"
"We'll not make over ten or twelve miles this afternoon, lad," was the
answer. "It will be hard climbing up the hills."
"But harder climbing to-morrow," put in Dave.
"Yes, to-morrow will test the horses, and test you, too," said Todd.
It was very pleasant to rest in the shade after such a long ride in the
sun, but the cowboy was anxious to reach a certain camping spot for the
night, and so he allowed only three-quarters of an hour for the midday
halt.
As soon as they left the spring, the youths realized what was before
them. The trail now led constantly upward, and was in parts stony and
uncertain. In several places they had to leap brooks of fair size.
"This isn't so nice," remarked Phil, as they came to a halt, to allow
the horses to rest after a particularly difficult hill had been climbed.
"Oh, this is nothing to the traveling we'll do to-morrow," answered Sid
Todd. "We are only in the foothills now--to-morrow we'll be right in the
mountains."
About four o'clock they gained the top of another hill. As they came out
in a cleared spot all gazed around with interest.
"Look!" cried Dave, pointing with his hand. "Am I mistaken, or are those
deer?"
He was pointing to the top of another hill about half a mile distant.
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