"Is that Master Tad's mount?" called the guide as he approached them on the run.
"Yes. Do you think there's anything wrong?" questioned Ned.
"Looks that way. Don't let him get away. I want to look the critter over. Perhaps we may learn something."
Ned caught the pony without difficulty, and led it to the guide. Parry went all over the animal, even going through the saddlebags.
"The rifle and the rope are missing. Everything else seems to be in order," he announced.
"Then I'll guarantee that Tad's all right," spoke up Ned.
"That's what I think," agreed Walter. "He's taken his gun and rope up into some mountain or other and while he was away the pony got away and started for home."
"Is that your opinion, Mr. Parry?" questioned the Professor.
"What's the use in offering any opinions? I don't know. But I'm going to find out. Let's see. We have a new moon to-night. I've got about two hours before it goes down. I want you all to remain right here in camp until I return. Even if it's until to-morrow. I'm going out to look for the boys."
With that Parry hastily filled his canteen, slung one of the bags of water over the back of his pony, and springing into the saddle dashed away, following the trail that the returning broncho had left.