The Texan gave a word of caution to those in the rear, and when the lighting up of the spaces between the trees tokened their approach to the clearing, he requested all to remain still while he advanced and made a reconnoissance.
This was done, and he stole along as softly and timidly as when making his way from the cabin of Hans Bungslager.
Reaching the clearing, he saw the settler's house, standing as quiet and undisturbed as though no danger had ever threatened it. No sounds were audible, but there were no lights to be seen. Sebastian came to the conclusion that the owner and his family had taken the alarm in time and had fled to Brownston.
Still it was important that no mistake should be committed, and he made his reconnoissance complete, by advancing up to the very house, and even peering into the interior. The result confirmed his first impression. There were no whites in them, and he returned to his friends with his report to that effect.
CHAPTER XII.
A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.
The Texan having rendered his report, the party made ready to move on again, when a rather alarming discovery was made.
Hans Bungslager was nowhere to be found!
There stood his horse, as quiet and unconcerned as though nothing extraordinary had happened, but his rider was missing.
What did it mean?
This was the question which the three asked each other, and which no one was able to answer.