Each realized the plan was feasible, provided the night was not cloudy, and once on the prairie it would not be difficult for the young rancher to lead the way to the horses. And, although they knew that the moon would not rise for two hours at least, they were so eager to try the plan that they began to discuss who should be the one to do the climbing. The two brothers claimed preference because they were both stronger and taller than their companion, but Horace silenced them by declaring that not only could he go higher because he was lighter, but that he would be able to recognize their whereabouts from his knowledge of the mountains. Restraining their impatience as best they could, the boys sat down. "When we do get out, which way shall we go to join Mr. Wilder and the others?" asked Larry. This question started further discussion. One suggestion after another was made only to be rejected because of some obstacle, and finally they decided the safest thing to do would be to ride till they found the trail over which the cattle had been driven from the bottoms and follow that. Soon Horace climbed a convenient tree. "We sure are dubs!" he cried. "Why? Is the moon up?" asked the two chums eagerly.. "No, the moon isn't up. I don't need it. The stars are bright enough. We've been sitting here fretting all this while within a hundred yards of the prairie!" CHAPTER XVIII A MYSTERIOUS CALL Horace and Larry having picked up their rifles, the three boys resumed their way, Larry leading slowly, taking care to make his steps of as nearly equal length as possible, and in due time they came onto the prairie. "My, but this stretch of level does look good," declared Tom, and his companions expressed their hearty agreement as they hastened toward the spot where they left their ponies. Finding them without difficulty, the lads broke out the food and ate ravenously, "Hey, go easy on the grub," cautioned Larry as he noted the amount his companions were eating. "This is all we have to last us until we meet the others--or get back to the ranch," he added as the thought recurred to him that luck would play a large part in the success of their search for the pursuing party. "You can go easy if you like. So long as there's anything to eat, I am going to eat," returned his brother. "Don't worry. We won't starve. If worse comes to worse, I can get you some deer meat, provided you'll lend me your rifle." "Or I can get you some mountain lion meat," added Horace. "I notice neither of you mention bear meat," chuckled the elder of the chums. "Because it doesn't agree with us," returned Tom, and at this allusion to their recent adventure they all laughed merrily. In delight at the extrication from their dilemma the boys chatted and joked as they repacked the saddle bags, unhobbled their ponies and prepared to resume riding. "There's only one thing that could, add to my happiness," remarked Larry as he swung onto Lightning's back.