He also saw with pleasure, that its course was one heading almost directly toward the camping-ground of his own train, so that they were in reality losing but very little time. This he rejoiced in, for he knew that his men would be uneasy at his long absence, as they had not intended stopping out over night.
For several miles the trail continued, not in a direct line, but zig-zag hither and yon, as if the girl had become confused and wandered aimlessly in a roundabout manner. And while Tom traced this out, step by step, Travers, seated upon a horse, gazed keenly around in every direction, hoping to thus gain sight of the wanderer, sooner than otherwise.
And his search proved successful, for, just as Tom uttered a cry of surprise, Travers caught sight of a human form, upon the swell of a hill, perhaps a mile away. Then the figure abruptly disappeared from view.
“Ugh! look dere!” muttered Tom, as he came to an abrupt stop.
Travers followed the direction indicated by the outstretched finger. The trail they were following suddenly became a double one!
CHAPTER XI.
REUNITED.
It was well-nigh daydawn, and Buenos Ayres trudged wearily on, foot-sore and almost exhausted by his severe toil. His mind was filled with doubt and fear.
He believed that he had more than covered the distance mentioned by Tom Maxwell, as intervening between the corral and the Main Trail, but yet he had not observed any trace of it. Could it be possible that he had crossed the Trail, unknowingly? He feared greatly that he had done so.
“It will not do to turn back on an uncertainty,” he muttered, as he paused to glance around him once more. “And yet, a mistake, now, would be awful! If I only knew the country better!”
But then once more he pressed on, keeping as direct a course as lay in his power. And as he gained the next ridge he again paused, hoping from its summit to discover the desired landmark.