“That’s queer,” commented Jack. “I wonder if that can have anything to do with——”
Then he stopped suddenly, without finishing his sentence.
“Well, with what?” asked Bony.
“Never mind,” replied Jack as he began oiling his gun. “Let’s get ready to go over the top of the mountain.”
They found it a hard climb, but they took it by degrees and did not hurry the horses, who were used to mountain trails. They reached the summit at noon, and after a rest and lunch, they started down the slope.
The newly-fallen snow made a white mantle over the earth, and it was undisturbed by any marks until they came along.
“No signs of game,” said Jack, “but I guess we don’t need any. Long Gun and Budge will be able to get up a good supper with what’s in camp,” for the Indian and the gum-chewing lad had remained behind.
They traveled on for a few miles farther, admiring the view of a much more wild and desolate country than was visible on the side of the mountain where they were staying.
“Well, I guess we’d better turn back,” called Sam as he noted that the sun was getting low in the sky.