ourselves and---and hear more about Ralph's adventures, and---do
you think Mrs. Kenyon will-----"

"Yes, I do," interrupted his Cousin Tom. "Come on, youngster;
you and Ralph get on the nag; Sherwood and I'll walk. Let's be
on our way."

So the matter was settled, to Ralph's satisfaction and relief.

Putting out the three fires and sprinkling even the last embers
thoroughly with water from the stream, the four friends started
homeward, with Ralph and Jack mounted on Keno in the lead. Jack
carried the lantern, while Ralph, with one hand on the bridle,
the other holding the two eagles tied and balanced across the
saddle, allowed Keno to pick his own way along the trail. The
sagacious animal seemed to know every foot of the path; even in
the gloom of night he made no misstep. Sherwood and Tom followed
close, the latter carrying Ralph's rifle.




CHAPTER V

FRIENDS AT THE FARM


On the way home, Sherwood explained how he chanced to be one of the
search party.