But, like the recent search in the
buildings, the scouting was for a long time attended by no results. Many
weary miles were passed slowly over, and more than half their task was
ended, and no sign of being having life was met, except the very visible
trail of their four guests, and the tracks of a single horse along the
path leading to the settlements from the quarter by which the visiter of
the previous night had been known to approach. No comments were made by
any of the party, as each in succession struck and crossed this path,
nearly at the same instant; but a low call from Reuben Ring which soon
after met their ears, caused them to assemble in a body at the spot whence
the summons had proceeded.
"Here are signs of one passing _from_ the clearing," said the quick-eyed
woodsman, "and of one too that is not numbered among the family of
Wish-Ton-Wish; since his beast hath had a shodden hoof, a mark which
belongeth to no animal of ours,"
"We will follow," said Content, immediately striking in upon a straggling
trail, that by many unequivocal signs had been left by some animal which
had passed that way not many hours before.
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