“See anything of the other gang?” Teddy asked, when they had ridden for some time in silence.
The others shook their heads. They were watching the opposite side eagerly, but the trees prevented them from obtaining a view of any riders that might be across from them. Besides, the gorge widened here, and they scarcely expected to see their companions until they reached the narrow part near Gravestone Falls, which was still a long ride ahead.
“If they get there before we do they’ll wait,” Roy remarked. “Dad wants us to be all together when we come in sight of the caves. He’ll be a mighty disappointed man if Ike’s hunch turns out wrong.”
“So’ll we all,” Teddy agreed, with something strangely like a sigh. The long ride had given the boys ample time to think, which was the worst thing in the world for them. They needed action, and more than one man among them felt his hand wandering down toward the gun on his saddle or his hip. Thinking about the girls seemed to bring all sorts of wild fancies to the mind, though both Roy and Teddy were wise enough to know they must not harbor thoughts of failure. Worry would only use up their energy, and they would need all of that later.
Presently Roy, who was leading, held up his hand. Those behind him halted their horses and peered ahead.
“Remember this place, Nick?” the boy asked.
The puncher slowly shook his head.
“No, I don’t, Roy. Seems like it’s been widened since I rode over here last. As I remember it, this here path led right along the edge. Now she branches out, kind of.”
They had come to a clearing on the side of the canyon. For a short space in front of them the ground was bare of bushes and trees, as though it had been purposely cleared. Motioning the others to follow, Roy rode on. A moment later, those behind Roy gave an exclamation.
“What’s up, Roy?” Teddy asked quickly, springing his horse forward.