d to find any signs of the enemy.

They had come upon a place where the ground appeared to have been
lately disturbed, and on digging there discovered a large store of
bacon, hard-tack, flour and potatoes.

Before waiting to discuss the situation, the hungry men at once
proceeded to cook a hearty meal, two of them going in search of water,
and while this work was being done Harvey had a long, serious
conversation with Jet.

"There is no question but that they have grown frightened and run
away," he said by way of beginning, and to this remark Jet assented,
nodding his head.

"Our trip will have been a failure, despite the fact of having captured
Joe, unless we also get Bob."

"It'll be mighty hard work to find him now."

"That may be; but yet I am depending upon you to do the work."

"Me?" Jet repeated in surprise.

"Certainly; what is to prevent?"

"I don't even know where to look for him."

"Neither do I; but we shall hit upon the trail after a while, for I
believe in the maxim that 'all things come to him who waits.'"

"But surely some of these men could do better than I."

"Are you afraid to try it?" Harvey asked, as he looked Jet full in the
face.

"Not a bit of it. I only thought that there'd be more chance of
success if somebody else took the job. You see I've made a big fool of
myself half a dozen times since this thing was started."

"And by so doing have gained just so much experience. I want the whole
work done by you and I, except when we have to call for assistance, as
in the present case. It's professional pride, my boy, and I look to
you to take my place, until I can crawl around once more."

"I'll be only too willing to do anything you say, Mr. Harvey."

"Then it is all right, Jet, and before three months go by we'll have
our friend Bob behind the bars. Now, lie down and take a nap so as to
be in condition for our final trip to the town."

"Then you have given up all hopes of finding the men here?"

"Yes; although it may be possible they will be foolish enough to come
back. We'll leave two men here on watch for a few days."

Jet threw himself on the floor, and in a very few seconds was sleeping
soundly.

When he was awakened the hunger of those who had been so long without
food was appeased, and all preparations made for the return trip.

As a matter of course Harvey rode on the horse; Jet walked by his side,
and the officers traveled in advance.

The last arrivals were