Part 32 (1/2)

The boys went to the house and were speedily given something to eat,--for they had had nothing since noon. They also donned some dry clothing.

”It won't do any good for you to go out again,” said Mr. Endicott. ”I'll go out, and so will most of the hands. You can remain here with Mrs.

Endicott, who is very nervous because of the storm and the absence of Belle.”

”As you think best, sir,” answered Dave; and so it was arranged. Truth to tell, both Dave and Phil were glad to rest, for the long walk and the experience in the woods during the storm had tired them greatly. Each threw himself on a couch, and almost before he knew it was sound asleep.

When the two boys awoke it was morning. They found that Mrs. Endicott had covered them up with light blankets. A sound outside had aroused them.

It was the other young people returning, on horses Sid Todd had taken to them. Dave and Phil sprang up to meet them.

”Oh, I am so glad to get back!” cried Belle, as she ran to embrace her mother. ”Such a time as we have had!”

”Oh, yes, we were safe enough, after we got to the shack,” said Laura, in answer to a question from her brother. ”But, oh, how it did blow!”

”We were afraid the shack would be carried right up into the air,” said Jessie. ”And we were so worried about you--thinking a tree in the woods would come down on you.”

”Well, one did, pretty nearly,” answered Dave, and gave the particulars.

”The men have all gone off after the horse-thieves,” said Roger. ”But Todd hasn't much hope of tracing them, for the rain washed out all the hoofmarks.”

The newcomers were tremendously hungry, and a hearty meal was gotten ready with all the speed of which the Chinese cook was capable. As they ate, the boys and girls told the details of their experience at the shack up the river.

”Did you see anything more of Link or that man with him?” asked Dave.

”No,” answered the senator's son. ”We've been wondering if they had anything to do with the disappearance of the horses.”

”We have been wondering the same thing,” said Phil.

”I spoke to papa about it, and he says he will interview Mr. Merwell--if they get no trace of the thieves,” said the ranch owner's daughter.

Those who had been at the shack all night were so tired that they went to bed directly after eating, and Dave and Phil were glad enough to rest some more; so that the balance of the day pa.s.sed quietly. It was not until after sundown that Mr. Endicott showed himself, followed by about half of the ranch hands.

”We thought we found the trail, but we lost it again,” said the ranch owner. ”Todd and some of the others are still at it, but I am afraid the thieves are out of our reach. I have sent word to the sheriff, and I suppose he'll put some men on the trail to-morrow.”

”Did you stop at the Merwell ranch?” asked Belle.

”Yes, I stopped there less than an hour ago. Mr. Merwell had just come in from a hunt for Link.”

”What! then Link isn't back yet?” cried Dave.

”No, and his father was a good deal worried about his absence. When I told about the loss of the horses, Mr. Merwell was worried more yet. He said we needn't think that his son touched them.”

”It is queer where Link is keeping himself,” mused Roger.

”That's true--unless he was hurt by the storm,” answered Phil.

”Have you any idea who these horse-thieves are?” asked Dave.