Larry, however, was more interested in the cattle thieves and brought the conversation back to them.
"Were the men near the hills when you saw them?" he asked.
"About a quarter of a mile away."
"Then come on. We must get to the hills so we can find their trail," declared Horace.
"You kids sure ain't going after 'em alone?" exclaimed Jeffreys incredulously.
"But if there are only four of them?"
"To you three, and they are men, don't forget that."
"But you'll make four," suggested Tom.
"Providing I was going with you, which I ain't, I'd like to, but I reckon I'd better ride back to my own ranch and see they haven't lifted any of my cattle. If they have, I'll get my boys and take up the trail."
Realizing from the expressions on their faces that the lads were surprised as well as disappointed at his refusal to accompany them, the horseman said: