He took a parting look at the couple in whom he was so interested. They held the same positions as before, one sitting on the stone smoking, and the other standing in front, slowly whittling, while they discussed some matter in which neither seemed to feel a very deep interest.
Nothing was to be gained by waiting, and Herbert started back to get his horse. He had fixed the points so well in mind, that, when he supposed he was near the pool and ignited a match, he saw he was on the edge of it. He leaped lightly across, and, with the tiny flame still in his hand, walked to where his pony was tied a short time before.
Jill was gone! Since he could not have freed himself, someone had removed him.
While Herbert stood silent and dismayed, he caught the sound of a footfall, accompanied by a chuckle of triumph.
CHAPTER XX.
REINFORCEMENTS.
HERBERT WATROUS was dumbfounded. He had stolen up the ravine and spent some time in studying the campfire and the two strangers, and now, on his return to where his pony had been tied, the animal was gone. While he was acting the spy, the same trick had been successfully played on him.
But he roused quickly, and running a few steps in the direction of the retreating horse and his captor, called: