While Spouter and Jack hurried forward to capture the runaway horse, Gif was assisted to the back of the steed Randy rode.
“I’m glad I didn’t go out on my head on the rocks,” remarked Gif, as the boys went forward. “I might have broken my neck.”
“Yes, you picked out just the right place to fall into,” answered Andy.
“I didn’t pick it out. I went where I was sent,” returned the other lad calmly. “After this I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for more snakes.”
“I think we had better all do that,” said Fred. “Gee! I’d forgotten all about those pests.”
When they reached the runaway horse they found him still somewhat skittish. But he was soon calmed down, and then Gif remounted him, and they set off along the trail as before.
“Well, we didn’t exactly meet a wild animal,” remarked Randy. “But we met something just as bad.”
Presently the boys came to a spot where the river wound around the hill, and beyond this was a broad stretch of plains, apparently many miles in extent. Far to the southward they could see some tall timber.
“The Bimbel ranch must be somewhere in this vicinity,” declared Jack.
“Yes, and the Bangs place can’t be so very far off,” returned Fred.