“No one knows where their hang-out is, but I’ve heard that it’s up in the canyon country, where it is said there are acres of rich grass and plenty of hiding places, but nobody ever succeeded in tracking ’em very far. They are too smart. The boys won’t find ’em, but we’ll wait till they get back.”
“Where is the canyon country to which you refer, Mr. Bindloss?” asked Miss Briggs.
“On the other side of the valley in the mountains.”
“Then is it not reasonable to suppose that they will attempt to cross the valley tonight so as to be in their lair by daylight?” persisted Elfreda.
“Sure they will,” agreed Bindloss.
“Can you spare enough men to ride back and forth for a few miles on this side? It is possible that they might intercept the thieves and possibly recover at least one of our animals,” suggested Miss Briggs.
“You’re right. Miss, you have a head on your shoulders. Pete, you take all the boys that are left here and hit it along the valley, stringing out ’bout half a mile apart and watch like all possessed,” directed Bindloss.
“We want to be in on that, Mr. Bindloss. How about ponies for Captain Gray and myself?” asked Hippy eagerly.
“You can have the one I’m riding, and Nevada will ride back to the ranch and get one for Captain Gray. Hustle, Nevada! The rest of you fellows go on, and don’t be afraid to string out. Sam, I reckon you and Jim better stick around. No telling what might be pulled off by that gang. I’ve been thinking that mebby this is a sort of come-back for Sam’s shooting that fellow in the wrist the other night. I’ll bet it’s the same gang, but there’s something more to it. I don’t know what, but I reckon on you folks finding out one of these days.”
“You may be certain that we will,” spoke up Emma. “And please, Mr. Bindloss, try to remember your dreams, for they may have a powerful bearing on this affair. Each of you do the same and tell them to me in the morning.”