"The trail's plain enough for a blind man to follow," said
Yellin' Kid, who rode beside Snake.
"But it's going to get harder in a little while," spoke Snake. "We're getting into wilder country, and rocks don't take much of an impression. See, it's peterin' out now."
He pointed to the surface of the ground over which they were then traveling. The grass and earth were more and more scanty, and in some places there were patches of shale and rock, on which even an iron-shod hoof would leave no mark.
"Yes, it's a wild country," agreed Bud. "I've never been over as far as this, and I don't believe our cattle ever get here. There isn't enough feed," he added, as he looked around.
The cavalcade was now in a sort of narrow gorge, or gully, with rocky walls on either side, and only scant vegetation on the bottom, where some bunch grass grew. The water seemed to have disappeared.
"They can't drive cattle on a trail like this very far," said
Slim, looking about with critical eyes.
"And yet they did come in this gulch," said Bud, for the "signs" were still plain.
"Oh, yes, they've been here," agreed Slim. "It sure is a queer trail they picked. I don't see—"
He did not finish the sentence. Somewhere In that lonely and wild section of Happy Valley a single shot rang out, making the echoes vibrate loudly, and awakening a distant coyote, who sent up a mournful howl.