In the meantime Dave made Snogger promise not to say anything about the stolen horses to the others.
"Perhaps the matter can be fixed up between Mr.Endicott and Mr.
Merwell," he said.

"It would be terrible to have Link publicly branded as a horse-thief." Hank Snogger had been out alone and he readily consented to join the others at their camp.

The two elk and the bear were brought in, and it was decided to start back for the ranches the next morning.
"I must see Mr.Endicott on important business," said Dave to Sid Todd, and then, in private, he told his chums what he had heard concerning Link Merwell.

Todd was told about Charley Gamp, and said he hoped that the finding of the son would make a new man of Snogger.
The return to the ranches was begun at sunrise.

They carried with them the skin of the bear and also the pelts and heads of the elk.