h Don Ignacio. I did not return to my
own camp until about five o'clock, when I learned, to my surprise, that
the boys had not put in an appearance.

Calling Jerry, I asked if he supposed any accident could have befallen
them.

His reply was, "No: they had their rifles and revolvers with 'em, and
they ain't likely to meet with nothin' bigger 'n an antelope. They ought
to be able to take keer of themselves, specially as the biggest one ain't
afraid of Injuns, no how."

"That may be true," replied I; "but they are boys, Jerry, and I think we
ought to start at once in search of them. I feel confident, if nothing
had happened, they would have returned before this."

"Boys ain't nothin' but a nuisance, no how, and hain't no business
travlin' on the plains. Howsoever, I'll hev a couple of critters ketched
up and saddled, and we'll see if we kin strike their trail," said Jerry.

The mules were immediately brought up, and Jerry and myself mounted, and
set out in pursuit of the wanderers. In a short time we struck their
trail, which led through the underbrush and bottom grass, along the banks
of the river for a mile or more, and then turned in the direction of a
large post-oak opening, three or four miles away.

The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to
dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding
beneath them. Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for
some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks
in the earth.

"Antelope tracks," said I.

"No they ain't neither; you must guess again. Them's _havilina_
tracks."

"What are they?" inquired I.

"Them's hogs," replied Jerry; "wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest,
ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git 'em riled. I'd rather meet a
dozen Comanches, as far as comfort's concarned, any time, than a drove of
them critters. Yer see this's their feedin' ground, and I 'spect I know
where ter find them boys."

"Where?" inquired I.

"Up a tree," replied Jerry. I reckon they're treed this time, sartin; an'
good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how."

"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of
them, if possible," was my reply.

"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so
fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no
bizness on the plains, no how."

We continued our search