Maybe it was young Merwell--and Hank Snogger.

If it was, they ought to be punished good an' proper, hear me!" went on the cowboy, with emphasis.
"I am going to look around the bushes," went on Dave, determinedly.
"Look out that you don't get into trouble, son.

Anybody who would do this would do worse." Dave had seen a heavy stick lying beside the road, and arming himself with this, he walked to the bushes and around them.

In the soft soil he made out a number of hoof-prints, and he called Todd's attention to these.
"On hossback, both of 'em," said the cowboy, after an examination.
"Dave, you was right," he announced, a little later.

"It must have been Merwell and Snogger, fer see, they have taken the old trail along the river.