"I guess if we expect to get any sleep we had better let some one else do it," agreed Tad. "Chunky will have us out on false alarms all night long."
They were agreed upon this, and by common consent Butler was given the watch for the night. The boys slept with their rifles beside them that night.
The night passed without incident, Tad Butler keeping a vigilant watch all during the dark hours of the night. He had plenty of time to think matters over. He realized that Dunk Tucker, the prisoner, had overheard all that had been said during their talk with Withem out on the plain. Tad knew that if Dunk ever got into communication with his fellows it would go hard with the Pony Rider Boys.
Soon after daybreak, Tad awakened his fellows. He already had a brisk fire going, but before lighting it, the lad had walked down to the edge of the canyon for a survey of the plain. He saw a solitary horseman far out over the rolling plain. After some study he made up his mind that the man was going away instead of coming toward them.
Breakfast finished the party packed their belongings and started out for their long ride to join the Rangers sometime late in the day.
About noon they made camp for dinner and a rest, not taking up their journey until about four o'clock in the afternoon. Darkness overtook them, finding them still without sight or sound of the Spring where Withem said they would find the Rangers' camp. A consultation was held and it was decided to continue on until they picked up the party.
About half an hour after night had fallen, they were riding along when suddenly they were stopped by a stern command.
"Halt! Hands up! Every man of you is covered!"
"Oh, wow!" gasped Chunky. "They've got us again."
"Who are you?" demanded the voice.