Part 40 (2/2)
”Not just here; but look closely, and you will see slight marks of disturbance in the gra.s.s. As long as these signs last we need have no doubts as to our being on the right track.”
”The same trail will lead us back to our party,” said Tom.
”Yes, I shouldn't like to part from them in this country. It would be rather a bad place to be lost without provisions.”
They had ridden about five miles, when the trail became clearer and better defined. In fact, the marks in the prairie gra.s.s appeared more numerous than a single horse would be likely to make.
Scott looked grave.
”We will halt here a moment, Tom,” he said. ”I want to examine the trail.”
”Shall I get off my horse?”
”No; it is not necessary.”
Scott dismounted and walked about, closely examining the marks in the gra.s.s.
Finally he looked up.
”I begin to think it doubtful whether we shall recover Dan,” he said.
”Why?”
”He has been found and carried off,” was the reply. ”Do you see the double trail?”
”Yes,” said Tom, after a brief examination.
”It means that a horseman has found Dan, and led him away. This rather complicates matters.”
”What do you think we had better do?” inquired Tom.
”That requires consideration. I could tell better if I knew by whom the horse had been found. The finder may be honest, and would, in that case, surrender it on our appearing, and claiming him. But, again, he may be dishonest, and resist our claims.”
”We are two to one,” said Tom stoutly.
”We don't know that. The man may belong to a party.”
”The members of his party would know that the horse was not his.”
”Quite true, if the party was composed of decent persons, like our own; but that is not certain.”
”Then will you go back without Dan?” asked Tom.
”I don't want to do that. In fact I should be ashamed to. Captain Fletcher would conclude that he might as well have sent Peabody; and I am not anxious to be cla.s.sed with him.”
”Nor I,” said Tom, smiling.
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