The trail of the stolen cattle was comparatively easy to follow. And, as had the others, eventually it led to the foot hills and to the ravine the boys had explored so ineffectually.
“The secret is here, and here’s where we’ve got to stick until we find it!” declared Jerry. “We’ll make a secret camp here, and not leave day or night. Can’t you plant a bunch of cattle somewhere, so they could be easily stolen?” he asked Mr. Watson.
“I s’pose I could. But why?”
“Well, we could stay near ’em and see who takes ’em. Then we could follow.”
“Oh, a sort of trap, eh?”
“That’s it.”
“Well, I’ll think about it.”
Search as they did, the rest of that day, no trace of the missing cattle could be found. They returned to the ranch, tired and despondent. Mr. Watson had agreed to wait a few days before informing Mr. Slade of this latest loss.
“I’ll give you your last chance, boys,” he said. “Make the most of it.”
That night, when the three chums were out among the cowboys, listening to their talk, Munson came in. Hinkee Dee seemed to notice him at once.