It seemed to Hank that one or both would make their way to the prison of the youth, for it was unlikely that he would be left alone through the night.

Having no thought of being under surveillance, Motoza and Tozer would take a direct course to the place of confinement, which now seemed to be deeper in the mountains, and at some point of which the cowman had no suspicion.
It was of the highest importance that the couple should not be allowed to pass beyond sight, and the cowman began a cautious search for them.
But once more he was doomed to disappointment.

In the gathering twilight it was impossible to regain sight of them, and, convinced of the uselessness of the attempt, he gave it up.
"It begins to look as if Tozer holds the winning hand," he angrily muttered; "there ain't no question that the two have the younker safe, and I've no idee where to hunt fur him--but hold on!" The conviction, or rather suspicion, that the prison of the youth was within the canyon returned to the hunter with redoubled force.

Why had he not searched there before?
If it was a mistake, no harm could follow; if it was not a mistake--well, he should see.
Wondering at himself because of his oversight, he abandoned all attempt to regain sight of the couple and headed for the break in the canyon.

He arrived only a brief while after Jack Dudley attempted and failed to follow up the gorge, and except for the mishap of the youth the two would have met within the following few minutes.