"
"Why not?"
"I'll tell you--after I've examined the bridge," answered Sid Todd, and
in a manner that mystified Dave very much.
CHAPTER XVI
A MEETING ON THE TRAIL
Arriving at the bridge, Sid Todd told Dave to halt, and the pair
dismounted. As they did so they heard a sound in the bushes beside the
stream. They looked in the direction, but saw nobody.
The cowboy had drawn his pistol, and with this in hand he walked closer
to the bridge. His eyes were on the planking, and presently he uttered
an exclamation:
"The rascals!"
He pointed to two of the planks, and Dave saw that they were loose and
so placed that the slightest jar would send them down into the stream.
"Do you think those men I just saw did this?" questioned Dave.
"Certainly they did! They ought to be hung for it, too!" answered the
cowboy, wrathfully.
"But what for--to cripple our horses?"
"Either that, or to cripple us. Dave, we've got to be on our guard. If
those hoss-thieves are watching us----"
"I don't think they were horse-thieves, Todd."
"You don't? Then----" The cowboy broke off into a low whistle. "Do you
mean to say Link Merwell would play such a dirty trick?"
"Yes, I do. You haven't any idea how that fellow hates me."
"Hum!" mused Sid Todd.
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