“It will keep us out on the prairie for three or four days and nights,” continued Eugene.
“Then one of us had better go back to camp after our blankets,” said Archie. “It is getting cold, and we’ll freeze without some covering. Besides, if Dick is anything of a prophet, it will not be many days before we shall find the ground covered with snow. We shall need some food, too, and a supply of ammunition.”
“You’re sure you won’t laugh at me if my plan fails,” said Eugene.
“Certainly not.”
“Well, then, I’ll go back to camp after the things we need, if you and Fred will stay and keep an eye on the horses.”
This plan being readily agreed to, Eugene turned and rode off at a gallop, while Fred and Archie dismounted and prepared to pass the time as pleasantly as they could until his return. They hobbled their horses with their lariats, to prevent them from running off to join the wild drove, turned them loose to graze, and seated themselves on the ground to watch the mustangs.
Eugene had partly developed what he considered to be a grand scheme for the capture of at least one of the wild horses. He had been thinking of it ever since he first heard of the existence of the drove, and he had finally hit upon something which seemed to hold out bright promises of success. He had read somewhere that wild horses had been captured by being kept in motion day and night, and allowed no opportunity to take food, water or rest. Of course the swiftest and strongest animal would soon wear out under such treatment, and when exhausted by long-continued exertion, and weak from protracted fasting, he could be easily run down and lassoed, and still he would be in nowise injured. A day or two of rest and good care would restore him to full health and vigor. Eugene had heard much of the speed of the colonel’s horse and the fruitless attempts that had been made to capture him, and this plan of his seemed to be just the thing. He thought it over in all its details while he was on his way to the camp, and believed that he could see his way clearly. He provided for every contingency, and told himself that he knew just what to do in any emergency that might arise. But after all, he found, to his great surprise, that there was one very important matter that he had forgotten to take into consideration.
Eugene found the camp deserted by all save Dick and old Bob. These two were almost always to be found there. They had worked hard, had seen much excitement and met with many adventures during their sojourn at Potter’s rancho, and were taking a good rest after it. They told Eugene that Uncle Dick was visiting with the colonel at the Fort, and that the rest of the Club had gone up the brook fishing.
“When they come back, whar’ll I tell ’em you’ve gone?” added Dick, seeing that Eugene was busily engaged in gathering up various articles that were lying about the camp. “I want to know wharabouts to look for you when you’re wanted.”
“Well, you’ll find us somewhere along the foot of the mountains between here and the Missouri river,” replied Eugene. “That’s not very definite, I admit, but I can’t come any nearer answering your question. We have found those horses!”