"But it's not dark yet," Jack said as he sat down after his fourth trip to the porch.
"Not for nearly two hours," Jeb added.
As soon as the meal was finished they all three gathered on the porch and it is probable that not one of them took their eyes from the distant hills during the next half hour.
"We'll wait till seven o'clock and if he don't show up by that time we'll start," Jeb said as he started down the path which led to the 'shack' where the cowboys lived. "I'll tell the boys to get the horses ready and, if we have to go, we can pretty near get to the hills before dark," he added.
When the hour came and brought no sign of the missing boy they set out. Three of the men were left behind, much against their wishes, as Jeb did not wish to leave the ranch entirely unprotected. At first he refused to allow Sue to accompany them, but the girl pleaded so hard that she finally had her way, as she usually did, and of course, Jack would not hear to being left behind.
"We'll probably meet him before we get very far," Jeb said as they swept out of the yard.
"I hope so," Jack replied trying to make his voice sound cheerful.
* * * * * * * *
When Bob awoke the sun was shining. He opened his eyes slowly and, for an instant, wondered where he was. Then memory returned and he sat up.
"Well, I had a good sleep anyway," he said half aloud as he got to his feet.