“I think we will follow up the ravine for a little way,” answered the sheriff. “Your man went this way. I know because the fireman saw him take to the ravine. One of you lead my horse; I’m going ahead on foot with the lantern.”
“If you have no objection, I will go with you,” offered Tom.
Ford nodded, and the two started away, the others, on the ponies, keeping well to the rear.
The two men in advance finally reached the point in the ravine where Lieutenant Wingate had been struck down. With lantern held close to the ground, the sheriff went over it on hands and knees, examining every foot of the ground.
“Stand where you are until I come back,” he directed, addressing Tom Gray. “Do you recognize this?” he asked, holding up a hat, upon his return a few moments later.
“It is the lieutenant’s hat,” answered Tom promptly, and Stacy Brown agreed with him.
“What’s the use of a hat without a head to wear it?” demanded Stacy.
“This!” replied Ford. “I have proved one thing. Our man came this way, but beyond this point the only trace of him is the hat. Unless I am much mistaken, he left here on the back of a horse, and he went that way.” The sheriff pointed up the ravine. “It is fair to assume that he did not go voluntarily. The only inference possible, then, is that he has been taken.”
“Captured by the bandits!” exclaimed Tom.
Ford nodded.