“No; let’s ride down to that little level spot and look over,” proposed Jack. “Then we’ll come back.”
They were not long in reaching the place. Nat, who had urged his horse ahead, was the first to get to it. Suddenly he pulled his animal back and uttered a cry.
“What is it?” called Jack.
“Some peculiar tracks,” replied Nat. “Look here!”
They all rode up. There in the snow were many strange marks. The white crystals were scattered, and in some places the ground was swept bare. In other spots there were many footprints.
“See!” cried Jack. “The man with the arrow made in hobnails on the soles of his shoes has been here!”
He pointed to the impressions.
“Yes, and there’s been a fight or a struggle here,” added Sam. And, indeed, it did seem so, for in some places the ground was torn up, the dirt being scattered over the snow.