"There's one thing sure," continued Harry: "The less company we have, the more fuel and forage we'll find. We're getting into the buffalo country, too. See?"
For the surface of the ground was cut deeply by narrow trails like cattle trails, but made by buffalo wending probably from water to water. Some of the trails had been freshly trodden.
"That means we'll have to look sharp after Duke and Jenny," warned Terry.
They proceeded.
"Well, here come a party," remarked Harry. "But they're going the wrong way."
"Maybe it's some of the stage line surveyors."
The party, of three men, two of them horseback and one of them muleback, drew on at trot and rapid walk. The men were bearded, roughly dressed, and well armed with revolvers and rifles. Meeting the Pike's Peak Limited, they halted. So Harry and Terry halted.
"Howdy?"
"Howdy yourselves. Where you bound?"
"For the land of gold," cheerfully answered Harry.