"Don't know," was Dave's equally laconic answer.
Before them the trail branched out in three different directions, like three spokes within the right angle of a wheel.
"This is a regular Chinese puzzle," said Dave, after an inspection of the trails. "The one to the right looks to be the most traveled."
The two boys made every possible effort to pierce the darkness ahead of them, and presently Phil fancied he saw a light in the distance. Dave was not sure if it was a light or a star just showing above the clearing horizon.
"Well, we may as well go ahead," said the shipowner's son. "No use in staying here trying to figure it out."
They went on, taking the center one of the three trails. They had covered less than quarter of a mile when Phil gave a shout.
"It is a light, I am sure of it—the light of a lamp or lantern! Hurrah! we must be on the right trail after all!"
"Go slow, Phil," cried Dave, a sudden thought striking him. "That may not be a ranch light."
"Yes, but——"
"It may be something much worse—for us."