He hurried back to his horse, tore a scrap of paper from his note-book and hastily scribbled a note to Dick.  It was in cipher, so that if it fell into hostile hands no one else could understand its purport.  He told him of his discovery and urged him to have Melton put Pedro under guard until his return.  He adjured him not to worry, as he would probably be back before twenty-four hours.

A word of greeting to Tom and the Meltons, and he placed the paper securely under the saddle, with just an end protruding to attract notice.  Then he released the horse, untied his jaws, gave him a smart slap on the back and sent him off toward home.  The delighted broncho threw up his heels and set off at a pace that promised soon to get him to his well-filled manger.  Then, with a last glance at his weapon, to see that it was in perfect trim, Bert vanished into the woods and set out upon the trail as silently and swiftly as an Indian.

CHAPTER XIV

The Race for Life

He could hear the crackling of the shrubbery as the horses of the outlaws pushed their way through to the higher ground, and it was not long before he caught sight of them, riding in single file, the captain leading the way.

With the utmost caution he followed, taking advantage of every bush and tree, ready to dodge behind them or fall to the ground as the case might demand.  For a time they proceeded at a walk, owing to the rough going, but as soon as they got to more level ground they put the spurs to their horses and galloped on at a rapid gait.  Bert drifted after them like a ghost, never letting them get more than half a mile a head, for fear that they might turn into some byroad and give him the slip.  Twice one of the men turned in the saddle and looked behind him, probably more as the result of habit than from any real fear that they might be followed, but each time Bert had discounted the movement and was lying flat on the ground.

As the latter had surmised, the most of the way lay through a genuine wilderness, over mountain trails and through ravines that lent themselves admirably to the lawless purposes of the outlaws.  Probably since the old Indian days, no human feet beside their own had trodden these wilds that offered no temptations to the farmer or grazier.

Before long the sun had vanished over the western rim and twilight came on rapidly.  This rendered Bert’s task, easier by diminishing the chances of detection, and as the twilight deepened into dusk, he gradually decreased the distance until, when it was fully dark, he had ventured to draw so near that he could hear the jingle of their trappings and an occasional monosyllable that passed between the riders.

Suddenly, as they rode into a little valley, a light gleamed out from a shack half a mile distant.  It was the first sign of a human habitation Bert had seen.  At the sight, an oath of satisfaction broke from the leader, and the three urged on their horses, who responded willingly.  It was evident that they had reached the end of their journey.