Bob Somers, sitting on a broad, smooth slab of stone, was often obliged to fight off swarms of insects attracted by the glow of the fire. An inquisitive toad hopped up, fixed its beady eyes on him for a moment, then turned about and solemnly hopped away.
Often he asked himself if they actually had stumbled upon the smugglers’ stronghold. At any rate there was clearly something wrong. He had been forcibly impressed with the idea that the man who had ridden among the hills was delegated to perform some most important work. It made his disappointment all the keener.
“Well, the only way is to make the best of it,” mused Bob. “I’ll join the ‘Don’t Worry’ Club. Worry certainly never did a chap a bit of good. When things begin to go wrong be glad they aren’t any worse.”
Having spoken this bit of philosophy aloud the Rambler rose to his feet. His pocket search-light cut a brilliant streak over the ground, and by its aid he was able to find his way across the uneven surface. From a little distance the firelight dancing and sparkling, its cheery rays flashing upon the surrounding trees and bushes, made a decidedly cheerful spot of color in a field of blackness.
He found walking rather difficult. Bushes rose up before his path; here and there a treacherous declivity had to be avoided. But still he pushed on, hoping to catch sight somewhere in the scene before him of another glowing spot of color which might tell him of the presence in that vast expanse of the man he had pursued.
There was none, however. Bob, following his own advice, thrust aside the feeling of disappointment and began to retrace his steps.
“I might as well turn in,” he reflected, “and get up with the day. I’ll make a mighty good try to pick up that fellow’s trail again.”
Accordingly he rolled himself in his blanket and lay down. Out in the open air, with the scent of the earth and growing things about him, and a pleasant breeze sweeping over the hilltop, slumber did not need to be wooed. The Rambler was soon fast asleep. And it was not until early morning that his eyes were once more open.
“Hello!” he exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Daylight already! And there’s plenty of work to be done.”
Only a few charred sticks remained of his fire, but Bob soon had it going again. A breakfast was hastily cooked and eaten; then, considerably refreshed, he saddled his horse.