Nothing occurred to disturb the camp, for which all hands were
thankful. Tents were quickly struck after breakfast and once more the
outfit started out on the trail after having discussed the
advisability of bearing to the west a little. Their final conclusion,
however, was to keep within sight of the gorge.

Two days passed as the little outfit crawled along over the rough
mountain passes, down through broad deep washes and narrow draws. It
was trying work, but the lads kept up their spirits. So inured were
they to hardships, by this time, that the unusual strain gave them
little or no inconvenience.

On the morning of the third day they had about decided to change the
course and try to find their way out of the mountains as the quickest
method of getting out of their predicament.

They were gathering their equipment together preparatory to making a
start in the new direction, when Tad startled the camp by a sudden
exclamation of surprise.

"What is it this time?" cried the Professor, prepared for almost any
surprise.

"I see smoke!"

"Oh, is that all," answered Ned disgustedly, not at first realizing
the importance of the announcement to them. "I thought maybe you had
discovered the missing ponies."