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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17349-8.txt b/17349-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d2a8b0a --- /dev/null +++ b/17349-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5541 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank Among The Rancheros, by Harry Castlemon + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Frank Among The Rancheros + +Author: Harry Castlemon + +Release Date: December 19, 2005 [EBook #17349] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + +[Illustration: THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES] + + + + +_THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES._ + + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + +BY +HARRY CASTLEMON, +AUTHOR OF "THE GUN-BOAT SERIES," "THE GO-AHEAD +SERIES," ETC. + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., +PHILADELPHIA, +CHICAGO, TORONTO. + + + + +FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS. + + +GUNBOAT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 6 vols. 12mo. + +FRANK THE YOUNG NATURALIST. +FRANK IN THE WOODS. +FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. +FRANK ON A GUNBOAT. +FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG. +FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. + + +ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. +FRANK AT DON CARLOS' RANCH. +FRANK IN THE MOUNTAINS. + + +SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB IN THE SADDLE. +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB AFLOAT. +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB AMONG THE TRAPPERS. + + +FRANK NELSON SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +SNOWED UP. +FRANK IN THE FORECASTLE. +THE BOY TRADERS. + + +BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +THE BURIED TREASURE. +THE BOY TRAPPER. +THE MAIL-CARRIER. + + +ROUGHING IT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +GEORGE IN CAMP. +GEORGE AT THE WHEEL. +GEORGE AT THE FORT. + + +ROD AND GUN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +DON GORDON'S SHOOTING BOX. +ROD AND GUN CLUB. +THE YOUNG WILD FOWLERS. + + +GO-AHEAD SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +TOM NEWCOMBE. +GO-AHEAD. +NO MOSS. + + +FOREST AND STREAM SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +JOE WAYRING. +SNAGGED AND SUNK. +STEEL HORSE. + + +WAR SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 5 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +TRUE TO HIS COLORS. +RODNEY THE PARTISAN. +RODNEY THE OVERSEER. +MARCY THE BLOCKADE-RUNNER. +MARCY THE REFUGEE. + + +Other Volumes in Preparation. + + * * * * * + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, +by R.W. CARROLL & CO., +In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, +for the Southern District of Ohio. + +COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY CHARLES A. FOSDICK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + +CHAPTER I. + +A Novel Battle, 5 + + +CHAPTER II. + +Frank's New Home, 16 + + +CHAPTER III. + +Twelve Thousand Dollars, 29 + + +CHAPTER IV. + +Frank Proves Himself a Hero, 40 + + +CHAPTER V. + +The Fight in the Court, 54 + + +CHAPTER VI. + +The Mysteries Solved, 68 + + +CHAPTER VII. + +Frank Meets a Highwayman, 81 + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +Colonel Arthur Vane, 95 + + +CHAPTER IX. + +An Old Boy, 110 + +CHAPTER X. + +Arthur Shows His Courage, 126 + + +CHAPTER XI. + +Arthur Plans Revenge, 137 + + +CHAPTER XII. + +Off for the Mountains, 154 + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Pierre and His Band, 168 + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A Dinner in the Mountains, 180 + + +CHAPTER XV. + +More Treachery, 193 + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +The Escape, 204 + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +The Struggle on the Cliff, 221 + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Conclusion, 237 + + + + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + +CHAPTER I. + +A NOVEL BATTLE. + + +"Pull him along, Carlos! Pull him along!" shouted a young gentleman +about sixteen years of age, as he danced about on the back porch of his +uncle's house, in a state of great excitement; "why don't you pull him +along?" + +"He'll come, after awhile," replied the person addressed; "but he is +very wild and obstinate." + +The boy on the porch was almost beside himself--so much so, in fact, +that he found it utterly impossible to stand still. He was jumping +wildly about, swinging his arms around his head, and laughing and +shouting at the top of his lungs. + +We have met this young gentleman before. We have been with him through +the woods, accompanied him across the prairie, and seen him in some +exciting situations; but, for all that, it is by no means certain that +his most intimate friend, could he have beheld him while he was dancing +about on the porch, would have recognized him. The last time we saw him +he was dressed in a suit of blue jeans, rather the worse for wear, a +slouch hat, and a pair of heavy horseman's boots. Now, he sports a suit +of clothes cut in the height of fashion--that is, Mexican fashion. They +are not exactly of the description that we see on the streets every day, +but they are common among the farmers of Southern California, for that +is where this young gentleman lives. He is dressed in a short jacket of +dark blue cloth, trimmed around the edges, and on the sleeves, with gold +lace, and wide trousers of the same material, also gaudily ornamented. +The hat, with which he fans his flushed face, is a sombrero, bound with +gold cord, the ends of which are adorned with tassels, that fall +jauntily over the edge of the brim. An embroidered shirt of gray cloth, +and shoes and stockings, complete his attire; or, we may add, a long +crimson sash, which is wound several times around his waist, and tied at +the side, and a pair of small Mexican spurs, whose rowels are ornamented +with little silver bells, which tinkle musically as he moves his feet +about. If you fail to recognize an old acquaintance in this excited, +sunburnt boy, you surely can call the name of the tall, +broad-shouldered, sober-looking youth, who stands at his side. Three +months in the saddle have not changed Frank Nelson a great deal, only he +is a little more robust, and, perhaps, more sedate. He has lost none of +his love of excitement, and he is quite as interested in what is going +on before him as Archie; but he stands with his hands in his pockets, +looking as dignified as a judge. It would be a wonder if they were not +somewhat excited, as they are witnessing a desperate battle that is +going on between two of their uncle's Rancheros and a wild steer, which +one of them has lassoed, and is trying to pull through the gate into the +cow-pen. The animal is struggling furiously for his freedom, and the +issue of the contest is doubtful. + +At the time our story begins, Frank and his cousin had lived two months +in Southern California, where Mr. Winters owned a farm--or, in the +language of that country, a _rancho_--of sixteen thousand acres. Besides +attending to his business in the mines, and superintending his affairs +in Sacramento, Uncle James had devoted a portion of his time to +stock-raising; and, when Frank and Archie first saw his immense droves +of horses and cattle, they thought them sufficient in numbers to supply +all the markets in America. + +Mr. Winters's rancho was not managed like the farms in our part of the +country. To begin with, there were but three fences on it--one inclosed +two small barns and corn-cribs; another, a pasture of two or three +acres, and the third formed the cow-pen. In the barns, Uncle James kept +his riding and farm horses; the pasture was for the use of the half +dozen cows which supplied the rancho with butter and milk; and the +cow-pen was nothing more nor less than a prison, into which, in the +spring of the year, all the young cattle and horses were driven and +branded with the initials of the owner's name. This was done so that +Mr. Winters and his hired men might be able to recognize the stock +anywhere. The cattle sometimes strayed, and became mixed up with those +of the neighbors, and the marks on their flanks showed to whom they +belonged. + +[Illustration] + +A fence around that farm would have been useless. None of the cattle and +horses had ever been handled, except when they were branded, and, +consequently, they were very wild. Sometimes they became frightened and +stampeded; and then they behaved like a herd of buffaloes, which turn +aside for nothing, and stop only when they are completely tired out. On +these occasions, the strongest fences that could have been made would +have been trampled down like the grass beneath their feet. + +Of course, these cattle and horses had never seen the inside of a +stable. Indeed, a barn large enough to accommodate them would have been +an immense building, and would have cost more money than all the +stock-raisers in the country were worth. However, there was no need of +shelter for them. The grass on the prairie was abundant at all seasons +of the year, the winters were very mild, and the cattle were always fat +and in condition to be driven to market. + +All this stock was managed by half a dozen men, called Rancheros. Four +of them were Mexicans; the others were our old friends, Dick Lewis and +Bob Kelly. So skillful were these men in their business, that a herd of +cattle, which, in the hands of any one else, would have proved utterly +unmanageable, was driven about by them with perfect ease. Sometimes it +became necessary to secure a single member of these droves. Perhaps the +housekeeper wanted some fresh meat for dinner, or Uncle James desired a +new riding horse; in either case, the services of these men were +invaluable. Mr. Winters would issue the necessary orders to Carlos--who +was the chief of the Rancheros, and the man who managed the farm during +the absence of his employer--and an hour or two afterward four quarters +of fine beef would be carried into the cellar, or Mr. Winters would be +requested to step to the door and see if they had captured the horse he +wanted. The Rancheros accomplished this with their lassos, which they +carried suspended from the horns of their saddles wherever they went. A +lasso is a long rope, about as large as a clothes-line, and is generally +made of rawhide. One end of it is fastened to the saddle, and the other, +by the aid of a strong iron ring, formed into a running noose. This +contrivance these herdsmen could use with a skill that was astonishing. +Mounted on their fleet horses, they would ride up behind a wild steer, +and catch him by the horns, around his neck, or by one of his feet, as +suited their fancy. + +On the morning we find Frank and Archie on the porch, their nearest +neighbor, also a stock-raiser, had ridden over to inform them that one +of his fine steers, which he had intended to drive to market, had +escaped from his Rancheros, and joined one of Mr. Winters's droves; +whereupon Frank, who, in the absence of his uncle, acted as the head man +of the ranch, sent for Carlos, and commanded him to capture the runaway, +and confine him in the cow-pen until his owner should send for him. +Carlos had obeyed the first part of the order, but just then it seemed +that that was all he could do. The steer had suddenly taken it into his +head that he had been driven far enough, and that he would not go +through the gate that led into the cow-pen; and, although Carlos pulled +him by his lasso, which he had thrown over his horns, and another +Ranchero, named Felix, vigorously applied a whip from behind, the +obstinate animal refused to budge an inch. Sometimes he would kick, and +plunge, and try to run off; and then the horse on which Carlos was +mounted, which seemed to understand the business quite as well as his +master, would plant his fore-feet firmly on the ground to stop him. +Finding that he could not effect his escape in that way, the steer would +run around in a circle; and the horse would turn around also, keeping +his face toward the animal all the while, and thus avoid being wrapped +up in the lasso. This novel battle had been going on for nearly ten +minutes, and even Frank had become highly excited over it. + +"Pull him along, Carlos!" shouted Archie, jumping about on the porch as +if he had lost all control over his legs, and they would dance in spite +of every thing he could do to prevent it. "Pull him along! Whip up +behind, Felix; hit him hard!" + +Archie continued to shout his orders at the top of his voice; but they +did not seem to help the matter any, for the steer still refused to +move. He had fallen to his knees, and laid his head close to the ground, +as if he had deliberately resolved that he would remain there; and for a +long time, all the pulling and whipping the two Rancheros could do, +brought nothing from him but angry snorts and shakes of the head. + +"Now, Archie," said Carlos, as he stopped to wipe the big drops of +perspiration from his face, "what would you do with this fellow?" + +The boys, who never neglected an opportunity to pick up items of +information concerning every thing that came in their way, had been +taking lessons of the Rancheros in horsemanship, throwing the lasso, and +managing wild cattle; and Carlos thought this a proper occasion to +ascertain how much they remembered of what they had learned. + +"Well," replied Archie, pulling off his sombrero, and digging his +fingers into his head, to stir up his ideas, "I'd keep pulling and +hauling at him until I got him tired out, and then I think I could +manage him." + +"That would take up too much time," said Carlos; "I've got other work to +do, and I am in a hurry." + +"Make your lasso fast to the horn of your saddle, and start up your +horse, and drag him in," suggested Frank. + +"That's the idea, and that's just what I'm going to do," said Carlos. + +But that was just what the Ranchero did _not_ do. While he was preparing +to put this plan into operation, the steer suddenly jumped to his feet, +and made another desperate attempt to effect his escape, and this time +he was successful. There was a loud snap, Carlos's heels made a flourish +in the air like the shafts of a windmill, and, in an instant, he was +stretched at full length on the ground. His saddle-girth had parted, and +the steer was at liberty to take himself off, which he did in short +order. + +The boys gazed in astonishment at the fallen horseman, who righted +himself with alacrity, stretched his arms and legs to satisfy himself +that there were no bones broken, and then commenced shouting some +orders to his companion, who put spurs to his horse and started in +pursuit of the steer, which was galloping over the prairie, dragging +Carlos's saddle after him. He was very soon overtaken, and Felix, +raising himself in his stirrups, swung his lasso around his head once or +twice, to make sure of an accurate aim, and launched it at the steer. +The lariat whistled through the air, as true to its course as a ball +from a rifle, the noose settled down over his horns, the horse stopped +suddenly, and the runaway lay struggling on the ground. + +His last attempt at escape seemed to have exhausted his energies, for +when he had regained his feet, he allowed Felix to lead him back to the +gate and into the cow-pen, where he was turned loose, to remain until +his owner should send for him. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +FRANK'S NEW HOME. + + +Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California +about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting +Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his +business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the +time most agreeably. They were as fond as ever of excitement, were +almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they +and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it +was not because they did not try. + +When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves +expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments. But one morning, they +rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their +own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, +they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder. Johnny and +Dick, to show what they could do, captured and rode a couple of wild +horses, that had never been handled before; and Frank and Archie were +compelled to admit that they had some things yet to learn. Every boy in +that country could throw the lasso, and the cousins found that, if they +desired to keep up their reputation, they must put themselves under +instructions. Dick and Bob readily took them in hand, and, although the +boys were awkward at first, they improved rapidly. They soon learned to +throw the lasso with considerable skill, and Frank speedily took the +lead in rifle-shooting, while Archie began to brag of his horsemanship. +The former could bring a squirrel out of the top of the highest oak on +the farm, at every shot; and his cousin could bend down from his saddle +and pick up his sombrero from the ground, while his horse was going at +the top of his speed. + +The horses the boys rode were the same that had carried them across the +prairie, and they were now hitched at the end of the porch, saddled and +bridled, and awaiting the pleasure of their masters. One of them, Sleepy +Sam, looked as sleepy as ever. He stood with his head down, and his eyes +half closed, as if it made no difference to him whether Archie took his +morning ride or not. The other, a magnificent iron-gray, pulled +impatiently at his halter, and pranced about, apparently as much excited +as Archie had been a few moments before. This was the "king of the +drove"--the one the trappers had captured during their sojourn at the +Old Bear's Hole. He answered to the name of Roderick; for Frank had read +Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," and, admiring the character of +the rebel chieftain, had named his favorite after him. Perhaps the name +was appropriate, for the animal sometimes showed a disposition to rebel +against lawful authority, especially when any one besides Frank +attempted to put a saddle or bridle on him. He was a wild-looking +fellow, and he had a way of laying back his ears, and opening his mouth, +when any one came near him, that would have made a stranger think twice +before trying to mount him. With Frank, however, he was as gentle as a +dog. He would come at his call, stand on his hind legs, and carry his +master's whip or sombrero. He would kick and bite at Frank when the +latter tickled him in the ribs, all in sport, of course; but if Mr. +Winters, or one of the herdsmen, came about him, he would use his teeth +and heels in good earnest. He was as swift as ever, and Frank had yet to +see the horse that could beat him. + +The saddles these horses wore were like every thing else about +themselves and masters, of the Mexican pattern. They were made of +beautifully-stamped leather, with high pommels in front, the tops of +which were flat, and as large around as the crown of Frank's sombrero. A +pair of saddle-bags was fastened across the seat of each, in which the +boys carried several handy articles, such as flint, steel, and tinder +for lighting a fire; ammunition for their revolvers, which were safely +stowed away in bearskin holsters strapped in front of the saddles, and +large clasp-knives, that were useful in skinning squirrels when the boys +went hunting. Behind the saddles, neatly rolled up, and held in their +places by straps, were a couple of pouches, which they used in rainy +weather. They were pieces of India-rubber cloth, with holes in the +center for the wearers' heads. They were large enough to afford complete +protection from the rain, and could also be used as tents in case the +boys found it necessary to camp all night on the prairie. + +We have spoken of Frank's dog; but were we to let the matter drop here, +it would be slighting an animal which had played a somewhat important +part in the history of Frank's life in California. His name was Marmion, +and he had been presented to Frank by Captain Porter--an old fur-trader, +who lived a few miles distant from the rancho, and with whom the cousins +were great favorites. Archie did not like the dog, and, if the truth +must be told, the dog had not the smallest particle of affection for +Archie. In fact, he cared for no one except his master, and that was the +reason the fur-trader had given him to Frank. He was as large as two +ordinary dogs--very courageous, and so savage that no one cared to +trouble him. He had seen some stirring times during his life, and his +body was covered with wounds, some of which were not entirely healed. +Frank was quite as fond of him as he was of Brave, and with good reason, +too. Marmion had received those wounds while fighting for his master, +and it was through his interference that Frank had been saved from a +long captivity. It happened before the commencement of our story, and +how it came to pass shall be told in the following chapters. + +The house in which Frank and Archie lived stood in a grove of stately +oak-trees, and, externally, was in perfect keeping with its +surroundings. It was built of massive logs, in the form of a hollow +square, with an open court in the center, which was paved with stone. +The windows, which extended down to the floor, and which were used for +ingress and egress quite as often as the doors, were protected by +shutters made of heavy planks, and there were four loop-holes on each +side of the house, showing that it had been intended to serve as a +defense as well as a shelter. Indeed, it looked more like a +fortification than a dwelling. + +The house was old, and had a history--an exciting one, too, as any one +could have told after examining it closely. The walls bore numerous +scars, which had been made by bullets, and the trees surrounding the +dwelling were marked in the same manner. The grove had not always been +as peaceful and quiet as we found it. Its echoes had been awakened by +the yells of infuriated men and the reports of hostile rifles, and the +very sod upon which Frank sometimes stretched himself after dinner, to +while away an hour with some favorite author, had been wet with blood. + +When the house was built, there was not another human habitation within +a circle of twenty miles. The country was an unbroken wilderness. Mr. +Winters's nearest neighbors were bands of roving freebooters, who robbed +all who came in their way. They did not, however, content themselves +with waylaying solitary travelers. They frequently made organized +attacks upon remote farm-houses, and one night they made a sudden +descent upon Mr. Winters's rancho. But the old frontiersman had lived +too long in that country, and was too well acquainted with the +character of his neighbors, to be caught napping. He and his Rancheros +were armed to the teeth, and prepared for a fight; and, after a siege of +two days, during which time the robbers poured an almost constant shower +of bullets against the walls of the house, they withdrew, after shooting +and dispersing the cattle, and destroying the crops. Not one of Mr. +Winters's party was injured; but the outlaws suffered so severely, that +they never repeated the attempt to rob that rancho. + +Frank and Archie never grew tired of hearing Uncle James tell the story +of that fight, and nearly every day they examined the marks of the +bullets on the logs, sometimes being foolish enough to wish that they +had been there to take part in those exciting scenes, or that the +robbers would return and make another attack on the house, so that they +might be able to say that they had been in a real battle. Then they +should have a story to tell that would be worth listening to. They never +imagined that, before they were many years older, they could recount +adventures quite as exciting as their uncle's. + +The interior of the house presented a strange contrast to the outside. +When one crossed the threshold, he found himself surrounded with all the +comforts of civilization. There were fine carpets on the floors, oil +paintings on the walls, and easy chairs, sofas, and musical instruments +in abundance. The room the boys occupied was the only one in which could +be found any traces of the backwoods. It was a pleasant, cheerful +apartment, quite as nicely furnished as the other rooms in the house, +and every thing about it bespoke the taste and character of its young +masters. A stranger, having taken a single glance at the numerous +articles hung upon the walls, and scattered about over the floor--some +of them useful and ornamental, others apparently of no value or service +to any one--could have told that its presiding geniuses were live, +wide-awake, restless boys. + +The room contained a fine library, an extensive collection of relics of +all descriptions, and its walls were adorned with pictures, only they +were of a different character from those in the other parts of the +house. Frank and Archie cared nothing for such scenes as the "Soldier's +Dream" and "Sunrise in the Mountains;" their tastes ran in another +channel. Their favorite picture hung over their writing desk, and was +entitled, "One Rubbed Out." In the foreground was a man mounted on a +mustang that was going at full speed. The man was dressed in the garb of +a hunter, with leggins, moccasins, and coonskin cap, and in one hand he +carried a rifle, while the other held the reins which guided his horse. +The hunter was turned half around in the saddle, looking back toward +half a dozen Indians, who had been pursuing him, but were now gathered +about their chief, who had been struck from his horse by a ball from the +hunter's rifle. The latter's face wore a broad grin, which testified to +the satisfaction he felt at the result of this shot. This picture had +been shown to old Bob Kelly, who, after regarding it attentively for a +few moments, declared that it must have been painted by some one who was +acquainted with the story of his last trip to the Saskatchewan, the +particulars of which he had related to Dick on the night he made his +first appearance in their camp. + +"I don't know how the chap that made that ar' pictur' could have found +it out," said old Bob, who, simple-hearted fellow that he was, really +believed that the hunter in the painting was intended to represent him, +"'cause I never told the story to nobody 'cept you an' my chum Dick. But +thar's one thing wrong about it, youngsters. When I shot a Injun, I +didn't hold my rifle on the horn of my saddle, an' waste time laughin' +over it. I loaded up again to onct, an' got ready for another shot." + +At the opposite end of the room hung a picture of a hunters' camp. Two +or three men were stretched out on the ground before a cheerful fire, +resting after the labors of the day, while others were coming in from +the woods--some loaded with water-fowl, some with fish, and the two who +brought up the rear were staggering under the weight of a fine deer they +had shot. Archie often wondered where that camp could have been located. +He did not believe there was a place in the United States where game of +all kinds was as abundant as the hunters in the picture found it. + +Paintings of this character occupied prominent places on the walls of +the room, and between them hung numerous relics the boys had collected +during their journey across the prairie, and a few trophies of their +skill as hunters. Over the door were the antlers of the first and only +elk they had killed, and upon them hung a string of grizzly bear's +claws, which had once been worn as a necklace by an Indian chief, and +also a bow, a quiver full of arrows, a stone tomahawk, and a +scalping-knife--all of which had been presented to them by Captain +Porter. At the head of the bed were two pairs of deer's horns fastened +to the wall, and supporting their rifles, bullet-pouches, powder-horns, +and hunting-knives. + +These articles were all highly prized by the boys; but, upon a nail +driven into the wall beside the book-case, hung something that, next to +his horse and dog, held the most exalted place in Frank's estimation. It +was the remnant of the first lasso he had ever owned. He thought more of +it than of any other article he possessed, and he would have surrendered +every thing, except Roderick and Marmion, before he would have parted +with that piece of a rawhide rope. It had once saved his uncle's life; +and, more than that, Frank himself had been hanged with it. Yes, as +improbable as it may seem, one end of that lasso had been placed around +his neck, the other thrown over the hook which supported one of his +large pictures, and Frank had been drawn up until his toes only rested +on the floor; and all because he refused to tell where he had hidden a +key. Where the rest of the lasso was he did not know. The last time he +saw it, it was around the neck of a man who was running through the +grove at the top of his speed, with Marmion close at his heels. The dog +came back, but the man and the piece of lasso did not; and this brings +us to our story. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. + + +One day, about six weeks before the commencement of our story, Frank and +Archie were sent to San Diego on business for Uncle James. When they +returned, they found a new face among the Rancheros--that of Pierre +Costello, a man for whom Frank at once conceived a violent dislike. +Pierre was a full-blooded Mexican, dark-browed, morose, and +sinister-looking, and he had a pair of small, black eyes that were never +still, but constantly roving about, as if on the lookout for something. +His appearance was certainly forbidding; but that was not the reason why +Frank disliked him. It was because Marmion regarded him with suspicion, +and seemed to think he had no business on the rancho. When the Ranchero +came about the house, Marmion would follow him wherever he went, as if +he feared that the man was about to attempt some mischief; and, when +Pierre returned to his quarters, the dog always seemed to be immensely +relieved. Frank invariably made common cause with his favorites, whether +they belonged to the human or brute creation, and without taking the +trouble to inquire into the merits of the case; and, when he found how +matters stood between Pierre and Marmion, he at once espoused the cause +of his dog, and hated the Ranchero as cordially as though the latter had +done him some terrible injury, although the man had never spoken to him, +except to salute him very respectfully every time they met. + +That Pierre hated and feared the dog, quite as much as the animal +disliked him, was evident. He would scowl, and say "_Carrajo_," every +time Marmion came near him, and lay his hand on his knife, as if it +would have afforded him infinite pleasure could he have found an +opportunity, to draw it across the dog's throat. Frank had often noticed +this, and consequently, when he one day came suddenly upon the dog, +which was looking wistfully at a piece of meat Pierre was holding out +to him, he was astonished, and not a little alarmed. The Mexican +scowled, as he always did when Frank came near him, and walked away, +hiding the meat under his coat. + +"Give it to me, Pierre," said Frank; "Marmion don't like to be fed by +strangers." + +The Ranchero kept on as if he were not aware that he had been spoken to; +and his conduct went a long way in confirming the new suspicions that +had suddenly sprung up in Frank's mind. + +"Uncle," said he, that evening, after supper, as he joined Mr. Winters +and Archie, who had seated themselves on the porch to enjoy the cool +breeze of evening, "how long do you intend to keep that new Ranchero?" + +"As long as he will stay," replied Mr. Winters. "He is one of the most +faithful men I ever had, and he is quite as skillful in his business as +either Carlos or Dick." + +"He is a mean man for all that," said Frank; "he tried to poison +Marmion, to-day." + +"I don't blame him," said Archie; "a meaner, uglier dog I never saw"-- + +"Now, Archie," interrupted Frank, "I like the dog; and even if I didn't, +I would keep him because he is a present." + +"How do you know that Pierre tried to poison him?" asked Mr. Winters. + +"Why, he was holding a piece of meat out to the dog, and when I came up +he walked off in a great hurry," replied Frank, who, when he came to +state the case, found that it was not quite so strong against the +Ranchero as he had at first supposed. + +"He may have done all that, and still be innocent of any desire to +injure your favorite. Marmion doesn't like him, and, no doubt, Pierre is +trying his best to make friends with him. I'll insure your dog's life +for a quarter." + +Frank was far from being satisfied. Somehow, he did not like the scowl +he had often seen on Pierre's face. He was certain that the Ranchero had +intended to harm Marmion; but why? Not simply because he hated the dog, +but for the reason that the animal was in his way. This was the view +Frank took of the case; and, believing that Pierre was there for no +good, he resolved to keep a close watch on all his movements. + +A day or two after that, Mr. Winters and Archie set out on horseback for +San Diego, the former to collect the money for a drove of horses he had +sold there, before his departure for the East, and Archie to explore the +city. Frank, hourly expecting his two friends, Johnny Harris and Dick +Thomas, who had promised to spend a week with him, remained at home, +with the housekeeper and two of the Rancheros, one of whom was Pierre, +for company. Dick and Bob, and the rest of the herdsmen, were off +somewhere, attending to the stock. + +Frank, being left to himself, tried various plans for his amusement. He +read a few pages in half a dozen different books, took a short gallop +over the prairie, shot a brace of quails for his dinner; all the while +keeping a bright lookout for his expected visitors, who, however, did +not make their appearance. About noon, he was gratified by hearing the +sound of a horse's hoofs in the court. He ran out, expecting to welcome +Johnny and Dick, but, to his disappointment, encountered a stranger, +who reined up his horse at the door, and inquired: + +"Is this Mr. Winters's rancho, young man?" + +Frank replied that it was. + +"He is at home, I suppose?" continued the visitor. + +"No, sir; he started for the city early this morning." + +The gentleman said that was very unfortunate, and began to make +inquiries concerning the road Mr. Winters generally traveled when he +went to San Diego--whether he took the upper or lower trail--and then he +wondered what he should do. + +"My name is Brown," said he; and Frank knew he was the very man his +uncle expected to meet in San Diego. "I owe Mr. Winters some money for a +drove of horses I bought of him before he went to the States, and I have +come up to pay it. I have here twelve thousand dollars in gold," he +added, laying his hand on his saddle-bags, which seemed to be heavy and +well filled. + +"Couldn't you remain until day after to-morrow?" asked Frank. "Uncle +James will be at home then." + +"I can't spare the time. I am on my way to Fort Yuma, where I have some +business to transact that may detain me three or four days. I don't like +to carry this money there and back, for it is heavy, and there is no +knowing what sort of travelers one may meet on the road. Wouldn't it be +all right if I should leave it here with you?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Frank, eager to accept the responsibility; "I can +take care of it. But I thought you might want a receipt." + +"I am not particular about that. Mr. Winters has trusted me for about +six months, and I think I can afford to trust him for as many days. I'll +call and get the receipt when I come back." + +As Mr. Brown said this, he dismounted, and Pierre, who, ever since his +employer's departure, had seemed to have nothing to do but to loiter +about the house, and who had stood at the opposite side of the court, +listening to every word of the conversation, came up to hold his horse. +The visitor shouldered his saddle-bags, and followed Frank into a room +which went by the name of "the office," where Mr. Winters transacted all +his business. The room was furnished with a high desk, a three-legged +stool, and a small safe, which, like those in banks, was set into the +wall, so that nothing but the door could be seen. + +"That is just the place for it," said Mr. Brown; "it will be secure +there." + +"But I haven't got the key," replied Frank; "uncle always carries it in +his pocket." + +"Well, I don't suppose there would be any danger if you were to leave +the money on the porch. Of course, your hired people can be depended on, +or your uncle wouldn't keep them." + +Frank thought there was at least one person on the rancho who could not +be trusted to any great extent; but, of course, he said nothing about +it. He glanced around the room, wondering what he should do with the +money, when he discovered that his uncle had left the key of the desk in +the lock. For want of a better place, Frank decided to put the gold in +there. Mr. Brown took it out of his saddle-bags, and packed it away in +the drawer--six bags in all, each containing two thousand dollars, in +bright, new "yellow-boys." Then, declining Frank's invitation to stay to +dinner, the gentleman bade him good-by, mounted his horse, and resumed +his journey. + +"Twelve thousand dollars!" said Frank, to himself, as he locked the desk +and put the key into his pocket. "Why, that's a fortune! Now that I +think of it, I almost wish Mr. Brown hadn't left it here. What would +Uncle James say if somebody should break into the house and steal it?" + +As Frank asked himself this question, he turned suddenly, and saw Pierre +standing on the porch, in front of one of the windows, watching him with +eager eyes. He must have moved very quietly to have approached so near +without attracting the boy's attention, and that, to Frank, whose +suspicions had already been thoroughly aroused, was good evidence that +the Ranchero was not just what he ought to be. If he was an honest man, +he would not try to slip around without making any noise. + +Finding that he was discovered, Pierre removed his sombrero and said, +without the least embarrassment: + +"Is it your pleasure to ride? If so, I will saddle your horse." + +"You need not trouble yourself," replied Frank, rather gruffly. "I shall +remain at home." + +Pierre bowed and walked away. + +"Now, that rascal thinks he is sharp," said Frank, gazing after the +Ranchero. "He never offered to saddle my horse before, and he wouldn't +have done it then if I hadn't caught him looking in at the window. I +wonder if he thinks I am foolish enough to ride for pleasure at this +time of day, with the thermometer standing a hundred degrees in the +shade? That fellow is a scoundrel, and he is up to something. Perhaps he +is after this gold. If he is, he may have the satisfaction of knowing +that he won't get it." + +So saying, Frank began to close and fasten the shutters which protected +the windows, and while thus engaged, he caught a glimpse of the +Ranchero's dark face peering at him around the corner of the house. + +"If I owned this ranch," said Frank, to himself, "that fellow shouldn't +stay here five minutes longer. I'd pay him off, and tell him to leave as +fast as his horse could carry him." + +Having satisfied himself that the windows were so well secured that no +one could effect an entrance through them, Frank opened the drawer and +took another good look at the money, as if he were afraid that it might +have been spirited away even while he was in the room; after which he +locked the desk, and hid the key under the edge of the carpet. Then +glancing about the office, to make sure that every thing was safe, he +closed the door, and hurrying into his own room, he threw the key under +his writing-desk, next to the wall. Then he breathed easier. The money +was as safe as it would have been in the bank at San Diego. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +FRANK PROVES HIMSELF A HERO. + + +"There!" said Frank, with something like a sigh of relief. "If Pierre +gets into that office to-night, he'll have to use an ax; and if he tries +that"-- + +Frank finished the sentence by shaking his head in a threatening manner, +and taking down his rifle, which he proceeded to load very carefully. He +had made up his mind to fight, if it should become necessary. + +He was now more anxious than ever for the arrival of his two friends, +for he did not like the idea of remaining alone in the house all night, +with so much money under his charge, and a villainous-looking Mexican +hovering about. Frank, as we know, was very far from being a coward; but +having by some means got it into his head that Pierre was a rascal, and +that something unpleasant would happen before morning, he could not +help feeling rather anxious. + +The afternoon wore slowly away, but Johnny and Dick did not make their +appearance. Darkness came on apace, and Frank, being at last satisfied +that he was to be left alone in his glory for that night at least, ate +his supper, and visited Roderick in his stable to see that he was well +provided for, and then whistled for his dog, which he had not seen since +the departure of Mr. Brown. Marmion, however, did not respond to the +call. Frank whistled and shouted several times in vain, and then set out +to hunt up his favorite. He visited the Rancheros' quarters, and found +Felix and Pierre sitting in the door of one of the cabins, smoking their +cigarettes. The former had not seen the dog; but, willing to serve Frank +to any extent in his power, offered to go in search of the animal. +Pierre, however, said that would be useless, for he had seen Marmion in +hot pursuit of a rabbit. No doubt he had driven the game into its +burrow, and was engaged in digging it out. When he caught the rabbit, he +would come home of his own free will. + +Although Frank was suspicious of every thing Pierre said or did, he +could see no reason for disbelieving this story. Marmion was quite as +fond of the chase as his young master, and frequently indulged in +hunting expeditions on his own responsibility; sometimes being absent +all day and nearly all night. But he was not off hunting then, and +Pierre had told a deliberate falsehood, when he said that he had seen +him in pursuit of a rabbit. The Ranchero had determined upon a course of +action which he knew he could not follow out so long as the dog was at +liberty, and Marmion was, at that very moment, lying bound and muzzled +under one of the corn-cribs, almost within hearing of his master's +voice. + +Frank slowly retraced his steps toward the house, feeling more nervous +and uneasy than ever. In Marmion he had an ally that could be depended +on in any emergency; and, if the dog had been at his side, he would have +felt perfectly safe. But he was not the one to indulge long in gloomy +thoughts without a cause, and in order to drive them away, he lighted +his lamp, and, drawing his easy-chair upon the porch, amused himself +until nine o'clock with his guitar. The music not only served to soothe +his troubled feelings, but also had the effect of banishing his +suspicions to a great extent, and left him in a much more cheerful frame +of mind. + +"How foolish I have been," said he, to himself. "Because Pierre is ugly, +like all the rest of his race, and because he always carries a knife in +his belt, and hates Marmion, I have been willing to believe him capable +of any villainy. I don't suppose he has thought of that gold since he +saw me lock it up." + +As Frank said this, he pulled his chair into the room, and selecting +Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans" from the numerous volumes in the +library, he dismissed all thoughts of the Ranchero, and sat down to read +until he should become sleepy. He soon grew so deeply interested in his +book, that he did not hear the light step that sounded on the porch, nor +did he see the dark, glittering eyes which looked steadily at him +through the open window. He saw them a moment afterward, however, for, +while he was absorbed in that particular part of the fight at Glen's +Falls, where Hawk-Eye snapped his unloaded rifle at the Indian who was +making off with the canoe in which the scout had left his ammunition, a +figure glided quickly but noiselessly into the room, and stopped behind +the boy's chair. + +"Now, my opinion is that Hawk-Eye was not much of a backwoodsman, after +all," said Frank, who was in the habit of commenting upon and +criticising every thing he read. "Why did he leave his extra powder-horn +in his canoe, when he knew that the Hurons were all around him? You +wouldn't catch Dick or old Bob Kelly in any such scrape, nor me either, +for that matter, for I would"-- + +Frank's soliloquy was brought to a close very suddenly, and what he was +about to say must forever remain a secret. His throat was seized with an +iron grasp, and he was lifted bodily out of his chair, and thrown upon +the floor. So quickly was it done that he had no time to resist or to +cry out. Before he could realize what had happened, he found himself +lying flat on his back, and felt a heavy weight upon his breast holding +him down. + +Filled with surprise and indignation, he looked up into the face that +was bending over him, and recognized Pierre Costello, whose features +wore a fiendish expression, the effect of which was heightened by a +murderous-looking knife which he carried between his teeth. Scowling +fiercely, as if he were trying to strike terror to the boy's heart by +his very appearance, he loosened his grasp on Frank's throat, and the +latter, after coughing and swallowing to overcome the effects of the +choking he had received, demanded: + +"What do you mean, you villain?" + +Pierre, without making any reply, coolly proceeded to overhaul the +contents of Frank's pockets. Like all boys of his age, our hero was +supplied with a variety of articles, which, however serviceable they may +be to a youngster of sixteen, no one else could possibly find use for, +and the Ranchero's investigations brought to light a fish-line, +bait-box, a rooster's spur, of which Frank intended to make a charger +for his rifle, a piece of buckskin, half a dozen bullets, a brass +cannon, a pocket comb, a quill pop-gun, a small compass, a silver ring, +a match-box, a jack-knife, and a piece of lead. These articles he +tossed upon the floor, rather contemptuously, and then turned all +Frank's pockets inside out, but failed to discover any thing more. + +"Where are they?" demanded Pierre, removing the knife from his mouth, +and looking savagely at his prisoner, who all this time had lain +perfectly still upon the floor, apparently not the least alarmed. + +"Where are what?" inquired Frank. + +"The keys, you young vagabond!" returned the Ranchero, astonished at the +result of his search, and in a great hurry to get through with his +business. "The keys that open the office and the safe. Speak quick!" + +"The safe key is where you'll never get your hands upon it," replied +Frank. "If you want it, you'll have to go to San Diego, catch Uncle +James, and throw him down, as you did me, and search his pockets for it. +But that is something a dozen such fellows as you couldn't do." + +"But the office key! Where's that?" + +"It's in a safe place, also," said Frank, who had already resolved that +the would-be robber should never learn from him where he had hidden the +key. "If I were a man, I should like to see you hold me down so easily. +Let me up, or I'll call for help!" + +"If you speak above your breath, I'll choke you!" said Pierre, with +savage emphasis. "I am not done with you yet! Is the money in the safe?" + +"That's none of your business! Let me up, I say! Here, Marmion! +Marmion!" + +"_Carrajo!