It was late in the afternoon when Grant suddenly sprang to his feet and after gazing long and earnestly in the direction in which the guide was looking, he said excitedly, "Zeke, isn't that two men coming up the trail?"
"Yes," replied the guide shortly.
Instantly the three Go Ahead Boys were standing and peering excitedly in the direction indicated by Grant.
"That can't be String and Pete," said George in a low voice. "They would come from the other direction, wouldn't they, Zeke?"
"Yes," replied the guide abruptly.
"Then who are these men?"
"Not knowing, I can't tell you. I can say though that I hope you'll be quiet and not forget that children are to be seen and not heard. In course I mean if those two men come here, as I think they will."
The unexpected discovery of two men in the gulch was of itself startling. Seldom had the foot of man trod these weary wastes. There was an air of complete desolation that rested over the entire region. The discovery therefore of two men coming along the side of the canyon and following the way over which Zeke had gone was doubly surprising.
Conversation lagged while all four carefully watched the actions of the approaching men.
Whoever the strangers might be it was evident that they were not entirely unfamiliar with the region. They picked their way with confidence and made surprisingly good time as they advanced.