"I will give him a shot!" cried Mark, and taking hasty aim he fired. The shot went true, and the deer turned over on its side and began to float down the river. "We'll lose him after all!" cried Mark, in disappointment. "Not much," said Bob, and ran along the bank, throwing off some of his clothing as he did so. Then the deer caught on a snag, and after some trouble the former sailor boy brought the carcass ashore. "There's prime meat for all hands!" said he, surveying the game with much pride. "Mark, we shan't go back so empty-handed after all!" "I am glad of it," was the reply. They had just pulled the deer up on the bank and were wondering how they could best carry the game, when they heard a noise beyond the river, as of a horse and wagon crashing through some bushes. They looked in the direction and to their amazement saw their own wagon and Darling moving along, driven by Sag Ruff and a man who was a stranger. "Bob! is it possible?" gasped Mark. "It looks as if Sag Ruff had stolen our outfit!" ejaculated Bob. "Who is that with him?" "I don't know--perhaps that fellow I heard spoken of, Soapy Gannon." "I wonder how they got hold of the outfit?" "I am sure I don't know, but I do know one thing----" "We must get our outfit back." "That's the talk." "They are on the other side of the river?" "We can wade or swim over." By this time the mule and the wagon, along with Sag Ruff and Soapy Gannon, had disappeared behind some trees. The men were urging the mule on in every possible manner, beating him one minute and coaxing him the next. "They have taken to this side trail on purpose," said Mark. "They are evidently afraid of meeting some of our friends." It was decided to leave the deer and the rest of their game hanging in a tree by the riverside. Then they searched along the watercourse until they found a spot where fording was comparatively easy. Mark took off his shoes and stockings, rolled up his trousers, and waded in, and Bob followed. "Now look to your shotgun," said Bob, when they were safe on the other side. "Those fellows may want to fight." And both loaded with care, and then put on their shoes and stockings again, and started after the stolen turnout. It was no easy walk, and once they made a false turn on the trail, getting into a clump of nettles which scratched them and tore their clothing. But then they reached a level stretch and Mark set off on a run, with Bob at his heels. "I see them!" cried Mark, a few minutes later. "There they go again, behind yonder trees." They continued to run, and soon came up to the rear of the turnout. They found Sag Ruff walking on one side of the wagon and Soapy Gannon on the other. "Stop!" cried Mark, and brought up his shotgun. "Stop, you rascals, or I'll fire!" CHAPTER XVI GETTING BACK THE OUTFIT