Walter nodded.

"It's about the ponies, Master Tad," the Professor informed him.

"The ponies? Which ponies? Are they hurt?" exclaimed the lad
sharply.

"We don't know," answered Professor Zepplin.

"Then what is the matter? Don't keep me in suspense."

"Gone," growled Ned dismally.

"Where?"

"I'm sure I don't know. The redskin says they have been stolen--your
pony and Chunky's. The trail has been masked so we cannot follow
them."

Without a word, Tad Butler hastened to the spot where the animals had
been tethered when he went over the cliff. Silently he made a careful
inspection of the place.

"Well, what do you think of it?" asked Ned.

"I think I'll walk," answered Tad, thrusting both hands in his
trousers pockets. "But I'm going to get my pony back before ever I
leave these mountains," he announced quietly.