The trail was little used, and might be hard to find in some places; but, if they kept the Cottonwood Creek in sight, and followed on to the end of the valley, and then crossed the bench to the right, they would be in sight of it, and couldn't miss it.

It was a good twenty miles beyond their house; but, if the travellers didn't miss the way, they might reach it before dark.

Yes, the people could supply a few provisions at their house if the strangers didn't mind taking what was at hand.
The man in the wagon tried his best to find out where the two were going and what they were going for; but the man from the East baffled his curiosity in a most dexterous manner, so that, when the two rode away from the two-roomed log house where the kind-hearted people lived, they left no clue to their identity or mission beyond the fact that they were going quite a journey, and had got a little off their trail and run out of provisions.
They felt comparatively safe from pursuit for a few hours at least, for the men could scarcely return and trace them very soon.

They had not stopped to eat anything; but all the milk they could drink had been given to them, and its refreshing strength was racing through their veins.

They started upon their long ride with the pleasure of their companionship strong upon them.
"What was it all about ?" asked the girl as they settled into a steady gait after a long gallop across a smooth level place.
He looked at her questioningly.
"The school.