“That I will,” answered Pat. “Run ’em out here till I shoot ’em first, an’ have ’em arrested afterwards!”
The barn was speedily searched, but the tramps had taken their departure, and soon they discovered the track of the rascals, leading across the fields to another road.
“I believe they left almost as soon as we did,” said Joe. “They knew we’d come back with help.”
“Shall we follow?” asked Harry.
“Av course,” replied Andy Dugan.
“It’s getting rather dark,” went on Joe. “I’m afraid they have given us the slip.”
The matter was talked over, and it was decided that all of the Dugans should go forward, and Joe and Harry were to follow if they could find the mare. If not, they were to tramp back to the Dugan homestead and await news.
Half an hour was spent by the two boys in looking for the runaway steed, and by that time both could hardly walk.
“I wish I was at the Dugan house this instant,” said Harry.
“Ditto myself, Harry. And I wish I had my watch and chain back. Did you notice, the tramps didn’t touch the bags of nuts.”