“I can. I am going right there.”
“Then you can go home,” said the horseman, addressing himself to the man whom Mr. Gilbert had sent to act as guide. “We’ve seen enough of you.”
The herdsman, taking him at his word, rode off at once; and presently the owner of the stolen horse and his companion galloped up to the place where Philip was standing. The latter looked closely at them for a moment, and exclaimed:
“O! I know who you are now. You’re the gentlemen who came to our rancho the other night and borrowed two fresh horses. Did you catch him?”
“No,” growled one of the horsemen.
Philip waited for him to say something more, but the man did not seem to be in the humor for talking just then. No doubt he was reserving all he had to say for Uncle John’s private ear. After they had ridden a short distance, Philip said:
“I’m sorry you didn’t catch him. Mr. Ackerman will be sure to ask particularly about it, when he comes home.”
“When he comes home!”
“Yes; he isn’t here, you know.”
“Where is he?”