“Oh, nothing.” By this time the two men had proceeded far from the place from which they had started, and still Reuben was unable to recognize any signs of the locality where he and Jean had prepared to make their camp the preceding night. Suddenly, however, he abruptly halted and, pointing toward a spot not far away, he excitedly demanded: “What’s that? What do you make of that?” CHAPTER V—THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER In response to Reuben’s startling questions both men halted and looked keenly in the direction in which he was pointing. “Is that where your camp was?” inquired Rat. “It looks like it,” replied Reuben quietly as he hastened toward the spot he had discovered on the plains. Both were silent until they arrived at the place they were seeking. Then, after a hasty inspection, Reuben said quickly: “This is where Jean and I camped last night.” “Are you sure?” “I know it is,” said Reuben positively after further investigation. “Where is your friend now?” “That’s what I should like to know, myself,” responded Reuben, as he peered intently about him in all directions. “What are you going to do about it?” inquired Rat after a brief silence. “It’s strange where Jean could have gone,” said Reuben slowly, almost as if he was unconscious of the presence of his companion. “He isn’t a man likely to be drawn into trouble. I have been wondering if the redskins got him.” “If they did they carried him off.” “But there are no signs of any scuffle,” protested Reuben, as once more he examined the ground around where the fire had been. “He may not have put up any fight.” “You don’t know Jean,” said Reuben positively. “It’s strange. The ponies are gone. There isn’t a sign of the packs, and Jean isn’t to be seen anywhere.” “What are you goin’ to do about it?” repeated Rat. “You know I can’t stay here forever. I’ve got to look after my own job. I usually find that if I ever have anything or get anything done it is because Rat True looks after it. Ever noticed that, boy?” “I wonder where Jean can be,” repeated Reuben, almost as if he had not heard the inquiry of the giant. “Maybe if you stay here long enough he will show up. That’s what my father used to tell me about the cows. He told me if I would take my milkin’ pail and go out and sit down in the middle of the pasture, pretty soon the cows would all come up and ask me to milk them. So I’m thinkin’ it may be a good thing for you to sit down here, and perhaps your friend, if there is such a friend, will come back.” “What do you mean?” demanded Reuben quickly, as he turned and faced his companion. “Don’t you think Jean was here?” “That’s what you say; I have your word for it.” Reuben’s cheeks slowly flushed, but he wisely controlled his anger and did not respond to the implied unbelief of the huge Rat.