_" muttered the Ranchero, again seizing his prisoner's throat +in his powerful fingers. "Do you want me to kill you?" + +Frank, nothing daunted by this rough treatment, struggled manfully, and +tried hard to make a defiant reply, but could not utter a sound. Pierre +tightened his grasp, until it seemed as if he had deliberately resolved +to send him out of the world altogether, and then released his hold, and +waited until Frank was able to speak before he said: + +"You see that I am in earnest! Now, answer me! Is the gold in the safe?" + +"I am in earnest, too!" replied Frank, as bravely as ever. "I shall not +tell you where it is. Are you going to let me up?" + +"I am going to make you tell where you have put that key!" said Pierre, +as he removed the sash his prisoner wore around his waist, and began to +confine his arms behind his back. "If I once get inside the office, I'll +soon find out where you have put that gold." + +"But you are not inside the office yet, and I don't think you will get +there very soon. If you were well acquainted with me, you would know +that you can not drive me one inch. You're a coward, Pierre," he added, +as he released one of his hands by a sudden jerk, and made a desperate +but unsuccessful attempt to seize the ruffian by the hair. "You don't +give a fellow a fair chance. I wish my dog was here." + +"You need not look for him," said the Ranchero; "he'll never come." + +Frank made no reply. He was wondering what his captor intended to do +with him, and turning over in his mind numerous wild plans for escape. +Pierre, in his haste, was tying the sash in a very clumsy manner, and +Frank was certain that, with one vigorous twist, he could set himself +at liberty. In spite of his unpleasant and even painful situation--for, +after his attempt to catch the Ranchero by the hair, the latter had +turned him upon his face, and was kneeling upon him to hold him down--he +could not help chuckling to himself when he thought how he would +astonish Pierre if he did not mind what he was about. + +"Perhaps he will leave me, and try to force an entrance into the +office," soliloquized Frank. "If he does, I am all right! I'll jerk my +arms out of this sash, pick up that rifle, and the first thing Mr. +Pierre Costello knows, he'll be the prisoner. I'll march him to the +quarters, and tell Felix to tie him, hand and foot." + +Unfortunately for the success of these plans, the Ranchero did not leave +the room after he had tied Frank's arms. He was too well acquainted with +the old house to think of trying to force an entrance into the office. +He knew that the doors and window-shutters were as strong as wood and +iron could make them, and that it would be a dangerous piece of business +to attempt to break them open. Felix, all unconscious of what was going +on in the house, snored lustily in his quarters, and the housekeeper +slept in a room adjoining the kitchen; and if Pierre awakened either of +them, he might bid good-by to all hopes of ever securing possession of +the gold. His only hope was in compelling Frank to tell where he had put +the office key. + +"Now, then," said he, "I will give you one more chance. Where is it?" + +"Where's what?" asked Frank. + +"The office key!" exclaimed the Ranchero, enraged at the coolness of his +prisoner. "Tell me where it is, or I'll drive you through the floor!" + +As he said this, he raised his fist over Frank's head, as if he were on +the point of putting his threat into execution. + +"Drive away!" replied Frank. + +"Then you won't tell me where it is?" yelled the Ranchero. + +"No, I won't! And when I say no, I mean it; and all the threats you can +make won't scare me into saying any thing else!" + +Pierre hesitated a moment, and then jumped to his feet, his actions +indicating that he was determined to waste no more words. He placed his +knife upon the table, closed the windows, and dropped the curtains, so +that any one who might happen to pass by could not see what was going on +in the room. His next action was to seize Frank by the collar of his +jacket, and pull him roughly to his feet, preparatory to putting into +operation his new plan for compelling him to tell where he had hidden +the office key. + +"If you conclude to answer my question, let me know it," said the +Ranchero. + +"I will," was Frank's reply. + +Pierre stepped upon a chair, and removing one of the pictures from its +hook, tossed it upon the bed. After that, he took Frank's lasso down +from the nail, beside the book-case, and holding the noose in his hand, +threw the other end over the hook. + +Frank had thus far shown himself to be possessed of a good share of +courage. He had bravely endured the choking, and had made defiant +replies to all Pierre's threats; but when he saw this movement, he +became thoroughly alarmed. He knew what was coming. + +"Aha!" exclaimed the Ranchero, who had not failed to notice the sudden +pallor that overspread the boy's countenance; "Aha!" + +"What are you going to do?" asked Frank, in a trembling voice. + +"Can't you see?" returned the Ranchero, with a savage smile. "I told you +that I was going to make you tell me where you had put that office key, +didn't I? Well, I intend to do it. I have tamed many a wild colt, and I +know how to tame you!" + +As he spoke, he adroitly threw the noose over Frank's head, and drew it +tight around his neck. Then, seizing him by the shoulders, he pushed him +against the wall, under the hook, and pulled down on the lasso, until +Frank began to rise on his toes. This was intended merely to give him a +foretaste of what was in store for him. + +"Now you know how it feels," said Pierre, slackening up on the rope, +"and you ought to know, by this time, that I am not playing with you. I +am in sober earnest, and if you don't answer my question, I'll hang +you, right here in your own room, and with your own lasso. This is your +last chance! Where's that key?" + +Frank hesitated. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE FIGHT IN THE COURT. + + +Frank was certainly in a predicament. He had his choice between +revealing the hiding-place of the office key, and being hanged with his +own lasso--a most disagreeable alternative. On one side was a lingering +death, and on the other, something of which Frank stood almost as much +in awe--disgrace. Never before had so heavy a responsibility rested upon +him; and if he lost that money, what other evidence would be needed to +prove that he was not worthy of being trusted? + +"Come, come!" exclaimed the Ranchero, impatiently. "Are you going to +answer my question?" + +"I don't know whether I am or not," replied Frank. "Don't be in such a +hurry. Can't you give me time to think about it?" + +"You have had time enough already," growled Pierre. "But I'll give you +two minutes more, and while you are thinking the matter over, you can +bear one thing in mind: and that is, if you don't tell me where that +office key is, you'll never see daylight again." + +The expression on Pierre's countenance told Frank that the villain meant +all he said. + +Frank leaned his head against the wall, closed his eyes, and made use of +those two minutes in trying to conjure up some plan to defeat the +robber. He had not the slightest intention of allowing him to put his +hands on that money if it were possible for him to prevent it, and he +was wondering if he could not make use of a little strategy. If he could +invent some excuse to get Pierre out of the room for a few moments, he +was sure that he could release his hands. Would it not be a good plan to +tell him where he had hidden the key, and while Pierre was in the office +searching for the gold, free himself from his bonds, and seize his +rifle, and make the villain a prisoner? Wouldn't it be a glorious +exploit, one of which he could be justly proud, if he could save the +twelve thousand dollars, and capture the Ranchero besides? Frank +thought it would, and determined to try it. + +"Pierre," said he, "if I tell you where that key is, what will you do?" + +"_If!_" exclaimed the Ranchero; "there are no ifs or ands about it. You +must tell me where it is." + +"But what I want to know is, what will you do with me?" + +"I promise you, upon the honor of a gentleman, that no harm shall be +done you." + +"Gentleman!" sneered Frank. "The State's prison is full of such +gentlemen as you are. If I were trying to rob a man of a few cents, I'd +never think of calling myself a gentleman." + +"Now, just look here," said Pierre, "if you think you can fool me, you +were never more mistaken in your life. A few cents, indeed! I heard all +that passed between you and Mr. Brown, and I know that there are twelve +thousand dollars somewhere in that office. I call it a fortune. It is +much more than I could ever earn herding cattle, and I am bound to have +it. Where's that key?" + +"You must answer my question first," said Frank. "If you had the key in +your hand now, what would you do with me?" + +"Well, as I am not fool enough to give you the least chance for escape, +the first thing I should do would be to tie you hard and fast to that +bed-post. Then I'd take the gold, mount my horse, and be off to the +mountains." + +"And leave me tied up here?" exclaimed the prisoner. + +"Exactly. Felix, or the housekeeper, would release you in the morning." + +This answer came upon Frank like a bucket of cold water. His fine plan +for releasing himself and capturing the robber would not work. The +latter saw his look of disappointment, and laughed derisively. + +"I am too old," said he, "to allow a boy like you to play any tricks +upon me. You won't tell me where the key is, then?" + +"No, I won't. If that money was mine, you might take it, and I would run +the risk of catching you before you could get very far away with it. But +it belongs to my uncle; you have no claim upon it, and, what's more, you +sha'n't touch it." + +"Is that your final answer?" asked the Ranchero, bracing himself for a +strong pull. "You had better ponder the matter well before you decide. +What do you suppose your uncle will think, when he comes home and finds +you hanging to this hook? He had rather lose the money a thousand times +over than to part with you." + +Frank shuddered as the Ranchero said this, and, for the first time, he +felt his firmness giving away. But he was possessed of no ordinary +degree of fortitude, and, after a momentary thrill of terror, his +courage returned, and he looked at Pierre as bravely as ever. + +The Ranchero paused for a moment or two, to give his last words time to +have their full effect, and then said: "Once more--yes or no." + +"No, I tell you," was the firm reply. Scarcely were the words out of his +mouth, when the Ranchero began to pull down upon the lasso, and Frank, +in spite of his desperate struggles, was drawn up until he almost swung +clear of the floor. Pierre held him in this position for a few +seconds--it seemed an age to Frank, who retained his consciousness all +the while--and then gradually slackened up on the lasso, until his +prisoner's feet once more rested firmly on the floor. Frank reeled a +moment like a drunken man, gazed about him with a bewildered air, and +attempted to raise his hands to his throat, while the Ranchero stood +watching him with a smile of triumph. + +"I have given you one more chance," said he. "Have you come to your +senses yet." + +Frank tried in vain to reply. The choking he had endured had deprived +him of his power of utterance, but it had not affected his courage or +his determination. There was not the least sign of yielding about him. + +Pierre had thus far conducted his operations with the most business-like +coolness, and in much the same spirit that he would have exhibited had +he been breaking one of Mr. Winters's wild horses to the saddle. He had +smiled at times, as he would have smiled at the efforts of the horse to +escape, and the thought that he should fail in his object had never +entered his head. He had been certain that he could frighten or torture +Frank into revealing the hiding-place of the office key; but now he +began to believe that he had reckoned without his host. He was +astonished and enraged at the wonderful firmness displayed by his +prisoner. He had never imagined that this sixteen-year-old boy would +prove an obstacle too great to be overcome. + +"You are the most obstinate colt I ever tried to manage," said Pierre, +in a voice choked with passion; "but I'll break one of two things--your +spirit or your neck; it makes no difference to me which." + +Without waiting to give his prisoner time to recover his power of +speech, the Ranchero wound the lariat around his hands, and was about to +pull him up again, when he was startled by the clatter of a horse's +hoofs in the court. + +The sound worked a great change in Pierre. As if by magic, the savage +scowl faded from his face, and he stood for an instant the very picture +of terror. All thoughts of the twelve thousand dollars, and the +vengeance he had determined to wreak upon his prisoner, were banished +from his mind, and gave place to the desire to escape from the house as +secretly and speedily as possible. + +"Who can that be?" he muttered, dropping the lasso, and throwing a +frightened glance ever his shoulder toward the door. + +"I'm sure I don't know," said Frank, speaking with the greatest +difficulty; "and I don't care who it is, if he will only make a prisoner +of you." + +The Ranchero scowled fiercely upon his plucky captive, hesitated a +moment, as if he had half a mind to be revenged upon him before he left +the house, and then, catching up his knife, and extinguishing the lamp, +he jerked open one of the windows, and disappeared in the darkness. + +Frank was no less astonished than delighted at his unexpected +deliverance. He tried to shout, to attract the attention of the unknown +horseman, but all his efforts were unavailing. His attempts to release +his hands, however, which he commenced the instant the Ranchero left the +room, were more successful. Pierre's carelessness in tying the knots was +a point in his favor then; for, in less time than it takes to record the +fact, Frank was free. He threw the noose off his neck, pulled the lasso +down from the hook, and hastily coiling it up in one hand, he ran to +the place where he had left his rifle, fully determined that the robber +should not escape from the ranch without an attempt on his part to +capture him. His rifle was gone. The Ranchero had caught it up as he +bounded through the window, thinking he might find use for it, in case +he should happen to run against the visitor in the dark. + +Frank looked upon the loss of his rifle as a great misfortune; for, not +only did he believe the weapon lost to him forever, but he was powerless +to effect the capture of the Ranchero, even if he succeeded in finding +him. However, he did not waste time in vain regrets. He sprang through +the window, and, running around the house, entered the court, to look +for the horseman whose timely arrival had saved his life. He went as far +as the archway that led into the court, and there he suddenly paused, +and the blood rushed back upon his heart, leaving his face as pale as +death itself. He had told the Ranchero that a dozen such men as he could +not overcome his uncle; but the scene before him belied his words. Flat +upon his back, in the middle of the court, lay Mr. Winters, with Pierre +Costello kneeling on his breast, one hand grasping his victim's throat, +and the other holding aloft his murderous-looking bowie, whose bright +blade glistened in the moonlight like burnished silver. + +Frank started back, rubbed his eyes, and looked again. There could be no +mistake about it, for the moon shone brightly, rendering all the objects +in the court as plainly visible as if it had been broad daylight. He was +not only terribly frightened, but he was utterly confounded. He had +believed Mr. Winters to be fast asleep in his bed at the hotel in San +Diego; but there he was, when Frank least expected him, and, more than +that, he was being worsted in his struggle with Pierre. The boy could +not understand it. + +"Unhand me, you scoundrel!" he heard Uncle James say, in a feeble voice. + +"Not until you have given me the key of the safe," was the robber's +answer. "I have worked hard for that gold to-night, and I am not going +to leave the ranch without it." + +Then commenced a furious struggle, and Frank turned away his head, lest +he should see that gleaming knife buried in his uncle's body. + +Never before had Frank been so thoroughly overcome with fear. He had +just passed through in ordeal that would have tried the nerves of the +bravest man, and he had scarcely flinched; but to stand there a witness +of his uncle's deadly peril, believing himself powerless to aid him, was +indeed enough to strike terror to his heart. + +"O, if I only had my rifle, or one of my pistols!" cried Frank, +"wouldn't I tumble that villain in a hurry? Or if I could find a club, +or could loosen one of these stones"-- + +Frank suddenly remembered that he held in his hand a weapon quite as +effective at short range, when skilfully used, as either a rifle or +pistol. It was his lasso; and, until that instant, he had forgotten all +about it. Then the blood flew to his cheeks; his power of action +returned, and his arms seemed nerved with the strength of giants. How +thankful was he, then, that his desire to become as expert as his two +friends, Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas, had led him to practice with +that novel weapon. + +With a bound like an antelope he started toward the struggling men, +swinging his lasso around his head as he ran. Pierre, believing that he +had left Frank securely bound, and being too intent upon taking care of +his new prisoner to look for enemies in his rear, heard not the sound of +his approaching footsteps, nor did he dream of danger until the noose, +which, but a few moments before, had been around Frank's neck, settled +down over his own. Then he knew that his game was up. With a piercing +cry of terror he sprang to his feet, and, with frantic haste, endeavored +to throw off the lariat; but Frank was too quick for him. + +"Aha!" he exclaimed, trying to imitate the tone in which the Ranchero +had spoken that same word but a few moments before. "Aha! Now I am going +to break one of two things--your spirit or your neck; I don't care +which. One good turn deserves another, you know." + +As Frank said this, he threw all his strength into his arms, and gave +the lasso a vigorous jerk, which caused Pierre's heels to fly up, and +his head to come in violent contact with the pavement of the court. + +"Now, then, Uncle James," exclaimed Frank, "we've got him. No you +don't!" he added, as the Ranchero made a desperate attempt to regain his +feet; "come back here!" and he gave him a second jerk, which brought him +to the ground again. + +Frank was blessed with more than an ordinary share of muscle for a boy +of his age; but he could not hope to compete successfully with a man of +Pierre's size and experience, even though he held him at great +disadvantage. The Ranchero, as active as a cat, thrashed about at an +astonishing rate, and, before Frank knew what was going on, he had cut +the lasso with his knife--an action which caused our hero, who was +pulling back on the lariat with all his strength, to toss up his heels, +and sit down upon the rough stones of the court, very suddenly, while +Pierre, finding himself at liberty, jumped up, and ran for his life. + +Mr. Winters had by this time regained his feet, and, catching up Frank's +rifle, which lay beside him on the pavement, he took a flying shot at +the robber just as he was running through the archway. Pierre's escape +was a very narrow one; for the bullet went through the brim of his +sombrero, and cut off a lock of his hair. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE MYSTERIES SOLVED. + + +Pierre, finding himself uninjured by Mr. Winters's shot, suddenly became +very courageous, and stopped to say a parting word to that gentleman. + +"Try it again," said he, with a taunting laugh. "You are a poor shot for +an old frontiersman! I will bid you good-by, now," he added, shaking his +knife at Uncle James, "but you have not seen the last of me. You will +have reason to remember"-- + +The Ranchero did not say what Mr. Winters would have reason to remember, +for he happened to look toward the opposite side of the court, and saw +something that brought from him an ejaculation of alarm, and caused him +to turn and take to his heels. An instant afterward, a dark object +bounded through the court, and, before the robber had taken half a dozen +steps, Marmion sprang upon his back, and threw him to the ground. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Frank. "You are not gone yet, it seems. You're caught +now, easy enough; for that dog never lets go, if he once gets a good +hold. Hang on to him, old fellow!" + +But Marmion seemed to be utterly unable to manage the Ranchero. He had +placed his fore-feet upon Pierre's breast, and appeared to be holding +him by the throat; but the latter, with one blow of his arm, knocked him +off, and, regaining his feet, fled through the grove with the speed of +the wind--the piece of the lasso, which was still around his neck, +streaming straight out behind him. + +"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, astonished to see his dog so easily +defeated. "Take him! Hi! hi!" + +The animal evidently did his best to obey; but there seemed to be +something the matter with him. He ran as if he were dragging a heavy +weight behind him, or as if his feet were tied together, and it was all +he could do to keep up with the robber; and, when he tried to seize +him, Pierre would shake him off without even slackening his pace. + +Mr. Winters, in the meantime, had run to his horse--which, during the +struggle, had stood perfectly still in the middle of the court--after +his pistols; but, before he could get an opportunity to use them, both +Pierre and the dog had disappeared among the trees. A moment afterward, +a horse was heard going at full speed through the grove, indicating that +the robber was leaving the ranch as fast as possible. + +All this while, Frank has been almost overwhelmed with astonishment. The +ease with which the desperado had vanquished his uncle and the strange +behavior of the hitherto infallible Marmion, were things beyond his +comprehension. He stood gazing, in stupid wonder, toward the trees among +which Pierre had disappeared, while the sound of the horse's hoofs grew +fainter and fainter, and finally died away altogether. Then he seemed to +wake up, and to realize the fact that the Ranchero had made good his +escape, in spite of all their efforts to capture him. + +"Let's follow him, uncle!" he exclaimed, in an excited voice. "I can +soon overtake him on Roderick." + +"I could not ride a hundred yards to save my life!" replied Mr. Winters, +seating himself on the porch, and resting his head on his hands. "Bring +me some water, Frank." + +These words alarmed the boy, who now, for the first time, saw that his +uncle's face was deadly pale, and that his hair was matted with blood, +which was trickling down over his collar. + +"O, uncle!" cried Frank, in dismay. + +"Don't be uneasy," said Mr. Winters, quietly. "Bring me some water." + +Without stopping to make any inquiries, Frank ran into the kitchen and +aroused the housekeeper, giving her a very hasty and disconnected +account of what had happened, and then he hurried to the quarters to +awaken Felix. + +"Go to Fort Yuma for the doctor, at once!" shouted Frank, pounding +loudly upon the door. + +"What's up?" inquired Felix, from the inside. + +"No matter what's up--go for the doctor! Take Roderick; he's the +swiftest horse on the ranch. Uncle's badly wounded." + +"Wounded!" repeated Felix, jerking open the door, and appearing upon the +threshold, with a revolver in each hand. "Who did it? Where is he?" + +"I can't stop to tell you who did it, or where he is. Hurry up, Felix, +and don't stand there looking at me! We've just had the hardest kind of +a fight with Pierre. Marmion was there, but he didn't do any good. He +threw the villain down, and then wouldn't hold him. I've a good notion +to shoot that dog if he ever comes back. Make haste, Felix! I can't stop +to tell you any more." + +But, after all, Frank did stop to tell a great deal more; and, by the +time the Ranchero was dressed, he had given him a complete history of +all that had happened in the house since sunset. Felix, astonished and +enraged at the treachery of his companion, examined his pistols very +carefully before he put them into his holsters, and Frank knew, by the +expression in his eye, that if he should happen to meet Pierre, during +his ride to the Fort, the latter would fall into dangerous hands. + +As soon as Frank had seen Roderick saddled, he ran back to the house, +and found Uncle James lying on a sofa, and the housekeeper engaged in +dressing a long, ragged cut on the back of his head. Being weak from the +loss of blood, he sank into a deep slumber before the operation was +completed, and Frank, finding nothing to do, and being too nervous, +after the exciting events of the evening, to keep still, went out to +watch for the doctor, who, seeing that the Fort was sixteen miles from +the ranch, could not reasonably be expected before daylight. For a long +time he paced restlessly up and down the porch, his mind busy with the +three questions that had so astonished and perplexed him: What had +happened to bring his uncle home that night? How had he been so easily +overpowered by Pierre? and, What was the matter with Marmion? The longer +he pondered upon them, the more bewildered he became; and, finally +dismissing them from his mind altogether, he went out to attend to his +uncle's horse, which, all this while, had been running back and forth +between the house and barn, now and then neighing shrilly, as if +impatient at being so long neglected. + +As Frank passed through the court, he picked up his rifle, which Mr. +Winters had thrown down after taking that flying shot at Pierre. The +stock felt damp in his grasp, and when he looked at his hand, he saw +that it was red with blood. + +"I understand one thing now, just as well as if I had stood here and +witnessed it," said he, to himself. "When Pierre went out of my room, he +ran in here to see who it was visiting the ranch at this late hour, and +when he found that it was Uncle James, he thought he would get the safe +key. He was too much of a coward to attack him openly, and so he slipped +up and knocked him down with the butt of my rifle. That's what made the +wound on uncle's head, and that's how it came that Pierre could hold him +down with one hand. Didn't I know all the time that there was something +up? Now, if Pierre had succeeded in getting the safe key, no doubt he +would have renewed his attempts to make me tell where I had put the key +of the office. Would I have been coward enough to do it? No, sir! I +would have--Hallo!" + +This exclamation was called forth by the sudden appearance of the dog, +which crept slowly toward his master, looking altogether as if he had +been guilty of something very mean. + +"So you have got back, have you?" said Frank, sternly. "What do you mean +by going off to hunt rabbits when you ought to stay at home? And what +excuse have you to offer for allowing that robber to get up after you +had pulled him down?" + +Marmion stopped, and, laying his head close to the pavement, wagged his +tail and whined piteously. + +"I don't wonder that you feel ashamed of yourself," said his master. +"Come here, you old coward." + +The dog reluctantly obeyed, and, when he came nearer, another mystery +was cleared up, and Frank knew why his favorite had behaved so +strangely. One end of a rope was twisted about his jaws so tightly that +he could scarcely move them, and the other, after being wound around his +head and neck to keep the muzzle from slipping off, was fastened to +both his fore feet, holding them so close together that it was a wonder +that he could walk at all. Frank's anger vanished in an instant. He ran +into his room after his knife, to release the dog from his bonds, and +then he discovered that the animal had not come out of the fight +unharmed. Two gaping wounds in his side bore evidence to the skill with +which Pierre had handled his bowie. + +At that moment, Frank felt a good deal as Llewellyn must have felt when +he killed the hound which he imagined had devoured his child, but which +had, in reality, defended him from the attacks of a wolf. He had scolded +Marmion for his failure to hold the robber after he had thrown him down, +and had been more than half inclined to give him a good beating; while +the animal had, all the while, been doing his best, and, in spite of his +wounds and bonds, had kept up the fight until Pierre mounted his horse +and fled from the ranch. + +The boy's first care, after he had removed the rope, was to bandage the +wounds as well as he could, and to lead the dog to a comfortable bed on +the porch, where he left him to await the arrival of the doctor; for +Frank resolved that, as Marmion had received his injuries during the +performance of his duty, he should have the very best of care. + +Frank never closed his eyes that night. He passed the hours in pacing up +and down the porch watching for the Ranchero, who made his appearance +shortly after daylight, accompanied by the doctor. Mr. Winters's wound, +although very painful, was not a dangerous one, and after it had been +dressed by the skillful hands of the surgeon, he felt well enough to +enter into conversation with those around him. + +"Now," said Frank, who had been impatiently awaiting an opportunity to +talk to his uncle, "I'd like to know what brought you back here last +night?" + +"I came after the twelve thousand dollars," replied Mr. Winters. "When I +arrived in the city, I learned that Mr. Brown had left there early in +the morning to pay us a visit, taking with him the money he owed me. I +wanted to use it immediately, and as I did not know what might happen if +it should become known that there was so much money in the house, and +no one here to take care of it, I came home; but I should have lost the +money after all, if it hadn't been for you, Frank, and I might have lost +my life with it; for I believe the villain was in earnest." + +"I am quite sure he was," said Frank, feeling of his neck, which still +bore the marks of the lasso in the shape of a bright red streak. "If you +had stayed away five minutes longer, I should have been hanged. O, it's +a fact!" he added, earnestly, noticing that the doctor looked at him +incredulously. "I came very near dancing on nothing, now I tell you; and +if you only knew all that has happened in this house since dark, you +wouldn't say that there was no one here to take care of that money. But, +uncle, how came you by that wound?" + +"Pierre gave it to me," was the reply. "He slipped up behind me when I +was dismounting, and struck me with something. But what did he do to +you?" + +"He pulled me up by the neck with my own lasso," replied Frank; "that's +what he did to me." + +"The scoundrel!" exclaimed the doctor. "Tell us all about it." + +Thus encouraged, Frank began and related his story, to which his +auditors listened with breathless attention. He told what he had done +with the twelve thousand dollars, where he had hidden the keys, how he +had detected Pierre watching him through the window, and how the +Ranchero had told him that Marmion was off hunting rabbits, when he was +lying bound and muzzled in some out-of-the-way place. Then he explained +how the robber had overpowered him while he was reading, how he had +searched his pockets for the keys, and pulled him up by the neck because +he refused to tell where he had hidden them, and how he was on the very +point of hanging him in earnest when the arrival of Uncle James alarmed +him. Mr. Winters was astonished, and so was the doctor, who patted Frank +on the head, and said: + +"You're a chip of the old block. And did you not tell him where you had +put the key?" + +"No, sir;" was the answer. "He choked me pretty hard, though, and my +throat feels funny yet." + +The boy having finished his story, Mr. Winters took it up where he left +off, and told the doctor how Frank had rescued him from the robber, and +how hard he had worked to effect his capture, and all who heard it +declared that he was a hero. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +FRANK MEETS A HIGHWAYMAN. + + +Frank passed the next day in making up for the sleep he had lost the +night before. About three o'clock in the afternoon he arose refreshed, +and visited his uncle, whom he found fast asleep. Now that Archie was +gone, the old house was quiet and lonesome--too much so, indeed, to suit +Frank, who, after trying in vain to find some way to amuse himself until +supper time, saddled Roderick, and set out for a short gallop over the +prairie. As he was about to mount his horse, Marmion came out of the +court, and frisked about his master as lively as ever, apparently none +the worse for the ugly-looking wounds he had received during his +encounter with the robber. + +"Go home, sir," said Frank. "Don't you know that you are under the +doctor's care?" + +If Marmion did know it, he didn't bother his head about it. He had a +will of his own; and having always been permitted to accompany his +master wherever he went, he did not feel disposed to remain behind. +Instead of obeying the command to go home, he ran on before, and Frank +made no further attempts to drive him back. + +Frank, having by this time become well acquainted with the country for +twenty miles around his uncle's rancho, knew where he wanted to go, and +about an hour after he left home, he was stretched at full length beside +a spring among the mountains, where he and his friends often camped to +eat their dinner during their hunting expeditions. Roderick stood close +by, lazily cropping the grass, but Marmion was not in sight. The last +time his master saw him, he was trying to gnaw his way into a hollow log +where a rabbit had taken refuge. + +Frank lay beside the spring until his increasing hunger reminded him +that it was nearly supper time, and then he mounted his horse, and +started for home. Roderick being permitted to choose his own gait, +walked slowly along a narrow bridle-path that led out of the mountains, +and Frank sat in his saddle with both hands in his pockets, his +sombrero pulled down over his eyes, and his thoughts wandering away to +the ends of the earth. He had ridden in this way about half a mile, when +he was suddenly aroused from his meditations by a commotion in the +bushes at his side, and the next moment a man sprang in front of the +horse, and seized him by the bridle. + +"Pierre Costello!" exclaimed Frank, as soon as he had somewhat recovered +from his astonishment. + +"Ay, it's Pierre, and no mistake," returned the Ranchero, with a +triumphant smile. "You thought I had left the country, didn't you?" + +"I was in hopes you had; but I see you are still on hand, like a bad +dollar-bill." + +"We are well met," continued Pierre. "I have been waiting for an +opportunity to thank you for the very friendly manner in which you +treated me last night." + +"You need not have put yourself to any trouble about it. You are under +no obligations to me. As I am in something of a hurry, I will now bid +you good-by." + +"Not if I know myself, and I think I do," said Pierre, with a laugh. +"You are just as impudent as ever. Climb down off that horse." + +Frank's actions indicated that he did not think it best to obey this +order. He sat perfectly still in his saddle, looking at Pierre, and +wondering what he should do. He could show no weapon to intimidate the +robber, for he was entirely unarmed, not having brought even his lasso +or clasp-knife with him; while Pierre held in his hand, ready for +instant use, the bowie that had rendered him such good service during +the fight in the court. At first Frank entertained the bold idea of +riding over the Ranchero. Roderick was as quick as a flash in his +movements, and one touch of the spurs, if his rider could take Pierre +off his guard, would cause the horse to jerk the bridle from his grasp, +and before the robber could recover himself, Frank would be out of +danger. But Pierre had anticipated this movement, and he was too well +acquainted with his prisoner to relax his vigilance for an instant. More +than that, he held both the reins under Roderick's jaw with a firm +grasp, and stood in such a position that he could control the movements +of both the horse and his rider. + +A moment's reflection having satisfied Frank that his idea of running +over Pierre could not be carried out, he began to look around for his +dog. But Marmion had not yet come up, and Frank was compelled to +acknowledge to himself that he was as completely in the villain's power +as he had been when Pierre had the lasso around his neck. + +"Get down off that horse, I say," commanded the Ranchero. + +"So you have turned highwayman, have you?" said Frank, without moving. +"Do you find it a more pleasant and profitable business than herding +cattle?" + +"Are you going to get off that horse?" asked the robber, impatiently. + +"What's the use? You will not find a red cent in my pockets." + +"I suppose not; but if I take you with me, I'll soon find out how many +yellow boys your uncle carries in his pockets." + +"If you take me with you!" repeated Frank. "What do you mean?" + +"I mean just this: I shall find it exceedingly lonesome living here in +the mountains by myself, and I don't know of any one in the world I had +rather have for a companion than yourself." + +"Humph!" exclaimed Frank; "that's a nice idea. I won't go." + +"Of course," continued the Ranchero, not heeding the interruption, "when +you fail to make your appearance at home for three or four days, your +uncle will think he has seen the last of you. He will believe that you +have been clawed up by grizzlies, or that you have tumbled into some of +these gullies. He will raise a hue and cry, search high and low for you, +offer rewards, and all that; and, while the fuss is going on, and people +are wondering what in the world could have become of you, you will be +safe and sound, and living like a gentleman, with me, on the fat of the +land." + +"But, Pierre," said Frank, now beginning to be really frightened, "I +don't want to live with you on the fat of the land, and I won't do it. +Let go that bridle." + +The Ranchero, as before, paid no attention to the interruption. He +seemed to delight in tormenting his prisoner. + +"After you have been with me about six months," he went on, "and your +friends have given up all hope of ever seeing you again, I'll send a +note to Mr. Winters, stating that you are alive and well, and that, if +he will give me twenty thousand dollars in gold, I will return you to +him in good order, right side up with care. If I find that we can get +along pretty well together, I may conclude to keep you a year; for the +longer you remain away from your uncle, the more he will want to see +you, and the bigger will be the pile he will give to have you brought +back. What is your opinion of that plan? Don't you think it a capital +way to raise the wind?" + +Frank listened to this speech in utter bewilderment. Cruel and reckless +as he knew Pierre to be, he had never for a moment imagined that he +could be guilty of such an enormous crime as this. He did not know what +reply to make--there was nothing he could say or do. Entreaties and +resistance were alike useless. + +"Well, what are you thinking about?" inquired the Ranchero. + +"I was wondering if a greater villain than yourself ever lived," replied +Frank. + +"We will talk about that as we go along," said Pierre. "Get off that +horse, now; I am going to send him home." + +Frank, seeing no way of escape, was about to obey this order, when the +truant, Marmion, came in sight, trotting leisurely up the path, carrying +in his mouth the rabbit, which he had succeeded in gnawing out of the +log. He stopped short on discovering Pierre, dropped his game, and +gathered himself for a spring. + +"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, as he straightened himself up in his +saddle. "If it is all the same to you, Mr. Pierre, I'll not go to the +mountains this evening." + +The Ranchero did not wait to receive the dog. He was an arrant coward, +and, more than that, he stood as much in fear of Marmion as if he had +been a bear or panther. Uttering a cry of terror, he dropped the bridle, +and, with one bound, disappeared in the bushes. Marmion followed close +at his heels, encouraged by terrific yells from his master, who, now +that his dog was neither bound nor muzzled, looked upon the capture of +the robber as a thing beyond a doubt. There was a loud crashing and +snapping in the bushes, as the pursuer and pursued sped on their way, +and presently another loud yell of terror, mingled with an angry growl, +told Frank that the dog had come up with Pierre. + +"He is caught at last," thought our hero; "how shall I get him home? +that's the question. How desperately he fights," he added, as the +commotion in the bushes increased, and the yells and growls grew louder. +"But he'll find it's no use, for he can't whip that dog, if he has got a +knife. Now, I ought to have a rope. I'll ride up the path, and see if I +can find Pierre's horse; and, if I can, I'll take his lasso and tie the +rascal hand and foot." + +Frank galloped up the path a short distance, but could see nothing of +the horse. The Ranchero had, doubtless, left him in the bushes, and +Frank was about to dismount and go in search of him, when, to his utter +astonishment, he saw Pierre coming toward him. His face was badly +scratched; his jacket and shirt had disappeared altogether; his breast +and arms were covered with blood, and so was his knife, which he still +held in his hand. But, where was Marmion, that he was not following up +his enemy? The answer was plain. The dog had been worsted in his +encounter with the robber, and Frank was left to fight his battles +alone. He thought no more of taking Pierre a prisoner to the rancho. All +he cared for now was to escape. + +"Well, now, it was good of you not to run away when you had the chance," +said the Ranchero, who appeared to be quite as much surprised at seeing +Frank as the latter had been at seeing him. + +"If I had thought that you could get away from that dog, I should have +been a mile from here by this time," replied Frank. "I was looking for +your horse, and, if I had found him, I should have gone to Marmion's +assistance." + +"Well, he needed you bad enough," said Pierre, with a laugh. "I have +fixed him this time." + +"You have!" cried Frank, his worst suspicions confirmed. "Is Marmion +dead?" + +"Dead as a door-nail. Now we must be off; we have wasted too much time +already." + +If the Ranchero supposed that Frank would allow himself to be captured a +second time, he was sadly mistaken. The boy was free, and he determined +to remain so. + +"Pierre," said he, filled with rage at the words of the robber, "I may +have a chance to square accounts with you some day, and if I do I'll +remember that you killed my dog." + +"Come, now, no nonsense," said the Ranchero, gruffly. "You are my +prisoner, you know." + +"I think not. Stand where you are; don't come a step nearer." + +While this conversation was going on, Pierre had been walking slowly up +the path, and, as Frank ceased speaking, he made a sudden rush, +intending to seize Roderick by the bridle. But his rider was on the +alert. Gathering his reins firmly in his hands, he dashed his spurs into +the flanks of his horse, which sprang forward like an arrow from a bow, +and thundered down the path toward Pierre, who turned pale with terror. + +"Out of the way, you villain, or I'll ride you down," shouted Frank. + +This was very evident to the Ranchero, who, seizing upon the only chance +for escape offered him, plunged head-foremost into the bushes. He barely +missed being run down, for Roderick flew by before he was fairly out of +the path, and, by the time he had recovered his feet, Frank was out of +sight. + +When Frank reached home, he shed a great many tears over Marmion's +untimely death; but, as it happened, it was grief wasted. One morning, +about a week after his adventure with the highwayman, while Frank and +Archie were out for their morning's ride, a sorry-looking object crawled +into the court, and thence into the office, where Mr. Winters was busy +at his desk. "Mad dog!" shouted the gentleman, when he discovered the +intruder; and, springing to his feet, he lifted his chair over his head, +and was in the very act of extinguishing the last spark of life left in +the poor brute, when the sight of a collar he wore around his neck +arrested his hand. It was no wonder that Uncle James had not recognized +the animal, for he looked very unlike the lively, well-conditioned dog +which Frank was wont to regard as the apple of his eye. But, +nevertheless, it was Marmion, or, rather, all that was left of him. He +had been severely wounded, and was nearly starved; but he received the +best of care, and it was not long before he was as savage and full of +fight as ever. Although he had failed to capture the robber, he had +rendered his master a most important service, and no one ever heard him +find fault with Marmion after that. + +Frank's reputation was by this time firmly established, and he was the +lion of the settlement. Dick Lewis was prouder than ever of him. Of +course, he called him a "keerless feller," and read him several long +lectures, illustrating them by incidents drawn from his own experience. +He related the story of Frank's adventures with the robber every time he +could induce any one to listen to it, and ever afterward called him "the +boy that fit that ar' Greaser." Old Bob Kelly beamed benevolently upon +him every time they met, and more than once told his companion that the +"youngster would make an amazin' trapper;" and that, in Dick's +estimation, was a compliment worth all the rest. + +Meanwhile, the country had been made exceedingly unsafe for Pierre +Costello. The neighbors had turned out in force, every nook and corner +of the mountains for miles around had been searched, and a large reward +offered for the robber's apprehension; but it was all in vain. Nothing +more had been heard of Pierre, and Frank hoped that he had seen him for +the last time. Fate, however, had decreed that he was to have other +adventures with the highwayman. