It was a dispirited party of youths that took the homeward trail. They gave up, for the time being, the plan of seeking for the cattle thieves.
“Maybe he’s here ahead of us,” suggested Bob, as they came in sight of the ranch buildings.
“Where?” asked Jerry.
Bob nodded toward the collection of buildings.
“He might have got away from whatever or whoever had him,” he resumed, “and wandered back here, not being able to find our camp.”
It was but a forlorn hope and it was not justified.
“Seen Professor Snodgrass? Why, no!” exclaimed the foreman, in answer to their question, as he greeted the boys. “What happened?”
They told him, and related what they had done in the way of making a search.
“Jumping tomcats! That’s too bad!” cried Mr. Watson. “We’ll get right after this! Here, Gimp, send up some of the boys!”
“What’s happened?” asked the cowboy.