ON THE TRAIL. 



The sky was beautifully clear, and the coolness of the air, due to the storm of 

 the night before, rendered the day one of the most delightful they had experienced 

 since their entrance into the country. It would soon become fervid again, but they 

 could not have asked for a more favorable morning for their work. 



The first proceeding was to ride to the top of the adjoining elevation, from 

 which they made their survey of the surrounding neighborhood, directly after their 

 arrival. 



" What I want you to do," explained Jack, " is to use your eyes. Scan every part 

 of the horizon and tell me whether you see anything of a party of men, or any signs 

 of a camp-fire." 



The four engaged in this 

 task, and for a quarter of an 



hour not a word was spoken 

 -THE THREE LOOKED LONG AND CLOSELY." by any Qne Mr Godkin had 



his glass to assist, but at the 



end of the time, when the Texan asked each in turn, the same answer was re- 

 ceived : not the first evidence had been detected of a party of natives in their field 

 of vision. 



"You are sure of that?" asked Jack, with an odd expression, addressing himself 

 particularly to the director. 



"There can be no doubt of it," he replied, puzzled to understand his full 

 meaning. 



" I thought them glasses would help you better, and, as for you, Pongo, I am 

 disappointed." 