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +COLONEL ARTHUR VANE. + + +We left Frank and Archie standing on the porch, watching the wild steer +which was being led toward the cow-pen. As soon as they had got over +their excitement, they remembered that they had saddled their horses for +the purpose of riding over to visit their nearest neighbor, Johnny +Harris, one of the boys whose daring horsemanship, and skill with the +lasso, had so excited their admiration. Johnny lived four miles distant; +but he and the cousins were together almost all the time. If Johnny was +not at their house, Frank and Archie were at his; and when you saw one +of the three, it was a sure sign that the others were not a great way +off. Dick Thomas, of whom mention has been made, had been one of the +party; but he was now on a visit to San Francisco and would not return +until winter. + +Had Frank and his cousin, while at home, been compelled to ride or walk +four miles in search of a playmate, they might have been disposed to +grumble over what they would have considered a very hard lot in life; +but they had learned to think nothing of it. There were their horses +always ready and willing, and half an hour's gallop over the prairie in +the cool of the morning, or evening, was not looked upon as any thing +very disagreeable. On this particular morning, Roderick and Marmion were +impatient to exhibit their mettle; and even Sleepy Sam lifted his head +and pawed the ground when Archie placed his foot in the stirrup. +Scarcely waiting for their riders to become firmly seated in their +saddles, the horses started down the road at a rattling pace, and the +dog dashed through the bushes and grass on each side, driving the +rabbits from their covers, and creating great consternation among flocks +of quails and prairie-chickens, which flew up at his approach. + +The farther the boys went, the faster they went; for Roderick and Sleepy +Sam, warming at their work, and encouraged, perhaps, by some slight +touches from their riders' spurs, increased their speed until they +fairly flew over the ground; and Marmion, unwilling to remain behind, +left the quails and rabbits to rest in security for that morning at +least, and ran along beside his master, now and then looking up into his +face, and uttering a little yelp, as if he were trying to tell how well +he enjoyed the sport. + +"Now, isn't this glorious?" exclaimed Archie, pulling off his sombrero, +and holding open his jacket, to catch every breath of the fresh morning +air. "Let's go faster. Yip! yip!" + +The horses understood that yell. They had heard it before; and, knowing +that it meant a race, they set off at the top of their speed. But the +race was not a long one; for the old buffalo hunter, fast as he was, +soon fell behind. The gray flew over the ground, as swiftly as a bird on +the wing, and, after allowing him a free rein for a short distance, to +show Archie how badly he could beat him, Frank stopped, and waited for +him to come up. + +The four miles were quickly accomplished, and, presently, the boys drew +up at the door of Mr. Harris's farm-house, where they found Johnny +waiting to receive them. + +"How are you, strangers?" cried Johnny. "Get down and make those posts +fast to your horses, and come in." + +This was the way travelers were welcomed in that country, where every +house was a hotel, and every farmer ready, at all times, to feed and +shelter a stranger. + +"How is the rifle-shot, this morning?" continued Johnny, as he shook +hands with the boys; "and what news has the champion horseman to +communicate?" + +"I didn't claim to be the champion horseman," said Archie, quickly. "I +am not conceited enough to believe that I can beat you riding wild +horses, but I'll tell you what I can do, Johnny. In a fair race from +here to the mountains, I can leave you a quarter of a mile behind." + +"Well, come in, and wait till I saddle my horse, and we'll see about +that," said Johnny. "Until you came here, I could beat any boy in the +settlement. I give in to Frank, but I can show that ugly old buffalo +hunter of yours a pretty pair of heels. Boys!" he added, suddenly, "my +day's fun is all knocked in the head. See there!" + +The cousins looked in the direction indicated, and saw a horseman +approaching at a rapid gallop. He was mounted on a large iron-gray, +which looked enough like Roderick to have been his brother, sat as +straight as an arrow in his saddle, and managed his fiery charger with +an ease and dexterity that showed him to be an accomplished rider. + +"That's _Colonel_ Arthur Vane--a neighbor with whom you are not yet +acquainted," said Johnny, with strong emphasis on the word colonel. "He +is from Kentucky. His father came to this country about six months +since, and bought the rancho adjoining your uncle's. Arthur remained +here long enough for Dick and me to become as well acquainted with him +as we cared to be, and then went back to Kentucky to visit his friends. +He returned a few days ago, and now we may make up our minds to have him +for a companion." + +"What sort of a fellow is he, Johnny?" asked Frank. + +"I don't admire him," replied Johnny, who, like Archie, never hesitated +to speak his mind very freely. "From what I have seen of him, I should +say that he is not a boy who is calculated to make friends. He talks and +brags too much. He tries to use big words in conversation, and +criticises every one around him most unmercifully. He is one of those +knowing fellows; but, after you have exchanged a few words with him, you +will find that he doesn't know so very much after all. He has been all +over the world, if we are to believe what he says, and has been the hero +of adventures that throw your encounter with Pierre Costello into the +shade. He carries no less than seven bullets in his body." + +"Seven bullets!" echoed Archie. "Why, I should think they would kill +him." + +"So they would, most likely, if he only had them in him," replied +Johnny. "He is a famous hunter and trapper, owns two splendid horses, a +pack of hounds, three or four fine guns, and makes himself hot and happy +in a suit of buckskin. If it were not for his smooth face and dandy +airs, one would take him for some old mountain man. He gave Dick and me +a short history of his life--which he will be sure to repeat for your +benefit--and was foolish enough to believe that we were as green as two +pumpkins because we had never been in the States, and that we would +swallow any thing. But, if we have always lived in a wilderness, we have +not neglected our books, and we are well enough posted to know that +Arthur makes great mistakes sometimes." + +"But why is your day's fun all knocked in the head?" asked Archie. + +"Because I can't enjoy myself when Arthur is around. I am always afraid +that I shall do or say something that he won't like. Every time I look +at him, I am reminded of Byron's Corsair, who, you know, was + + '--the mildest mannered man + That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat.' + +I don't mean to say that Arthur would cut any body's throat, but I do +say that if he should happen to get angry at any of us, we shall wish +him safe in Kentucky, where he belongs. I can't very well avoid +introducing him, but, after what I have said, you will understand that +I do not indorse him." + +The conversation was brought to a close by the near approach of Arthur +Vane, who presently dashed up to the porch, and dismounted. Frank and +Archie made a rapid examination of the new-comer. He was dressed in a +full suit of buckskin--hunting-shirt, leggins, and moccasins, the latter +ornamented with bright-colored beads--which set off his tall, slender, +well-knit frame to good advantage. He evidently possessed a fair share +of muscle and agility, and that, according to Archie's way of thinking, +was a great recommendation. He little dreamed that his own pluck, +strength, and endurance would one day be severely tested by that boy in +buckskin. + +Arthur's weapons were objects of no less curiosity to the cousins than +his dress. Instead of the short, light rifle in which the boys of that +country took so much delight, and which was so handy to be used on +horseback, he carried a double-barrel shot-gun as long as himself, +elaborately ornamented, and the boys judged, from the way he handled it, +that it must be very heavy. From his belt protruded the buckhorn handle +of a sheath-knife, and the bright, polished head of an Indian tomahawk. +The lasso was nowhere to be seen. + +When the boys had noted these points, they glanced at the face of the +new-comer. It was a handsome face, and might have made a favorable +impression on them, had it not been for the haughty glances which its +owner directed toward them as he rode up. + +"He looks at us as though he thought we had no business here," whispered +Archie, as Johnny went down the steps to receive the visitor. + +"A second Charley Morgan," replied his cousin. + +"If he is blessed with Morgan's amiable disposition," returned Archie, +"we'll see fun before we are done with him." + +"Frank Nelson," said Johnny, leading his visitor upon the porch, "this +is our new neighbor, Arthur Vane." + +"Colonel of the Second Kentucky Cavalry during the Florida war, and, for +a short time captain of the scouts attached to the head-quarters of the +general commanding the department of the plains," said Arthur, in +dignified tones, drawing himself up to his full height, and looking at +Frank as if to ask, What do you think of me, anyhow? + +"How do you do?" said Frank, accepting Vane's proffered hand. He did not +say that he was glad to see him, or happy to make his acquaintance, for +he wasn't. + +"Archie Winters, Colonel Vane," continued Johnny, "formerly commander of +the Second Kentucky--ahem!" + +Johnny was going on to repeat Arthur's pompous speech, when he saw +Archie biting his lip, and knew that it was time for him to stop. + +"How are you, Colonel?" said Archie, as sober as a judge. + +"I can not complain of my health," replied Arthur, still holding Frank's +hand with his right, while he extended his left to Archie, in much the +same manner that a monarch might have given his hand to a kneeling +subject. "The musket-ball that Osceola sent through my shoulder +sometimes troubles me a little; but I am so accustomed to wounds that I +scarcely mind it." + +"How do you like California," inquired Frank, thinking that he ought to +say something. + +"O, I like the country well enough; but belonging, as I do, to one of +the oldest and wealthiest families of the State of Kentucky, I can find +no congenial society among these backwoodsmen." + +Frank had no reply to make to this declaration. That one remark had +revealed as much of the character of Arthur Vane as he cared to become +acquainted with. The latter evidently looked upon himself as something +better than the common herd of mankind, and Frank wondered why he did +not stay at home, if he could find no pleasure in the society of the +boys of that country. + +"I have heard of you," continued Arthur, loftily; "and I understand that +you are looked upon as a hero in this settlement." + +"I do not claim the honor," modestly replied Frank. + +"I have always observed," the visitor went on to say, "that the ideas +which ignorant people entertain concerning heroes are ludicrous in the +extreme. Now, I have met with more adventures than generally fall to the +lot of mortals; but, being a modest young man, I have never allowed any +one to apply that name to me. I have been in battles--desperate battles. +I have seen the cheek of the bravest blanched with terror; but I never +flinched. Twice have I been a prisoner in the hands of the Indians, and +once I was bound to the stake. I have whipped a grizzly bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but my knife, and I can show seven honorable +scars, made by as many bullets, which I carry in my body to-day." + +Here Arthur stopped to take breath, and looked at his auditors as if +waiting for applause. Frank and Archie had nothing to say, but Johnny +observed: + +"You have seen some rough times for one of your age." + +"Rough!" repeated Arthur, with evident disgust. "Don't use such +words--they are so vulgar. Thrilling, or exciting, would sound much +better." + +"I stand corrected," remarked Johnny, very gravely, while Archie +coughed, and Frank turned away his head to conceal his laughter. + +"I can not begin to convey to you even a slight idea of what I have +endured," said Arthur, as if nothing had happened. "It is true that I am +young in years, but I am old in experience. I have known every variety +of danger incident to a reckless and roving life. I have skirmished with +Arabs on the burning sands of Patagonia; have hunted the ferocious polar +bear amid the icebergs of India; have followed lions and tigers through +the jungles and forests of Europe; have risked my life in four different +battles with the Algerines, and, on one occasion, was captured by those +murderous villains. If adventures make the hero, I can certainly lay +claim to that honor as well as anybody." + +As the visitor ceased speaking, he looked suspiciously at the three boys +before him, two of whom seemed to be strangely affected by the recital +of his thrilling adventures. Frank had grown very red in the face, while +Johnny was holding his handkerchief over his mouth, trying to restrain +a violent fit of coughing with which he had suddenly been seized. Archie +was the only one who could keep a straight face. He stood with his hands +behind his back, his feet spread out, his sombrero pushed as far back on +his head as he could get it, looking intently at Arthur, as if he were +very much interested in what he was saying. He came to the relief of the +others, however, by observing: + +"If I had seen all those countries you speak of, Vane, I should be proud +of it. No one delights more in truthful stories of adventure than I do, +and, if you have no objection, we will sit down here and talk, while +Johnny saddles his horse. We are going over to visit old Captain Porter. +You will go with us, of course?" + +"Certainly. I have often heard of Captain Porter, and I shall be pleased +to make his acquaintance. He and I can talk over our adventures, and you +can listen, and you will, no doubt, learn something." + +Johnny, knowing that Frank wanted some excuse to get away where he could +enjoy a hearty laugh, asked him to assist in catching his horse; and, +together, they went toward the barn, leaving Archie behind to listen to +Arthur's stories. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +AN OLD BOY. + + +By the exercise of wonderful self-control, Frank and Johnny succeeded in +restraining their risibilities until they reached the barn, and then one +leaned against the door-post, while the other seated himself upon the +floor, both holding their sides, and giving vent to peals of uproarious +laughter. + +"O dear!" exclaimed Frank, "I shall never dare look that fellow in the +face again. 'Icebergs of India!' 'Burning sands of Patagonia!' How my +jaws ache!" + +"I wonder what part of Europe he visited to find his lions and tigers?" +said Johnny. "And how do you suppose he escaped from the Indians when +they had him bound to the stake? We must ask him about that." + +"How old is he?" inquired Frank. + +"He says he is sixteen." + +"Well, he is older than that, if he risked his life in battles with the +Algerians; for, if my memory serves me, Decatur settled our accounts +with those gentlemen in the year 1815. That would make our new friend +old enough to be a grandfather. He holds his age well, doesn't he?" + +Then the two boys looked up at the rafters, and laughed louder than +ever. + +"I remember of hearing old Captain Porter say," observed Johnny, as soon +as he could speak, "that the strongest and most active man that ever +lived could not whip a grizzly in a fair fight; and that the bravest +hunter would take to his heels if he found himself in close quarters +with one of those animals, and would not think he was guilty of +cowardice, either." + +"And what I have seen with my own eyes confirms it," said Frank. "While +we were camped at the Old Bear's Hole, Dick Lewis got into a fight with +a grizzly, and, although it didn't last more than half a minute, he was +so badly cut up that his own mother wouldn't have recognized him. Dick +is a giant in strength, and as quick as a cat in his movements, and if +he can't whip a grizzly, I am sure that Arthur Vane can't." + +"Humph!" said Johnny, "he never saw a grizzly. I never did either, and +there are plenty of them in this country. Arthur had better be careful +how he talks in Captain Porter's hearing. The rough old fellow will see +through him in an instant, and he may not be as careful of his feelings +as we have been." + +Johnny, having by this time saddled his horse, he and Frank returned to +the house, where they found Archie deeply interested in one of Arthur's +stories. "That is high up, I should think," they heard the former say. + +"Yes, higher than the tops of these trees," replied Arthur. "I was +relating some of the incidents of one of my voyages at sea," he +continued, addressing himself to Frank. "I was telling Archie how I used +to stand on the very top of the mast and look out for whales." + +"Which mast?" asked Frank. + +"Why, the middle mast, of course. What's the matter with you?" he added, +turning suddenly upon Archie, who seemed to be on the point of +strangling. + +"Nothing," was the reply, "only something got stuck in my throat." + +Arthur had taken up a dangerous subject when he began to talk about +nautical matters; for they were something in which Frank and his cousin +had always been interested, and were well posted. Archie lived in a +sea-port town, and, although he had never been a sailor, he knew the +names of all the ropes, and could talk as "salt" as any old tar. He +knew, and so did Frank, that what Arthur had called the "middle mast," +was known on shipboard as the mainmast. They knew that the "very top" of +the mainmast was called the main truck; and that the look-outs were not +generally stationed so high up in the world. + +"We can talk as we ride along," said Johnny. "We have ten miles to go, +and we ought to reach the captain's by twelve o'clock. The old fellow +tells a capital story over his after-dinner pipe." + +The boys mounted their horses, and, led by Johnny, galloped off in the +direction of the old fur-trader's ranch. They rode in silence for a few +minutes, and then Archie said: + +"If you wouldn't think me too inquisitive, Arthur, I'd like to know at +what age you began your travels?" + +"At the age of eleven," was the prompt reply, "I was a midshipman in the +navy, and made my first voyage under the gallant Decatur. I spent four +years at sea with him, and during that time I had those terrible fights +with the Algerines, of which I have before spoken. In the last battle, I +was captured, and compelled to walk the plank." + +"What do you mean by that?" asked Johnny, who had never devoted any of +his time to yellow-covered literature. + +"Why, you must know that the inhabitants of Algiers, and the adjacent +countries, were, at one time, nothing but pirates. When they captured a +vessel, their first hard work, after taking care of the valuable part of +the cargo, was to dispose of their prisoners. It was too much trouble to +set them ashore, so they balanced a plank out of one of the +gangways--one end being out over the water, and the other on board the +ship. The pirates placed their feet on the end inboard, to hold it in +its place, and then ordered their prisoners, one at a time, to walk out +on the plank. Of course, they were compelled to obey; and, when they got +out to the end of the plank over the water, the pirates lifted up their +feet, and down went the prisoners; and they generally found their way to +the bottom in a hurry. I escaped by swimming. I was in the water +twenty-four hours, and was picked up by a vessel bound to New York." + +"I suppose you had a life-preserver," said Johnny. + +"No, sir. I had nothing to depend upon but my own exertions." + +"You must be some relation to a duck," said Archie, speaking before he +thought. + +"I suppose you mean to convey the idea that I am an excellent swimmer," +said Arthur, turning around in his saddle, and looking sharply at +Archie. + +"Yes; that's what I intended to say," replied Archie, demurely. + +"The vessel landed me in New York," continued Arthur, "and I went home; +and, having become tired of wandering about, and our troubles with +Algiers being settled, I led the quiet life of a student until the +Florida war broke out, and then I enlisted in the army." + +"Now, then," thought Archie, who had been paying strict attention to all +Arthur said, "I have got a basis for a calculation, and I am going to +find out how old this new friend of ours is. War was declared against +Algeria (not Algiers) in March, 1815; and on the 30th day of June, in +the same year, the Dey cried for quarter, and signed a treaty of peace. +If Arthur began his wanderings at eleven, and spent four years with +Decatur, he must have been fifteen years old when the war closed. After +that, he led the quiet life of a student until the Florida war broke +out. That commenced in 1835; so Arthur must have spent just twenty years +at school. By the way, it's a great pity that he didn't devote a portion +of his time to geography and natural history, for then he would have +known that there are no icebergs and polar bears in India, or Arabs and +burning sands in Patagonia, or wild lions and tigers in Europe. If he +spent twenty years at school, and was fifteen years old when he had +those terrible battles with the Algerians, he must have been +thirty-five years old when the Florida war broke out." + +"Did you go through the war?" Johnny asked. + +"I did." + +"How long did it last?" inquired Frank, "and what was the cause of it?" + +"It continued nearly two years, and was brought about by the hatred the +Choctaws cherished toward the white people." + +"Three mistakes there," thought Archie. "The war lasted seven years, and +cost our Government forty millions of dollars. The Choctaws had nothing +to do with it. It was the Seminoles and Creeks--principally the former. +The immediate cause of the trouble was the attempt on the part of the +Government to remove those tribes to the country west of the +Mississippi. They didn't want to go, and they were determined they +wouldn't; and, consequently, they got themselves decently whipped. If +Arthur was thirty-five years of age when he went into the war, and spent +two years in it, he was thirty-seven when he came out." + +"After the war closed," continued Arthur, "I went to Patagonia, and +there I spent five years." + +"Thirty-seven and five are forty-two," said Archie, to himself. + +"I had a great many thrilling adventures in Patagonia. The country is +one immense desert, and being directly under the equator, it is--if you +will for once allow me to use a slang expression--as hot as a +frying-pan. The Arabs are hostile, and are more troublesome than ever +the Indians were on the plains. From Patagonia I went to Europe, and +there I spent six years in hunting lions and tigers." + +"Forty-eight," thought Archie; "and Patagonia isn't under the equator, +either." + +"That must have been exciting," said Frank, while Johnny looked over his +shoulder, and grinned at Archie. + +"It was indeed exciting, and dangerous, too. It takes a man with nerves +of iron to stand perfectly still, and let a roaring lion walk up within +ten paces of him, before he puts a bullet through his head." + +"Could you do it?" + +"Could I? I have done it more than once. If one of those ferocious +animals were here now, I would give you a specimen of my shooting, which +is an accomplishment in which I can not be beaten. I expect that you +would be so badly frightened that you would desert me, and leave me to +fight him alone." + +"Wouldn't you run?" + +"Not an inch." + +"Would you fire that blunderbuss at him?" asked Johnny. + +"Blunderbuss?" repeated Arthur. + +"That shot-gun, I mean." + +"Certainly I would. You see I have the nerve to do it. From Europe I +went to India, and there I risked my life for six years more among the +polar bears." + +"Forty-eight and six are fifty-four," soliloquized Archie. + +"After that I went to the plains, where I remained three years; and when +the governor wrote to me that he was about to remove from Kentucky, I +resigned my commission as captain of scouts, and here I am. I must +confess that I am sorry enough for it; for I never saw a duller country +than California. There's no society here, no excitement--nothing to +stir up a fellow's blood." + +"Fifty-four and three are fifty-seven," said Archie. + +Arthur had evidently finished the history of his exploits, for he had +nothing more to say just then. Archie, after waiting a few minutes for +him to resume his narrative, pulled his sombrero down over his eyes, and +thrust his hands into his pockets--two movements he always executed when +he wished to concentrate his mind upon any thing--and began to ponder +upon what he had just heard. + +"Vane," said he, suddenly, an idea striking him, "who commanded your +vessel when you were captured?" + +Arthur knitted his brows, and looked down at the horn of his saddle, as +if thinking intently, and finally said: "Why, it was Mr.--, Mr.--; I +declare, I have forgotten his name." + +Archie again relapsed into silence. + +"We had two wars with those pirates," thought he. "The first was with +Tripoli; but as that happened in 1805, Arthur, of course, could not have +taken part in it, for he made his first voyage at sea in 1815. We lost +but one vessel, and that was captured in 1803--two years before war with +Tripoli was declared. It was the frigate Philadelphia, and she wasn't +whipped, either, but was run aground while pursuing a piratical vessel. +She was commanded by Captain Bainbridge, who surrendered himself and +crew. They were not compelled to 'walk the plank,' however, but were +reduced to a horrible captivity, and treated worse than dogs. The +Tripolitans never got a chance to use the Philadelphia against us, for +Decatur--who was at that time a lieutenant serving under Commodore +Preble, who commanded our navy in those waters--boarded her one night +with twenty men while she was lying in the harbor, swept the deck of +more than double that number of pirates, burned the vessel under their +very noses, and returned to his ship with only one man wounded. I never +did care much for history, but a fellow finds a great deal of +satisfaction sometimes in knowing a little about it." + +Archie had at first been highly amused by what Arthur had to say; but +now, that the novelty had somewhat worn off, he began to wonder how it +was possible for a boy to look another in the face and tell such +improbable stories. If Arthur was not ashamed of himself Archie was +heartily ashamed for him, and he was more than half inclined to put +spurs to Sleepy Sam and start for home. He was not fond of such company. + +Arthur Vane is not an imaginary character. There are a great many like +him in the world, boys, and men, too, who endeavor to make amends for +the absence of real merit by recounting just such impossible exploits. +The result, however, is always the exact reverse of what they wish it to +be. Instead of impressing their auditors with a sense of their great +importance, they only succeed in awakening in their minds feelings of +pity and contempt. + +After Arthur had finished the history of his life, he rode along +whistling snatches of the "Hunter's Chorus," happy in the belief that +his reputation was established. Well, it was established, but how? +Archie thought: "Brag is a splendid dog, but Holdfast is better. Perhaps +we may have a chance to test the courage of this mighty man of valor." + +Johnny soliloquized: "Does this fellow imagine that we are green enough +to believe that he would stand and let a lion walk up within ten paces +of him? Hump! a good-sized rabbit would scare him to death." + +Frank, who had taken but little part in the conversation, told himself +that he had never become acquainted with a boy as deserving of pity as +was Arthur Vane. He was not a desirable companion, and Frank hoped that +he would not often be thrown into his society. + +For a long time the boys rode in silence, keeping their horses in an +easy gallop, and presently they entered the woods that fringed the base +of the mountains, through which ran a bridle-path that led toward the +old fur-trader's ranch. Two young hounds belonging to Johnny led the +way, Johnny came next, and Frank and Archie brought up the rear. They +had ridden in this order for a short distance, when the singular +movements of the hounds attracted their attention, and caused them to +draw rein. The dogs stood in the path, snuffing the air, and gazing +intently at the bushes in advance of them, and then, suddenly uttering +a dismal howl, they ran back to the boys, and took refuge behind them. +At the same instant, the horse on which Johnny was mounted arose on his +hind feet, turned square around, and, in spite of all the efforts of his +rider to stop him, dashed by the others, and went down the path at the +top of his speed. + +"Good-by, fellows," shouted Johnny; "and look out for yourselves, for +there is"-- + +What else Johnny said the boys could not understand, for the clatter of +his horse's hoofs drowned his voice, and in a moment he was out of sight +among the trees. + +"There's something in those bushes," said Frank, with difficulty +restraining his own horse, which seemed determined to follow Johnny, +"and who knows but it might be a grizzly?" + +"I am quite sure it is," said Archie. "Don't you remember how badly +frightened Pete used to be when there was one of those varmints around?" + +As Archie said this, the bushes were violently agitated, and the twigs +cracked and snapped as if some heavy body was forcing its way through +them. The hounds, waiting to hear no more, turned and fled down the +path, leaving the boys to themselves. Frank turned and looked at Arthur. +Could it be possible that the pale, terror-stricken youth he saw before +him was the one who but a few moments ago had boasted so loudly of his +courage? That noise in the bushes had produced a great change in him. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +ARTHUR SHOWS HIS COURAGE + + +It must not be supposed that Frank and Archie were entirely unmoved by +what had just happened. The strange conduct of the hounds, and the +desperate flight of Johnny's horse, were enough to satisfy them that +there was some dangerous animal in the bushes in front of them, and the +uncertainty of what that animal might be, caused them no little +uneasiness. Grizzly bears were frequently met with among the mountains, +and they sometimes extended their excursions into the plains, +occasioning a general stampede among the stock of the nearest ranch. The +grizzly is as much the king of beasts in his own country as the lion in +Africa and Asia; and Frank and Archie, during their sojourn at the Old +Bear's Hole, had become well enough acquainted with his habits and +disposition to know that, if their enemy in the bushes belonged to that +species, they were in a dangerous neighborhood. The grizzly might, at +any moment, assume the offensive, and in that event, if their horses +became entangled in the bushes, or were rendered unmanageable by fright, +their destruction was certain. This knowledge caused their hearts to +beat a trifle faster than usual, and Frank's hand trembled a little as +he unbuckled the holsters in front of his saddle, and grasped one of his +revolvers. But neither he nor Archie had any intention of discontinuing +their journey, or of leaving the field without having at least one shot +at the animal, whatever it might be. + +"Now, boys," said Frank, in an excited whisper, "we have a splendid +chance to immortalize ourselves. If that is a grizzly, and we should be +fortunate enough to kill him, it would be something worth bragging +about, wouldn't it? If I only had my rifle!" + +"We must rely upon our friend, here," said Archie. "It's lucky that he +is with us, for he is an old hunter, and he won't mind riding into the +bushes, and driving him out--will you, Arthur?" + +"Eh!" exclaimed that young gentleman, who trembled so violently that he +could scarcely hold his reins. + +"I say, that, as you are the most experienced in such matters, we shall +be obliged to depend upon you to drive the bear out of the bushes into +open ground," repeated Archie, who did not appear to notice his friend's +trepidation. "We can't all go in there to attack him, for he would be +sure to catch some of us. What have you in that gun?" + +"B-u-c-k-s-h-o-t," replied Arthur, in an almost inaudible voice. "Let's +go home." + +"Go home!" exclaimed Frank; "and without even one shot at that fellow! +No, sir. You've got the only gun in the party, and, of course, you are +the one to attack him. Go right up the path, and when you see him, bang +away." + +"How big is he?" asked Arthur. + +"Why, if he is a full-grown grizzly, he is as big as a cow." + +"Will he fight much?" + +"I should say he would," answered Archie, who was somewhat surprised at +these questions. "Have you forgotten the one you killed with your +knife? He will be certain to follow you, if you don't disable him at the +first shot, but he can't catch your horse. Besides, as soon as he comes +in sight, Frank and I will give him a volley from our revolvers. You are +not afraid?" + +"Afraid!" repeated Arthur, compressing his lips, and scowling fiercely. +"O, no." + +"Well, then, make haste," said Frank, who was beginning to get +impatient. "Ride up within ten paces of him, and let him have it. That's +the way you used to serve the lions in Europe." + +"Yes, go on," urged Archie; and he gave Arthur's horse a cut with his +whip, to hurry him up. + +"O, stop that!" whined Arthur, as the horse sprang forward so suddenly +that his rider was nearly unseated. "I am going home." + +What might have happened next, it is impossible to tell, had not the +boys' attention been turned from Arthur by the yelping of a dog in the +bushes a short distance up the mountain. + +"That's Carlo," exclaimed Archie. "Now we will soon know what sort of an +enemy we have to deal with." + +The dog was evidently following the trail of the bear, for he broke out +into a continuous baying, which grew louder and fiercer as he +approached. The bear heard it, and was either making efforts to escape, +or preparing to defend himself; for he thrashed about among the bushes +in a way that quite bewildered Frank and Archie, who drew their +revolvers, and turned their horses' heads down the path, ready to fight +or run, as they might find it necessary. An instant afterward, a large, +tan-colored hound bounded across the path, and dashed into the bushes +where the game was concealed. It was not one of those which had so +disgracefully left the field a few moments before--it was Carlo, +Johnny's favorite hound--an animal whose strength had been tested in +many a desperate encounter, and which had never been found wanting in +courage. Scarcely had he disappeared when Marmion came in sight, also +following the trail. He ran with his nose close to the ground, the hair +on his back standing straight up like the quills on a porcupine, and +his whole appearance indicating great rage and excitement. + +"Hi! hi!" yelled Frank. "Take hold of him, you rascal! Now's your time, +Arthur. Ride up and give him the contents of your double-barrel; only, +be careful, and don't shoot the dogs." + +For an instant, it seemed as if Arthur's courage had returned, and that +he was about to yield to the entreaties of his companions. He +straightened up in his saddle, and, assuming what he, no doubt, imagined +to be a very determined look, was on the point of urging his horse +forward, when suddenly there arose from the woods a chorus of yells, and +snarls, and growls, that made the cold chills creep all over him, and +caused him to forget every thing in the desire to put a safe distance +between himself and the terrible animal in the bushes. Acting on the +impulse of the moment, he wheeled his horse, and, before Frank or Archie +could utter a word, he shot by them, and disappeared down the path. + +For a moment, the two boys, forgetting that a furious battle was going +on a little way from them, gazed at each other in blank amazement. The +mighty hunter, who had boasted of whipping a grizzly-bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but his knife, had fled ingloriously, without +having seen any thing to be frightened at. + +"That's one lie nailed," said Frank. + +"More than one, I should think," returned Archie, contemptuously. "I +shall have nothing more to do with that fellow. This is the end of my +acquaintance with him." + +No doubt Archie was in earnest when he said this; but, had he been able +to look into the future, he would have discovered that he was destined +to have a great deal more to do with Arthur Vane. Instead of being the +end of his acquaintance with that young gentleman, it was only the +beginning of it. + +Meanwhile, the fight in the bushes, desperate as it was, judging by the +noise it occasioned, was ended, and Arthur had scarcely disappeared when +Marmion and Carlo walked out into the path, and, after looking up at the +boys, and giving their tails a few jerks, as if to say "We've done it!" +seated themselves on their haunches, and awaited further orders. Archie +threw his reins to his cousin, and, springing out of his saddle, went +forward to survey the scene of the conflict. He was gone but a moment, +and when he came out of the bushes, he was dragging after him--not a +grizzly bear, but a large gray wolf, which had been overpowered and +killed by the dogs. One of the wolf's hind-legs was caught in a trap, to +which was fastened a short piece of chain and a clog. The animal had +doubtless been paying his respects to some sheep-fold during the night, +and had put his foot into the trap while searching for his supper. He +had retreated toward the mountains, and had dragged the trap until the +clog caught, and held him fast. That was the reason he did not run off +when the boys came up, and the commotion in the bushes had been caused +by his efforts to free himself. + +While the boys were examining their prize, Johnny, having succeeded in +stopping his frantic horse, was returning to the place from which he had +started on his involuntary ride. As he was about to enter the woods at +the base of the mountains, he saw a horse emerge from the trees, and +come toward him at a rapid gallop. His bridle was flying loose in the +wind, and Johnny at first thought he was running away; but a second +glance showed him that there was somebody on his back. + +"Stampeded," thought Johnny. "If I am laughed at, it will be some +consolation to know that I am not alone in my misery." + +The rider of the stampeded horse was bent almost double; his feet were +out of the stirrups, which were being thrown wildly about; both hands +were holding fast to the horn of the saddle; his face was deadly pale, +and, altogether, he presented the appearance of one who had been +thoroughly alarmed. Although he looked very unlike the dignified Arthur +Vane, who had ridden so gayly over that road but a few moments before, +Johnny recognized him at once; and the first thought that flashed +through his mind was that something terrible had happened to Frank and +Archie. + +"What's the matter?" asked Johnny, pulling up his horse with a jerk. + +"Grizzly bears!" shouted Arthur, in reply, without attempting to check +his headlong flight. + +"Grizzly bears!" echoed Johnny, in dismay. "And are you going off +without trying to help those boys? Stop, and go back with me." + +But Arthur was past stopping, either by ability or inclination. Digging +his spurs into the sides of his horse, which was already going at the +top of his speed, he went by Johnny like the wind, and in a moment was +so far away that it was useless to make any further attempts to stop +him. For an instant, Johnny was irresolute; then he turned in his +saddle, and shouted one word, which the wind caught up and carried to +the ears of the flying horseman, and which did much to bring about the +events we have yet to describe. + +"_Coward!