So the boy ranchers, like the Three Guardsmen "all for one and one for all," stuck together.
"There's going to be hard work—and danger ahead of us," Snake had said, and Captain Marshall bore him out in this.
"That's what we came for," declared Nort.
"Surest thing you know!" assented his brother, and Bud nodded his assent.
So they moved forward again.
This time they were working toward a more certain object than when they were out scouting around to pick up the trail of the Yaquis.
Now they must make their way back to where the party, with Rosemary and
Floyd as prisoners, had separated from the main body.
This was comparatively simple as regards tracing the way Paz and his followers had descended the mountain into the valley of the plain where the last fight and surrender had taken place. But when the trail of Mike and his men was located—then would come the real test.
The way grew more rough as they proceeded back along the route taken by the fleeing main body of Yaquis. It was an ascending trail, over a path that was possible only to the tough western ponies.
Fortunately they had an ample supply of provisions and the water supply was adequate, which was a vital necessity. The only hardship in the way of grub was on the horses, the herbage being scanty at times, so that as much speed as was desired could not be made, detours being necessary in order to come upon fodder for the steeds.