Neither of the outlaws attempted to reply. Emery hung his head guiltily. Burnnel’s face was averted. Further questioning proved futile. Both men persisted that they had taken nothing from Creel except his money. Angrily, Dick drove them ahead of him to where the woman lay, still sleeping, and aroused her. Then, forcing the three to saddle and lead their ponies, they made their way back to Dick and Sandy’s camp.
On his way back, Dick felt that he had been robbed of a complete victory. His achievement in capturing the outlaws single-handed was darkened by the knowledge that in some unaccountable way Burnnel and Emery had contrived to hide Dewberry’s much-sought treasure. He decided that when morning came he would make a more careful search. It was possible that he had overlooked its hiding place. It occurred to him that it might be in one of the saddle-packs, or sewed up in the outlaws’ garments. At any rate, he would leave no stone unturned until he had fully satisfied himself that Creel had lied to him.
Sandy’s joy and astonishment over the safe and successful return of his chum were unbounded. He clapped Dick on the back, shouting out his approval.
“If we’re only careful now,” he cried, “we’ll soon reach the end of our adventures. We’ve won. Won’t Corporal Rand and Toma be pleased when we return with all these prisoners.”
For the remainder of that night neither of the two boys slept. They took turn in replenishing the fire and guarding the prisoners. Dick had become more cheerful and was confident that when morning came they would find the mysterious treasure, which had been responsible for so much trouble and tragedy and waste of human life.
Yet, when morning came, they were destined to be disappointed again. They found nothing. Burnnel and Emery watching them, sneered openly. Creel seemed perplexed. Noticing his expression, Sandy questioned him.
“Why did you lie to us about the contents of that poke?”
“I didn’t lie to you,” Creel retorted. “They’ve done something with it, you may depend upon that.”
“Don’t bother, Sandy,” Dick exclaimed in exasperation, “you’re just wasting time. We might as well start back. Corporal Rand will know what to do.”
So, a few minutes later, they set out on their return journey. They were forced to travel more slowly than they had come, owing to the fact that, on the previous day, while attempting to evade the police, Creel had abandoned his horse. The boys forced the outlaws to take turn and turn about walking.