_" yelled Johnny, with all the strength of his lungs. + +Having thus given utterance to his opinion of Arthur Vane, he put spurs +to his horse and galloped into the woods, hoping to reach the scene of +the conflict in time to be of service to his friends. But, as we know, +the grizzly bear had proved to be a wolf, and had already been killed by +the dogs. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +ARTHUR PLANS REVENGE. + + +Meanwhile, Arthur Vane continued his mad flight toward the settlement. +His hat was gone, his fine shot-gun had been thrown aside as a useless +incumbrance, and his tomahawk and knife had dropped out of his belt; but +he was too frightened to stop to pick them up. No pause he knew until he +reached Mr. Harris's rancho, where he reined up his panting horse, and +electrified the family by shouting through the open window: + +"Grizzly bears! Grizzly bears!" + +"Where?" breathlessly inquired Mr. Harris, running out on the porch. + +Before Arthur could reply, Johnny's mother appeared; and a single glance +at the frightened hunter and his dripping steed, was enough to awaken in +her mind the most terrible apprehensions. She knew, instinctively, that +something dreadful had happened. + +"O, my son!" she screamed, sinking down on the porch, and covering her +face with her hands. + +Mr. Harris did not stop to ask any questions then. He knew the route the +boys had taken in the morning, and his first thought was to start for +the scene of the conflict, although he had little hopes of arriving in +time to be of any assistance to the young hunters. + +"José!" he shouted to one of his Rancheros, who happened to pass by the +house at that moment, "call all the men to saddle up at once. The boys +have been attacked by a grizzly in the mountains." + +The gentleman carried his fainting wife into the house, and presently +re-appeared with a brace of revolvers strapped to his waist, and a rifle +in his hand. + +"Did you see any of the boys hurt?" + +He asked this question in a firm voice; but his pale face and quivering +lips showed that the news he had just received had not been without its +effect upon him. + +"No, sir," replied Arthur. "My horse ran away with me; but I heard the +fight, and I know that the dogs were all cut to pieces. The bear was an +awful monster--as large as an ox; and such teeth and claws as he had! I +never saw the like in all my hunting." + +In a few moments, half a dozen herdsmen, all well armed, galloped up, +one of them leading his employer's horse. + +"Vane," said Mr. Harris, as he sprang into his saddle, "you will stop on +your way home, and tell Mr. Winters, will you not?" + +Arthur replied by putting spurs to his horse, and in a few moments he +was standing in Mr. Winters's court, spreading consternation among the +people of the rancho. Dick and Bob were there; but, unlike the rest of +the herdsmen, they seemed to be but little affected by Arthur's story. + +"You'll never see those boys again," said the latter, winding up his +narrative with a description of the bear by which they had been +attacked. + +"Now, don't you be anyways oneasy," replied Dick, hurrying off to saddle +his horse. "If it war a grizzly, he's dead enough by this time, for I +knowed them youngsters long afore you sot eyes on to 'em, an' I know +what they can do. Didn't I tell you, 'Squire," he added, turning to Mr. +Winters, who was pacing anxiously up and down the porch, "that Frank +would come out all right when he war stampeded with them buffaler? Wal, +I tell you the same now." + +Arthur remained at the rancho until Uncle James and his herdsmen set out +for the mountains, and then turned his face homeward. + +It is a rule that seldom fails, that when one meets a braggadocio, he +can put him down as a coward. We have seen that it held good in Arthur's +case; for, although he had not caught the smallest glimpse of the animal +in the bushes, he was so terrified that he had run his horse eight +miles; and, while he was plunging his spurs into the gray's sides at +almost every jump, he imagined that the animal was running away with +him. He was so badly frightened that he did not pause to consider that +he might have occasioned a great deal of unnecessary anxiety and alarm +by the stories he had circulated. He really believed that every word he +had uttered was the truth; and he reached this conclusion by a process +of reasoning perfectly satisfactory to himself. He had heard the growls +and snarls uttered by the animal in the bushes, when attacked by the +dogs, and they were so appalling, that he felt safe in believing that +they came from some terrible monster. The conduct of the hounds, and of +Johnny's horse, confirmed this opinion. Besides, Frank and Archie had +pronounced the animal a grizzly, and Arthur was quite sure it was; for +nothing else, except a lion or tiger, could have uttered such growls. He +had heard that grizzlies were very tenacious of life, and hard to whip, +and, consequently, it followed, as a thing of course, that Frank and +Archie, and the dogs, were utterly annihilated. + +"I'm safe, thank goodness!" said Arthur, to himself. "If those fellows +were foolish enough to stay there and be clawed to pieces, that's their +lookout and not mine. Johnny Harris insulted me by calling me a coward. +He may escape from the bear, and if he does, I shall think up a plan to +punish him." + +When Arthur reached home, he repeated his story as he had told it to Mr. +Harris and Uncle James, and he straightway found himself a hero. He had +seen a grizzly bear with terrible claws, and a frightful array of teeth; +his horse had run away with him, and carried him eight miles before he +could stop him, and he had come home with a whole skin. It was +wonderful. + +Arthur threw on airs accordingly. He strutted about among the herdsmen, +and entertained his servant, a Mexican boy about his own age, named +Pedro, with a description of the fight, in which he had seen four fierce +dogs completely demolished. + +Pedro complimented him highly, and the Rancheros called him a brave +lad--although Arthur himself failed to see what he had done that was +deserving of praise. He went to bed in excellent spirits, and was +awakened in the morning, about daylight, by Pedro, who came into his +room, carrying in his hand a double-barreled shot-gun, a tomahawk, and +sheath-knife, and, under his arm, he held a hat, and a bundle wrapped up +in a newspaper. Pedro held his sombrero over his face, so that nothing +could be seen but his eyes, which were brimful of laughter. + +"Now, then," exclaimed Arthur, raising himself on his elbow, and looking +fiercely at the boy, "what do you want in here at this barbarous hour, +and what are you grinning at?" + +"Why, sir--the bear, you know; it wasn't a bear after all," stammered +Pedro, in reply. + +"It wasn't! I say it was. Didn't I see him with my own eyes, and hear +him growl with my own ears? Take that hat down from your face, and stop +your laughing." + +Pedro obeyed. He placed the bundle on a chair beside the bed, leaned the +gun up in one corner, deposited the other articles upon the table, and +then pulled out of his pocket a note which he handed to Arthur. + +"Now take yourself off," commanded that young gentleman. + +Pedro vanished, and Arthur heard him laughing to himself as he passed +through the hall. + +"What does the rascal mean, I wonder; and who can be writing to me so +early in the morning?" + +Arthur looked at the bundle, which lay on the chair beside him, felt of +it with his fingers, and then turned his attention to the note, which +ran as follows: + + "Frank, Archie, and Johnny present their compliments to Colonel + Vane, and beg leave to inform him that, after a struggle + unequaled in the annals of hunting, they succeeded in dispatching + the monster by which they were attacked yesterday. They are, + also, happy to announce that the dogs, which were so badly cut up + during the fight, have so far recovered as to be out, and to take + their regular rations. They request the Colonel to accept the + accompanying articles, including the skin of the grizzly bear, + and to preserve them as mementoes of the most exciting event of + his life. They sincerely hope that the Colonel sustained no + injury during his ride on his runaway horse." + +Arthur read this letter over twice, and, although he made no comments +upon it, it was easy enough to see that he was highly enraged. He sat up +in the bed, and, with trembling hands, tore off the covering of the +bundle, and discovered the skin of the gray wolf. + +"By gracious!" exclaimed Arthur, jumping out on the floor. "Was a +gentleman ever before so insulted? That little Yankee, Archie Winters, +is at the bottom of all this, and if he don't suffer for it, I'll know +the reason why." + +He tore the note into fragments, pitched the bundle out of the window, +and walked angrily about the room, shaking his fists in the air, and +threatening all sorts of vengeance against Archie and his two friends. +If he had been in his sober senses, he would have felt heartily ashamed +of himself; but the note had opened his eyes to the fact that he had +sadly injured his reputation, and he was angry at his companions because +he had done so--although how they could be blamed for that, it would +have puzzled a sensible boy to determine. But, after all, his case was +not an isolated one. It is by no means uncommon for boys, when they get +angry, to revenge themselves upon some innocent thing. We remember that, +on a certain rainy day, several boys were congregated in a barn, amusing +themselves by turning hand-springs. One clumsy fellow, whose feet were +so heavy that he could not get them over his head, became greatly +enraged at his failures, and finally tried to soothe his wounded pride +by whipping one of his companions. + +Arthur was actuated by the same spirit. He walked up and down his room +for a long time, trying to make up his mind what he should do, and, when +he was called to breakfast, he had decided upon a plan of operations, +which promised to make Archie and his friends a great deal of trouble. + +"I'll be revenged upon the whole lot of them at once," said Arthur, to +himself. "Upon Johnny Harris, for calling me a coward; upon Archie +Winters, for writing me that note--for I know he did it, although +Johnny's name does come last--and upon Frank Nelson, for being a friend +to those fellows, and for being so stuck up. He scarcely spoke to me +yesterday, and I won't stand such treatment from any boy. I'll teach +these backwoodsmen to insult a gentleman!" + +"Well, Arthur," said Mr. Vane, as the boy seated himself at the table, +"you must have looked through a very badly-frightened pair of eyes, to +make a grizzly bear out of a wolf." + +"Who told you it was a wolf?" asked Arthur, gruffly. + +"One of Mr. Winters's herdsmen--Dick Lewis, I believe, they call him. He +came over this morning to bring your weapons and hat." + +Dick despised a coward quite as much as he admired a boy of spirit and +courage, and it is certain that the story, as he had heard it from Frank +and Archie, lost nothing in passing through his hands. He first told it +to Mr. Vane, as he handed him the articles he had brought, and then +repeated it to one of the Rancheros; and, by the time Arthur had +finished his breakfast, the occurrences of the previous day were known +to every one on the rancho. Pedro laughed when he brought out Arthur's +horse, and the herdsmen, as he rode through their quarters, exchanged +winks with one another, and made a great many remarks about grizzly +bears, especially concerning the one Arthur had seen the day before. +There was one man, however, who took no part in the joking and laughing, +and that was Joaquin, who was just mounting his horse to drive up some +stock. + +"Don't mind them," said he, as Arthur rode beside him. "They are a set +of blackguards, and don't know how to treat a gentleman." + +"Now, that's like a true friend," replied Arthur. "You're the only one I +have on the ranch." + +Joaquin was a villainous-looking Mexican, and since he had been in Mr. +Vane's employ, he had had little to do with the other herdsmen. He +seemed to prefer to be alone, unless he could have Arthur for company. +He always took a great deal of interest in the boy's affairs, and it was +from his lips that Arthur had heard the story of Frank's adventures with +Pierre Costello. Joaquin had gained Arthur's good will by confiding to +him a great many secrets, and one day he went so far as to confess that +Pierre was his particular friend, and that, if he felt so disposed, he +could point out the cave in the mountains where the robber was +concealed, and tell who it was that supplied him with food, and kept him +posted in all that happened in the settlement. Joaquin might have added, +further, that he himself had held several long interviews with Pierre of +late, and had talked over with him certain plans, in which Arthur Vane +and his three companions of the previous day bore prominent parts. But +this was one secret that the Ranchero kept to himself. + +"If you know where the robber is hidden, why don't you tell Mr. Winters, +and claim the reward?" Arthur had one day asked Joaquin. + +"What! betray my best friend!" exclaimed that worthy, in great +astonishment. "I am not base enough to abuse any man's confidence. Do +you suppose that if you were in Pierre's place, and I knew where you +were concealed, that I could be hired to play false to you? No, sir!" + +Arthur remembered this remark, and on this particular morning, as he +rode out with the Ranchero, he called the latter's attention to it, and +asked if he could trust him. The reply was a strong affirmative, which +satisfied Arthur that he might speak freely, and the result was, the +revelation of his plan for taking revenge on Frank, Johnny, and Archie. +Joaquin listened attentively, and Arthur was delighted at the readiness, +and even eagerness, with which the herdsman fell in with his ideas, and +promised his assistance. He had one amendment to propose, that did not +exactly suit Arthur; but, after a little argument, he agreed to it. They +talked the matter over for half an hour, and then Arthur started for +home, and the Ranchero galloped off to attend to his stock. + +That night, after all his companions were asleep, Joaquin crept quietly +out of his quarters, and, after saddling his horse, rode toward the +mountains. He was gone nearly all night, but returned in time to get to +bed before the herdsmen awoke; and, when he arose with the others, none +of them knew that he had been away from the rancho. Arthur Vane must +have known something about it, however, for the next morning, as soon as +he had eaten his breakfast, he mounted his horse, and overtook Joaquin, +just as he was leaving his quarters. + +"Well!" said Arthur. + +The Ranchero looked suspiciously about him, and, finding that there was +no one within sight or hearing, he detached his knife and sheath from +his belt, produced a folded paper from the crown of his sombrero, and +handed them both to Arthur, saying, in a suppressed whisper: + +"It's all right." + +"Did you see him?" asked Arthur, eagerly. + +"I did, and he says your plan is an excellent one, and he will help you +to carry it out. The black line on that paper points out the road you +are to follow; the light lines, that branch off from it, are old +bridle-paths. Look at the paper often, and you can't get lost. He has +never seen you, you know, and, when you find him, you must show him my +knife to prove that you are a friend. Bear one thing in mind, now, and +that is, you are playing a dangerous game, and if you are found out, the +country around here will be too hot to hold you. Remember that I am your +only friend in this matter, and say nothing to nobody except me." + +With this piece of advice, the Ranchero galloped off, and Arthur, after +placing the knife in his belt, and putting the paper carefully away in +his pocket, rode toward the mountains. + +During the next few hours, Arthur consulted his paper frequently, and, +about noon, he was standing at the base of a precipitous cliff, twenty +miles from home, examining the natural features of the place, and +comparing them with his diagram. He saw no one; but half way up the +cliff was a huge bowlder, over which peered a pair of eyes that were +closely watching every move he made; and, when Arthur whistled twice, +the eyes disappeared, and a man stepped from behind the rock, and said, +in a gruff voice: + +"Who are you, and what do you want here?" + +"Are you Pierre Costello?" asked Arthur. + +"Well, now, that's no concern of yours," replied the man. "Who are you?" +As he spoke, he drew a revolver from his sash, and rested it on the rock +beside him, the muzzle pointing straight at the boy's head. + +"Don't!" cried Arthur, turning pale, and stepping back. "I am Arthur +Vane, and I have come here to have a talk with you. Here is Joaquin's +knife, which will prove that I am all right." + +The man returned his revolver to his belt, and came down the cliff; and, +presently, Arthur found himself standing face to face with a live +robber. + +"I am Pierre Costello," said the latter; "and I was waiting for you." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +OFF FOR THE MOUNTAINS. + + +Arthur looked at the robber with curiosity. Yellow-covered novels had +always been his favorite reading, and highwaymen, brigands, and pirates +were, in his estimation, the only heroes worthy of emulation. Pierre, +but for one thing, would have come up to his beau ideal of a robber. He +was loaded with weapons, and he was tall and broad-shouldered, sported a +ferocious mustache, and his hair fell down upon his shoulders. He was +dressed in the gayest Mexican style, but his clothing had seen long +service, and was not quite as neat as Arthur would have liked to have +seen it. It was plain that Pierre did not waste much time upon his +toilet; but, after all, he was a very good-looking villain. + +The robber was quite as much interested in his visitor as the latter was +in him. He had often heard of Arthur through Joaquin; and, if the boy +had known all Pierre's intentions concerning him, he might not have felt +quite so much at his ease. + +"I can't spare much time," said the robber, breaking the silence at +last. + +"Nor I either," returned Arthur; "so I will begin my business at once, +and get through as soon as I can. I have heard the particulars of your +fights with Frank Nelson, and I propose to put you in the way of making +five times the amount of money you would have made if you had captured +him when you met him in the mountains. I want to be revenged upon Frank +and his crowd, for they have grossly insulted me." + +"Of course they have," said Pierre. "I know all about it." + +"I can't punish them by myself," continued Arthur, "for they are three +to my one. I am not afraid of Johnny Harris, or Archie Winters; but +there's that other Yankee, Frank Nelson. He is as strong as a lion, and +if he once gets his blood up, he don't care for any thing. I am afraid +of him." + +"I don't wonder at it. I have had some experience with him, and, if he +had a few more years on his shoulders, I should be afraid of him +myself." + +"I can't punish them unless I have help," repeated Arthur; "and, if you +will lend me your assistance, you can make sixty thousand dollars by it. +I heard those fellows say, yesterday, that they are going on a hunting +expedition, next week. I will make friends with them again, and find out +when they intend to start, and I propose that you capture them, and take +them to some safe place in the mountains, and demand twenty thousand +dollars apiece for them. You can demand more, if you choose, and get it, +too; for Mr. Harris is rich, and so is Mr. Winters. You must have some +men to assist you, however." + +"I understand that," said Pierre. "I'll find the men." + +"Will you do it?" + +"Certainly, I will." + +"Give me your hand, Pierre; I knew you would help me. But let me tell +you one thing, and that is, when you capture them you must look out for +yourself. They will have plenty of weapons, and, from what I have seen +of them, I don't think they would hesitate to use them if they got a +chance. There's one thing about this business I don't exactly admire. Of +course, I shall start with their expedition--I want to have the +satisfaction of seeing them captured--and my idea was, that, when you +made the attack on them, you should give me a chance to escape; but +Joaquin says, that won't do at all." + +"Certainly not;" said Pierre, quickly. "I shall have five men with me, +and if we should let you get away, the boys would be suspicious of you +at once." + +"That's just what Joaquin said; and since I have thought the matter +over, I have come to the conclusion that he was right. I don't want them +to know that I had a hand in this matter, for they might make me some +trouble." + +"Very likely they would. You must allow yourself to be captured with the +others." + +"Well, I sha'n't mind that, for, I believe, I can enjoy myself among the +mountains for a month or two. But, Pierre, when you get them you must +hold fast to them." + +"I am not the man to let sixty thousand dollars slip through my +fingers," said the Ranchero, with a laugh. + +"And there are three other things I want you to remember," continued +Arthur, earnestly. "The first is, you must not demand any ransom for +me." + +"Oh no; of course not." + +"The second is, I shall expect to be treated at all times like a +visitor. I am a gentleman, and a gentleman's son." + +"I am well aware of that fact. I knew it the moment I put my eyes on +you." + +"The third thing I want you to bear in mind, is, that I shall not be +captured without a struggle; and that every chance I get I shall try to +escape. I am going to show those fellows that I have some spunk. I want +you to act natural, and to prevent me from getting away from you; but +you must not abuse me. You can treat the others as roughly as you +please. Do you agree to all this?" + +"I do, and there's my hand on it," said Pierre. "I fully understand +your plans now, and know just what you want me to do; and, what's more, +I'll do it. If you have got through with what you have to say, you had +better be off. I have a good many enemies, and I am in danger as long as +you are here. Watch those boys closely, and keep Joaquin posted. I can +find out every thing I want to know from him." + +"My plans are working nicely," chuckled Arthur, as he rode homeward. +"I'll teach these backwoodsmen manners, before I am done with them." + +"Eighty thousand dollars!" said Pierre, gazing after the retreating +horseman. "That's a nice little sum to be divided among six of us." + +This remark will show whether or not the robber intended to abide by the +promises he had just made to Arthur Vane; and, while we are on this +subject, it may not be amiss to say, that the scheme Arthur had +proposed, was one on which the robber had been meditating for many days. +During the time he had lived in the mountains, he had kept his brain +busy, and had been allowed ample opportunity to decide upon his future +operations. He had been astonished and enraged at his failure to secure +the twelve thousand dollars, and to make Frank Nelson a prisoner, and he +had resolved to make amends for his defeat by capturing Frank and all +his companions, including Arthur Vane. Pierre had plenty of friends to +assist him, but there was one question that troubled him, and presented +an obstacle that he could see no way to overcome; and that was, how to +capture all the boys at once. That must be done, or his plan would fail. +He could get his hands upon Arthur Vane at any time; but the others were +like birds on the wing--here to-day, and miles away to-morrow--and +Pierre did not know where to find them. Now, however, the difficulty was +removed. Frank and his friends were going on a hunting expedition, +Arthur would ascertain when they were going to start, and what road they +intended to take, and when the day arrived, the robber could call in his +men, who were employed on the neighboring ranchos, and capture the boys +without the least trouble. Pierre was very glad that Arthur had got +angry at Frank. + +Meanwhile Frank, Archie, and Johnny, all unconscious of the plans that +were being formed against them, enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and +wasted a good deal of time every day in laughing over the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to Captain Porter's ranch. Archie, +especially, had a great deal to say about it. He had an accomplishment, +of which we have never before had occasion to speak: he was a +first-class mimic; and he took no little pride in showing off his +powers. He could imitate the brogue of an Irishman the broken English of +a Dutchman, or the nasal twang of a Yankee, to perfection; and one day, +while he was in the barn saddling his horse, he carried on a lengthy +conversation with Bob Kelly (who was on the outside of the building), +about some runaway cattle, and the old trapper thought all the while +that he was talking to his chum, Dick Lewis. Now Archie had a new +subject to practice upon. He laid himself out to personate Arthur Vane; +and he not only successfully imitated that young gentleman's pompous +style of talking, and his dignified manner of riding and walking, but +even the tone of his voice. He criticised Frank and Johnny continually, +and made them laugh, till their jaws ached, by recounting imaginary +adventures on the burning sands of Patagonia, and among the icebergs and +polar bears of India. + +The day following the one on which Arthur Vane visited the robber in the +mountains, found the three boys on the back porch of Mr. Winters's +rancho, making preparations for their hunting expedition. Frank was +cleaning his rifle, and Archie and Johnny were repairing an old +pack-saddle, in which they intended to carry their provisions and extra +ammunition. Archie was seated on the floor, with an awl in one hand, and +a piece of stout twine in the other; and, while he was working at the +pack-saddle, his tongue was moving rapidly. + +"I am young in years, fellows," he was saying, "but I am aged in +experience. If I had my rights, I should long ago have been gray-headed. +I have seen thrilling times in my life, and have been the hero of +adventures, that, were I to relate them to you, would make each +particular hair of your heads stand on end, like the quills of a +punched hedge-hog. I am--if you will kindly permit me to use a slang +expression--an old hand at the business of hunting and trapping, and +have accomplishments in which I can not be beaten. Among them, stands my +ability to whip a grizzly bear in a fair fight, with no weapon but my +knife. I have hunted wild gorillas in the streets of New York City; +have"-- + +"Good morning, fellows!" + +Archie brought the story of his adventures to a sudden close, and, +looking over his shoulder, saw Arthur Vane standing at the end of the +porch. The boys had never expected him to call upon them again, and +Archie and Johnny were too surprised to speak; but Frank, who always +kept his wits about him, returned Arthur's greeting, and invited him to +occupy the chair he pushed toward him. He was not at all pleased to see +the visitor, but he was too much of a gentleman to show it. + +One would suppose, that the remembrance of what had happened, three days +before, would have caused Arthur some embarrassment; but such was not +the case. On the contrary, he was as dignified as ever, and seemed to be +perfectly at his ease. Frank and his friends were considerate enough to +refrain from making any allusions to the fright he had sustained, but +Arthur brought the subject up himself. + +"I received your note," said he, "and also the articles you were kind +enough to send me; and I am here now to say, that I feel heartily +ashamed of myself. From some cause or another, that I could not explain +if I should try, I was extremely nervous that day; but I may, some time, +have an opportunity to show you that I am not as much of a coward as I +know you now believe me to be." + +Arthur remained at the rancho all that day, sitting down at the same, +table, and eating his dinner with the boys he was about to betray into +the hands of the robbers; and, when he went home that night, he had +asked, and received, permission to accompany them to the mountains. +Their consent had been given reluctantly, and with very bad grace; but +they could see no way to get around it. Arthur was a boy with whom they +did not care to associate; but he had done them no injury, and they +could not bring themselves to refuse his request. + +"They will start early Monday morning," soliloquized Arthur, as he rode +homeward, "and will take the road that leads to Captain Porter's. This +is Friday. I shall send word by Joaquin to Pierre to-night, and he will +have plenty of time to make all his arrangements." + +Arthur spent the next day with the boys at Mr. Winters's rancho, and, +when he rode over on Monday morning, he brought with him a supply of +provisions, which were stowed away in the pack-saddle with the rest. +Frank and his friends had been waiting for him, and now that they were +all ready, they mounted their horses and rode off--Archie leading an +extra horse, which carried the pack-saddle. As they galloped through the +Rancheros' quarters, Dick appeared at the door of his cabin, and shouted +after them words, which, taken in connection with the events that were +about to transpire, seemed like prophecy. + +"You'll be wishin' fur me an' Bob, to get you out of the hands of that +ar' greaser, afore you're two days older," yelled Dick. + +"You don't suppose that we four fellows will let one man capture us, do +you?" shouted Archie, in reply. "If we do get into trouble, and you find +it out, you'll come to our rescue, won't you?" + +"Sartin. Now, don't be keerless, like you allers are." + +The boys kept their horses in a rapid gallop until they reached the +bridle-path in the mountains, and then Archie went ahead with the +pack-horse, and the others followed in single file. They rode along +singing and shouting, and little dreaming of the danger that was so +near, until they arrived in sight of the spring, near which Frank had +his last encounter with the robber. He soon found that he was to have +another adventure there; for, as he and his companions rode toward the +spring, they were startled by a shrill whistle, which echoed among the +mountains, and was answered on all sides of them; and, before they had +recovered from their surprise, Pierre Costello appeared in the path, as +suddenly as though he had dropped from the clouds, and came toward them, +holding a pistol in each hand. + +"Halt!" shouted the robber. + +The boys looked about them, as if seeking some avenue of escape, and +then they saw that Pierre was not alone. Every thicket, toward which +they turned their eyes, bristled with weapons, and a dozen revolvers +were leveled straight at their heads. It was useless to think of flight. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +PIERRE AND HIS BAND. + + +"Halt, I say!" repeated Pierre, riding up beside Frank, and seizing his +horse by the bridle. "Disarm them, men, and shoot down the first one +that resists," he added, as the band closed up around the boys. + +Frank, seeing, at a glance, that it was useless to think of escape, sat +quietly in his saddle, and allowed Pierre to take possession of his +rifle, pistols, and lasso. + +Johnny and Archie also surrendered at discretion; but Arthur, believing +that the time had come to retrieve the reputation he had lost so +ingloriously a few days before, determined that he would not surrender +without a fight. It was a part of his contract with the robber chief, +that he should be allowed to resist as desperately as he pleased, and he +took advantage of it. He gazed at the Rancheros for a moment with +well-assumed astonishment, and then, appearing to comprehend the +situation, he shouted: + +"Stick together, fellows, and fight for your liberties! Don't give up, +like a pack of cowards! Knock 'em down! Shoot 'em! Take your hand off +that bridle, you villain!" + +As Arthur spoke, he dashed his spurs into the flanks of his horse, which +bounded forward so suddenly, that he jerked the bridle from the grasp of +the Ranchero who was holding him. + +"Hurrah! I'm free, boys!" he shouted, clubbing his gun, and swinging it +around his head. "Follow me, and I'll show you how we used to clean out +the Indians." + +Arthur's triumph was of short duration. The Ranchero, from whom he had +escaped, was at his side in an instant, and, again seizing his bridle +with one hand, he leveled a pistol full at his prisoner's head with the +other, while Pierre caught his gun from behind, and wrested it from his +grasp. At the same moment, a lasso, thrown by the Ranchero who had taken +charge of Archie, settled down over his shoulders, and was drawn tight. + +Pierre and his band were obeying their instructions to the very letter, +indeed, they were altogether too zealous in their efforts to appear +"natural," and Arthur began to be suspicious that they were in sober +earnest with him, as well as with the others. He looked up into Pierre's +face, in the hope of receiving from him some friendly token--a sly wink +or a nod, which would satisfy him that he was "all right," and in no +danger of receiving bodily injury; but he saw nothing of the kind. The +chieftain's face wore a terrible scowl, and he even lifted Arthur's gun +above his head, as if he had half a mind to knock him out of his saddle. + +"Quarter! quarter!" gasped Arthur, striving, with nervous fingers, to +pull the lasso from his neck, and beginning to be thoroughly alarmed. "I +surrender." + +"Well, let that be your last attempt at escape," said Pierre, in a very +savage tone of voice, "or you will find, to your cost, that we are not +to be trifled with." + +In the meantime, the other Rancheros, while holding fast to their +prisoners, had relieved them of their weapons; and, as soon as Pierre +had seen Arthur conquered, he seized the bridle of the pack-horse, +while each of the other members of the band took charge of one of the +boys, and the cavalcade started down the ravine at a rapid gallop. + +All this happened in much less time than we have taken to describe it. +Before the young hunters had fairly recovered from the astonishment +caused by the sudden appearance of Pierre and his band, they had been +disarmed, and were being led captive into the mountains. + +Frank and his two friends were more bewildered than alarmed. The whole +thing was so unexpected, and had been accomplished so quickly and +quietly! Remembering the particulars of Frank's previous encounter with +Pierre Costello, they did not stand in fear of bodily harm. Although +they had not the slightest suspicion that their capture was the result +of treachery on the part of Arthur Vane, they well understood the +motives of the robbers, and knew, as well as if Pierre had explained the +matter to them, that they were to be used as a means to extort money +from their relatives, and that they had nothing to fear, so long as +they submitted quietly to their enemies. But this was something that one +of the three boys, at least, had no intention of doing. Frank's brain +was already busy with plans for escape. He had twice beaten Pierre at +his own game, and, if the robber did not keep his wits about him, he +would do it again. As for Arthur, although his plans were, thus far, as +successful as he could have desired, he was very much disappointed. The +three boys, who had dared to hold him up to the people of the settlement +in his true character, were prisoners, and he had Pierre's assurance +that they would remain such until the demands he intended to make upon +their relatives should be complied with. But, after all, Arthur did not +experience the satisfaction he had hoped he would, for the robbers had +treated him very roughly. The chief had raised his own gun over his +head; another had choked him with his lasso, and a third had pointed a +loaded pistol at him. That was a nice way to treat a visitor! Arthur +began to wish that he had never had any thing to do with Pierre and his +band. + +The chief, who rode in advance with the pack-horse, led the way at a +break-neck pace, and the boys, being one behind the other, each in +company with the Ranchero who had him in charge, were allowed no +opportunity to converse with one another, even had they desired it. +Frank, for want of something better to do, began to make an examination +of the members of the band. Like their leader, they were full-blooded +Mexicans, with enormous mustaches, and long, tangled hair, which looked +as though it had never seen a comb. They were dressed in gay-colored +clothes--blue jackets, buckskin pants, very wide at the knee, and +covered with buttons, ribbons, and gold lace. They wore long sashes +around their waists, which were thrust full of bowie-knives and +revolvers. They carried short, heavy rifles, slung over their shoulders +by leather bands, and behind their saddles were their ponchos, which did +duty both as overcoats and beds. Taken altogether, they were a +hard-looking set, and seemed capable of any atrocity. The man who had +charge of Frank was particularly noticeable in this respect, and our +hero thought that all he needed were the leggins, and high-pointed hat, +to make him a first-class brigand. This man kept a sharp eye upon his +prisoner, and scowled at him, as if he regarded him as his most +implacable foe. + +"You needn't look so mad," said Frank, at length. "I don't remember that +I ever did you any harm, and I certainly am not foolish enough to try to +escape, as long as you keep hold of my bridle." + +"You had better not," said the Ranchero, smiling grimly, and shaking his +head in a very threatening manner. + +"I don't know that you can frighten me," returned Frank, coolly. "I wish +I was a man for about five minutes." + +"What would you do?" asked the Ranchero, who seemed to be pleased, as +well as astonished, at the boy's courage and independence. + +"I'd make your head and your heels change places in a great hurry. In +other words, I'd knock you out of your saddle. Then I'd say: 'Good-by, +Mr.--Mr.'--what's your name?" + +"Mercedes--Antoine Mercedes." + +"Well, Mr. Mercedes, I'll never forget that benevolent-looking face of +yours. As I was saying, I would bid you good-by, and leave. I'd pass +those fellows," he added, jerking his thumb over his shoulder toward the +robbers in the rear, "before they could say 'General Jackson' with their +mouth's open. You haven't got a horse, in this party, that can catch +Roderick." + +The Ranchero smiled again, and tapped the butt of one of his revolvers +with his finger. + +"Oh, you wouldn't have a chance to fire a pistol at me," said Frank, +quickly. "By the time you could get on your feet again, after I had +knocked you down, I would be a mile from here. Did Pierre ever tell you +how nicely I fooled him?" he continued, noticing that the chief was +turned half around in his saddle, listening to what he had to say. "Well +I am not surprised that he never mentioned it, for he ought to feel +ashamed of himself." + +"Ay; but I have got you fast this time," said Pierre, with a laugh. "Let +us see how nicely you will fool me now. One at a time here, men," he +added, in a louder tone, "and keep close watch of those prisoners." + +As Pierre spoke, the cavalcade emerged from the woods, and Frank found +himself on the brink of a rocky chasm, which stretched away to the +right as far as his eye could reach, and seemed to extend down into the +very bowels of the earth. It was so deep that his head grew dizzy, as he +looked into it. On his left, and directly in front of him, was a +precipitous mountain, the top of which hung threateningly over the gorge +below. It seemed to Frank that they could go no farther in this +direction, until Pierre urged his horse upon a narrow ledge that ran +around the base of the cliff. Antoine followed after the pack-horse, and +Frank came next. Roderick pricked up his ears, looked over into the +gorge, and snorted loudly. He moved very slowly and carefully, and well +he might: for a single misstep on his part would have sent both him and +his rider to destruction. The path was so narrow that, although Roderick +walked on the extreme outer edge, Frank's feet now and then brushed +against the rock on the opposite side. Our hero felt his sombrero rise +on his head, whenever he looked into the chasm, or allowed himself to +reflect how slight an accident might launch him into eternity. But there +was no backing out. Once on that ledge, a person must go forward; for +there was no room to turn around. + +After Frank came another of the band, and Johnny followed at his heels. +Archie and his keeper came next, and Arthur and _his_ keeper brought up +the rear. They all rode fearlessly upon the ledge, until it came +Arthur's turn, and then was heard a cry of remonstrance. The young +gentleman, who had been brave enough to fill the perilous office of +scout among the Indians of the plains, did not possess the courage +necessary to carry him through this ordeal. He turned as pale as death, +and stopped his horse. + +"Go on," sternly commanded his keeper. + +"Oh, it's dangerous," returned Arthur, in pitiful tones. "What if my +horse should slip off? That gully must be a thousand feet deep!" + +"More than that," said Archie, who, although very far from being pleased +at his own situation, could not resist the inclination to torment +Arthur. "It reaches clear through to India, where you used to hunt polar +bears." + +"That's so," said Johnny; "for just now, as I looked over into the +gorge, I saw a lot of half naked Hindoos tumbling about among the +icebergs." + +"And I heard them yelling," chimed in Frank; "and saw one of those big +white bears after them." + +"Go on!" repeated the Ranchero, impatiently. + +"O, now, see here!" exclaimed Arthur, in a trembling voice, trying to +turn his horse's head away from the pass, "I believe, I'll"-- + +He was about to say, that he believed he would not go any further, but +that he would return home and leave Pierre and his band to take care of +his three enemies; but his keeper did not give him time to finish the +sentence. Seeing that Arthur had no intention of following the rest of +the party, the robber took his lasso from the pommel of his saddle, and +with it struck his prisoner's horse a blow that caused the fiery animal +to give one tremendous spring, which brought him to the very brink of +the precipice. In his efforts to stop himself, a portion of the earth +was detached by his hoofs and fell with a loud noise into the abyss, +bounding down its rocky sides, and crashing through bushes and branches +of trees in its rapid descent to the bottom. The horse, frightened by +the sound, and smarting under the blow of the lasso, reared so straight +upon his hind legs that he seemed in imminent danger of toppling over +into the chasm; and then, for the first time in his life, Arthur found +himself in real peril. He screamed loudly, clung to the horn of his +saddle with a death grip, and closed his eyes, expecting every instant +to find himself whirling through the air toward the bottom of the gorge. +But help was near: the strong hand of his keeper grasped the bridle, and +brought the horse back upon firm ground. + +"Now, then, go on!" commanded the Ranchero, without giving his prisoner +time to recover from his fright. + +Arthur was powerless to obey, for so great was his terror that he could +not move a muscle; but his horse, being left to himself, stepped boldly +upon the ledge, and followed after the rest of the party, who had, by +this time, disappeared around the base of the mountain. