The boys laughed at this crude reasoning of the Indian.
“Did they teach you at the Mission to make your squaws work?” asked Tad Butler.
Anvik shook his head slowly. He did not answer 200in words, but hastened his pony’s pace by his heavy pull at the halter.
All that day the boys kept a lookout for smoke, but in vain. After they had made camp that night the Professor said:
“There are indications here of unusual formations. If you have no objections I should like to remain here for a day, perhaps two, and do research work.”
“Right, Professor,” replied Tad. “The ponies will be better for a rest, and maybe we can do some hunting. How about it, Anvik?”
“Anvik not care,” was the guide’s reply.
After breakfast the next morning the Professor set off at once.
“Now, fellows,” said Tad, “I propose that Stacy and I follow that ravine to the left and Ned and Walter go to the right. From the formation I should say that some time late in the day we ought to meet. It’s wild in those passes, and we should get game.”
After arranging that three quick shots should announce the finding of game and that the distress signal of one shot, a pause, then two quick shots should be a call for help, the boys set off, each carrying biscuit, a drinking cup, and matches, besides their rifles.