hurried off on one of the
horses, leaving the boys to themselves. Tom and Dick brushed off
their clothing and washed up in a nearby pool of water.

"I think the best thing we can do is to move over to one of the wagon
roads," said Dick. "We'll never discover anything in a spot like this."

They moved along, taking turns at riding on the horses left to them.
They were still a short distance from one of the trails, when they
caught sight of a lantern's gleam, and soon after they heard the low
murmur of voices.

"Somebody is over there, that is certain," whispered Dick. "Don't
make any noise, fellows!"

Almost holding their breath, they crawled forward through the
undergrowth and between the rocks, and presently gained a point where
they could see the outline of a wagon. The vehicle had lost one wheel,
and they could see three persons moving around it, inspecting the
damage done.

"This is the worst luck yet," they heard a man exclaim.

"Well, why didn't you look out for ruts?" said another.

"Look out? How could I look out in such a pitchy darkness?"

"What's to be done?" asked a third voice.

"I don't know, unless we unhook the team and take turns at riding
horseback," was the reply.

At this juncture, Dick clutched Tom by the arm.

"Two of those fellows are that Jimson and Dan Baxter!" he whispered.
"And do you know who is in the wagon, on the rear seat?"

"No."

"Sam."

CHAPTER XXIX

ON THE TRAIL ONCE MORE

Dick and Tom were delighted to think that they had gotten on the
trail of their brother thus readily, and they and their friends
withdrew for a short distance, that they might hold a consultation
without being overheard by their enemies.

"You are sure it's Sam?" questioned Songbird. "I must say it was so
dark I couldn't see him."

"I saw him plainly, just as the lantern was flashed his way," answered
Dick. "He had his hands behind him. More than likely they are tied
fast, or handcuffed."

"Well, what do you propose?" came from Tom. "I move we go in and
attack our enemies rough-shod. It is what they deserve."

"I second the motion," put in Songbird.

"Dot is vell enough to dalk apout," put in Hans. "Put blease ton't
forgot dat da pistols haf got, und da can shoot, hey?"

"You've got a pistol, too, Hans."

"Dot is so."

"And I've got one," went on Songbird.

"Dick and I can get rocks and sticks," said Tom. "We'll make it warm
for them."

A few words more, and Dick and Tom man-