They listened carefully.
“I think I get it,” said Frank, whose ears proved to be keener than those of his companions; “and it’s over in this direction, too,” pointing to the left.
“Suppose you go and see, then,” suggested Mr. Riley.
“I will,” Frank replied, always ready to do anything that would be for the comfort or pleasure of his friends, no matter what his physical condition.
He was gone perhaps five minutes, when he returned. Bob was startled as he suddenly saw a dark form loom up alongside.
“It’s there, just as I expected, fellows,” Frank declared. “And so we’d better lead the horses along that way. Fine place to sleep, too, with the music of that little brook sounding in your ears. Nothing could be nicer, according to my way of thinking.”
Bob managed to get to his feet. He was surprised to find how stiff he seemed to be after lying there for that short time.
The horses could hardly be restrained; for they knew what awaited them beyond. And once they reached the little stream that came from the heights above, it was astonishing how eagerly they bent down and quaffed the cooling liquid.
They lay there for an hour or more, resting.
“Sleepy, Bob?” asked Frank, after there had been absolute silence for some time.