The pursuers dashed up with drawn revolvers, ready to shoot at the least sign of resistance.
Bluff leaped from his pony and struck a match.
Tad's mount lay dying in the brush.
"There's no one here," said Bluff, his face working nervously.
Of Tad Butler there was no sign. He had disappeared utterly.
CHAPTER X
THE RIDE FOB HELP
"There's Pink-eye!" exclaimed Ned Rector.
"Is it possible?" answered the Professor. "Then something has happened to Tad."
"Mebby—mebby the bear's got him," suggested Stacy Brown, his face blanching.