Following directions given by Ashe, the lads started off, pushing their horses hard. And never had their eyes seen a more welcome sight than when Jerry Duncan’s ranch-house, in its secluded situation among the hills, appeared in view.
As the big dog’s loud barking announced their presence the smiling and genial owner stepped hastily out of the door and almost rushed toward them.
“Welcome, boys!” he exclaimed, in his most hearty tone. “Welcome!” His eyes ran quickly over the group. A shadow seemed to cross his face. “Ashe and Witmar were here yesterday, and told me Bob Somers was missing. It isn’t possible——”
“Then you haven’t seen or heard anything of him?” asked Tom, with painful apprehension.
“Indeed I only wish I had.”
This answer, although half expected, filled the hearts of the boys with a sinking feeling. They looked at one another in silence.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE PRISONER
At first Bob Somers, standing by the door of the lonely cabin, almost thought his senses were playing him a trick. But a second shout caused his heart to quicken.
Though the thick walls muffled the sound, the words, “Help—help!” were clearly distinguishable.
“By all that’s wonderful, what have I come across?” he gasped. “What can it mean—some one imprisoned?”