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS. + + +Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long. +About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the +mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass +and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a +huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above. +Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a +message to Mr. Winters. The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping +the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the +trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a +fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near +the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close +watch over the prisoners. Frank and his two friends were reposing on +their blankets near the spring, and when Arthur rode up, they greeted +him with a broad grin. + +"Well, Colonel," said Frank, "you come near going back to India by a +short route, didn't you?" + +"Did you ever travel on horseback in such frightful places as this, +during your wanderings in Europe?" asked Johnny. + +Arthur had, by this time, somewhat recovered from his fright, though his +face was still very pale, and he drew a long breath every now and then, +when he thought of the dangers he had passed through. + +"No," he replied, to Johnny's question. "I never traveled much among the +mountains. It always makes my head dizzy, to look down from a height." + +"How, then, did you stand it," said Archie, with a sly wink at his +companions, "when you were perched upon the 'very top of the middle +mast' of your ship, looking out for whales?" + +"Eh?" exclaimed Arthur. "Why--I--you know"-- + +Arthur was cornered. He did not know how to answer this question, so he +kneeled down by the spring, and took a drink, in order to gain time to +reflect. "I was obliged to stand it," said he, at length, looking up at +his companions. "I couldn't help myself. I say, boys," he added, +desiring to turn the conversation into another channel, "you've got us +into a nice scrape by your cowardice. If you had followed me, those +fellows would have been the prisoners now." + +At this moment the robber chief approached the group, holding in his +hand a sheet of soiled paper and a lead pencil. "Take these," said he, +handing the articles to Frank, "and write to your uncle, telling him how +matters stand. Say to him that you and your friends are prisoners, that +I am going to take you where no one will ever think of looking for you, +and that when I am paid eighty thousand dollars in gold, I will set you +at liberty, and not before. Tell him, further, that I shall send this +note to him by one of my men; and that if he does not return in safety +by sunrise to-morrow morning, I will make scare-crows of you." + +Frank picked up his saddle-bags, which he used as a desk, and, after +borrowing the robber's bowie-knife to sharpen his pencil, he began the +letter, and wrote down what Pierre had dictated, using as nearly as +possible the chief's own words. + +"That's all right," said the latter, when his prisoner had read the +letter aloud. + +"Now," said Frank, "may I not add a postscript, telling Uncle James that +we are well and hearty, and that we have been kindly treated, and so +on." + +"Certainly; only be careful that you do not advise him to capture my +messenger." + +Frank again picked up his pencil, and wrote as follows: + + "The above was written by Pierre's command, and I have his + permission to say a word for ourselves. You need not pay out any + money for Archie and me; and I know that if I was allowed an + opportunity to talk to Johnny, he would send the same message to + his father. We are now in Pass Christian--a difficult place to + escape from, but we intend to make the attempt this very night. + Detain Pierre's messenger, by all means; then send Dick and Bob + with a party of men up here by daylight, and they can capture + every one of these villains." + +That was what Frank added to the letter, but, when Pierre ordered him to +read it, he made up a postscript as he went along; for he knew that if +the chief were made acquainted with the real contents of the note, he +would not send it. The Ranchero did not know one letter from another, +and he was obliged to rely entirely upon Frank, who read: + +"We're all hunky-dory thus far. Pierre don't seem to be so bad a fellow, +after all; in fact, he's a brick. He treats us like gentlemen; but, of +course, we'd rather be at home, so please send on the money for Archie +and me, and see that Mr. Harris and Mr. Vane do the same for Johnny and +Arthur." + +"You're sure, now," said Pierre, as Frank handed him the letter, after +addressing it to Mr. Winters, "that you haven't told your uncle where we +are, or advised him to try to rescue you?" + +"There's the note," replied the prisoner, "and if you think I have been +trying to deceive you, read it yourself." + +"I guess it's all right," said the chief. "At any rate, I'll run the +risk. I have treated you like gentlemen, and if you want me to continue +to do so, you must behave yourselves, and not try to play any tricks +upon me. Now, mind what I say. If any of you hear the others talking of +escape, and don't tell me of it, I'll pitch every one of you into that +gully." + +Having given utterance to this threat, and emphasized it by scowling +savagely at his prisoners, Pierre turned on his heel and walked away. + +By this time, dinner was ready, and the boys were invited to sit down +and help themselves. The principal dish was dried meat, but there were +luxuries in the shape of sandwiches, cakes, crackers, and tea and +coffee, which the cook had found in the pack-saddle, and which he did +not hesitate to appropriate. The table was the ground under one of the +trees, and the grass did duty both as table-cloth and dishes. + +"Now, boys," said the chief, "here's a dinner fit for a king. Pitch in, +and don't stand upon ceremony." + +"I don't think you will find us at all bashful," said Archie, dryly, +"seeing that the most of this grub belongs to us." + +As the robbers and their prisoners were hungry after their long ride, +they fell to work in earnest. Archie sat on his knees in the midst of +the group, and, while his teeth were busy upon a sandwich, his eyes +wandered from one to another of the Rancheros, and finally rested upon +Mr. Mercedes, whose actions instantly riveted his attention. It had +evidently been a long time since the robbers had sat down to a +respectable dinner, and they all seemed determined to make the most of +it--especially Antoine, who devoted his attention entirely to the +eatables that had been found in the pack-saddle. He lay stretched out at +full length on the ground, one hand being occupied in supporting his +head, and the other in transferring the sandwiches from the table to his +capacious mouth. Two of the sandwiches would have made a good meal for +an ordinary man, unless he was very hungry; but they did not go far +toward satisfying the appetite of Mr. Mercedes, for, during the short +time that Archie sat looking at him, he put no less than half a dozen +out of sight, and seemed to have room for plenty more. Archie began to +be alarmed. By the time he could finish one sandwich, Antoine would have +swallowed every one on the table, and there would be nothing left but +the dried meat. + +"Will the small gentleman from Maine be kind enough to pass the +plum-pudding--I mean the one that's got the most raisins in it?" said +Johnny, who was inclined to be facetious. + +"See here, fellows!" exclaimed Archie, and the earnest expression of his +countenance arrested the laughing at once. "This is no time for joking. +The rule of this boarding-house seems to be, Look out for number one. I +intend to do it; and, if you want to get any thing to eat, you had +better follow my example." + +So saying, he caught up three or four sandwiches, and half a dozen +cakes, and started toward the spring, where he sat down to finish his +dinner. The other boys comprehended this piece of strategy, and, in less +time than it takes to tell it, the table was cleared of every thing +except the dried meat. Mr. Mercedes uttered an angry growl, and gazed +after Johnny, who had snatched the last sandwich almost out of his hand, +and then whipped out his knife, and turned his attention to the meat. + +When the robbers had finished their dinner, Pierre held a whispered +consultation with one of his men, who, after placing Frank's letter +carefully away in the crown of his sombrero, mounted his horse, and rode +down the pass. The others, with the exception of a solitary sentinel, +sought their blankets, and the boys were left to themselves. + +"Now," said Johnny, in a whisper, addressing himself to Frank, "tell us +what you wrote in that postscript. You surely did not ask your uncle to +send any money for you and Archie?" + +"Of course not!" replied Frank. "I, for one, am not worth twenty +thousand dollars; and I would rather stay here until I am gray-headed, +and live on nothing but dried meat all the while, than ask Uncle James +to give twenty cents for me." + +"That's the talk," said Johnny, approvingly, while Archie raised himself +on his elbow, and patted his cousin on the back. Frank then repeated +what he had written in the postscript, as nearly as he could recollect +it, and it was heartily indorsed by all the boys, even including Arthur +Vane, who said: + +"I am glad to see that you are recovering your courage, Frank. If you +had all showed a little pluck, when Pierre attacked us this morning, we +should not have been in this predicament." + +"We'll not argue that point now," said Archie. "Let's talk about our +plans for escape. By the way, what sort of fellows do you suppose Pierre +takes us for, if he imagines that he can frighten us into carrying tales +about one another?" + +"I'd like to know, too," said Arthur, sitting up on his blanket, and +looking very indignant. "I wonder if he is foolish enough to believe +that one of us would tell him, if he heard the others talking of escape! +If I thought there was one in this party mean enough to do that, I +would never speak to him again." + +"Now, don't you be alarmed," said Johnny. "We've been through too much +to go back on each other. But how shall we get away? that's the +question." + +"Let us rush up and knock them down, and pitch them over into the +gully," said Arthur. "Follow me; I'll get you out of this scrape." + +"We couldn't gain any thing by a fight," said Frank. "Four boys are no +match for five grown men." + +"I'd give Sleepy Sam if I could only see Dick and Bob poke their noses +over some of these rocks around here," said Archie. "They will be after +us, as soon as they find out that we are captured; and when they get +their eyes on these 'Greasers,' as they call them, there'll be fun." + +"But we don't want to wait for them," said Frank. "We must escape +to-night, if possible. We can find our way home from here; but, if we +stay with these villains two or three days longer, they will have taken +us so far into the mountains, that we never can get out. I propose that +we wait until dark, and see what arrangements they intend to make for +the night, before we determine upon our plans. If they allow us to +remain unbound, and leave only one sentinel to guard us, we'll see what +can be done. In the meantime, I move that we all take a nap." + +The prisoners settled themselves comfortably on their blankets, and, in +a few moments, three of them were sleeping soundly, all unconscious of +the fact that their wide-awake companion was impatiently awaiting an +opportunity to repeat to the robber chief every word of their recent +conversation. + +"Pierre said, that if any of us heard the others talking of escape, and +didn't tell him of it, he would pitch us over that precipice," muttered +Arthur. "He looked straight at me when he said it; so I shall take him +at his word, and put him on his guard against these fellows. I'll not go +back on them--O, no! Johnny Harris didn't call me a coward, did he? And +that little spindle-shanked Yankee, and his cousin, didn't insult me, by +sending me my hat and gun, and the skin of that wolf, and by telling +every body in the settlement that I was frightened out of my senses, +without seeing any thing to be frightened at, did they? I'd like to +catch that Archie Winters by himself. He's little, and I am sure that I +could whip him. I'll pay them all for what they have done to me, and +before I get through with them, they will learn, that it is always best +to treat a gentleman with respect." + +As Arthur said this, he looked contemptuously at his slumbering +companions, and then turned his back to them, and went to sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +MORE TREACHERY. + + +When Frank awoke, it was nearly dark. The glade was lighted up by a +fire, that one of the Rancheros had kindled, and beside which he stood, +superintending the cooking of the supper. Archie and Johnny were still +sleeping soundly, but Arthur Vane's blanket was empty, and that young +gentleman was nowhere to be seen. + +Frank raised himself to a sitting posture, rubbed his eyes, and yawned; +and then, seeing that the cook was rummaging in the pack-saddle after +more luxuries, and judging by that that supper was nearly ready, he +shook his companions, and arose to his feet. He went to the spring, and +was preparing to wash his hands and face in the little brook that ran +across the glade, when his attention was attracted by the sound of +voices close by. He found that they came from behind the bowlder; and, +after listening a moment, he recognized the voices as those of Pierre +Costello, and Arthur Vane. At first, Frank thought nothing of this +circumstance. He bent over the brook, and plunged his hands into the +water, when the thought occurred to him that this was a strange +proceeding on the part of Arthur Vane. If the latter had any thing to +say to the chief, why did he not talk to him in the camp? Frank's +suspicions were aroused. He stood, for a moment, undecided how to act, +and then, dropping on his hands and knees, he crept cautiously around +the end of the bowlder, and presently came in sight of Pierre and his +companion. They were sitting on the ground, facing each other--the chief +calmly smoking a cigarette, while Arthur was amusing himself by cutting +the grass around him with the Ranchero's bowie-knife. + +"This is very odd," thought Frank. "Arthur acts more like a confidential +friend than a prisoner." + +Our hero drew back, and listened to the conversation that followed, +during which he gained some insight into the character of his new +acquaintance. + +"I do not admire your way of doing business," he heard Arthur say, at +length. "You treat me no better than you treat them. You told me that +you knew by my looks that I was a gentleman, and you promised to respect +me as such. You assured me that I should be allowed to show fight +whenever I pleased, and that you would not hurt me for it. How have you +kept those promises? What did you do to me this morning? You jerked my +gun out of my hands, and raised it over my head, as if you were going to +knock me down. One of your men threw his lasso around my neck, and +choked me until I could scarcely breathe, and another aimed a pistol at +me. Is that treating me like a gentleman or a visitor?" + +"What else could we do?" demanded Pierre. "Didn't you tell me that you +wanted us to act natural, so that your three enemies would not suspect +that you had a previous understanding with me in regard to their +capture?" + +"Certainly; but I didn't tell you to abuse me, did I? See how I was +treated when we were coming through this pass! My keeper struck my +horse with his lasso, and came near sending me over the precipice; and +you laughed at it. When I look toward you, why don't you give me a wink, +or a nod, to show that you have not forgotten your promises, and that +you will protect me?" + +"Because I never have had a chance to do it without being seen by the +others. If you know when you are well off, you will take every +precaution to keep those boys from finding out how treacherous you have +been. You must not expect any signs of friendship from me. I shall stick +to my promise, and see that no serious injury is done you; but, if you +will insist in showing your courage by fighting us, you must make up +your mind to be roughly handled. You say that Frank didn't read to me +what he wrote in that letter?" + +"No, he did not. He never said a word to his uncle about sending the +money. He told him not to do it. He advised him to capture your +messenger, by all means, and to send those trappers up here, with a +party of men, by daylight to-morrow morning." + +"Well, they'll not find us," said the chief, who seemed to take the +matter very coolly. "By daylight we shall be miles from here. We'll +start as soon as the moon rises, so that we can see to travel through +the pass. After supper, I shall have those fellows bound hand and +foot--that will prevent their escape, I think--and, of course, I must +tie you, also." + +"I don't like the idea of lying all night with my hands fastened behind +my back," objected Arthur. + +"I can't help that. Those boys must be confined; for I am not going to +lose sixty thousand dollars, if I can help it; and, if you wish to avoid +suspicion, you must be tied with the rest." + +"I shall resist. I want to make those fellows believe that they are a +pack of cowards. Don't let your men handle me too roughly." + +"I'll look out for that," said Pierre. "Now, let us go back to the camp. +You have been away too long already." + +"O, you outrageous villain!" thought Frank, who was so astonished and +bewildered by what he had heard, that he scarcely knew what he was +about. "Won't you suffer for this day's work if we ever get back to the +settlement?" + +The movements of the traitor, who just then arose to his feet, brought +Frank to himself again. He retreated precipitately, and, when Arthur +came out from behind the bowlder, he was sitting on his blanket, talking +to Archie and Johnny. + +"Fellows," said he, in an excited voice, "we're ruined! That rascal has +blabbed the whole thing!" + +"Who? What rascal? what thing?" asked both the prisoners in a breath. +"What's the matter with you?" added Archie, in some alarm, seeing that +his cousin wore an exceedingly long face. + +"Arthur Vane has just told Pierre that we had made up our minds to +escape to-night," replied Frank. + +"No!" exclaimed the boys, almost paralyzed by the information. + +"It's a fact. After supper, we are to be bound hand and foot; and +Arthur, to show how brave he is, and how cowardly we are, is going to +resist, and Pierre has promised that his men shall not handle him +roughly. O, you'll find out!" he continued, seeing that his friends +looked incredulous. "I crept up behind that bowlder, and heard all about +it. I did not understand all the conversation; but I know that Arthur is +a traitor, and that we are indebted to him for our capture." + +Archie and Johnny were utterly confounded. They could not find words +strong enough to express their feelings. They sat on their blankets, and +looked at each other in blank amazement. Presently, Arthur came in +sight, and his appearance served to restore their power of action; and +then, for the first time, they seemed to realize the full enormity of +the offense of which he had been guilty. Archie jumped to his feet, and +commenced pulling off his jacket. + +"Fellows," said he, throwing down his sombrero, and rolling up his +shirt-sleeves, "I'm going to pound some of the meanness out of him." + +"And I'll help you!" exclaimed Johnny, excitedly. "Who ever heard of +such a thing?" And Johnny brought his fist down into the palm of his +hand, with a noise like the report of a pistol. + +"Don't do it, boys!" interposed Frank. "Come here, Archie! Sit down, +Johnny. He will be punished enough, when he gets back to the settlement. +Let's cut him at once, and have nothing more to do with him. Johnny, put +on your jacket! Behave yourself, Archie!" + +Frank found it hard work to turn the two boys from their purpose. Their +indignation had been thoroughly aroused, and, if Arthur had only known +it, he was in a dangerous neighborhood. Although Frank was quite as +angry as his friends, he had more prudence. He did not believe that they +were the proper ones to execute vengeance upon their enemy. His +punishment would come soon enough, and it would be quite as terrible as +Arthur was able to bear. By dint of a good deal of coaxing, and pushing, +and scolding, he finally got Archie and Johnny on their blankets again, +and just then the traitor came up. His face wore a triumphant smile, +that was exceedingly irritating to the three boys just then, and he +approached them with as much assurance as though he had never in his +life been guilty of a mean action. + +"I have been out enjoying the cool breeze," said he, not noticing the +angry glances that were directed toward him. + +"Put it all in, while you are about it," exclaimed Johnny. "Say that you +have been holding a consultation with Pierre, in regard to our escape +to-night." + +Arthur turned very red in the face, and took a step or two backward, as +if Johnny had aimed a blow at him; and then, somewhat recovering +himself, he opened his eyes, puckered up his lips, and looked from one +to the other of his companions, with an expression of intense +astonishment. + +"How, now, Innocence!" exclaimed Archie. "You're a nice looking fellow. +Go away from here." + +"Why, boys," stammered Arthur, "I do not understand you. I have not seen +Pierre"-- + +"Go away!" said Johnny, again rising to his feet--a movement that was +instantly imitated by the pugnacious Archie. + +"Can't you tell me what's the matter?" demanded Arthur, making a +desperate effort to look unconcerned, and to call up some of that +courage of which he had so often boasted. + +"Have you got the impudence--the brass, to come to us, and ask what's +the matter, after what you have done?" asked Archie, angrily. "We'll +soon let you know what's"-- + +"Hold on, boys!" interrupted Frank, who saw that Archie's rage was in a +fair way to get the better of him. "Johnny, stand back! Keep still, +Archie! Go about your business, Arthur Vane! We know just what passed +between you and Pierre, not five minutes ago, and we don't want to +listen to any excuses or explanations." + +"Explanations!" shouted Archie. "Excuses! for being a traitor!" + +"Go over there among those yellow gentlemen," continued Frank. "You are +their friend, and there's where you belong. Don't dare come near any of +us again. Start!" + +"Yes, start--mizzle--clear out!" roared Archie, getting angrier every +moment. "Begone! Make yourself scarce about here!" + +"Well, I think this is a nice way to treat a gentleman," growled +Arthur, as he turned on his heel, and walked slowly away. + +"Pick up that blanket and saddle," said Johnny. "Take all your plunder +away from here, and remember that this side of the glade belongs to us." + +"Yes, remember it--bear it in mind!" exclaimed Archie, who seemed to +think it his duty to give emphasis to what the others said. "Think of it +continually." + +Arthur glared savagely upon Archie; but, fearing to irritate him and his +friends further, by refusing to obey their commands, he shouldered his +baggage, and walked sullenly toward the fire, around which the Rancheros +were congregated, awaiting the summons to supper. + +"Benedict Arnold!" said Johnny, as soon as the traitor was out of +hearing. + +Frank and Archie thought the name appropriate. It clung to Arthur as +long as he remained in that part of California. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +THE ESCAPE. + + +Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a +thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation +than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves +on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion. Of +course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in +view? A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were +correct. The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be +demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he +expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to +receive for them. They never imagined that the traitor had been +instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had +happened to them during the day was the result of the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader's ranch. + +"I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws," +said Frank. "If he does, that's all the good it will do him, as far as +handling any of my uncle's money is concerned. It's lucky that we have +found him out." + +"It's unfortunate that we didn't find him out long ago," said Archie, +who had by this time recovered his usual good nature. + +"Our plans for escape are all knocked in the head for this night," +continued Frank; "but we will hold ourselves in readiness to seize the +first opportunity that is offered. Dick and Bob will be on our trail in +a few hours." + +At this moment, Pierre entered the glade from the side opposite the +spring, and stopped to say a few words to the sentinel, who immediately +approached the prisoners, and took his stand within a few paces of them. + +"These villains must be afraid of us," said Frank, with a laugh. + +"They'd better be," returned Johnny. "I wouldn't like to have sixty +thousand dollars wrapped up in such slippery customers as we are." + +"I wonder if Pierre thinks we can fly?" said Archie. "That's the only +way I can see for getting out of here, while these robbers are all +around us. I say, old fellow," he added, turning to the sentinel, "are +you a good shot on the wing?" + +The Ranchero shrugged his shoulders, and tapped his revolvers +significantly. + +"I judge from that you are a good shot on the wing," continued Archie. +"Let me advise you to keep both eyes open; for the first thing you know, +you'll see us disappearing over the tops of these mountains. Each of us +has a patent, duplex, double-back-action flying-machine in his pocket." + +Archie was going on to explain to the Ranchero the principles on which +his imaginary flying-machine operated, when the call to supper +interrupted him. + +During the meal, the robbers were quite as polite as they had been at +dinner. They gobbled up every thing within their reach, devouring it +greedily, as though they feared that somebody might get more than his +share, and the boys, having learned by experience, that, when one +sojourns among Romans, it is a good plan to do as Romans do, snatched +what they liked best, and ran back to their blankets. + +"Look at Benedict," said Johnny, speaking as plainly as a mouthful of +cracker would permit. "He's hot about something." + +Arthur was sitting on the ground beside the robber chief, to whom he was +talking earnestly, and even angrily, judging by the frantic manner in +which he flourished his arms about his head, and struck with his fists +at the empty air. Pierre was listening attentively, and so were all the +other members of the band, who appeared to be deeply interested in what +he was saying. Arthur had told the chief that his secret was discovered, +and Pierre had urged him to use every exertion to allay the suspicions +of the boys. + +"You don't know them as well as I do," said the Ranchero; "and, if you +will take my advice, you will try to make friends with them again." + +"That's something I'll never do," said Arthur, decidedly. "Shall a +gentleman's son stoop to beg the good-will of a lot of young Arabs? Not +if he knows himself; and he thinks he does. They have found me out, +somehow, and I don't care if they have. I may as well throw off the mask +entirely. I'll let them see that, while they are prisoners, and bound +hand and foot, I am at liberty to go and come when I please." + +When Arthur said this, he was gazing into the fire, and consequently did +not see the significant glances which the robber chief exchanged with +his men. It might have astonished him to know that he was not free to go +and come when he pleased; and that Pierre, in spite of all his promises +to the contrary, intended to demand twenty thousand dollars for him, as +well as for the others. + +When Frank and his friends had eaten their supper, they began to make +preparations for the night, by collecting a pile of dried leaves and +grass, over which they spread their blankets, placing the saddles at the +head of the bed, to serve as pillows. When the couch was completed, it +was very inviting, and, had it not been for the knowledge of the fact +that they were to be bound hand and foot, they would have been sure of a +good night's rest. + +Frank could not go to bed without visiting Roderick. He found the horse +standing quietly by the spring, and when he saw his master approaching, +he raised his head and welcomed him with a shrill neigh. + +"O, if we could only get half a minute's start of these robbers!" said +Frank, patting the animal's glossy neck, "wouldn't we show them a clean +pair of heels? They'd never have us prisoners again, I _bet_." + +Frank emphasized the last word by punching Roderick in the ribs with his +thumb--an action which caused the animal to lay back his ears, and kick +viciously, with both feet, at some imaginary object behind him. + +When our hero returned to the place where he had left Archie and Johnny, +he saw them lying on their beds securely bound. Pierre stood close by, +with a lasso in his hand, and, when Frank came up, he greeted him with a +fierce scowl, and, in a savage tone of voice, commanded him to cross his +arms behind his back. Frank obeyed, and the Ranchero, while he was busy +confining him, inquired: + +"Do you remember what I said to you at noon?" + +"About what?" asked Frank. + +"About making scare-crows of you and your friends, if my messenger does +not return at daylight." + +"I believe I do remember something about it." + +"Then why did you advise your uncle to detain him? You must be tired of +life. You told Mr. Winters to send those rascally trappers up here, with +a party of men, to capture us." + +"Now, see here, Pierre," exclaimed Frank, angrily, "Dick and Bob are not +rascals. They are honest men, and what they own, they have worked hard +for. They will be up here--you may depend upon that--and, if Dick once +gets his hands on you"-- + +"O, won't he shake him up, though!" cried Archie, from his blanket. "I +wouldn't be in Pierre's shoes then for all the money he will ever get +for us." + +"You may make up your minds to one thing," said the chief; "and that is, +if so much as a hair of that messenger's head is harmed, you will be +swinging from some of these trees at sunrise." + +"That is a soothing story to tell to a person who is trying to go to +sleep," observed Johnny. + +"You can't make us believe that you would throw away sixty thousand +dollars," said Frank. "Be careful," he added, as Pierre, after confining +his arms with one end of the lasso, began to wind the other around his +ankles; "make those knots secure, or I may get away from you again." + +"I'll risk that. Now, good-night, and pleasant dreams to you." + +The robber lifted Frank in his arms, and laid him upon his blanket, as +if he had been a sack of flour, and then walked off, leaving his +prisoners to their meditations. Scarcely had he disappeared, when +Arthur, who had stood at a little distance, watching the operations of +the chief, came up, and, after regarding the three boys a moment with a +smile of triumph, inquired: + +"How do you feel now? I hope you will enjoy a good night's rest. You see +I am at liberty." And he stretched out his arms, to show that they were +not confined. + +"Of course," said Frank. "You ought to be; you are one of Pierre's band. +We are under obligations to you for what you have done for us." + +"How did you find it out?" asked Arthur. + +"Why, one of those Arabs you used to know in Patagonia, came up here, +and told us how you acted while you were in that country, and we thought +it best to keep an eye on you," answered Archie. + +"See here, Benedict," said Johnny. "Have you forgotten that we told you +to keep your distance?" + +"No; but I generally go where I please," replied Arthur. + +"You have done something worth boasting of, haven't you?" + +"Well--yes; but I am not done with you yet. If I have any influence with +Pierre--and I think I have--you'll not see home for a year--perhaps +longer." + +"Pierre! Pierre!" shouted Archie, suddenly. "I say, Pierre!" + +"Well, what's the row?" asked that worthy, from his bed by the fire. + +"I'll make you a present of my horse, if you will give me my liberty for +just two minutes. Will you do it?" + +"I guess not," replied the robber. + +"I promise you that I will not attempt any tricks," pleaded Archie. "I +only want to show Benedict something. Come, Pierre, that's a good +fellow." + +The Ranchero laughed, and turned over on his blanket, without making any +answer, and Archie, being satisfied that it was useless to urge the +matter, laid his head upon his hard pillow, and looked indignantly at +the traitor. + +"Never mind," said he. "I'll be unbound to-morrow morning, and I'll know +how to get up an appetite for breakfast." + +Arthur understood what the prisoner meant by getting up an appetite for +breakfast, and it made him angry. He was very brave, now. His three +enemies were lying before him unable to defend themselves, and it was a +fine opportunity to execute vengeance upon them. He suddenly took it +into his head that it would be a nice thing to punish them all, +beginning with the one who had first excited his animosity. + +"Hold on, you little Yankee," said he. "I'll attend to you in a minute. +Johnny Harris, what was that name you applied to me?" + +"It was a new one we have given you," answered Johnny. "We have called +you after the meanest man that ever lived--Benedict Arnold. Do you know +him? Did you ever meet him while you were hunting lions and tigers in +Europe?" + +Frank and his cousin laughed loudly, which so enraged Arthur that he +caught up a stick, that happened to be lying near him, and struck Johnny +a severe blow with it. + +"O, you coward!" shouted Archie, struggling frantically to free his +arms. "What do you mean by hitting a man when he is down, and can't move +hand or foot?" + +The traitor turned fiercely upon Archie, and was about to use the stick +upon him, when the gruff voice of the sentinel arrested his hand. The +Ranchero pointed toward the fire, and Arthur, understanding the motion, +threw down the stick, and walked away, shaking his head, and muttering +to himself. + +"He had better keep close to his friends to-morrow," said Johnny, his +face all wrinkled up with pain. + +The other boys thought so too. Each one of them had rather that Arthur +had struck him instead of Johnny; for the latter, although +high-spirited, and inclined to be belligerent under provocation, was a +good-natured, accommodating fellow, who gained hosts of friends wherever +he went, and who never hesitated to make any sacrifice for the benefit +of others. Frank had never before witnessed such an exhibition of +cowardly vindictiveness, and he was almost sorry that he had protected +Arthur. + +The traitor, well satisfied with what he had done, and only regretting +that he had been interrupted before his revenge was complete, spread his +blanket beside the chief; and, after that, nothing happened for a long +time to disturb the silence of the camp. The Rancheros were soon in a +sound sleep, even including Antoine Mercedes, the sentinel, who sat with +his back against a tree, his head hung down upon his breast and his +right hand, which rested on the ground beside him, grasping a revolver. +He had been placed there by his chief to watch the prisoners; but, +believing that there was little danger of their escape, and being +unwilling to be deprived of his usual rest, he had gone to sleep as soon +as the others. The boys, however, were wide awake. The exciting events +of the day, and the pain occasioned by their bonds, effectually banished +sleep from their eyes, and they passed the long hours in pondering upon +what Arthur had done, and trying in vain to find a comfortable position +on their blankets. Johnny, especially, was very restless. He lay for a +long time watching the sentinel, and thinking how easily he and his +companions could effect their escape, if their hands and feet were free; +then he wondered if Pierre was in earnest, when he said that he would +make "scare-crows" of them if his messenger did not return by daylight; +and, finally, he turned over, and tried, for the hundredth time, to go +to sleep. + +The fire, which was still burning brightly, lighted up every corner of +the glade, and, from the new position in which he lay, Johnny could see +how Archie's arms were bound. They were crossed behind his back, and the +lasso was wrapped twice around them, and tied in a square knot--a single +glance at which drove all thoughts of sleep out of Johnny's mind, and +suggested to him the idea of an attempt to liberate his friend. The +knot, on account of the stiffness of the lasso, had not been drawn very +tight, and Johnny thought he had hit upon a plan to untie it. + +"Archie," he whispered, excitedly. + +"Hallo!" was the response. + +"Are you asleep?" + +"No; nor am I likely to be to-night," growled Archie. "This lasso hurts +me dreadfully. Pierre drew it as tight as he could." + +"Don't talk so loud," whispered Johnny. "Keep your eyes on that +sentinel, and, if he moves, shake your arms." + +"What for?" demanded Archie. "What are you going to do?" + +"I don't know that I can do any thing; but I am going to try." + +"All right; go ahead." + +Johnny took a long look at the Ranchero, to make sure that he was sound +asleep, and then, rolling up close to Archie, he went to work with his +teeth to untie the lasso, with which the latter's arms were bound. This +was not so easy a task as he had imagined it would be; but the knot +yielded a little with every pull he made upon it, and, after ten minutes +hard work, Johnny rolled back upon his blanket with an expression of +great satisfaction upon his countenance, and watched his friend as he +unwound the lariat with which his feet were confined. + +"Hurrah for you, Johnny!" whispered Archie, a moment afterward. "We'll +out-wit these greasers yet. Hold easy, now, and I'll soon give you the +free use of your hands and feet." + +Archie's fingers made quick work with Johnny's bonds, and, when he had +untied his arms, he left him to do the rest, and turned to release his +cousin. This he soon accomplished, and then the three boys, astonished +at their success, crept up closer together, to hold a consultation. + +"Lead on Frank, and we'll follow," said Johnny. + +"I will do the best I can," replied Frank. "Let's stick together as long +as possible; but, if we are discovered, we must separate, and let each +man take of himself. Remember, now, the one that reaches home must not +sleep soundly until the others are rescued." + +As Frank said this, he threw himself flat upon the ground, and crawled +slowly and noiselessly through the grass, toward the ledge by which they +had entered the glade in the morning. They passed the sentinel without +arousing him, and approached the fire around which lay the stalwart +forms of the Rancheros, who snored lustily, in blissful ignorance of +what was going on close by them. + +The boys' hearts beat high with hope as they neared the ledge, and +Johnny was in the very act of reaching over to give Frank an approving +slap on the back, when the movement was arrested by a loud yawn behind +him. This was followed by an ejaculation of astonishment, and, an +instant afterward, the report of a pistol rang through the glade. The +sentinel had just awakened from his sleep, and discovered that the +prisoners' blankets were empty. + +"Help! help!" he shouted, in stentorian tones, discharging another +barrel of his revolver, to arouse his companions. "Pierre, your birds +have flown!" + +"Run now, fellows!" whispered Frank, and, suiting the action to the +word, he jumped up, and took to his heels. