local reputation as a tracker. Put your nose down to it, and let us know
what happened, Reddy."

In accordance with the request of the ranchman, the cowboy threw himself
upon his hands and knees.

"Indians!" he announced, before they had taken half a dozen breaths.

"What?" cried Bluff, staring hard.

"Cree Indians been here. I can see the print of their moccasins plain as
day; and here's where they dragged the elk along, heading toward the
river!"

Reddy seemed to have not the slightest trouble in reading the signs, and
yet to the boys there was not the faintest vestige of marks. Presently,
however, Frank was able to make out the print of a foot in the soil, and
he noted that the one who made it wore no heels. His footwear must be
moccasins.

"H'm!" remarked Mr. Mabie. "Just what I suspected. The thieving Crees
have robbed our young friend of his prize. Too bad! But there are more
elk around, Bluff, and I hope you'll have other chances."

"But that one chased me so hard I wanted revenge. I calculated on eating
a bit of his flank for my dinner. What's the matter with our following
up the scamps, and making them give up some of my game, anyhow?"
demanded the disappointed hunter.

"Impossible just now. The river is close by, and they undoubtedly had