"What's that?" Inquired his companions. "About a gallon of drinking water." "I'm some thirsty, too," said Horace, "but I don't know of a place where there is any water." "Then we'll leave it to the horses," asserted Tom. "Mr. Wilder told me they would always locate water if there was any about. From the way Blackhawk acts, I think he scents some." "Scents water!" sneered Horace. "Just you wait and see," retorted the younger of the comrades, and giving free rein to his pony, he let him nose along through the grass for some distance when the animal turned abruptly and entered the woods, stopping beside a brook. "You'd better appoint me guide and captain of this company," smiled the boy as they dismounted and drank greedily of the cool water. "You'd be a fine captain without a gun," retorted Larry, and in high spirits they remounted. For a time the boys had the moon for company, but toward, midnight clouds gathered in the sky and a chilly wind began to blow. "How about pitching camp pretty soon?" suggested Larry. "Wait till we get to Elkhorn River," answered Horace". "How far is that? I didn't suppose there was such a thing in these plains." "Oh, I should say it was fifteen miles from here," returned the young rancher. "It isn't much of a river, but it's better than none." "Wouldn't ride fifteen--Hello! What's that glow in the sky right next the mountains?" exclaimed Tom, pointing to where a faint glare was visible against the dark background of trees. "It's a fire," asserted Horace, "a camp fire. You can tell by the steadiness of the light." Excitedly they speculated as to whose it could be. "If it's raiders, we want to know it. Perhaps we can round up some of them," declared Horace. And urging their ponies into a gallop, the boys rode forward. When they were near enough to distinguish the flames they dismounted, hobbled their horses in the underbrush and approached on foot. No sign of man or beast could they see, and their curiosity was further aroused. "Stoop down so your heads are In the grass," admonished Horace. "It may be they have seen us and are hiding among the trees. Don't make any noise and stick close together." Crouching low, the trio advanced stealthily. Nearer and nearer they drew, yet no sound could they hear. Consumed with curiosity, Horace suddenly stood up, determined to learn if any one were sleeping beside the fire. Yet no sooner had he risen than a command rang out: "Throw up your hands!" The two brothers, ignorant of their companion's action, gasped at the words. But Horace let out a whoop of joy. "Hooray! It's father and the boys," he cried so loud that instantly a dozen figures bounded from about the fire. "Well, if it ain't them kids!" ejaculated Pete, who had been on guard. "It's lucky you recognized my voice, Horace." By this time Tom and Larry had straightened up and all three were hastening toward the camp fire, thinking only of their good fortune in finding their friends.