
In a few brief words Andy explained matters, while not only the tavern-keeper, but also the others in the place, listened with deep interest
”Any reward offered for catching the rascal?” questioned one of the men present, a brawny individual--evidently a mountaineer
”Yes,” returned Matt quickly ”How much shall we offer, Andy?” he asked in a whisper
”Twenty-five dollars would not be too much,” returned his partner ”It is quite a suuess ould rather have our turn-out back a dozen tiive twenty-five dollars in cash for the return of our horse, wagon and goods,” said Matt, in a voice loud enough for all to hear
”Twenty-five dollars in cash!+” repeated several, and it was plain to see that this offer was regarded as quite liberal
”What kind of a looking turn-out is it?” was next asked
Matt described Billy and the wagon All listened attentively, and when he had finished the mountaineer who had first spoken tapped hio out with ye and hunt hier”
”So will I!” cried another
”And I!” added a third, and soon six men stood ready to continue the search with Andy and Matt
Seeing this, the freight agent decided to drive back ho a much better road, which led down to Easton He did not lose any ti, and, if the truth lad to be rid of him