It had the appearance of a cave, and Tom got off and carefully examined the loose shale round the mouth of it for the trace of recent footsteps.

He did not want to fall into the hands of a band of marauders.
But he could not see any trace of footmarks, either of man or beast; and the cave was tempting to one who had ridden since early morning.

There was a pool of water close at hand, where his horse eagerly stooped to quench his thirst; and Tom loosed the girths, and left the creature to browse at will; for Wildfire was as tame as a dog, and knew his master's voice well.

He could be trusted not to wander far away, and to come back at the sound of whistle or call.

Indeed, it was probable that he would presently find his way into the cave, and lie by his master's side.
Tom found that he could make himself comfortable enough in the little cavern.