The Pony Rider Boys with the Texas Rangers | Page 7

reached the point where he previously had halted. "Don't shout, but when I wave my hand, ride fast for the hollow. I'll be all right; don't worry about me."
With that the lad galloped leisurely out on the plain, his back to the mountains. It was a bold thing to do. Deep down in his heart the Pony Rider Boy expected every second to bear a bullet scream over his head, providing he was fortunate enough not to stop the bullet with his body. Not a shot greeted his bold act.
Tad rode on, finally disappearing in the "hog hollow." A few moments later he rode up the ridge, waving his hands for them to come on. Professor Zepplin started out at once, followed by the others of his party, Stacy this time well up toward the front of the line. For reasons of his own he did not care to drag behind. If there was to be any shooting he wanted to be as far away from it as possible.
The trip was made at a fast gallop and without incident, the party reaching the hollow without having drawn a shot from the enemy.
"It is my opinion," declared the professor, "that, whoever our enemy may be, he has discovered that he has made a mistake."
Tad shook his head.
"I don't think we would be safe in taking that for granted. He did not see us, but he will be on hand before long. I'm going back there before he does see us. If he starts any more shooting you all lie low."
"Where are you going?" demanded the professor.
"On a scouting trip."
"I cannot consent to any such foolhardy business," answered Professor Zepplin sternly.
"It is not foolhardy. We've got to clear up this mystery. Don't you see, we shan't dare go any farther---we simply cannot go into the mountains knowing there is some one there waiting to riddle us the first time he gets a clear sight at us?"
"But what do you propose to do?"
"I don't know, beyond finding out what is up."
"Yes, let him go," urged Stacy. "He's looking for trouble. I'm the only one who has had any experience thus far. It's time some one else made a mark of himself."
"I was thinking of taking you with me," laughed Tad.
"No, you don't! Not if I see you coming," objected Stacy.
"Yes, take him along," urged Ned.
"No, I think I'll take you, the Professor being willing," answered Tad nodding at Rector.
Ned stopped smiling, gazing at Tad to see whether the latter were in earnest. Tad was.
"All right, I'm willing, Tad."
"How about it, Professor?"
"Provided you do not go into the mountains I will agree to your plan. But I cannot consent to your taking further desperate chances."
"I hope you will not hold me to that, Professor."
"To what?" demanded Professor Zepplin shortly.
"To not going beyond the edge of the mountains."
"Plainly, what is it you are planning to do, Tad?"
"I want to find out who it is that is shooting at us and why. That is all, sir."
"You don't suppose it possibly could be the Germans attacking us, do you?" questioned Walter apprehensively.
The professor shook his head.
"If you will stop to think you will see how necessary it is for some one to do something," urged Tad Butler.
"Yes; don't let me do it all," urged Stacy. "I think I have done my share already. It is high time some one else got a move on. First thing we know we shan't know anything. We'll be dead ones, and---"
"Very good. Go on. There will be no peace here unless you have your way. See to it that you are back here in an hour. If not we shall go after you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir, I will try to get back on time. If something should occur to keep us longer than that please don't worry. You know we might not be able to get away. If we get into trouble I will signal by firing three shots into the air. Are you ready, Ned?"
"Yes. Do we take our arms?"
"Better leave the rifles here. We don't want to be bothered with them. We'll take our revolvers. That will be sufficient."
"Now, Tad, be prudent," begged the professor. "I know you have a level head or I should not permit you to get out of my sight under the circumstances."
"We will be prudent, sir. Come on, Ned; we mustn't waste a moment now. If we are seen to leave the camp we'll fail."
For answer Ned swung himself into his saddle, after first having taken the rifle from the saddle boot and fastened it to one of the packs.
"Don't pitch the tent yet. We must be in marching order," directed Butler, after leaping into his saddle. "And don't worry about us, for we'll be all right."
Nodding to Ned Tad started off at