Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/179

 Park covers a wide area in the northwestern corner of the State.

One of the most deceptive things is distance on the plains and among the mountains. Alden Payne was certain of reaching the base of the Laramie range before the company went into camp at nightfall, but as the afternoon drew to a close, the wild region seemed as far off as ever.

“If all goes well we shall strike ’em by tomorrow night,” commented Shagbark; “howsumever ye have observed that another company has camped two miles off on the same creek that we’re going to use.”

“Is there any possibility of its being the one that Mr. Chadwick is with?” asked Alden.

“Shouldn’t be ’sprised, but thar ain’t no way of telling without making a call.”

“I think I shall ride over just before dusk and find out.”

“Nobody’ll object to that; will ye go alone?”

Alden hesitated. His first intention was to ask Shagbark to accompany him, but the uncertainty of his sentiments caused the youth to decide otherwise. He would take Jethro, for companionship, rather than for any help he could give. Shagbark made no comment