"Well, one did, pretty nearly," answered Dave, and gave the particulars. "The men have all gone off after the horse-thieves," said Roger. "But Todd hasn't much hope of tracing them, for the rain washed out all the hoofmarks." The newcomers were tremendously hungry, and a hearty meal was gotten ready with all the speed of which the Chinese cook was capable. As they ate, the boys and girls told the details of their experience at the shack up the river. "Did you see anything more of Link or that man with him?" asked Dave. "No," answered the senator's son. "We've been wondering if they had anything to do with the disappearance of the horses." "We have been wondering the same thing," said Phil. "I spoke to papa about it, and he says he will interview Mr. Merwell--if they get no trace of the thieves," said the ranch owner's daughter. Those who had been at the shack all night were so tired that they went to bed directly after eating, and Dave and Phil were glad enough to rest some more; so that the balance of the day passed quietly. It was not until after sundown that Mr. Endicott showed himself, followed by about half of the ranch hands. "We thought we found the trail, but we lost it again," said the ranch owner. "Todd and some of the others are still at it, but I am afraid the thieves are out of our reach. I have sent word to the sheriff, and I suppose he'll put some men on the trail to-morrow." "Did you stop at the Merwell ranch?" asked Belle. "Yes, I stopped there less than an hour ago. Mr. Merwell had just come in from a hunt for Link." "What! then Link isn't back yet?" cried Dave. "No, and his father was a good deal worried about his absence. When I told about the loss of the horses, Mr. Merwell was worried more yet. He said we needn't think that his son touched them." "It is queer where Link is keeping himself," mused Roger. "That's true--unless he was hurt by the storm," answered Phil. "Have you any idea who these horse-thieves are?" asked Dave. "We have a general idea, yes," answered Mr. Endicott. "The gang who took the other animals was led by a bold cowboy named Andy Andrews. Andrews is a thoroughly bad egg, and there had been a reward offered for his capture for several years. More than likely this raid was made by him or under his directions." "Then I sincerely hope they round up this Andy Andrews," remarked Dave. "So do I--and that we get our horses back." The night and the next day passed quietly. When it grew dark Sid Todd came in, followed by several of the ranch hands. The look on the foreman's face showed that he had had no success in his hunt. "We got the trail once, but lost it ag'in," said the cowboy. "The sheriff has got a posse of six men working on the trail now,--but I don't think they'll make anything out of it." And then he told the story of how the woods had been scoured, and of a hunt along the river and over the plains. The men had ridden many miles and were all but exhausted.