Naturally, the Rambler would take the easiest course, which was downstream, but for this very reason the boys decided to search every foot of water until they came to it. As soon as it was dark enough, the thieves might seek to baffle pursuit by heading up the river.
At last darkness settled down on the water. Had the night been made to order it could not have served the purpose of the boys better. If the Rambler had crept into some hiding place along the stream her lights would show them where she lay.
In case her lights were not burning and her motors were not running it would be a difficult thing to locate the boat, and for this reason the Esmeralda was kept slowed down.
From the first Clay had not believed the story told by Rube. He might be interested in a ranch, and Clay did not doubt that he was, but that was not the reason for his appearance on the scene just at that time. The boy did not care to make himself disliked by prying too openly into the affairs of the others, yet he was positive that there was a hidden motive back of the one reason given.
Clay talked the matter over with the other boys, but could not reach a satisfactory conclusion.
“Perhaps he’s an officer,” suggested Jule.
“In that case,” replied Clay, “he would be apt to know some of the other officers.”
“From first to last,” answered Jule, “we haven’t met a single man who has shown any authority. I guess he’s just helping out for the fun he’s getting out of it.”
“And Buck? What about him?” asked Case.
“Give it up, boys,” cried Alex. “You’re all tangled up now, and the more you guess the more you’ll get tangled.”