"It is a very good amendment. I wonder whether anything can have befallen him?"
"He is too much of a veteran to make such blunders as we."
"That is true, and yet the most skilful hunter in the world is liable to accident. What's frightened the ponies?"
One of the animals had raised his head, with the grass dripping like green water from his jaws, and was looking off to the side of the plateau as if he scented danger of some kind. He was near the further boundary, thus being considerably removed from the boys, who grasped their Winchesters and rose to their feet.
"It's Hank's horse," said Jack, in an undertone; "the others do not seem to be interested in what disturbs him."
"And there comes Hank himself!" was the delighted exclamation of Fred, as they saw their old friend step into view from behind the rocks and walk with his peculiar silent stride toward them.
The movement of the beard under the broad sombrero showed that the guide was smiling, and doubtless he was as pleased as the boys over the meeting. He advanced with the same lengthy step and extended his hand with his hearty "Howdy?" to each in turn.
"Glad to see you, younkers; you seem to have got along as well without me as if I'd been with you."
"Nothing has come amiss; but, Hank, we're glad indeed to see you."
"Where did you git your breakfast?" he asked, glancing at the signs of the meal of which they had partaken.