was following a course slightly north of west-the very one which, if
persevered in long enough, would take him to the log cabin of his
owner.

Deerfoot said it was likely that the animal had set out of his own
accord to go home, and, provided he was not secured by some
wandering Indians, it was more than likely he would arrive at that
point in advance of the boys themselves.

Jack Carleton held the same views, and Otto, after taking a full
minute to shape up his ideas, said with great impressiveness:

"Dot ish vot I dinks as--yaw, I dinks dot."

"Hold on," interrupted Jack, raising his hand with a laugh; "you
have it straight now; don't spoil it by trying to improve it."

Otto nodded his head and held his peace. He was wise when he did
so.

Deerfoot was on the point of adding an encouraging remark, when his
keen vision detected something a short distance in advance which
claimed his attention. Without a word, he motioned for them to hold
their peace, and then ran rapidly several paces toward that which
had caught his eye.




CHAPTER XIX