"About that thing we saw?"
"Maybe."
"Think we'd better turn back?"
"How come?"
"Well, it's better to be careful, than sorry, you know."
"Oh, I dare say it was only a deer or something. Come on."
A short time later they reached the foot-hills and, after a short rest they started on the climb. It was not steep at first and a winding trail, only wide enough for them to ride in single file, made it easy enough. But as they got higher it became steeper and the path rougher until the horses were obliged to pick a place for each step with the greatest care.
"How much of this is there?" Jack laughed, during one of their frequent stops to give the horses a breathing spell.
"It's about five miles to the top and it's another five down on the other side. But, cheer up, we've come nearly a mile and it doesn't get much worse than this."
"Let's be thankful for small favors," Bob laughed.