"Yes, let's hear how you boys got along," spoke up Ned. "We have told you all about our experiences. Now we want to know about yours."
Tad related in detail all that occurred to them since the Professor left them in pursuit of the elusive camp-fire. The Professor's eyes glowed appreciatively upon learning of Tad Butler's heroic tramp over nearly forty miles of rough mountain trail in the desperate effort to find food for his starving companions as well as help to rescue them from their perilous position.
But Munson, while complimenting Tad, was more deeply interested in the loss of their stock, about which occurrence he asked many questions.
"If we had a few men with your courage and resourcefulness we should soon put a stop to this wholesale thieving," he said.
"I'm going to find my pony before I leave this place, Mr. Munson," announced Tad firmly. "At least I am going to try pretty hard—"
A knock on the door of the shack cut short what he was going to say.
"McCormick reports that two ponies are missing from number two section," said a voice outside the door.
CHAPTER XVI
THE VOICE IN THE ROCK
"The thieves are getting bold!" was Dick Munson's comment.