Whether the sagacious animal understood what was asked of him can only be conjectured, but he acted as if he did. He threw up his head, sniffed the air, pricked his ears, and started off at an easy swinging gallop.
Brinton's heart rose with hope.
"He must know where he came from; a horse can teach the best hunter at such a time, and Jack understands what he is doing."
The pony cantered but a comparatively short way, when he dropped to a rapid walk, which grew slower every moment. It was interesting to see him turn his head and look from side to side, for all the world as if searching for something which he was surprised he did not find.
"You must be near the spot," said his master; "don't make any mistake now, my boy."
He came to a standstill, still turning his head from side to side, as if examining every point in sight. There could be no doubt that he was disappointed, as naturally was his rider also.
"I know this is the spot where you left them to join me, but they are gone. I can do nothing: everything depends on you, Jack, and you must not fail me."
He resumed his deliberate walk, which was continued for only a short distance. When he halted finally, his actions said as plainly as words—
"I give it up! I've done my best, and, like you, am at my wits' end."
For a second time Brinton pronounced the names of the loved ones, and while doing so, Jack took three or four additional steps, then halted, threw up his head, snorted, and trembled.