the little group he advanced—for Bart, the foreman, had again joined the others, eager, to hear the news the scout was bringing back.
Frank knew before a word was spoken that Scotty had made a disagreeable discovery, which would put them to great trouble so far as getting the stock out of the valley was concerned. Hence, he was nerved to hear bad news.
“How about it, Scotty?” asked Colonel Haywood, as the other arrived close to where the others stood.
“Couldn’t ’a been worse, sir,” replied the disgusted cowboy, shrugging his broad shoulders.
“Then the pass has been blown up, and filled with rubbish?” continued the other.
“Filled so high that a month wouldn’t open it again to let even an Old Baldy climb over. We’re sure up agin it, Colonel, this time!” declared Scotty, scowling.
CHAPTER XV
BALDY’S HOOF POINTS THE WAY
“It’s a bad outlook, but we’re not the kind to give up easily,” said the stockman, grimly.
Bob, who had been much dejected by the news which the cowboy trailer brought, plucked up fresh hope at these words from the rancher.
Frank, too, was able to grasp at little rays of encouragement.