The guide shaded his hands, gazing off across the plain.
"What—what——" he stammered.
"Wasn't I right, Mr. Parry?"
"That's very strange. I don't understand it at all."
"That's what I thought."
"There's only one pony and he's riderless," exclaimed Tom Parry. "I'm afraid something has happened. It may not be one of our ponies, however. We'll know in a few minutes."
The running animal was drawing steadily nearer the camp. Those over by the camp-fire were busy getting the meal ready for the two missing lads. The pony reached the foot of the knoll. Observing Parry and Walter there, the little animal shied, making a wide detour, and finally galloping up to the camp.
Walter and the guide hurried down.
"Hello!" cried the Professor, as he saw the horse dash in. "What does this mean!"
"Why, it's Tad's pony!" exclaimed Ned in amazement.