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +THE STRUGGLE ON THE CLIFF. + + +As we have before remarked, the place in which the Rancheros had made +their camp was a natural recess in the mountains. It was surrounded on +three sides by rocky cliffs, the tops of which seemed to pierce the +clouds, and whose sides were so steep that a goat could scarcely have +found footing thereon. In front of the glade was the gorge, the sight of +which had so terrified Arthur Vane, and which was so deep that the roar +of the mountain torrent, that ran through it, could be but faintly heard +by one standing on the cliffs above. + +There were three ways to get out of the glade: one was by the narrow +ledge of rocks by which the Rancheros and their captives had entered it +in the morning; another was by a path on the opposite side of the glade, +which also ran along the very brink of the precipice; the third was by +climbing up the cliffs to the dizzy heights above. These avenues of +escape were all more or less dangerous, and one unaccustomed to +traveling in the mountains would have been at a loss to decide which to +take. Indeed, a very timid boy would have preferred to remain a prisoner +among the Rancheros, as long as he was sure of kind treatment and plenty +to eat, rather than risk any of them. If he took either of the paths +that ran along the chasm, he would require the skill of a rope-dancer to +cross it in safety; for they were both narrow and slippery, and a single +misstep in the darkness would launch him into eternity. If he tried to +scale the mountains, which, in some places, overhung the glade, he would +be in equal danger; for he might, at any moment, lose his balance, and +come tumbling back again. + +Frank and his two friends had thought of all these things during the +day, and they knew just what perils they were likely to encounter; but +they were not formidable enough to turn them from their purpose. While +they were crawling cautiously through the grass, they had been allowed +ample time to make up their minds what they would do, if their flight +should be discovered before they got out of the glade; and, +consequently, when the yells of the sentinel, and the reports of his +pistol, told them that the pursuit was about to begin, they did not +hesitate, but proceeded at once to carry out the plans they had formed. +Archie, the moment he jumped to his feet, darted toward the cliffs, +while Frank and Johnny ran for the ledge by which they had entered the +pass in the morning; and, by the time the Rancheros were fairly awake, +their prisoners had disappeared as completely as though they had never +been in the glade at all. + +Archie had chosen the most difficult way of escape, and he had done so +with an object. He believed that, as soon as Pierre and his band became +aroused, they would rush in a body for the path that led toward the +settlement; and Archie did not like the idea of running a race through +the darkness along the brink of that precipice. He might make a misstep, +and fall into the gorge, and that would be infinitely worse than +remaining a prisoner. His enemies, he thought, would not be likely to +follow him up the cliffs; but if they did, and he found that he could +not distance them, there were plenty of excellent hiding-places among +the bushes and rocks, where he could remain in perfect security, with an +army searching for him. Johnny and Frank did not look at the matter in +that way. They thought not of concealment; they took the nearest and +easiest way home, and trusted entirely to their heels. + +"Help! help!" shouted the sentinel, discharging the barrels of his +revolver in quick succession. "The boys have gone!" + +For a moment, great confusion reigned in the camp. The Rancheros sprang +to their feet, and hurried hither and thither, each one asking +questions, and giving orders, to which nobody paid the least attention, +and the babel of English and Spanish that arose awoke the echoes far and +near. The chief was the only one who seemed to know what ought to be +done. He examined the beds to satisfy himself that the prisoners had +really gone, and then his voice was heard above the tumult, commanding +silence. + +The first thing he did, when quiet had been restored, was to swear +lustily at the sentinel, for allowing the prisoners to escape, and then +he set about making preparations for pursuit. He sent two of the band on +foot down the path that led toward the settlement, another he ordered to +saddle the horses, and the rest he commanded to search every nook and +corner of the glade. + +As long as the noise continued, Archie worked industriously; and, being +a very active fellow, he got up the mountain at an astonishing rate. But +as soon as the chief had succeeded in restoring order, he sat down to +recover his breath, and to wait until the Rancheros left the glade: for +he was fearful that the noise he necessarily made, in working his way +through the thick bushes, might direct his enemies in their search. + +Although it was pitch dark on the mountainside, Archie could tell +exactly what was going on below him. He knew when the two men left the +glade, chuckled to himself when he heard the Ranchero, who had been +ordered to saddle the horses, growl at the restive animals, and noted +the movements of the party who were searching the bushes. He distinctly +heard their voices, and he knew that Arthur Vane was with them. + +"Do you think they will get away, Joaquin?" he heard the traitor ask. + +"That's hard to tell," was the reply. "It depends a good deal upon how +long they have been gone. If they get back to the settlement, you had +better keep away from there." + +"That's so," said Archie, to himself. + +"They'll never reach the settlement if I can help it," declared Arthur. +"If I get my eyes on one of them, I bet he don't escape. I'll take him +prisoner." + +Perhaps we shall find that Arthur did "get his eyes on one of them," and +we shall see how he kept his promise. + +The party went entirely around the glade, passing directly beneath +Archie, who held himself in readiness to continue his flight, should +they begin to ascend the cliff, and finally one of them called out: + +"They're not here, Pierre." + +"Mount, then, every one of you," exclaimed the chief. "When you reach +the end of the pass, scatter out and search the mountains, thoroughly. +Antoine, we have to thank you for the loss of a fortune, you idiot." + +Archie heard the Ranchero mutter an angry reply, and then came the +tramping of horses as the band rode from the glade. In a few seconds the +sound died away in the pass, and the fugitive was left alone. His first +impulse was to descend into the glade, mount Sleepy Sam, and follow the +robbers. Archie could ride the animal without saddle or bridle as well +as he could with them; and he was sure that if he could get but a few +feet the start of the Rancheros, his favorite could easily distance +them. But he remembered the chief's order for the band to "scatter out," +and knowing that every path that led toward the settlement would be +closely guarded, and fearing that he might run against some of his +enemies in the dark, he decided that the safest plan was to remain upon +the cliffs, where he could not be followed by mounted men. It cost him a +struggle to abandon his horse, which was galloping about the glade, and +neighing disconsolately, but he wisely concluded that twenty thousand +dollars were worth more to his uncle than Sleepy Sam was to him; and +drawing in a long breath, he tightened his sash about his waist, and +again began the ascent. + +His progress was necessarily slow and laborious, for, in some places, +the cliff was quite perpendicular, and the only way he could advance at +all, was by drawing himself up by the grass and bushes that grew out of +the crevices of the rocks. Sometimes these gave way beneath his weight, +and then Archie would descend the mountain for a short distance much +more rapidly than he had gone up. He was often badly bruised by these +falls. The bushes and the sharp points of the rocks tore his clothing, +and it was not long before he was as ragged as any beggar he had ever +seen in the streets of his native city. + +"By gracious!" exclaimed Archie, stopping for the hundredth time to +rest, and feeling of a severe bruise on his cheek which he had received +in his last fall, "I am completely tired out. And this is all the work +of that Benedict Arnold! Didn't I say that we should see trouble with +that fellow? If I were out on clear ground, and had my horse and gun, +I'd be willing to forgive him for what he has done to me, but I'll +always remember that he struck Johnny over the head, when he was tied, +and could not defend himself." + +Wiping the big drops of perspiration from his forehead, and panting +loudly after his violent exertions, Archie again toiled up the mountain, +so weary that he could scarcely drag one foot after the other. He +stumbled over logs, fell upon the rocks, and dragged himself through +bushes that cut into his tattered garments like a knife. Hour after hour +passed in this way, and, finally, just as the sun was rising, Archie, +faint with thirst, aching in every joint, and bleeding from numerous +wounds, stepped upon a broad, flat bowlder, which formed the summit of +the cliff. + +On his right, between him and a huge rock that rose for fifty feet +without a single break or crevice, was a narrow but deep chasm which ran +down the cliff he had just ascended, and into which he had more than +once been in imminent danger of falling as he stumbled about in the +darkness. Far below him was the glade, a thin wreath of smoke rising +from the smouldering camp-fire, and on his left was the gorge, a +hundred times more frightful in his eyes now than it had ever seemed +before. In front of him the mountain sloped gently down to the valley +below, its base clothed with a thick wood, which at that height looked +like an unbroken mass of green sward, and beyond that, so far away that +it could be but dimly seen, was a broad expanse of prairie, from which +arose the whitewashed walls of his uncle's rancho. It was a view that +would have put an artist into ecstasies, but the fugitive was in no mood +to appreciate it. He had no eye for the beauties of nature then--he had +other things to think of; and he regarded the picturesque mountains and +rocks, and the luxuriant woods, as so many grim monsters that stood +between him and his home. + +But Archie could not remain long inactive. After all the dangers he had +incurred, and the bruises and scratches he had received, he had +accomplished but little. He was still thirty miles from home, hungry and +thirsty, and pursued by crafty enemies, who might even then be watching +him from some secret covert. + +"Oh, if I were only there!" said he, casting a longing glance toward +the rancho, whose inmates, just then sitting down to a dainty breakfast, +little dreamed how much good a small portion of their bounty would have +done the fugitive on the mountain-top. "But, as the rancho can't come to +me, I must go to it." + +Archie found the descent of the mountain comparatively easy. There were +not so many bushes and logs to impede his progress, the slope was more +gradual, and he had not gone more than half a mile when he found a cool +spring bubbling out from under the rocks. He bathed his hands and face, +drank a little of the water, and when he set out again he felt much +refreshed. He followed the course of the stream, which ran from the +spring down the mountain, keeping a bright lookout for enemies all the +while, and stopping now and then to listen for sounds of pursuit, when +suddenly, as he came around the base of a rock, he found himself on the +brink of the gorge, and confronted by a figure in buckskin, who stood +leaning on a long, double-barrel shot-gun. Archie started back in +dismay, and so did the boy in buckskin, who turned pale, and gazed at +the fugitive as if he were hardly prepared to believe that he was a +human being. He speedily recovered himself, however, and after he had +let down the hammer of his gun, which he had cocked when the ragged +apparition first came in sight, he dropped the butt of the weapon to the +ground, exclaiming: + +"Archie Winters!" + +"Benedict Arnold!" + +For a moment the two boys stood looking at each other without moving or +speaking. Archie was wondering if it were possible for him to effect the +capture of the traitor, and Arthur, while he gazed in astonishment at +the fugitive's tattered garments and bloody face, was chuckling to +himself, and enjoying beforehand the punishment he had resolved to +inflict upon Archie. The opportunity he had wished for so long had +arrived at last. + +"I have found you, have I?" said Arthur, resting his elbows on the +muzzle of his gun, and looking at Archie with a triumphant smile. + +"Well, suppose you have; what do you propose to do about it?" + +"It is my intention to teach you to respect a gentleman the next time +you meet one." + +[Illustration] + +"How are you going to do it?" + +"In the first place, by giving you a good beating." + +"Humph!" said Archie, contemptuously, looking at Arthur from head to +foot, as if he were taking his exact measure. "It requires a boy with +considerable 'get up' about him to do that." + +"None of your impudence, you little Yankee," exclaimed Arthur, angrily. +"I'm going to take some of it out of you before you are two minutes +older." + +When the traitor selected Archie as the one upon whom he could wreak his +vengeance without danger to himself, he had made a great mistake. Archie +was smaller than most boys of his age, but, after all, he was an +antagonist not to be despised. He was courageous, active, and as wiry as +an eel; and his body, hardened by all sorts of violent exercise, was as +tough as hickory. He trembled a little when he looked over into the +gorge, and thought of the possible consequences of an encounter on that +cliff, but he was not the one to save himself by taking to his heels, +nor did it come natural to him to stand still and take a whipping as +long as he possessed the strength to defend himself. A single glance was +enough to convince him that the traitor was in earnest, and Archie +watched the opportunity to begin the struggle himself. + +"Yes, sir," continued Arthur, "I've got you now just where I want you. I +am going to settle this little difference between us, and then I shall +take you back to Pierre. If you have any apologies to make, I am willing +to listen to them." + +The effect of these words not a little astonished the traitor. He had +been sure that Archie would be terribly frightened, and that he would +either seek safety in flight, or beg hard for mercy; consequently, he +was not prepared for what really happened. Scarcely had Arthur ceased +speaking, when the place where Archie was standing became suddenly +vacant, and, before the traitor could move a finger, his gun was torn +from his grasp and pitched over the cliff into the gorge. As the weapon +fell whirling through the air, both barrels were discharged, and the +reports awoke a thousand echoes, which reverberated among the mountains +like peals of thunder. + +"Now we are on equal terms," exclaimed Archie, as he clasped the traitor +around the body and attempted to throw him to the ground. "You remember +that you struck Johnny last night, when he was bound, hand and foot, and +couldn't defend himself, don't you?" + +"Yes; and now I am going to serve you worse than that," replied Arthur, +who, although surprised and taken at great disadvantage by the +suddenness of the attack, struggled furiously, and to such good purpose +that he very soon broke Archie's hold; "I am going to fling you over the +cliff after that gun." + +The contest that followed was carried on on the very edge of the +precipice, and was long and desperate. Archie, bruised and battered in a +hundred places, and weary with a night's travel, was scarcely a match +for the fresh and vigorous Arthur, who, in his blind rage, seemed +determined to fulfill his threat of throwing him over the cliff after +the gun. Fortune favored first one and then the other; but Archie's +indomitable courage and long wind carried the day, and he finally +succeeded in bearing his antagonist to the ground and holding him there. + +"You are not going to throw me over, are you?" gasped Arthur, who was +humble enough, now that he had been worsted. + +"Do you take me for a savage?" panted Archie, in reply. "I simply wanted +to save myself from a whipping that I did not deserve, and I've done it. +Now you must go to the settlement with me, to"-- + +"Here you are!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "Let us see if you will +escape me again." + +Archie looked up, and saw Antoine Mercedes advancing upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Archie had been so fully occupied with the traitor that he had not +thought of his other enemies, and for a moment he lay upon the ground +beside his antagonist, gazing at Antoine in speechless amazement. +Resistance, of course, was not to be thought of, and it also seemed +useless to make any attempts at escape; for he had been so nearly +exhausted by his struggle with Arthur, that he scarcely possessed the +power to rise from the ground. "I am caught easy enough," thought he, +"and I might as well give up first as last." + +"I see before me twenty thousand dollars," said Antoine, hastily coiling +up his lasso as he approached. + +These words acted like a spur upon Archie's flagging spirits. He no +longer thought of surrender: on the contrary, almost before he knew it, +he found himself on his feet and going down the mountain like the wind. + +"_Carrajo!_" yelled the Ranchero, swinging his lasso around his head. + +Archie was afraid of that lasso, for he knew that he was in danger as +long as he was within reach of it; but fortunately he had been too quick +for Antoine. He heard the lariat whistle through the air behind him, and +snap like a whip close to his ear, and then he knew that his enemy had +missed his mark. + +"Santa Maria!" shouted the robber. "Stop, you young vagabond, or I'll +shoot you." + +The fugitive was not frightened by this threat. He was not afraid of +being shot, nor did he believe that he could be overtaken in a fair +race; for, now that he got started, he found that he had wind enough +left for a long run. He had lived among the Rancheros long enough to +know that they were very poor marksmen, and that they could not boast of +their swiftness of foot; and, having escaped the lasso, his spirits rose +again, and hope lent him wings. He heard Antoine crushing through the +bushes in pursuit, but the sound grew fainter and fainter as he sped on +his way. He jumped over rocks and logs, and cleared ravines that at +almost any other time would have effectually checked his progress, and +when he reached the thick woods at the base of the mountains, the +Ranchero was out of sight and hearing. + +Archie was well aware of the fact that he had now reached the most +dangerous part of his route homeward. The chief had ordered the band to +"scatter out" when they reached the end of the pass, and he knew that +every road that led toward the settlement was closely watched. He knew, +also, that his only chance for escape was to avoid these roads and keep +in the thickest part of the woods. He sat down behind some bushes to +rest for a few moments, and then started on again, sometimes creeping on +his hands and knees, making use of every log and rock to cover his +retreat, and stopping frequently to examine the woods in front of him, +and to listen for sounds of pursuit. He had accomplished about a mile in +this way, when he found himself in one of the numerous bridle-paths that +ran through the mountains in every direction, and, what was worse, he +saw the scowling visage of Pierre Costello arise from behind a log not +ten paces from him. With the same glance he saw something else; and that +was a crouching figure in buckskin, which was creeping stealthily toward +the robber. + +"Here's one caught," said Pierre, stepping into the path and walking +toward Archie. "None of your tricks, now; you can't escape." + +"I don't intend to try," replied Archie, with a boldness that astonished +the robber. "Your game is up, Mr. Pierre, and I advice you to surrender +quietly, if you don't want to get hurt!" + +"What!" exclaimed the Ranchero. "Surrender! If you know what you are +about, you will not offer any resistance. I am a desperate man." + +The robber spoke these words boldly enough, but he evidently did not +like the looks of things. He gazed earnestly at Archie, as if trying to +determine what it was that had encouraged him to show so bold a front, +and seeing that he held one hand behind him, Pierre came to the +conclusion that he must, by some means, have secured possession of a +revolver. + +"Drop that weapon, and hold your arms above your head," said the robber. + +Archie did not move. While he appeared to be looking steadily at the +chief, he was really watching the movements of the figure in buckskin, +which had all this while been working its way quickly, but noiselessly, +through the bushes, and had now approached within a few feet of the +Ranchero. + +"Did you hear what I said?" demanded the latter, placing his hand on one +of his revolvers. "You are my prisoner." + +"Well, then, why don't you come and take me?" asked Archie. + +At this moment a slight rustling in the leaves caught the quick ear of +the robber, who turned suddenly, uttered a cry of alarm, and fled down +the path, closely followed by something that to Archie looked like a +gray streak, so swiftly did it move. But it was not a gray streak--it +was Dick Lewis, who, after a few of his long strides, collared the +Ranchero with one hand and threw him to the ground, and with the other +seized the revolver he was trying to draw, and wrested it from his +grasp. Pierre struggled desperately, but to no purpose, for the trapper +handled him as easily as though he had been a child. + +"Now, then, you tarnal Greaser," exclaimed Dick, "your jig's danced, an' +you must settle with the fiddler. If I only had you out on the prairie, +I'd larn you a few things I reckon you never heern tell on. Come here, +you keerless feller, an' tell me if you 'member what I said to you +yesterday! Whar's Frank?" + +Before Archie had time to reply, an incident happened, which, had the +trapper been a less experienced man than he was, would have turned his +triumph into defeat very suddenly. He had more than one enemy to contend +with, and the first intimation he had of the fact, was a sound that +Archie had heard so often since his residence in California that it had +become familiar to him--the whistling noise made by a lariat in its +passage through the air. Before Archie could look around to discover +whence this new danger came, he saw the trapper stretched at full length +on the ground. For an instant his heart stood still; but it was only +for an instant, for Dick was on his feet again immediately, and Archie +drew a long breath of relief when he saw the lasso, which he feared had +settled around his friend's neck, glide harmlessly over his shoulder. +The trapper, from force of long habit, was always on the watch for +danger, and when he heard that whistling sound in the air, he did not +stop to look for his enemy, but dropped like a flash to avoid the lasso; +and when he arose to his feet his long rifle was leveled at a thicket of +bushes in front of him. + +"Show yourself, Greaser!" cried Dick. + +The concealed enemy obeyed without an instant's hesitation, and when he +stepped into the path, Archie saw that it was Antoine Mercedes. + +"Thar's nothin' like knowin' the tricks of the varmints," said Dick, +coolly, as he handed his rifle to Archie, and proceeded to disarm +Antoine. "If I had been a greenhorn, I should have been well-nigh choked +to death by this time; but a man who has seed prairy life, soon larns +that his ears was made for use as well as his eyes. Now, little un, +whar's the rest of them fellers?" + +While the trapper was engaged in confining his prisoners' arms with +their own lassos, Archie gave him a rapid account of all that had +happened during his captivity, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis on +the treachery of Arthur Vane. Dick opened his eyes in astonishment, and, +when Archie had finished his story, declared that they would be serving +Arthur right if they were to leave him among the robbers. + +"Why, he doesn't want to get away from them," said Archie. "He is with +them now, hunting for us. He and I had a fight not half an hour ago, +and, if Antoine had only stayed away a few minutes longer, Arthur would +have been a prisoner too." + +At this moment, a party of Rancheros galloped up, led by Uncle James and +Mr. Harris, and accompanied by the dogs, which the boys--who had +intended to devote the most of their time to stalking the elks, which +were abundant in the mountains--had left at home. Marmion and Carlo made +every demonstration of joy at seeing Archie once more, and Mr. Winters +greeted him as though he had not met him for years. + +Without any unnecessary delay, a trusty herdsman was dismounted, and +sent back to the ranch with the prisoners, and Archie mounted his horse. + +"You had better go home," said Mr. Winters, looking at his nephew's rags +and bruises. + +"Oh no, uncle," said Archie, quickly. "I promised Frank and Johnny that, +if I succeeded in getting away, I wouldn't sleep until they were safe +among friends. I want to go with you." + +Uncle James did not urge the matter, and Dick, although he shook his +head at Archie, and called him a "keerless feller," was proud of his +pluck. + +The trapper, who was the acknowledged leader of the party, set out at a +rapid trot toward the pass, but had not gone far, when he stopped, and +turned his head on one side to listen. "Spread out, fellers," said he, +waving his hand toward the bushes on each side of him. "Thar's something +comin'." + +The horsemen separated, and took up their positions on each side of the +path. They could hear nothing but the chirping of the birds, and the +sighing of the wind through the branches above their heads; but they had +not been long in their concealments before they found that Dick had not +been deceived. The clatter of a horse's hoofs on the hard path, faint +and far off at first, but growing louder as the animal approached, came +to their ears, and presently Roderick appeared in sight. The first thing +Archie noticed was, that he wore neither saddle nor bridle; the second, +that he carried Frank and Johnny on his back. One of Frank's hands was +twisted in the horse's mane, and his body was tightly clasped in the +arms of Johnny, who sat behind him. Archie had never seen the mustang +run so swiftly before, and he made up his mind that, if any of the +Rancheros were pursuing him, they might as well give up the chase. He +also thought that Frank and Johnny would enjoy a long ride before they +got a chance to put their feet on the ground again; for Roderick was +plainly stampeded. It was fortunate that Dick had sent them into the +bushes; for, had the party been in the path then, some of them would +have been run down, and, perhaps, trampled to death. + +"Out of the way there, Greaser!" shouted Frank, when he discovered the +trapper standing in the path. + +Dick was not a Greaser; but he thought it best to get out of the way; +and Frank would have gone by him, had not Carlo and Marmion recognized +their masters, and set up a howl of welcome. + +"Whoa!" shouted Johnny and Frank, in concert, and Roderick stopped so +suddenly that both his riders were thrown forward on his neck. + +"Come here, you boy that fit that ar' Greaser, an' tell me all about it, +to onct," exclaimed Dick. "Be they follerin' you?" + +"Not that we know of. We haven't seen any of them since daylight. Lend +me your lasso, Carlos, and we'll go back and hunt up Archie." + +But Archie was already found, and when he rode out of the bushes, Frank +was relieved of a great deal of anxiety. He had not seen his cousin +since he left the glade, and he feared that he had been re-captured; or, +what was worse, had slipped off the ledge into the gorge. + +A consultation was now held, and, after Uncle James and Mr. Harris had +listened to the boys' story, they decided that it would be a waste of +time to search for Arthur Vane. The latter's conduct had induced the +belief that he was a friend of the robbers, and could go and come when +he pleased. No doubt, when he got tired of life in the mountains, he +would return home of his own free will. The party would keep on to the +glade, however, and recover Sleepy Sam, and the boys' weapons. When this +had been decided upon, Dick's horse, which he had hidden in the bushes, +was brought out for Johnny, a lasso was twisted around Roderick's lower +jaw, to serve as a bridle, and then the trapper shouldered his long +rifle, and gave another exhibition of his "travelin' qualities." He kept +the horses in a steady gallop, sometimes "letting out" a little on +getting far in advance of them, and, when he stopped at the entrance to +the pass, he seemed as fresh as ever. + +The boys had expressed the hope that they would surprise some of the +robbers in the glade, but were disappointed. They found their saddles, +bridles, blankets, and weapons, however, and Archie recovered his horse, +which was standing contentedly beside the spring, half asleep, as usual. +Every thing was gathered up, including a few articles the robbers had +left behind, and, as they rode toward the settlement, the boys told each +other that the next time they went hunting, after Pierre's band had all +been captured, they would camp in the glade. + +Archie was confined to the house for a day or two after that; but, if +his body was stiff and bruised, his tongue was all right, and it was a +long time before he got through relating the incidents of his fight with +the traitor. + +Frank and Johnny had met with no adventures, not having seen any of the +band after they left the glade. They crossed the ledge without +accident--although they confessed that they would think twice before +trying it again--and, when they reached the end of the pass, they +concealed themselves in a hollow log until morning. When they were about +to continue their flight, they discovered the mustang, which, unwilling +to be left alone in the glade, had crossed the ledge, and was on his way +home. Frank easily caught him; but, knowing his favorite's disposition +as well as he did, hesitated about requiring him to carry double; +however, he finally decided that Roderick was large enough and strong +enough to carry them both, and that he must do it, or take the +consequences. Frank thereupon mounted the animal, Johnny climbed up +behind him, and Roderick, after a few angry kicks, consented to the +arrangement. Believing the boldest course to be the safest, they put the +horse to the top of his speed, trusting to his momentum to overcome any +thing that might endeavor to obstruct the path. + +While Archie was confined to the house, Dick and old Bob were busy, and +their efforts were rewarded by the capture of three more of the band, +who were sent to San Diego with the others. Only one was left now, and +that was Joaquin, who had thus far successfully eluded pursuit. The +traitor was also missing; and, although Mr. Vane kept his herdsmen in +the mountains continually, nothing had been seen of him. Arthur was +paying the penalty of his treachery, and was being punished in a way he +had not thought of. After his unsuccessful attempt to capture Archie +Winters, he went down the mountain to the place where he had left his +horse, and there he found Joaquin, who had narrowly escaped a ball from +the rifle of old Bob Kelly. He was in ill-humor about something, but his +face brightened when he discovered Arthur. + +"We must be off at once," said he. "The mountains are full of men." + +"I believe I'll go home," replied Arthur. "I am going to ask my father +to give me money enough to take me back to Kentucky; for, of course, I +can't live here after what I have done. Before I go, however, I want to +tell you, that you and your friends are a set of blockheads. If I had +known that you would be so stupid as to allow those fellows to escape, I +shouldn't have had any thing to do with you. Good-by, Joaquin." + +"Not quite so fast, my lad," said the Ranchero, seizing Arthur's horse +by the bridle. "You are worth as much to us as the others." + +"What do you mean?" exclaimed Arthur. + +"I mean that you are a prisoner, and that you must stay here with us. I +hope you understand that?" + +Arthur was thunderstruck. "Why, Joaquin," said he, "Pierre promised me +faithfully that I should be treated as a visitor, and that no ransom +should be demanded for me." + +"And did you put any faith in that promise? When your father gives us +twenty thousand dollars, you can go, and not before." + +Arthur cried, begged, and threatened in vain. Joaquin was firm, and the +traitor was obliged to accompany him to the mountains. That night he +wrote to his father, informing him of his situation, and Joaquin, after +tying his prisoner to a tree, and gagging him, to prevent him from +shouting for assistance, rode to the settlement, and left the note on +Mr. Vane's door-step. + +During the three weeks following, Arthur led a most miserable life. He +had nothing to eat but dried meat, and but little of that. His captor +treated him very harshly, tying him to a tree every night, to prevent +his escape, and moving him about in the day-time, from place to place, +to avoid capture. It soon became known in the settlement, that Arthur +was held as a prisoner, and the search was conducted with redoubled +energy. Joaquin was constantly on the alert, but he was caught at last; +for, one day, just as he and Arthur were about to sit down to their +dinner of dried meat, Frank, Archie, and Johnny suddenly appeared in +sight, accompanied by the two trappers. Archie had repeatedly declared +that he owed the traitor a debt, which he intended to settle the very +first time he met him; but when he saw what a wretched condition Arthur +was in, he relented, and pitied him from the bottom of his heart. + +Joaquin was sent to San Diego to be dealt with according to law, and +Arthur went home. He did not remain there long; but, as soon as he was +able to travel, started for Kentucky, and every one was glad that he had +gone. + +Frank and Archie could tell stories now that were worth listening to. +They had seen exciting times since their arrival in California, had +been the heroes of some thrilling adventures, and they never got weary +of talking over the incidents that transpired during their captivity +AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + + +THE END. + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES. + +J.T. TROWBRIDGE. + + +Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity. + +The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young +Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school. + +On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.--_Scribner's Monthly_. + +JACK HAZARD SERIES. +6 vols. BY J.T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25 + +Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. +Doing His Best. +The Young Surveyor. +A Chance for Himself. +Past Friends. +Lawrence's Adventures. + * * * * * + + +CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS. + +This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his +mental and physical powers. + +"We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a freshness +and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description of sport +and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to +share."--_Worcester Spy_. + +"The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly +at the head of what may be called boys' literature."--_Buffalo Courier_. + + +CAMPING OUT SERIES. + +By C.A. STEPHENS. + +All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. +Cloth, extra, 75 cents. + +CAMPING OUT. As Recorded by "Kit." + +"This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above +the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and +shoulders."--_The Christian Register_, Boston. + +LEFT ON LABRADOR; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE SCHOONER YACHT +"CURLEW." As Recorded by "Wash." + +"The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange +expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make +boys even unconscious of hunger."--_New Bedford Mercury_. + +OFF TO THE GEYSERS; OR THE YOUNG YACHTERS IN ICELAND. As +Recorded by "Wade." + +"It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were not +live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily over an +Esquimaux tribe."--_The Independent_, New York. + +LYNX HUNTING: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out." + +"Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside the +best."--_Richmond Enquirer_. + +FOX HUNTING. As Recorded by "Raed." + +"The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It +overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy +throughout."--_Boston Gazette_. + +ON THE AMAZON; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "RAMBLER." As Recorded by +"Wash." + +"Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."--_Buffalo +Courier_. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Among The Rancheros, by Harry Castlemon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + +***** This file should be named 17349-8.txt or 17349-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/3/4/17349/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Frank Among The Rancheros + +Author: Harry Castlemon + +Release Date: December 19, 2005 [EBook #17349] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +Character set for HTML: ISO-8859-1 + + +</pre> + + + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 318px;"> +<img src="images/gs01.jpg" width="318" height="450" alt="THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES" title="" /> +</div> + + + + +<h3><i>THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</i></h3> + + +<h1>FRANK</h1> + +<h2>AMONG THE RANCHEROS.</h2> + +<h3>BY</h3> +<h2>HARRY CASTLEMON,</h2> +<h4>AUTHOR OF "THE GUN-BOAT SERIES," "THE GO-AHEAD +SERIES," ETC.</h4> +<p class="center"> +<br /> +<br /> +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.,<br /> +PHILADELPHIA,<br /> +CHICAGO, TORONTO.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 294px;"> +<img src="images/cover01a.jpg" width="294" height="450" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 75px;"> +<img src="images/spine01.jpg" width="75" height="450" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><b>FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS.</b></h2> + + +<p><b>GUNBOAT SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 6 vols. 12mo.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Frank the Young Naturalist.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank in the Woods.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank on the Lower Mississippi.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank on a Gunboat.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank Before Vicksburg.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank on the Prairie.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Frank among the Rancheros.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank at Don Carlos' Ranch.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank in the Mountains.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Sportsman's Club Afloat.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>FRANK NELSON SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Snowed Up.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Frank in the Forecastle.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Boy Traders.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>BOY TRAPPER SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">The Buried Treasure.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Boy Trapper.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Mail-Carrier.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>ROUGHING IT SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">George in Camp.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">George at the Wheel.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">George at the Fort.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>ROD AND GUN SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Don Gordon's Shooting Box.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Rod and Gun Club.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">The Young Wild Fowlers.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>GO-AHEAD SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Tom Newcombe.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Go-Ahead.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">No Moss.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>FOREST AND STREAM SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">Joe Wayring.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Snagged and Sunk.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Steel Horse.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>WAR SERIES.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 5 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">True to his Colors.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Rodney the Partisan.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Rodney the Overseer.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Marcy the Blockade-Runner.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Marcy the Refugee.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p><b>Other Volumes in Preparation.</b></p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p class="center"> +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by<br /> +R.W. CARROLL & CO.,<br /> +In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,<br /> +for the Southern District of Ohio.<br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1896, by Charles A. Fosdick.</span><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER I.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Novel Battle,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>5</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER II.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Frank's New Home,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>16</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER III.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Twelve Thousand Dollars,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>29</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER IV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Frank Proves Himself a Hero,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>40</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER V.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Fight in the Court,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>54</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER VI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Mysteries Solved,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>68</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER VII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Frank Meets a Highwayman,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>81</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Colonel Arthur Vane,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>95</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER IX.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>An Old Boy,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>110</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER X.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Arthur Shows His Courage,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>126</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Arthur Plans Revenge,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>137</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Off for the Mountains,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>154</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Pierre and His Band,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>168</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>A Dinner in the Mountains,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>180</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>More Treachery,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>193</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Escape,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>204</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XVII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>The Struggle on the Cliff,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>221</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER XVIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Conclusion,</td><td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>237</b></a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="FRANK_AMONG_THE_RANCHEROS" id="FRANK_AMONG_THE_RANCHEROS"></a>FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS.</h2> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>A NOVEL BATTLE.</h3> + + +<p>"Pull him along, Carlos! Pull him along!" shouted a young gentleman +about sixteen years of age, as he danced about on the back porch of his +uncle's house, in a state of great excitement; "why don't you pull him +along?"</p> + +<p>"He'll come, after awhile," replied the person addressed; "but he is +very wild and obstinate."</p> + +<p>The boy on the porch was almost beside himself—so much so, in fact, +that he found it utterly impossible to stand still. He was jumping +wildly about, swinging his arms around his head, and laughing and +shouting at the top of his lungs.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>We have met this young gentleman before. We have been with him through +the woods, accompanied him across the prairie, and seen him in some +exciting situations; but, for all that, it is by no means certain that +his most intimate friend, could he have beheld him while he was dancing +about on the porch, would have recognized him. The last time we saw him +he was dressed in a suit of blue jeans, rather the worse for wear, a +slouch hat, and a pair of heavy horseman's boots. Now, he sports a suit +of clothes cut in the height of fashion—that is, Mexican fashion. They +are not exactly of the description that we see on the streets every day, +but they are common among the farmers of Southern California, for that +is where this young gentleman lives. He is dressed in a short jacket of +dark blue cloth, trimmed around the edges, and on the sleeves, with gold +lace, and wide trousers of the same material, also gaudily ornamented. +The hat, with which he fans his flushed face, is a sombrero, bound with +gold cord, the ends of which are adorned with tassels, that fall +jauntily over the edge of the brim. An embroidered shirt of gray cloth, +and shoes and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>stockings, complete his attire; or, we may add, a long +crimson sash, which is wound several times around his waist, and tied at +the side, and a pair of small Mexican spurs, whose rowels are ornamented +with little silver bells, which tinkle musically as he moves his feet +about. If you fail to recognize an old acquaintance in this excited, +sunburnt boy, you surely can call the name of the tall, +broad-shouldered, sober-looking youth, who stands at his side. Three +months in the saddle have not changed Frank Nelson a great deal, only he +is a little more robust, and, perhaps, more sedate. He has lost none of +his love of excitement, and he is quite as interested in what is going +on before him as Archie; but he stands with his hands in his pockets, +looking as dignified as a judge. It would be a wonder if they were not +somewhat excited, as they are witnessing a desperate battle that is +going on between two of their uncle's Rancheros and a wild steer, which +one of them has lassoed, and is trying to pull through the gate into the +cow-pen. The animal is struggling furiously for his freedom, and the +issue of the contest is doubtful.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>At the time our story begins, Frank and his cousin had lived two months +in Southern California, where Mr. Winters owned a farm—or, in the +language of that country, a <i>rancho</i>—of sixteen thousand acres. Besides +attending to his business in the mines, and superintending his affairs +in Sacramento, Uncle James had devoted a portion of his time to +stock-raising; and, when Frank and Archie first saw his immense droves +of horses and cattle, they thought them sufficient in numbers to supply +all the markets in America.</p> + +<p>Mr. Winters's rancho was not managed like the farms in our part of the +country. To begin with, there were but three fences on it—one inclosed +two small barns and corn-cribs; another, a pasture of two or three +acres, and the third formed the cow-pen. In the barns, Uncle James kept +his riding and farm horses; the pasture was for the use of the half +dozen cows which supplied the rancho with butter and milk; and the +cow-pen was nothing more nor less than a prison, into which, in the +spring of the year, all the young cattle and horses were driven and +branded with the initials of the owner's name.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> This was done so that +Mr. Winters and his hired men might be able to recognize the stock +anywhere. The cattle sometimes strayed, and became mixed up with those +of the neighbors, and the marks on their flanks showed to whom they +belonged.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 279px;"> +<img src="images/gs02.jpg" width="279" height="450" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<p>A fence around that farm would have been useless. None of the cattle and +horses had ever been handled, except when they were branded, and, +consequently, they were very wild. Sometimes they became frightened and +stampeded; and then they behaved like a herd of buffaloes, which turn +aside for nothing, and stop only when they are completely tired out. On +these occasions, the strongest fences that could have been made would +have been trampled down like the grass beneath their feet.</p> + +<p>Of course, these cattle and horses had never seen the inside of a +stable. Indeed, a barn large enough to accommodate them would have been +an immense building, and would have cost more money than all the +stock-raisers in the country were worth. However, there was no need of +shelter for them. The grass on the prairie was abundant at all seasons +of the year, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>the winters were very mild, and the cattle were always fat +and in condition to be driven to market.