The blond lad, thoroughly disgusted at the failure of his plans, sometimes left the main body, feeling in no mood to take part in the merry conversation.
“He’s just as sore as can be,” confided Tom to Bob Somers.
It was, indeed, Tom who had first discovered what Larry had in mind. Of a very inquisitive nature, his curiosity was not satisfied until he had discovered the nature of the paper which appeared to interest Larry so greatly. This feat he succeeded in accomplishing by lagging behind and viewing the unsuspecting lad through a field-glass.
Tom, of course, immediately made a number of deductions and explained them to his companions, who were soon convinced of the correctness of his views.
“And to think of his wanting to sneak away!” went on Tom. “It’s a mighty poor way of treating us, I’m sure.”
“And I’ll bet Larry would always regret it,” said Bob.
“Sure thing! The funny part is, that I don’t think he suspects us of knowing anything about it.”
A long time after, the travelers, hot, dusty and tired, reached the top of an eminence which brought into view a vast stretch of country, broken here and there by low ridges of hills.
Thunderbolt halted. He turned toward the horsemen crowding closely behind him, his manner showing them that he had something interesting to communicate. The brown, muscular arm of the young Cree was extended in the direction of the now declining sun.
“Well?” cried Tom, his eyes wide open.