"That's so. I'd forgotten it again," and quickly Mr. Wilder narrated the incident to his foreman.
"Probably that was Megget," asserted Pete. "But that doesn't help us much. We don't know where that trail breaks on the plains. Besides, while we practically know the headquarters are near the old mine, we don't know they are driving the cattle there. They may be heading straight for Don Vasquez's ranch.
"The plan that I kind of made up was to follow the trail from the bottoms till we were sure which way the raiders were headed. If it's for the mine, we can ride back along the plains and try out my three trails."
"But why not follow the cattle?" interrupted Mr. Wilder.
"Because I'd rather head them off than creep up on them. The raiders will be expecting us from behind. By riding on the prairie we can cover ten miles to their one, which will give us time to try out the three trails, and, when we find the right one, we can get in ahead and block the trail."
CHAPTER XIV
ANOTHER DISCOVERY
For several minutes the ranch owners discussed the suggestion and finally decided to act on it unless circumstances should make a change advisable.
Having settled the matter, they rode to the fire and aroused the sleeping cowboys, being joined a few minutes later by Bill, Sandy and the others. Soon the men of the Half-Moon were saddling their ponies.
"Queer we don't meet Ned anywhere," Bill exclaimed. "I see from the bags he's been here, Pete."