</p> + +<p>All this stock was managed by half a dozen men, called Rancheros. Four +of them were Mexicans; the others were our old friends, Dick Lewis and +Bob Kelly. So skillful were these men in their business, that a herd of +cattle, which, in the hands of any one else, would have proved utterly +unmanageable, was driven about by them with perfect ease. Sometimes it +became necessary to secure a single member of these droves. Perhaps the +housekeeper wanted some fresh meat for dinner, or Uncle James desired a +new riding horse; in either case, the services of these men were +invaluable. Mr. Winters would issue the necessary orders to Carlos—who +was the chief of the Rancheros, and the man who managed the farm during +the absence of his employer—and an hour or two afterward four quarters +of fine beef would be carried into the cellar, or Mr. Winters would be +requested to step to the door and see if they had captured the horse he +wanted. The Rancheros accomplished this with their lassos, which they +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>carried suspended from the horns of their saddles wherever they went. A +lasso is a long rope, about as large as a clothes-line, and is generally +made of rawhide. One end of it is fastened to the saddle, and the other, +by the aid of a strong iron ring, formed into a running noose. This +contrivance these herdsmen could use with a skill that was astonishing. +Mounted on their fleet horses, they would ride up behind a wild steer, +and catch him by the horns, around his neck, or by one of his feet, as +suited their fancy.</p> + +<p>On the morning we find Frank and Archie on the porch, their nearest +neighbor, also a stock-raiser, had ridden over to inform them that one +of his fine steers, which he had intended to drive to market, had +escaped from his Rancheros, and joined one of Mr. Winters's droves; +whereupon Frank, who, in the absence of his uncle, acted as the head man +of the ranch, sent for Carlos, and commanded him to capture the runaway, +and confine him in the cow-pen until his owner should send for him. +Carlos had obeyed the first part of the order, but just then it seemed +that that was all he could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>do. The steer had suddenly taken it into his +head that he had been driven far enough, and that he would not go +through the gate that led into the cow-pen; and, although Carlos pulled +him by his lasso, which he had thrown over his horns, and another +Ranchero, named Felix, vigorously applied a whip from behind, the +obstinate animal refused to budge an inch. Sometimes he would kick, and +plunge, and try to run off; and then the horse on which Carlos was +mounted, which seemed to understand the business quite as well as his +master, would plant his fore-feet firmly on the ground to stop him. +Finding that he could not effect his escape in that way, the steer would +run around in a circle; and the horse would turn around also, keeping +his face toward the animal all the while, and thus avoid being wrapped +up in the lasso. This novel battle had been going on for nearly ten +minutes, and even Frank had become highly excited over it.</p> + +<p>"Pull him along, Carlos!" shouted Archie, jumping about on the porch as +if he had lost all control over his legs, and they would dance in spite +of every thing he could do to prevent it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> "Pull him along! Whip up +behind, Felix; hit him hard!"</p> + +<p>Archie continued to shout his orders at the top of his voice; but they +did not seem to help the matter any, for the steer still refused to +move. He had fallen to his knees, and laid his head close to the ground, +as if he had deliberately resolved that he would remain there; and for a +long time, all the pulling and whipping the two Rancheros could do, +brought nothing from him but angry snorts and shakes of the head.</p> + +<p>"Now, Archie," said Carlos, as he stopped to wipe the big drops of +perspiration from his face, "what would you do with this fellow?"</p> + +<p>The boys, who never neglected an opportunity to pick up items of +information concerning every thing that came in their way, had been +taking lessons of the Rancheros in horsemanship, throwing the lasso, and +managing wild cattle; and Carlos thought this a proper occasion to +ascertain how much they remembered of what they had learned.</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Archie, pulling off his sombrero, and digging his +fingers into his head, to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>stir up his ideas, "I'd keep pulling and +hauling at him until I got him tired out, and then I think I could +manage him."</p> + +<p>"That would take up too much time," said Carlos; "I've got other work to +do, and I am in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"Make your lasso fast to the horn of your saddle, and start up your +horse, and drag him in," suggested Frank.</p> + +<p>"That's the idea, and that's just what I'm going to do," said Carlos.</p> + +<p>But that was just what the Ranchero did <i>not</i> do. While he was preparing +to put this plan into operation, the steer suddenly jumped to his feet, +and made another desperate attempt to effect his escape, and this time +he was successful. There was a loud snap, Carlos's heels made a flourish +in the air like the shafts of a windmill, and, in an instant, he was +stretched at full length on the ground. His saddle-girth had parted, and +the steer was at liberty to take himself off, which he did in short +order.</p> + +<p>The boys gazed in astonishment at the fallen horseman, who righted +himself with alacrity, stretched his arms and legs to satisfy himself +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>that there were no bones broken, and then commenced shouting some +orders to his companion, who put spurs to his horse and started in +pursuit of the steer, which was galloping over the prairie, dragging +Carlos's saddle after him. He was very soon overtaken, and Felix, +raising himself in his stirrups, swung his lasso around his head once or +twice, to make sure of an accurate aim, and launched it at the steer. +The lariat whistled through the air, as true to its course as a ball +from a rifle, the noose settled down over his horns, the horse stopped +suddenly, and the runaway lay struggling on the ground.</p> + +<p>His last attempt at escape seemed to have exhausted his energies, for +when he had regained his feet, he allowed Felix to lead him back to the +gate and into the cow-pen, where he was turned loose, to remain until +his owner should send for him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>FRANK'S NEW HOME.</h3> + + +<p>Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California +about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting +Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his +business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the +time most agreeably. They were as fond as ever of excitement, were +almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they +and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it +was not because they did not try.</p> + +<p>When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves +expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments. But one morning, they +rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas—two boys, about their +own age, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>with whom they had become acquainted—and, during the day, +they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder. Johnny and +Dick, to show what they could do, captured and rode a couple of wild +horses, that had never been handled before; and Frank and Archie were +compelled to admit that they had some things yet to learn. Every boy in +that country could throw the lasso, and the cousins found that, if they +desired to keep up their reputation, they must put themselves under +instructions. Dick and Bob readily took them in hand, and, although the +boys were awkward at first, they improved rapidly. They soon learned to +throw the lasso with considerable skill, and Frank speedily took the +lead in rifle-shooting, while Archie began to brag of his horsemanship. +The former could bring a squirrel out of the top of the highest oak on +the farm, at every shot; and his cousin could bend down from his saddle +and pick up his sombrero from the ground, while his horse was going at +the top of his speed.</p> + +<p>The horses the boys rode were the same that had carried them across the +prairie, and they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>were now hitched at the end of the porch, saddled and +bridled, and awaiting the pleasure of their masters. One of them, Sleepy +Sam, looked as sleepy as ever. He stood with his head down, and his eyes +half closed, as if it made no difference to him whether Archie took his +morning ride or not. The other, a magnificent iron-gray, pulled +impatiently at his halter, and pranced about, apparently as much excited +as Archie had been a few moments before. This was the "king of the +drove"—the one the trappers had captured during their sojourn at the +Old Bear's Hole. He answered to the name of Roderick; for Frank had read +Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," and, admiring the character of +the rebel chieftain, had named his favorite after him. Perhaps the name +was appropriate, for the animal sometimes showed a disposition to rebel +against lawful authority, especially when any one besides Frank +attempted to put a saddle or bridle on him. He was a wild-looking +fellow, and he had a way of laying back his ears, and opening his mouth, +when any one came near him, that would have made a stranger think twice +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>before trying to mount him. With Frank, however, he was as gentle as a +dog. He would come at his call, stand on his hind legs, and carry his +master's whip or sombrero. He would kick and bite at Frank when the +latter tickled him in the ribs, all in sport, of course; but if Mr. +Winters, or one of the herdsmen, came about him, he would use his teeth +and heels in good earnest. He was as swift as ever, and Frank had yet to +see the horse that could beat him.</p> + +<p>The saddles these horses wore were like every thing else about +themselves and masters, of the Mexican pattern. They were made of +beautifully-stamped leather, with high pommels in front, the tops of +which were flat, and as large around as the crown of Frank's sombrero. A +pair of saddle-bags was fastened across the seat of each, in which the +boys carried several handy articles, such as flint, steel, and tinder +for lighting a fire; ammunition for their revolvers, which were safely +stowed away in bearskin holsters strapped in front of the saddles, and +large clasp-knives, that were useful in skinning squirrels when the boys +went hunting. Behind <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>the saddles, neatly rolled up, and held in their +places by straps, were a couple of pouches, which they used in rainy +weather. They were pieces of India-rubber cloth, with holes in the +center for the wearers' heads. They were large enough to afford complete +protection from the rain, and could also be used as tents in case the +boys found it necessary to camp all night on the prairie.</p> + +<p>We have spoken of Frank's dog; but were we to let the matter drop here, +it would be slighting an animal which had played a somewhat important +part in the history of Frank's life in California. His name was Marmion, +and he had been presented to Frank by Captain Porter—an old fur-trader, +who lived a few miles distant from the rancho, and with whom the cousins +were great favorites. Archie did not like the dog, and, if the truth +must be told, the dog had not the smallest particle of affection for +Archie. In fact, he cared for no one except his master, and that was the +reason the fur-trader had given him to Frank. He was as large as two +ordinary dogs—very courageous, and so savage that no one cared to +trouble him. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>had seen some stirring times during his life, and his +body was covered with wounds, some of which were not entirely healed. +Frank was quite as fond of him as he was of Brave, and with good reason, +too. Marmion had received those wounds while fighting for his master, +and it was through his interference that Frank had been saved from a +long captivity. It happened before the commencement of our story, and +how it came to pass shall be told in the following chapters.</p> + +<p>The house in which Frank and Archie lived stood in a grove of stately +oak-trees, and, externally, was in perfect keeping with its +surroundings. It was built of massive logs, in the form of a hollow +square, with an open court in the center, which was paved with stone. +The windows, which extended down to the floor, and which were used for +ingress and egress quite as often as the doors, were protected by +shutters made of heavy planks, and there were four loop-holes on each +side of the house, showing that it had been intended to serve as a +defense as well as a shelter. Indeed, it looked more like a +fortification than a dwelling.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>The house was old, and had a history—an exciting one, too, as any one +could have told after examining it closely. The walls bore numerous +scars, which had been made by bullets, and the trees surrounding the +dwelling were marked in the same manner. The grove had not always been +as peaceful and quiet as we found it. Its echoes had been awakened by +the yells of infuriated men and the reports of hostile rifles, and the +very sod upon which Frank sometimes stretched himself after dinner, to +while away an hour with some favorite author, had been wet with blood.</p> + +<p>When the house was built, there was not another human habitation within +a circle of twenty miles. The country was an unbroken wilderness. Mr. +Winters's nearest neighbors were bands of roving freebooters, who robbed +all who came in their way. They did not, however, content themselves +with waylaying solitary travelers. They frequently made organized +attacks upon remote farm-houses, and one night they made a sudden +descent upon Mr. Winters's rancho. But the old frontiersman had lived +too long in that country, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>was too well acquainted with the +character of his neighbors, to be caught napping. He and his Rancheros +were armed to the teeth, and prepared for a fight; and, after a siege of +two days, during which time the robbers poured an almost constant shower +of bullets against the walls of the house, they withdrew, after shooting +and dispersing the cattle, and destroying the crops. Not one of Mr. +Winters's party was injured; but the outlaws suffered so severely, that +they never repeated the attempt to rob that rancho.</p> + +<p>Frank and Archie never grew tired of hearing Uncle James tell the story +of that fight, and nearly every day they examined the marks of the +bullets on the logs, sometimes being foolish enough to wish that they +had been there to take part in those exciting scenes, or that the +robbers would return and make another attack on the house, so that they +might be able to say that they had been in a real battle. Then they +should have a story to tell that would be worth listening to. They never +imagined that, before they were many years older, they could recount +adventures quite as exciting as their uncle's.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>The interior of the house presented a strange contrast to the outside. +When one crossed the threshold, he found himself surrounded with all the +comforts of civilization. There were fine carpets on the floors, oil +paintings on the walls, and easy chairs, sofas, and musical instruments +in abundance. The room the boys occupied was the only one in which could +be found any traces of the backwoods. It was a pleasant, cheerful +apartment, quite as nicely furnished as the other rooms in the house, +and every thing about it bespoke the taste and character of its young +masters. A stranger, having taken a single glance at the numerous +articles hung upon the walls, and scattered about over the floor—some +of them useful and ornamental, others apparently of no value or service +to any one—could have told that its presiding geniuses were live, +wide-awake, restless boys.</p> + +<p>The room contained a fine library, an extensive collection of relics of +all descriptions, and its walls were adorned with pictures, only they +were of a different character from those in the other parts of the +house. Frank and Archie cared nothing for such scenes as the "Soldier's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> +Dream" and "Sunrise in the Mountains;" their tastes ran in another +channel. Their favorite picture hung over their writing desk, and was +entitled, "One Rubbed Out." In the foreground was a man mounted on a +mustang that was going at full speed. The man was dressed in the garb of +a hunter, with leggins, moccasins, and coonskin cap, and in one hand he +carried a rifle, while the other held the reins which guided his horse. +The hunter was turned half around in the saddle, looking back toward +half a dozen Indians, who had been pursuing him, but were now gathered +about their chief, who had been struck from his horse by a ball from the +hunter's rifle. The latter's face wore a broad grin, which testified to +the satisfaction he felt at the result of this shot. This picture had +been shown to old Bob Kelly, who, after regarding it attentively for a +few moments, declared that it must have been painted by some one who was +acquainted with the story of his last trip to the Saskatchewan, the +particulars of which he had related to Dick on the night he made his +first appearance in their camp.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know how the chap that made that ar' pictur' could have found +it out," said old Bob, who, simple-hearted fellow that he was, really +believed that the hunter in the painting was intended to represent him, +"'cause I never told the story to nobody 'cept you an' my chum Dick. But +thar's one thing wrong about it, youngsters. When I shot a Injun, I +didn't hold my rifle on the horn of my saddle, an' waste time laughin' +over it. I loaded up again to onct, an' got ready for another shot."</p> + +<p>At the opposite end of the room hung a picture of a hunters' camp. Two +or three men were stretched out on the ground before a cheerful fire, +resting after the labors of the day, while others were coming in from +the woods—some loaded with water-fowl, some with fish, and the two who +brought up the rear were staggering under the weight of a fine deer they +had shot. Archie often wondered where that camp could have been located. +He did not believe there was a place in the United States where game of +all kinds was as abundant as the hunters in the picture found it.</p> + +<p>Paintings of this character occupied prominent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>places on the walls of +the room, and between them hung numerous relics the boys had collected +during their journey across the prairie, and a few trophies of their +skill as hunters. Over the door were the antlers of the first and only +elk they had killed, and upon them hung a string of grizzly bear's +claws, which had once been worn as a necklace by an Indian chief, and +also a bow, a quiver full of arrows, a stone tomahawk, and a +scalping-knife—all of which had been presented to them by Captain +Porter. At the head of the bed were two pairs of deer's horns fastened +to the wall, and supporting their rifles, bullet-pouches, powder-horns, +and hunting-knives.</p> + +<p>These articles were all highly prized by the boys; but, upon a nail +driven into the wall beside the book-case, hung something that, next to +his horse and dog, held the most exalted place in Frank's estimation. It +was the remnant of the first lasso he had ever owned. He thought more of +it than of any other article he possessed, and he would have surrendered +every thing, except Roderick and Marmion, before he would have parted +with that piece of a rawhide <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>rope. It had once saved his uncle's life; +and, more than that, Frank himself had been hanged with it. Yes, as +improbable as it may seem, one end of that lasso had been placed around +his neck, the other thrown over the hook which supported one of his +large pictures, and Frank had been drawn up until his toes only rested +on the floor; and all because he refused to tell where he had hidden a +key. Where the rest of the lasso was he did not know. The last time he +saw it, it was around the neck of a man who was running through the +grove at the top of his speed, with Marmion close at his heels. The dog +came back, but the man and the piece of lasso did not; and this brings +us to our story.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.</h3> + + +<p>One day, about six weeks before the commencement of our story, Frank and +Archie were sent to San Diego on business for Uncle James. When they +returned, they found a new face among the Rancheros—that of Pierre +Costello, a man for whom Frank at once conceived a violent dislike. +Pierre was a full-blooded Mexican, dark-browed, morose, and +sinister-looking, and he had a pair of small, black eyes that were never +still, but constantly roving about, as if on the lookout for something. +His appearance was certainly forbidding; but that was not the reason why +Frank disliked him. It was because Marmion regarded him with suspicion, +and seemed to think he had no business on the rancho. When the Ranchero +came about the house, Marmion would follow him wherever he went, as if +he feared that the man <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>was about to attempt some mischief; and, when +Pierre returned to his quarters, the dog always seemed to be immensely +relieved. Frank invariably made common cause with his favorites, whether +they belonged to the human or brute creation, and without taking the +trouble to inquire into the merits of the case; and, when he found how +matters stood between Pierre and Marmion, he at once espoused the cause +of his dog, and hated the Ranchero as cordially as though the latter had +done him some terrible injury, although the man had never spoken to him, +except to salute him very respectfully every time they met.</p> + +<p>That Pierre hated and feared the dog, quite as much as the animal +disliked him, was evident. He would scowl, and say "<i>Carrajo</i>," every +time Marmion came near him, and lay his hand on his knife, as if it +would have afforded him infinite pleasure could he have found an +opportunity, to draw it across the dog's throat. Frank had often noticed +this, and consequently, when he one day came suddenly upon the dog, +which was looking wistfully at a piece of meat Pierre was holding out +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>to him, he was astonished, and not a little alarmed. The Mexican +scowled, as he always did when Frank came near him, and walked away, +hiding the meat under his coat.</p> + +<p>"Give it to me, Pierre," said Frank; "Marmion don't like to be fed by +strangers."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero kept on as if he were not aware that he had been spoken to; +and his conduct went a long way in confirming the new suspicions that +had suddenly sprung up in Frank's mind.</p> + +<p>"Uncle," said he, that evening, after supper, as he joined Mr. Winters +and Archie, who had seated themselves on the porch to enjoy the cool +breeze of evening, "how long do you intend to keep that new Ranchero?"</p> + +<p>"As long as he will stay," replied Mr. Winters. "He is one of the most +faithful men I ever had, and he is quite as skillful in his business as +either Carlos or Dick."</p> + +<p>"He is a mean man for all that," said Frank; "he tried to poison +Marmion, to-day."</p> + +<p>"I don't blame him," said Archie; "a meaner, uglier dog I never saw"—</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, Archie," interrupted Frank, "I like the dog; and even if I didn't, +I would keep him because he is a present."</p> + +<p>"How do you know that Pierre tried to poison him?" asked Mr. Winters.</p> + +<p>"Why, he was holding a piece of meat out to the dog, and when I came up +he walked off in a great hurry," replied Frank, who, when he came to +state the case, found that it was not quite so strong against the +Ranchero as he had at first supposed.</p> + +<p>"He may have done all that, and still be innocent of any desire to +injure your favorite. Marmion doesn't like him, and, no doubt, Pierre is +trying his best to make friends with him. I'll insure your dog's life +for a quarter."</p> + +<p>Frank was far from being satisfied. Somehow, he did not like the scowl +he had often seen on Pierre's face. He was certain that the Ranchero had +intended to harm Marmion; but why? Not simply because he hated the dog, +but for the reason that the animal was in his way. This was the view +Frank took of the case; and, believing that Pierre was there for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>no +good, he resolved to keep a close watch on all his movements.</p> + +<p>A day or two after that, Mr. Winters and Archie set out on horseback for +San Diego, the former to collect the money for a drove of horses he had +sold there, before his departure for the East, and Archie to explore the +city. Frank, hourly expecting his two friends, Johnny Harris and Dick +Thomas, who had promised to spend a week with him, remained at home, +with the housekeeper and two of the Rancheros, one of whom was Pierre, +for company. Dick and Bob, and the rest of the herdsmen, were off +somewhere, attending to the stock.</p> + +<p>Frank, being left to himself, tried various plans for his amusement. He +read a few pages in half a dozen different books, took a short gallop +over the prairie, shot a brace of quails for his dinner; all the while +keeping a bright lookout for his expected visitors, who, however, did +not make their appearance. About noon, he was gratified by hearing the +sound of a horse's hoofs in the court. He ran out, expecting to welcome +Johnny and Dick, but, to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>his disappointment, encountered a stranger, +who reined up his horse at the door, and inquired:</p> + +<p>"Is this Mr. Winters's rancho, young man?"</p> + +<p>Frank replied that it was.</p> + +<p>"He is at home, I suppose?" continued the visitor.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; he started for the city early this morning."</p> + +<p>The gentleman said that was very unfortunate, and began to make +inquiries concerning the road Mr. Winters generally traveled when he +went to San Diego—whether he took the upper or lower trail—and then he +wondered what he should do.</p> + +<p>"My name is Brown," said he; and Frank knew he was the very man his +uncle expected to meet in San Diego. "I owe Mr. Winters some money for a +drove of horses I bought of him before he went to the States, and I have +come up to pay it. I have here twelve thousand dollars in gold," he +added, laying his hand on his saddle-bags, which seemed to be heavy and +well filled.</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you remain until day after to-morrow?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> asked Frank. "Uncle +James will be at home then."</p> + +<p>"I can't spare the time. I am on my way to Fort Yuma, where I have some +business to transact that may detain me three or four days. I don't like +to carry this money there and back, for it is heavy, and there is no +knowing what sort of travelers one may meet on the road. Wouldn't it be +all right if I should leave it here with you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Frank, eager to accept the responsibility; "I can +take care of it. But I thought you might want a receipt."</p> + +<p>"I am not particular about that. Mr. Winters has trusted me for about +six months, and I think I can afford to trust him for as many days. I'll +call and get the receipt when I come back."</p> + +<p>As Mr. Brown said this, he dismounted, and Pierre, who, ever since his +employer's departure, had seemed to have nothing to do but to loiter +about the house, and who had stood at the opposite side of the court, +listening to every word of the conversation, came up to hold his horse. +The visitor shouldered his saddle-bags, and followed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Frank into a room +which went by the name of "the office," where Mr. Winters transacted all +his business. The room was furnished with a high desk, a three-legged +stool, and a small safe, which, like those in banks, was set into the +wall, so that nothing but the door could be seen.</p> + +<p>"That is just the place for it," said Mr. Brown; "it will be secure +there."</p> + +<p>"But I haven't got the key," replied Frank; "uncle always carries it in +his pocket."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't suppose there would be any danger if you were to leave +the money on the porch. Of course, your hired people can be depended on, +or your uncle wouldn't keep them."</p> + +<p>Frank thought there was at least one person on the rancho who could not +be trusted to any great extent; but, of course, he said nothing about +it. He glanced around the room, wondering what he should do with the +money, when he discovered that his uncle had left the key of the desk in +the lock. For want of a better place, Frank decided to put the gold in +there. Mr. Brown took it out of his saddle-bags, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>packed it away in +the drawer—six bags in all, each containing two thousand dollars, in +bright, new "yellow-boys." Then, declining Frank's invitation to stay to +dinner, the gentleman bade him good-by, mounted his horse, and resumed +his journey.</p> + +<p>"Twelve thousand dollars!" said Frank, to himself, as he locked the desk +and put the key into his pocket. "Why, that's a fortune! Now that I +think of it, I almost wish Mr. Brown hadn't left it here. What would +Uncle James say if somebody should break into the house and steal it?"</p> + +<p>As Frank asked himself this question, he turned suddenly, and saw Pierre +standing on the porch, in front of one of the windows, watching him with +eager eyes. He must have moved very quietly to have approached so near +without attracting the boy's attention, and that, to Frank, whose +suspicions had already been thoroughly aroused, was good evidence that +the Ranchero was not just what he ought to be. If he was an honest man, +he would not try to slip around without making any noise.</p> + +<p>Finding that he was discovered, Pierre removed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>his sombrero and said, +without the least embarrassment:</p> + +<p>"Is it your pleasure to ride? If so, I will saddle your horse."</p> + +<p>"You need not trouble yourself," replied Frank, rather gruffly. "I shall +remain at home."</p> + +<p>Pierre bowed and walked away.</p> + +<p>"Now, that rascal thinks he is sharp," said Frank, gazing after the +Ranchero. "He never offered to saddle my horse before, and he wouldn't +have done it then if I hadn't caught him looking in at the window. I +wonder if he thinks I am foolish enough to ride for pleasure at this +time of day, with the thermometer standing a hundred degrees in the +shade? That fellow is a scoundrel, and he is up to something. Perhaps he +is after this gold. If he is, he may have the satisfaction of knowing +that he won't get it."</p> + +<p>So saying, Frank began to close and fasten the shutters which protected +the windows, and while thus engaged, he caught a glimpse of the +Ranchero's dark face peering at him around the corner of the house.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If I owned this ranch," said Frank, to himself, "that fellow shouldn't +stay here five minutes longer. I'd pay him off, and tell him to leave as +fast as his horse could carry him."</p> + +<p>Having satisfied himself that the windows were so well secured that no +one could effect an entrance through them, Frank opened the drawer and +took another good look at the money, as if he were afraid that it might +have been spirited away even while he was in the room; after which he +locked the desk, and hid the key under the edge of the carpet. Then +glancing about the office, to make sure that every thing was safe, he +closed the door, and hurrying into his own room, he threw the key under +his writing-desk, next to the wall. Then he breathed easier. The money +was as safe as it would have been in the bank at San Diego.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>FRANK PROVES HIMSELF A HERO.</h3> + + +<p>"There!" said Frank, with something like a sigh of relief. "If Pierre +gets into that office to-night, he'll have to use an ax; and if he tries +that"—</p> + +<p>Frank finished the sentence by shaking his head in a threatening manner, +and taking down his rifle, which he proceeded to load very carefully. He +had made up his mind to fight, if it should become necessary.</p> + +<p>He was now more anxious than ever for the arrival of his two friends, +for he did not like the idea of remaining alone in the house all night, +with so much money under his charge, and a villainous-looking Mexican +hovering about. Frank, as we know, was very far from being a coward; but +having by some means got it into his head that Pierre was a rascal, and +that something unpleasant would happen before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>morning, he could not +help feeling rather anxious.</p> + +<p>The afternoon wore slowly away, but Johnny and Dick did not make their +appearance. Darkness came on apace, and Frank, being at last satisfied +that he was to be left alone in his glory for that night at least, ate +his supper, and visited Roderick in his stable to see that he was well +provided for, and then whistled for his dog, which he had not seen since +the departure of Mr. Brown. Marmion, however, did not respond to the +call. Frank whistled and shouted several times in vain, and then set out +to hunt up his favorite. He visited the Rancheros' quarters, and found +Felix and Pierre sitting in the door of one of the cabins, smoking their +cigarettes. The former had not seen the dog; but, willing to serve Frank +to any extent in his power, offered to go in search of the animal. +Pierre, however, said that would be useless, for he had seen Marmion in +hot pursuit of a rabbit. No doubt he had driven the game into its +burrow, and was engaged in digging it out. When he caught the rabbit, he +would come home of his own free will.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<p>Although Frank was suspicious of every thing Pierre said or did, he +could see no reason for disbelieving this story. Marmion was quite as +fond of the chase as his young master, and frequently indulged in +hunting expeditions on his own responsibility; sometimes being absent +all day and nearly all night. But he was not off hunting then, and +Pierre had told a deliberate falsehood, when he said that he had seen +him in pursuit of a rabbit. The Ranchero had determined upon a course of +action which he knew he could not follow out so long as the dog was at +liberty, and Marmion was, at that very moment, lying bound and muzzled +under one of the corn-cribs, almost within hearing of his master's +voice.</p> + +<p>Frank slowly retraced his steps toward the house, feeling more nervous +and uneasy than ever. In Marmion he had an ally that could be depended +on in any emergency; and, if the dog had been at his side, he would have +felt perfectly safe. But he was not the one to indulge long in gloomy +thoughts without a cause, and in order to drive them away, he lighted +his lamp, and, drawing his easy-chair upon the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>porch, amused himself +until nine o'clock with his guitar. The music not only served to soothe +his troubled feelings, but also had the effect of banishing his +suspicions to a great extent, and left him in a much more cheerful frame +of mind.</p> + +<p>"How foolish I have been," said he, to himself. "Because Pierre is ugly, +like all the rest of his race, and because he always carries a knife in +his belt, and hates Marmion, I have been willing to believe him capable +of any villainy. I don't suppose he has thought of that gold since he +saw me lock it up."</p> + +<p>As Frank said this, he pulled his chair into the room, and selecting +Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans" from the numerous volumes in the +library, he dismissed all thoughts of the Ranchero, and sat down to read +until he should become sleepy. He soon grew so deeply interested in his +book, that he did not hear the light step that sounded on the porch, nor +did he see the dark, glittering eyes which looked steadily at him +through the open window. He saw them a moment afterward, however, for, +while he was absorbed in that particular part of the fight at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> Glen's +Falls, where Hawk-Eye snapped his unloaded rifle at the Indian who was +making off with the canoe in which the scout had left his ammunition, a +figure glided quickly but noiselessly into the room, and stopped behind +the boy's chair.</p> + +<p>"Now, my opinion is that Hawk-Eye was not much of a backwoodsman, after +all," said Frank, who was in the habit of commenting upon and +criticising every thing he read. "Why did he leave his extra powder-horn +in his canoe, when he knew that the Hurons were all around him? You +wouldn't catch Dick or old Bob Kelly in any such scrape, nor me either, +for that matter, for I would"—</p> + +<p>Frank's soliloquy was brought to a close very suddenly, and what he was +about to say must forever remain a secret. His throat was seized with an +iron grasp, and he was lifted bodily out of his chair, and thrown upon +the floor. So quickly was it done that he had no time to resist or to +cry out. Before he could realize what had happened, he found himself +lying flat on his back, and felt a heavy weight upon his breast holding +him down.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<p>Filled with surprise and indignation, he looked up into the face that +was bending over him, and recognized Pierre Costello, whose features +wore a fiendish expression, the effect of which was heightened by a +murderous-looking knife which he carried between his teeth. Scowling +fiercely, as if he were trying to strike terror to the boy's heart by +his very appearance, he loosened his grasp on Frank's throat, and the +latter, after coughing and swallowing to overcome the effects of the +choking he had received, demanded:</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, you villain?"</p> + +<p>Pierre, without making any reply, coolly proceeded to overhaul the +contents of Frank's pockets. Like all boys of his age, our hero was +supplied with a variety of articles, which, however serviceable they may +be to a youngster of sixteen, no one else could possibly find use for, +and the Ranchero's investigations brought to light a fish-line, +bait-box, a rooster's spur, of which Frank intended to make a charger +for his rifle, a piece of buckskin, half a dozen bullets, a brass +cannon, a pocket comb, a quill pop-gun, a small compass, a silver ring, +a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>match-box, a jack-knife, and a piece of lead. These articles he +tossed upon the floor, rather contemptuously, and then turned all +Frank's pockets inside out, but failed to discover any thing more.</p> + +<p>"Where are they?" demanded Pierre, removing the knife from his mouth, +and looking savagely at his prisoner, who all this time had lain +perfectly still upon the floor, apparently not the least alarmed.</p> + +<p>"Where are what?" inquired Frank.</p> + +<p>"The keys, you young vagabond!" returned the Ranchero, astonished at the +result of his search, and in a great hurry to get through with his +business. "The keys that open the office and the safe. Speak quick!"</p> + +<p>"The safe key is where you'll never get your hands upon it," replied +Frank. "If you want it, you'll have to go to San Diego, catch Uncle +James, and throw him down, as you did me, and search his pockets for it. +But that is something a dozen such fellows as you couldn't do."</p> + +<p>"But the office key! Where's that?"</p> + +<p>"It's in a safe place, also," said Frank, who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>had already resolved that +the would-be robber should never learn from him where he had hidden the +key. "If I were a man, I should like to see you hold me down so easily. +Let me up, or I'll call for help!"</p> + +<p>"If you speak above your breath, I'll choke you!" said Pierre, with +savage emphasis. "I am not done with you yet! Is the money in the safe?"</p> + +<p>"That's none of your business! Let me up, I say! Here, Marmion! +Marmion!"</p> + +<p>"<i>Carrajo!</i>" muttered the Ranchero, again seizing his prisoner's throat +in his powerful fingers. "Do you want me to kill you?"</p> + +<p>Frank, nothing daunted by this rough treatment, struggled manfully, and +tried hard to make a defiant reply, but could not utter a sound. Pierre +tightened his grasp, until it seemed as if he had deliberately resolved +to send him out of the world altogether, and then released his hold, and +waited until Frank was able to speak before he said:</p> + +<p>"You see that I am in earnest! Now, answer me! Is the gold in the safe?"</p> + +<p>"I am in earnest, too!" replied Frank, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>bravely as ever. "I shall not +tell you where it is. Are you going to let me up?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to make you tell where you have put that key!" said Pierre, +as he removed the sash his prisoner wore around his waist, and began to +confine his arms behind his back. "If I once get inside the office, I'll +soon find out where you have put that gold."</p> + +<p>"But you are not inside the office yet, and I don't think you will get +there very soon. If you were well acquainted with me, you would know +that you can not drive me one inch. You're a coward, Pierre," he added, +as he released one of his hands by a sudden jerk, and made a desperate +but unsuccessful attempt to seize the ruffian by the hair. "You don't +give a fellow a fair chance. I wish my dog was here."</p> + +<p>"You need not look for him," said the Ranchero; "he'll never come."</p> + +<p>Frank made no reply. He was wondering what his captor intended to do +with him, and turning over in his mind numerous wild plans for escape. +Pierre, in his haste, was tying the sash in a very clumsy manner, and +Frank was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>certain that, with one vigorous twist, he could set himself +at liberty. In spite of his unpleasant and even painful situation—for, +after his attempt to catch the Ranchero by the hair, the latter had +turned him upon his face, and was kneeling upon him to hold him down—he +could not help chuckling to himself when he thought how he would +astonish Pierre if he did not mind what he was about.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he will leave me, and try to force an entrance into the +office," soliloquized Frank. "If he does, I am all right! I'll jerk my +arms out of this sash, pick up that rifle, and the first thing Mr. +Pierre Costello knows, he'll be the prisoner. I'll march him to the +quarters, and tell Felix to tie him, hand and foot."</p> + +<p>Unfortunately for the success of these plans, the Ranchero did not leave +the room after he had tied Frank's arms. He was too well acquainted with +the old house to think of trying to force an entrance into the office. +He knew that the doors and window-shutters were as strong as wood and +iron could make them, and that it would be a dangerous piece of business +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>to attempt to break them open. Felix, all unconscious of what was going +on in the house, snored lustily in his quarters, and the housekeeper +slept in a room adjoining the kitchen; and if Pierre awakened either of +them, he might bid good-by to all hopes of ever securing possession of +the gold. His only hope was in compelling Frank to tell where he had put +the office key.</p> + +<p>"Now, then," said he, "I will give you one more chance. Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Where's what?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"The office key!" exclaimed the Ranchero, enraged at the coolness of his +prisoner. "Tell me where it is, or I'll drive you through the floor!"</p> + +<p>As he said this, he raised his fist over Frank's head, as if he were on +the point of putting his threat into execution.