After a time, Tad left the party and strolled from the camp in an
effort to determine which way the late occupants of the camp had gone.
He was beginning to feel worried, but as yet had confided nothing of
this to his companions.
Examining the ground closely he found four distinct trails leading
from the abandoned camp. These trails were fresh, showing that ponies
had only recently been ridden over them. They all looked alike,
however, and he was unable to determine which of them had been made by
Professor Zepplin's pony.
"Evidently the party, whoever they were, split up after leaving here,"
thought the lad aloud. "I'd like to follow out the trails, but I
don't dare do so. The Professor would be liable to return while I was
away. Then again I might lose the trail and my own way at the same
time. I've caused this outfit enough trouble as it is."
With this, Tad slowly turned back toward the camp.
He found a growing sense of uneasiness among his companions there.
"What did you discover?" asked Ned rather more solemnly than was his
usual wont.
Tad told him.
"Then, there's no use trying to follow?"
"No."
"What time is it?"
"Half-past three," announced Tad after consulting his watch.
"Huh!" grunted Ned. "I guess the Professor has gone and done it
himself this time."
"We'll wait," answered Tad easily.
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