"You do not think it is a trick to get us where we shall find ourselves in a tight place?" suggested Anne questioningly.
"No. I do not feel that there is a shadow of doubt that these two notes are what they appear to be—the suggestions of a friend. Who or what he is we may or may not learn. I propose that we follow the advice he gives us. Are you all agreed on that?" asked Grace.
The Overlanders said they were.
"Then we will go on our way," directed Grace.
They found the wagon trail after nearly an hour's hard riding over rocks, into and out of gullies with steep, precipitous sides, but the wagon trail when reached, while rutty, was so much better that they soon forgot the discomforts of riding "across lots," as Hippy put it.
The noon halt was a brief one, after which they pressed on, having no difficulty in finding their way as directed by their mysterious adviser.
It was nearly dark when they came in sight of a clearing of several acres covered with growing corn, which they surmised to be part of the Thompson farm. Grace asked Washington if it were.
"Ah reckons it be," answered the colored boy, but it was apparent that he knew no more about it than did the Overland Riders.
"Where is the house of this Thompson party?" demanded Hippy.
"Mebby 'bout er whoop an' er holler from heah."