The day was clear and the air bracing, and the boys started off with their friend in the best of spirits. Soon the city was left behind, and then began a journey along the foothills which seemed to have no end. "If Arnold Baxter is watching us he is taking precious good care to keep out of sight," said Tom, as they rode along in single file, with Jack Wumble in the lead. "No doubt Dan has joined his father and told him of Bradner's fate," returned Dick. "But we have got to keep our eyes wide open. We all know what a wretch Arnold Baxter is, and out in this wild country almost anything is liable to happen." On and on they went, first over a stubble of thin grass and then through a forest of tall pine trees. Rocks were everywhere, and the trail wound in and out, with an occasional watercourse to be forded. "These watercourses are all right now," observed Jack Wumble. "But in the early spring, when the snow on the mountains begins to melt, they become raging torrents, and getting across 'em is out of the question." "How far are yonder peaks from here?" asked Sam, pointing ahead. "About twenty miles." "Gracious, as far as that! I didn't know one could see so clearly for such a long distance. They look to me to be only about three miles." "The air is very pure and clear out here, lad. No better air in this wide world than that of Colorady." At noon they came to a halt in a little hollow, protected alike from the breeze and the direct rays of the overhead sun. Their saddle bags were filled with provisions, and Tom and Sam began to prepare their first meal in the open, with Dick and the old miner assisting. After the meal Jack Wumble took a smoke and a ten minutes' nap, and during that time the three boys strolled off in various directions, Sam going ahead on the trail. Presently the youngest Rover had his eye arrested by a post set up in the middle of the trail. To the top of the post was tacked a sheet of white paper. "This is queer," thought Sam, and drew closer to inspect the sheet. On it were written the words, in pencil: "To the Rovers and their friend: "If you want to keep out of trouble you will return to Gunnison at once. If you dare to push on to Larkspur Creek it may cost you your lives. We are watching you, and are fully armed, and you had better be warned in time. "THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS OF THE MINE" CHAPTER XXI LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS "Dick! Tom! Jack! Come here and see what I have found!" Sam's cry was a loud one, and soon the others came up on a run, Jack Wumble pistol in hand, for his life in the open had taught him to be forever prepared for danger. "Wot is it, lad?" asked the old miner anxiously. "It's a quit notice for us," answered Sam soberly. "I can tell you, the Baxters mean to carry matters with a high hand." All of the others read the notice in silence. Then Dick thrust his hands into his pockets coolly. "I'll see them hanged before I'll go back," he said.