"That's beyond me," said Sam Randall.
"Queerer jinks never happened," cried Tom, his eyes snapping with excitement.
"To think that the silly duffer had actually sense enough to turn around an' toddle back," murmured Jack. "Honest, but this is the most natural dream I've ever had. Aren't you fellows really snoozin' 'round the fire at this very moment? Please don't wake me up."
"Truth is stranger'n dreams, sometimes, Jacky," grinned Tim.
The seven stood silently a moment, looking at each other in the greatest perplexity. The return of the packhorse seemed to hold an element of mystery which appealed strongly to their imaginations.
Had the broncho returned of his own accord?
Bob Somers thought not; and he voiced his convictions a moment later, as he stooped over to examine the rope.
"Fellows, the bronc never could have wrapped it around trunks and branches in this way," he remarked; "that's certain."
Dave Brandon's eyes ran quickly over the hemp.
"Not in a lifetime, Bob."