"I've got an idea," said Tom when they were on the street again. "Why not take our time and move on Red Rock ranch after dark?"
"And lose our way," came from Sam.
"Well, we can't use that trail in the daylight. That old man will be sure to halt us."
"We can get around the old man somehow," said Songbird. "As soon as we spot him, we can make a detour."
By four o'clock, they were on the way. Not to excite suspicions on the part of any of Sack Todd's friends who might happen to be around, they left Caville by a side trail and then took to the back road after the last of the houses of the town had been passed.
"I'd just like a long ride over the prairie," cried Sam. "I know I'd enjoy every minute of it."
They had proceeded less than a mile when Hans went to the front.
"I dink dis horse vants to let himself out a leetle," said he.
"I'll race you," said Sam, and away they started at a breakneck speed.
"Hold on!" cried Dick. "Don't tire yourselves out in that fashion. We've got a good many miles to go yet."
But neither of the racers paid any attention,
