Hazelton looked astonished for a space of five seconds, then started in pursuit of his chum and chief.
It was not long ere Tom reined in, holding up a hand as a signal to Harry to do the same thing.
"Here, hold my horse, and stay right here," ordered the young chief.
"Tom, what on earth-----" Tom Reade was already a hundred yards away, running in amid the brush.

At last he halted, studying the ground earnestly.

Then Reade disappeared.
"One thing I know, anyway," muttered the puzzled Hazelton, "Tom is not crazy, and he doesn't dash off like that unless he has something real on his mind." The minutes passed.

At last Tom came back, walking energetically.

He took his horse's bridle and leaded into saddle.
"Harry, ride back, hard, and send me two or three of the railroad detectives, unless you happen to meet some of them this side of the camp.