the cliff back several rods. Not a sign of fresh blazing were they
able to discover.

"There's nothing here," announced the leader.

"Then I didn't go this way," answered Tad, with a note of finality in
his tone.

"We are too far to the north, boys. Turn around and follow the
canyon."

This they did until they had proceeded for something like half an
hour, when the leader of the rescue party decided to get down again
and examine the trees.

"Here's a blaze. Is that yours, kid?" he exclaimed.

Tad examined the mark on the tree carefully, having first lighted a
match to aid him.

"Yes, yes; I did that."

"Then we've gone by the place. There can't be anybody there or we
would have seen the camp-fire."

"They must be there! Let's go back over the ground!" exclaimed Tad.

The men turned about without another word. After a few moments had
passed Tad began calling loudly.