“They got their meat and have hiked out for that island in the river,” Chet said, sternly. “That’s all they wanted, of course. Steve saw his chance to start now instead of to-night, and he took it.” “We can follow their trail, Chet,” exclaimed Dig. “The nasty things! They ruined that buffalo.” “We’ll do better than follow their trail,” Chet said quickly. “How’s that?” “I believe I can find that island they spoke of myself. We’ll see if we cannot beat them to it, Dig. Certainly we have the advantage of the best mounts, if we don’t know the country as well as Steve does.” They recovered their outfit, built a fire, and cooked dinner while their horses rested; then they set out toward the east without paying any attention to the route followed by their two enemies, nor much to the course they had taken in coming to this sheltered valley. Chet had his compass and he laid as direct a course as he knew for the shallow river in question. The six remaining members of the buffalo herd were out of sight as the boys rode up the valley. Where they had gone to was a mystery. “But you can bet Tony and that other fellow are not following them,” remarked Dig, in disgust. “Quite right,” responded Chet. “Those scamps have got all they wanted.” “I hope the time will come when we can ‘call quits’ with ’em,” said Dig. “Hear! hear! Satisfaction is what we’re after—and those deeds.” The boys crossed the divide and as they went down the slope, they struck another watercourse which, beginning as a small rill, increased in width and volume of water very rapidly. They were in sight of this stream through the rough country spreading eastward until past mid-afternoon. By that time they had ridden many miles and were saddle-weary. The horses, too, showed the effect of hard work. “We’d ought to breathe them awhile,” Dig urged, for he was very careful of horseflesh. “Not yet. I’m sorry for them,” Chet said, “but we’ve got to keep moving just as long as daylight holds, at least. You know, we don’t know this country after dark, and that Steve evidently does.” “But we must be travelling almost two miles to their one,” Dig said. “Granted. But they may be going more directly to that island than we,” Chet told him. “Though I believe this stream we’re following empties into the very river we’re in search of.” “We never saw this creek before.” “No. It’s a good deal farther south than the way we came with those rascals.” “Well! I reckon you know, Chet.” “I know the points of the compass,” returned his friend. “The sun doesn’t fool us.” “Of course—we’re going toward Silver Run again, not toward Grub Stake.” “Quite right. And goodness!” added Chet, “we are spending a lot more time in this trip than I expected to. I wonder what father will say?” “Say! It’s been a lot different from what I expected. Whew! but we have worked, Chet.” “Aren’t you just right?” and Chet looked sadly at his blistered palms.