Dave
was not sure if it was a light or a star just showing above the clearing
horizon.
"Well, we may as well go ahead," said the shipowner's son. "No use in
staying here trying to figure it out."
They went on, taking the center one of the three trails. They had
covered less than quarter of a mile when Phil gave a shout.
"It is a light, I am sure of it--the light of a lamp or lantern! Hurrah!
we must be on the right trail after all!"
"Go slow, Phil," cried Dave, a sudden thought striking him. "That may
not be a ranch light."
"Yes, but----"
"It may be something much worse--for us."
"What do you mean?"
"It may be the light from the camp of the horse-thieves."
CHAPTER XIX
A FRUITLESS SEARCH
Phil stared at Dave in consternation.
"Do you really think that?" he cried.
"I don't say I think so, I only say it may be," returned the youth from
Crumville.
"If they are the horse-thieves, and we watch our chances, we may get the
animals back!"
"Not unless it is a single thief, Phil. We don't want to run the risk of
getting shot in the dark."
"That's true."
With great caution the two lads advanced along the muddy trail. As they
got closer to the light they saw that it came from a log house, low and
rambling.
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