"We did," agreed Tad, laughing.
"Next time we'll choose a white man, if we can get one—"
"Hello, he isn't here, either," called Ned, who was the first to reach the end of the trail at the top.
Tad, close behind him, cast a searching glance about.
"That's not all that is missing, either," he said sharply.
"What!" exclaimed the Professor.
"Two more ponies, that's all," replied Tad Butler. "We are a smart lot to let him steal our stock right under our very eyes."
CHAPTER X
THE PROFESSOR DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF
The boys uttered a cry of dismay.