</p> + +<p>"Drive away!" replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"Then you won't tell me where it is?" yelled the Ranchero.</p> + +<p>"No, I won't! And when I say no, I mean it; and all the threats you can +make won't scare me into saying any thing else!"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pierre hesitated a moment, and then jumped to his feet, his actions +indicating that he was determined to waste no more words. He placed his +knife upon the table, closed the windows, and dropped the curtains, so +that any one who might happen to pass by could not see what was going on +in the room. His next action was to seize Frank by the collar of his +jacket, and pull him roughly to his feet, preparatory to putting into +operation his new plan for compelling him to tell where he had hidden +the office key.</p> + +<p>"If you conclude to answer my question, let me know it," said the +Ranchero.</p> + +<p>"I will," was Frank's reply.</p> + +<p>Pierre stepped upon a chair, and removing one of the pictures from its +hook, tossed it upon the bed. After that, he took Frank's lasso down +from the nail, beside the book-case, and holding the noose in his hand, +threw the other end over the hook.</p> + +<p>Frank had thus far shown himself to be possessed of a good share of +courage. He had bravely endured the choking, and had made defiant +replies to all Pierre's threats; but when <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>he saw this movement, he +became thoroughly alarmed. He knew what was coming.</p> + +<p>"Aha!" exclaimed the Ranchero, who had not failed to notice the sudden +pallor that overspread the boy's countenance; "Aha!"</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?" asked Frank, in a trembling voice.</p> + +<p>"Can't you see?" returned the Ranchero, with a savage smile. "I told you +that I was going to make you tell me where you had put that office key, +didn't I? Well, I intend to do it. I have tamed many a wild colt, and I +know how to tame you!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke, he adroitly threw the noose over Frank's head, and drew it +tight around his neck. Then, seizing him by the shoulders, he pushed him +against the wall, under the hook, and pulled down on the lasso, until +Frank began to rise on his toes. This was intended merely to give him a +foretaste of what was in store for him.</p> + +<p>"Now you know how it feels," said Pierre, slackening up on the rope, +"and you ought to know, by this time, that I am not playing with you. I +am in sober earnest, and if you don't <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>answer my question, I'll hang +you, right here in your own room, and with your own lasso. This is your +last chance! Where's that key?"</p> + +<p>Frank hesitated.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>THE FIGHT IN THE COURT.</h3> + + +<p>Frank was certainly in a predicament. He had his choice between +revealing the hiding-place of the office key, and being hanged with his +own lasso—a most disagreeable alternative. On one side was a lingering +death, and on the other, something of which Frank stood almost as much +in awe—disgrace. Never before had so heavy a responsibility rested upon +him; and if he lost that money, what other evidence would be needed to +prove that he was not worthy of being trusted?</p> + +<p>"Come, come!" exclaimed the Ranchero, impatiently. "Are you going to +answer my question?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether I am or not," replied Frank. "Don't be in such a +hurry. Can't you give me time to think about it?"</p> + +<p>"You have had time enough already,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> growled Pierre. "But I'll give you +two minutes more, and while you are thinking the matter over, you can +bear one thing in mind: and that is, if you don't tell me where that +office key is, you'll never see daylight again."</p> + +<p>The expression on Pierre's countenance told Frank that the villain meant +all he said.</p> + +<p>Frank leaned his head against the wall, closed his eyes, and made use of +those two minutes in trying to conjure up some plan to defeat the +robber. He had not the slightest intention of allowing him to put his +hands on that money if it were possible for him to prevent it, and he +was wondering if he could not make use of a little strategy. If he could +invent some excuse to get Pierre out of the room for a few moments, he +was sure that he could release his hands. Would it not be a good plan to +tell him where he had hidden the key, and while Pierre was in the office +searching for the gold, free himself from his bonds, and seize his +rifle, and make the villain a prisoner? Wouldn't it be a glorious +exploit, one of which he could be justly proud, if he could save the +twelve thousand dollars, and capture the Ranchero besides?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> Frank +thought it would, and determined to try it.</p> + +<p>"Pierre," said he, "if I tell you where that key is, what will you do?"</p> + +<p>"<i>If!</i>" exclaimed the Ranchero; "there are no ifs or ands about it. You +must tell me where it is."</p> + +<p>"But what I want to know is, what will you do with me?"</p> + +<p>"I promise you, upon the honor of a gentleman, that no harm shall be +done you."</p> + +<p>"Gentleman!" sneered Frank. "The State's prison is full of such +gentlemen as you are. If I were trying to rob a man of a few cents, I'd +never think of calling myself a gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Now, just look here," said Pierre, "if you think you can fool me, you +were never more mistaken in your life. A few cents, indeed! I heard all +that passed between you and Mr. Brown, and I know that there are twelve +thousand dollars somewhere in that office. I call it a fortune. It is +much more than I could ever earn herding cattle, and I am bound to have +it. Where's that key?"</p> + +<p>"You must answer my question first," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> Frank. "If you had the key in +your hand now, what would you do with me?"</p> + +<p>"Well, as I am not fool enough to give you the least chance for escape, +the first thing I should do would be to tie you hard and fast to that +bed-post. Then I'd take the gold, mount my horse, and be off to the +mountains."</p> + +<p>"And leave me tied up here?" exclaimed the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. Felix, or the housekeeper, would release you in the morning."</p> + +<p>This answer came upon Frank like a bucket of cold water. His fine plan +for releasing himself and capturing the robber would not work. The +latter saw his look of disappointment, and laughed derisively.</p> + +<p>"I am too old," said he, "to allow a boy like you to play any tricks +upon me. You won't tell me where the key is, then?"</p> + +<p>"No, I won't. If that money was mine, you might take it, and I would run +the risk of catching you before you could get very far away with it. But +it belongs to my uncle; you have no claim upon it, and, what's more, you +sha'n't touch it."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is that your final answer?" asked the Ranchero, bracing himself for a +strong pull. "You had better ponder the matter well before you decide. +What do you suppose your uncle will think, when he comes home and finds +you hanging to this hook? He had rather lose the money a thousand times +over than to part with you."</p> + +<p>Frank shuddered as the Ranchero said this, and, for the first time, he +felt his firmness giving away. But he was possessed of no ordinary +degree of fortitude, and, after a momentary thrill of terror, his +courage returned, and he looked at Pierre as bravely as ever.</p> + +<p>The Ranchero paused for a moment or two, to give his last words time to +have their full effect, and then said: "Once more—yes or no."</p> + +<p>"No, I tell you," was the firm reply. Scarcely were the words out of his +mouth, when the Ranchero began to pull down upon the lasso, and Frank, +in spite of his desperate struggles, was drawn up until he almost swung +clear of the floor. Pierre held him in this position for a few +seconds—it seemed an age to Frank, who retained his consciousness all +the while—and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>then gradually slackened up on the lasso, until his +prisoner's feet once more rested firmly on the floor. Frank reeled a +moment like a drunken man, gazed about him with a bewildered air, and +attempted to raise his hands to his throat, while the Ranchero stood +watching him with a smile of triumph.</p> + +<p>"I have given you one more chance," said he. "Have you come to your +senses yet."</p> + +<p>Frank tried in vain to reply. The choking he had endured had deprived +him of his power of utterance, but it had not affected his courage or +his determination. There was not the least sign of yielding about him.</p> + +<p>Pierre had thus far conducted his operations with the most business-like +coolness, and in much the same spirit that he would have exhibited had +he been breaking one of Mr. Winters's wild horses to the saddle. He had +smiled at times, as he would have smiled at the efforts of the horse to +escape, and the thought that he should fail in his object had never +entered his head. He had been certain that he could frighten or torture +Frank into revealing the hiding-place of the office key; but now he +began <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>to believe that he had reckoned without his host. He was +astonished and enraged at the wonderful firmness displayed by his +prisoner. He had never imagined that this sixteen-year-old boy would +prove an obstacle too great to be overcome.</p> + +<p>"You are the most obstinate colt I ever tried to manage," said Pierre, +in a voice choked with passion; "but I'll break one of two things—your +spirit or your neck; it makes no difference to me which."</p> + +<p>Without waiting to give his prisoner time to recover his power of +speech, the Ranchero wound the lariat around his hands, and was about to +pull him up again, when he was startled by the clatter of a horse's +hoofs in the court.</p> + +<p>The sound worked a great change in Pierre. As if by magic, the savage +scowl faded from his face, and he stood for an instant the very picture +of terror. All thoughts of the twelve thousand dollars, and the +vengeance he had determined to wreak upon his prisoner, were banished +from his mind, and gave place to the desire to escape from the house as +secretly and speedily as possible.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who can that be?" he muttered, dropping the lasso, and throwing a +frightened glance ever his shoulder toward the door.</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't know," said Frank, speaking with the greatest +difficulty; "and I don't care who it is, if he will only make a prisoner +of you."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero scowled fiercely upon his plucky captive, hesitated a +moment, as if he had half a mind to be revenged upon him before he left +the house, and then, catching up his knife, and extinguishing the lamp, +he jerked open one of the windows, and disappeared in the darkness.</p> + +<p>Frank was no less astonished than delighted at his unexpected +deliverance. He tried to shout, to attract the attention of the unknown +horseman, but all his efforts were unavailing. His attempts to release +his hands, however, which he commenced the instant the Ranchero left the +room, were more successful. Pierre's carelessness in tying the knots was +a point in his favor then; for, in less time than it takes to record the +fact, Frank was free. He threw the noose off his neck, pulled the lasso +down <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>from the hook, and hastily coiling it up in one hand, he ran to +the place where he had left his rifle, fully determined that the robber +should not escape from the ranch without an attempt on his part to +capture him. His rifle was gone. The Ranchero had caught it up as he +bounded through the window, thinking he might find use for it, in case +he should happen to run against the visitor in the dark.</p> + +<p>Frank looked upon the loss of his rifle as a great misfortune; for, not +only did he believe the weapon lost to him forever, but he was powerless +to effect the capture of the Ranchero, even if he succeeded in finding +him. However, he did not waste time in vain regrets. He sprang through +the window, and, running around the house, entered the court, to look +for the horseman whose timely arrival had saved his life. He went as far +as the archway that led into the court, and there he suddenly paused, +and the blood rushed back upon his heart, leaving his face as pale as +death itself. He had told the Ranchero that a dozen such men as he could +not overcome his uncle; but the scene before him belied his words. Flat +upon his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>back, in the middle of the court, lay Mr. Winters, with Pierre +Costello kneeling on his breast, one hand grasping his victim's throat, +and the other holding aloft his murderous-looking bowie, whose bright +blade glistened in the moonlight like burnished silver.</p> + +<p>Frank started back, rubbed his eyes, and looked again. There could be no +mistake about it, for the moon shone brightly, rendering all the objects +in the court as plainly visible as if it had been broad daylight. He was +not only terribly frightened, but he was utterly confounded. He had +believed Mr. Winters to be fast asleep in his bed at the hotel in San +Diego; but there he was, when Frank least expected him, and, more than +that, he was being worsted in his struggle with Pierre. The boy could +not understand it.</p> + +<p>"Unhand me, you scoundrel!" he heard Uncle James say, in a feeble voice.</p> + +<p>"Not until you have given me the key of the safe," was the robber's +answer. "I have worked hard for that gold to-night, and I am not going +to leave the ranch without it."</p> + +<p>Then commenced a furious struggle, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> Frank turned away his head, lest +he should see that gleaming knife buried in his uncle's body.</p> + +<p>Never before had Frank been so thoroughly overcome with fear. He had +just passed through in ordeal that would have tried the nerves of the +bravest man, and he had scarcely flinched; but to stand there a witness +of his uncle's deadly peril, believing himself powerless to aid him, was +indeed enough to strike terror to his heart.</p> + +<p>"O, if I only had my rifle, or one of my pistols!" cried Frank, +"wouldn't I tumble that villain in a hurry? Or if I could find a club, +or could loosen one of these stones"—</p> + +<p>Frank suddenly remembered that he held in his hand a weapon quite as +effective at short range, when skilfully used, as either a rifle or +pistol. It was his lasso; and, until that instant, he had forgotten all +about it. Then the blood flew to his cheeks; his power of action +returned, and his arms seemed nerved with the strength of giants. How +thankful was he, then, that his desire to become as expert as his two +friends, Johnny Harris and Dick<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> Thomas, had led him to practice with +that novel weapon.</p> + +<p>With a bound like an antelope he started toward the struggling men, +swinging his lasso around his head as he ran. Pierre, believing that he +had left Frank securely bound, and being too intent upon taking care of +his new prisoner to look for enemies in his rear, heard not the sound of +his approaching footsteps, nor did he dream of danger until the noose, +which, but a few moments before, had been around Frank's neck, settled +down over his own. Then he knew that his game was up. With a piercing +cry of terror he sprang to his feet, and, with frantic haste, endeavored +to throw off the lariat; but Frank was too quick for him.</p> + +<p>"Aha!" he exclaimed, trying to imitate the tone in which the Ranchero +had spoken that same word but a few moments before. "Aha! Now I am going +to break one of two things—your spirit or your neck; I don't care +which. One good turn deserves another, you know."</p> + +<p>As Frank said this, he threw all his strength into his arms, and gave +the lasso a vigorous jerk, which caused Pierre's heels to fly up, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>his head to come in violent contact with the pavement of the court.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, Uncle James," exclaimed Frank, "we've got him. No you +don't!" he added, as the Ranchero made a desperate attempt to regain his +feet; "come back here!" and he gave him a second jerk, which brought him +to the ground again.</p> + +<p>Frank was blessed with more than an ordinary share of muscle for a boy +of his age; but he could not hope to compete successfully with a man of +Pierre's size and experience, even though he held him at great +disadvantage. The Ranchero, as active as a cat, thrashed about at an +astonishing rate, and, before Frank knew what was going on, he had cut +the lasso with his knife—an action which caused our hero, who was +pulling back on the lariat with all his strength, to toss up his heels, +and sit down upon the rough stones of the court, very suddenly, while +Pierre, finding himself at liberty, jumped up, and ran for his life.</p> + +<p>Mr. Winters had by this time regained his feet, and, catching up Frank's +rifle, which lay beside him on the pavement, he took a flying <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>shot at +the robber just as he was running through the archway. Pierre's escape +was a very narrow one; for the bullet went through the brim of his +sombrero, and cut off a lock of his hair.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>THE MYSTERIES SOLVED.</h3> + + +<p>Pierre, finding himself uninjured by Mr. Winters's shot, suddenly became +very courageous, and stopped to say a parting word to that gentleman.</p> + +<p>"Try it again," said he, with a taunting laugh. "You are a poor shot for +an old frontiersman! I will bid you good-by, now," he added, shaking his +knife at Uncle James, "but you have not seen the last of me. You will +have reason to remember"—</p> + +<p>The Ranchero did not say what Mr. Winters would have reason to remember, +for he happened to look toward the opposite side of the court, and saw +something that brought from him an ejaculation of alarm, and caused him +to turn and take to his heels. An instant afterward, a dark object +bounded through the court, and, before the robber had taken half a dozen +steps,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> Marmion sprang upon his back, and threw him to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Frank. "You are not gone yet, it seems. You're caught +now, easy enough; for that dog never lets go, if he once gets a good +hold. Hang on to him, old fellow!"</p> + +<p>But Marmion seemed to be utterly unable to manage the Ranchero. He had +placed his fore-feet upon Pierre's breast, and appeared to be holding +him by the throat; but the latter, with one blow of his arm, knocked him +off, and, regaining his feet, fled through the grove with the speed of +the wind—the piece of the lasso, which was still around his neck, +streaming straight out behind him.</p> + +<p>"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, astonished to see his dog so easily +defeated. "Take him! Hi! hi!"</p> + +<p>The animal evidently did his best to obey; but there seemed to be +something the matter with him. He ran as if he were dragging a heavy +weight behind him, or as if his feet were tied together, and it was all +he could do to keep up with the robber; and, when he tried <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>to seize +him, Pierre would shake him off without even slackening his pace.</p> + +<p>Mr. Winters, in the meantime, had run to his horse—which, during the +struggle, had stood perfectly still in the middle of the court—after +his pistols; but, before he could get an opportunity to use them, both +Pierre and the dog had disappeared among the trees. A moment afterward, +a horse was heard going at full speed through the grove, indicating that +the robber was leaving the ranch as fast as possible.</p> + +<p>All this while, Frank has been almost overwhelmed with astonishment. The +ease with which the desperado had vanquished his uncle and the strange +behavior of the hitherto infallible Marmion, were things beyond his +comprehension. He stood gazing, in stupid wonder, toward the trees among +which Pierre had disappeared, while the sound of the horse's hoofs grew +fainter and fainter, and finally died away altogether. Then he seemed to +wake up, and to realize the fact that the Ranchero had made good his +escape, in spite of all their efforts to capture him.</p> + +<p>"Let's follow him, uncle!" he exclaimed, in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>an excited voice. "I can +soon overtake him on Roderick."</p> + +<p>"I could not ride a hundred yards to save my life!" replied Mr. Winters, +seating himself on the porch, and resting his head on his hands. "Bring +me some water, Frank."</p> + +<p>These words alarmed the boy, who now, for the first time, saw that his +uncle's face was deadly pale, and that his hair was matted with blood, +which was trickling down over his collar.</p> + +<p>"O, uncle!" cried Frank, in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Don't be uneasy," said Mr. Winters, quietly. "Bring me some water."</p> + +<p>Without stopping to make any inquiries, Frank ran into the kitchen and +aroused the housekeeper, giving her a very hasty and disconnected +account of what had happened, and then he hurried to the quarters to +awaken Felix.</p> + +<p>"Go to Fort Yuma for the doctor, at once!" shouted Frank, pounding +loudly upon the door.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" inquired Felix, from the inside.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No matter what's up—go for the doctor! Take Roderick; he's the +swiftest horse on the ranch. Uncle's badly wounded."</p> + +<p>"Wounded!" repeated Felix, jerking open the door, and appearing upon the +threshold, with a revolver in each hand. "Who did it? Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"I can't stop to tell you who did it, or where he is. Hurry up, Felix, +and don't stand there looking at me! We've just had the hardest kind of +a fight with Pierre. Marmion was there, but he didn't do any good. He +threw the villain down, and then wouldn't hold him. I've a good notion +to shoot that dog if he ever comes back. Make haste, Felix! I can't stop +to tell you any more."</p> + +<p>But, after all, Frank did stop to tell a great deal more; and, by the +time the Ranchero was dressed, he had given him a complete history of +all that had happened in the house since sunset. Felix, astonished and +enraged at the treachery of his companion, examined his pistols very +carefully before he put them into his holsters, and Frank knew, by the +expression in his eye, that if he should happen to meet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> Pierre, during +his ride to the Fort, the latter would fall into dangerous hands.</p> + +<p>As soon as Frank had seen Roderick saddled, he ran back to the house, +and found Uncle James lying on a sofa, and the housekeeper engaged in +dressing a long, ragged cut on the back of his head. Being weak from the +loss of blood, he sank into a deep slumber before the operation was +completed, and Frank, finding nothing to do, and being too nervous, +after the exciting events of the evening, to keep still, went out to +watch for the doctor, who, seeing that the Fort was sixteen miles from +the ranch, could not reasonably be expected before daylight. For a long +time he paced restlessly up and down the porch, his mind busy with the +three questions that had so astonished and perplexed him: What had +happened to bring his uncle home that night? How had he been so easily +overpowered by Pierre? and, What was the matter with Marmion? The longer +he pondered upon them, the more bewildered he became; and, finally +dismissing them from his mind altogether, he went out to attend to his +uncle's horse, which, all this while, had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>running back and forth +between the house and barn, now and then neighing shrilly, as if +impatient at being so long neglected.</p> + +<p>As Frank passed through the court, he picked up his rifle, which Mr. +Winters had thrown down after taking that flying shot at Pierre. The +stock felt damp in his grasp, and when he looked at his hand, he saw +that it was red with blood.</p> + +<p>"I understand one thing now, just as well as if I had stood here and +witnessed it," said he, to himself. "When Pierre went out of my room, he +ran in here to see who it was visiting the ranch at this late hour, and +when he found that it was Uncle James, he thought he would get the safe +key. He was too much of a coward to attack him openly, and so he slipped +up and knocked him down with the butt of my rifle. That's what made the +wound on uncle's head, and that's how it came that Pierre could hold him +down with one hand. Didn't I know all the time that there was something +up? Now, if Pierre had succeeded in getting the safe key, no doubt he +would have renewed his attempts to make me tell where I had put the key +of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>office. Would I have been coward enough to do it? No, sir! I +would have—Hallo!"</p> + +<p>This exclamation was called forth by the sudden appearance of the dog, +which crept slowly toward his master, looking altogether as if he had +been guilty of something very mean.</p> + +<p>"So you have got back, have you?" said Frank, sternly. "What do you mean +by going off to hunt rabbits when you ought to stay at home? And what +excuse have you to offer for allowing that robber to get up after you +had pulled him down?"</p> + +<p>Marmion stopped, and, laying his head close to the pavement, wagged his +tail and whined piteously.</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder that you feel ashamed of yourself," said his master. +"Come here, you old coward."</p> + +<p>The dog reluctantly obeyed, and, when he came nearer, another mystery +was cleared up, and Frank knew why his favorite had behaved so +strangely. One end of a rope was twisted about his jaws so tightly that +he could scarcely move them, and the other, after being wound around his +head and neck to keep the muzzle <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>from slipping off, was fastened to +both his fore feet, holding them so close together that it was a wonder +that he could walk at all. Frank's anger vanished in an instant. He ran +into his room after his knife, to release the dog from his bonds, and +then he discovered that the animal had not come out of the fight +unharmed. Two gaping wounds in his side bore evidence to the skill with +which Pierre had handled his bowie.</p> + +<p>At that moment, Frank felt a good deal as Llewellyn must have felt when +he killed the hound which he imagined had devoured his child, but which +had, in reality, defended him from the attacks of a wolf. He had scolded +Marmion for his failure to hold the robber after he had thrown him down, +and had been more than half inclined to give him a good beating; while +the animal had, all the while, been doing his best, and, in spite of his +wounds and bonds, had kept up the fight until Pierre mounted his horse +and fled from the ranch.</p> + +<p>The boy's first care, after he had removed the rope, was to bandage the +wounds as well as he could, and to lead the dog to a comfortable <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>bed on +the porch, where he left him to await the arrival of the doctor; for +Frank resolved that, as Marmion had received his injuries during the +performance of his duty, he should have the very best of care.</p> + +<p>Frank never closed his eyes that night. He passed the hours in pacing up +and down the porch watching for the Ranchero, who made his appearance +shortly after daylight, accompanied by the doctor. Mr. Winters's wound, +although very painful, was not a dangerous one, and after it had been +dressed by the skillful hands of the surgeon, he felt well enough to +enter into conversation with those around him.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Frank, who had been impatiently awaiting an opportunity to +talk to his uncle, "I'd like to know what brought you back here last +night?"</p> + +<p>"I came after the twelve thousand dollars," replied Mr. Winters. "When I +arrived in the city, I learned that Mr. Brown had left there early in +the morning to pay us a visit, taking with him the money he owed me. I +wanted to use it immediately, and as I did not know what might happen if +it should become known that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>there was so much money in the house, and +no one here to take care of it, I came home; but I should have lost the +money after all, if it hadn't been for you, Frank, and I might have lost +my life with it; for I believe the villain was in earnest."</p> + +<p>"I am quite sure he was," said Frank, feeling of his neck, which still +bore the marks of the lasso in the shape of a bright red streak. "If you +had stayed away five minutes longer, I should have been hanged. O, it's +a fact!" he added, earnestly, noticing that the doctor looked at him +incredulously. "I came very near dancing on nothing, now I tell you; and +if you only knew all that has happened in this house since dark, you +wouldn't say that there was no one here to take care of that money. But, +uncle, how came you by that wound?"</p> + +<p>"Pierre gave it to me," was the reply. "He slipped up behind me when I +was dismounting, and struck me with something. But what did he do to +you?"</p> + +<p>"He pulled me up by the neck with my own lasso," replied Frank; "that's +what he did to me."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The scoundrel!" exclaimed the doctor. "Tell us all about it."</p> + +<p>Thus encouraged, Frank began and related his story, to which his +auditors listened with breathless attention. He told what he had done +with the twelve thousand dollars, where he had hidden the keys, how he +had detected Pierre watching him through the window, and how the +Ranchero had told him that Marmion was off hunting rabbits, when he was +lying bound and muzzled in some out-of-the-way place. Then he explained +how the robber had overpowered him while he was reading, how he had +searched his pockets for the keys, and pulled him up by the neck because +he refused to tell where he had hidden them, and how he was on the very +point of hanging him in earnest when the arrival of Uncle James alarmed +him. Mr. Winters was astonished, and so was the doctor, who patted Frank +on the head, and said:</p> + +<p>"You're a chip of the old block. And did you not tell him where you had +put the key?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir;" was the answer. "He choked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>me pretty hard, though, and my +throat feels funny yet."</p> + +<p>The boy having finished his story, Mr. Winters took it up where he left +off, and told the doctor how Frank had rescued him from the robber, and +how hard he had worked to effect his capture, and all who heard it +declared that he was a hero.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>FRANK MEETS A HIGHWAYMAN.</h3> + + +<p>Frank passed the next day in making up for the sleep he had lost the +night before. About three o'clock in the afternoon he arose refreshed, +and visited his uncle, whom he found fast asleep. Now that Archie was +gone, the old house was quiet and lonesome—too much so, indeed, to suit +Frank, who, after trying in vain to find some way to amuse himself until +supper time, saddled Roderick, and set out for a short gallop over the +prairie. As he was about to mount his horse, Marmion came out of the +court, and frisked about his master as lively as ever, apparently none +the worse for the ugly-looking wounds he had received during his +encounter with the robber.</p> + +<p>"Go home, sir," said Frank. "Don't you know that you are under the +doctor's care?"</p> + +<p>If Marmion did know it, he didn't bother <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>his head about it. He had a +will of his own; and having always been permitted to accompany his +master wherever he went, he did not feel disposed to remain behind. +Instead of obeying the command to go home, he ran on before, and Frank +made no further attempts to drive him back.</p> + +<p>Frank, having by this time become well acquainted with the country for +twenty miles around his uncle's rancho, knew where he wanted to go, and +about an hour after he left home, he was stretched at full length beside +a spring among the mountains, where he and his friends often camped to +eat their dinner during their hunting expeditions. Roderick stood close +by, lazily cropping the grass, but Marmion was not in sight. The last +time his master saw him, he was trying to gnaw his way into a hollow log +where a rabbit had taken refuge.</p> + +<p>Frank lay beside the spring until his increasing hunger reminded him +that it was nearly supper time, and then he mounted his horse, and +started for home. Roderick being permitted to choose his own gait, +walked slowly along a narrow bridle-path that led out of the mountains, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>and Frank sat in his saddle with both hands in his pockets, his +sombrero pulled down over his eyes, and his thoughts wandering away to +the ends of the earth. He had ridden in this way about half a mile, when +he was suddenly aroused from his meditations by a commotion in the +bushes at his side, and the next moment a man sprang in front of the +horse, and seized him by the bridle.</p> + +<p>"Pierre Costello!" exclaimed Frank, as soon as he had somewhat recovered +from his astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Ay, it's Pierre, and no mistake," returned the Ranchero, with a +triumphant smile. "You thought I had left the country, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I was in hopes you had; but I see you are still on hand, like a bad +dollar-bill."</p> + +<p>"We are well met," continued Pierre. "I have been waiting for an +opportunity to thank you for the very friendly manner in which you +treated me last night."</p> + +<p>"You need not have put yourself to any trouble about it. You are under +no obligations to me. As I am in something of a hurry, I will now bid +you good-by."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not if I know myself, and I think I do," said Pierre, with a laugh. +"You are just as impudent as ever. Climb down off that horse."</p> + +<p>Frank's actions indicated that he did not think it best to obey this +order. He sat perfectly still in his saddle, looking at Pierre, and +wondering what he should do. He could show no weapon to intimidate the +robber, for he was entirely unarmed, not having brought even his lasso +or clasp-knife with him; while Pierre held in his hand, ready for +instant use, the bowie that had rendered him such good service during +the fight in the court. At first Frank entertained the bold idea of +riding over the Ranchero. Roderick was as quick as a flash in his +movements, and one touch of the spurs, if his rider could take Pierre +off his guard, would cause the horse to jerk the bridle from his grasp, +and before the robber could recover himself, Frank would be out of +danger. But Pierre had anticipated this movement, and he was too well +acquainted with his prisoner to relax his vigilance for an instant. More +than that, he held both the reins under Roderick's jaw with a firm +grasp, and stood in such a position that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>he could control the movements +of both the horse and his rider.</p> + +<p>A moment's reflection having satisfied Frank that his idea of running +over Pierre could not be carried out, he began to look around for his +dog. But Marmion had not yet come up, and Frank was compelled to +acknowledge to himself that he was as completely in the villain's power +as he had been when Pierre had the lasso around his neck.</p> + +<p>"Get down off that horse, I say," commanded the Ranchero.</p> + +<p>"So you have turned highwayman, have you?" said Frank, without moving. +"Do you find it a more pleasant and profitable business than herding +cattle?"</p> + +<p>"Are you going to get off that horse?" asked the robber, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"What's the use? You will not find a red cent in my pockets."</p> + +<p>"I suppose not; but if I take you with me, I'll soon find out how many +yellow boys your uncle carries in his pockets."</p> + +<p>"If you take me with you!" repeated Frank. "What do you mean?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I mean just this: I shall find it exceedingly lonesome living here in +the mountains by myself, and I don't know of any one in the world I had +rather have for a companion than yourself."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" exclaimed Frank; "that's a nice idea. I won't go."</p> + +<p>"Of course," continued the Ranchero, not heeding the interruption, "when +you fail to make your appearance at home for three or four days, your +uncle will think he has seen the last of you. He will believe that you +have been clawed up by grizzlies, or that you have tumbled into some of +these gullies. He will raise a hue and cry, search high and low for you, +offer rewards, and all that; and, while the fuss is going on, and people +are wondering what in the world could have become of you, you will be +safe and sound, and living like a gentleman, with me, on the fat of the +land."</p> + +<p>"But, Pierre," said Frank, now beginning to be really frightened, "I +don't want to live with you on the fat of the land, and I won't do it. +Let go that bridle."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero, as before, paid no attention to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>the interruption. He +seemed to delight in tormenting his prisoner.</p> + +<p>"After you have been with me about six months," he went on, "and your +friends have given up all hope of ever seeing you again, I'll send a +note to Mr. Winters, stating that you are alive and well, and that, if +he will give me twenty thousand dollars in gold, I will return you to +him in good order, right side up with care. If I find that we can get +along pretty well together, I may conclude to keep you a year; for the +longer you remain away from your uncle, the more he will want to see +you, and the bigger will be the pile he will give to have you brought +back. What is your opinion of that plan? Don't you think it a capital +way to raise the wind?"</p> + +<p>Frank listened to this speech in utter bewilderment. Cruel and reckless +as he knew Pierre to be, he had never for a moment imagined that he +could be guilty of such an enormous crime as this. He did not know what +reply to make—there was nothing he could say or do. Entreaties and +resistance were alike useless.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, what are you thinking about?" inquired the Ranchero.</p> + +<p>"I was wondering if a greater villain than yourself ever lived," replied +Frank.</p> + +<p>"We will talk about that as we go along," said Pierre. "Get off that +horse, now; I am going to send him home."</p> + +<p>Frank, seeing no way of escape, was about to obey this order, when the +truant, Marmion, came in sight, trotting leisurely up the path, carrying +in his mouth the rabbit, which he had succeeded in gnawing out of the +log. He stopped short on discovering Pierre, dropped his game, and +gathered himself for a spring.</p> + +<p>"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, as he straightened himself up in his +saddle. "If it is all the same to you, Mr. Pierre, I'll not go to the +mountains this evening."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero did not wait to receive the dog. He was an arrant coward, +and, more than that, he stood as much in fear of Marmion as if he had +been a bear or panther. Uttering a cry of terror, he dropped the bridle, +and, with one bound, disappeared in the bushes. Marmion followed close +at his heels, encouraged by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>terrific yells from his master, who, now +that his dog was neither bound nor muzzled, looked upon the capture of +the robber as a thing beyond a doubt. There was a loud crashing and +snapping in the bushes, as the pursuer and pursued sped on their way, +and presently another loud yell of terror, mingled with an angry growl, +told Frank that the dog had come up with Pierre.</p> + +<p>"He is caught at last," thought our hero; "how shall I get him home? +that's the question. How desperately he fights," he added, as the +commotion in the bushes increased, and the yells and growls grew louder. +"But he'll find it's no use, for he can't whip that dog, if he has got a +knife. Now, I ought to have a rope. I'll ride up the path, and see if I +can find Pierre's horse; and, if I can, I'll take his lasso and tie the +rascal hand and foot."</p> + +<p>Frank galloped up the path a short distance, but could see nothing of +the horse. The Ranchero had, doubtless, left him in the bushes, and +Frank was about to dismount and go in search of him, when, to his utter +astonishment, he saw Pierre coming toward him. His face was badly +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>scratched; his jacket and shirt had disappeared altogether; his breast +and arms were covered with blood, and so was his knife, which he still +held in his hand. But, where was Marmion, that he was not following up +his enemy? The answer was plain. The dog had been worsted in his +encounter with the robber, and Frank was left to fight his battles +alone. He thought no more of taking Pierre a prisoner to the rancho. All +he cared for now was to escape.</p> + +<p>"Well, now, it was good of you not to run away when you had the chance," +said the Ranchero, who appeared to be quite as much surprised at seeing +Frank as the latter had been at seeing him.</p> + +<p>"If I had thought that you could get away from that dog, I should have +been a mile from here by this time," replied Frank. "I was looking for +your horse, and, if I had found him, I should have gone to Marmion's +assistance."</p> + +<p>"Well, he needed you bad enough," said Pierre, with a laugh. "I have +fixed him this time."</p> + +<p>"You have!" cried Frank, his worst suspicions confirmed. "Is Marmion +dead?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dead as a door-nail. Now we must be off; we have wasted too much time +already."</p> + +<p>If the Ranchero supposed that Frank would allow himself to be captured a +second time, he was sadly mistaken. The boy was free, and he determined +to remain so.</p> + +<p>"Pierre," said he, filled with rage at the words of the robber, "I may +have a chance to square accounts with you some day, and if I do I'll +remember that you killed my dog."</p> + +<p>"Come, now, no nonsense," said the Ranchero, gruffly. "You are my +prisoner, you know."</p> + +<p>"I think not. Stand where you are; don't come a step nearer."</p> + +<p>While this conversation was going on, Pierre had been walking slowly up +the path, and, as Frank ceased speaking, he made a sudden rush, +intending to seize Roderick by the bridle. But his rider was on the +alert. Gathering his reins firmly in his hands, he dashed his spurs into +the flanks of his horse, which sprang forward like an arrow from a bow, +and thundered down the path toward Pierre, who turned pale with terror.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Out of the way, you villain, or I'll ride you down," shouted Frank.</p> + +<p>This was very evident to the Ranchero, who, seizing upon the only chance +for escape offered him, plunged head-foremost into the bushes. He barely +missed being run down, for Roderick flew by before he was fairly out of +the path, and, by the time he had recovered his feet, Frank was out of +sight.</p> + +<p>When Frank reached home, he shed a great many tears over Marmion's +untimely death; but, as it happened, it was grief wasted. One morning, +about a week after his adventure with the highwayman, while Frank and +Archie were out for their morning's ride, a sorry-looking object crawled +into the court, and thence into the office, where Mr. Winters was busy +at his desk. "Mad dog!" shouted the gentleman, when he discovered the +intruder; and, springing to his feet, he lifted his chair over his head, +and was in the very act of extinguishing the last spark of life left in +the poor brute, when the sight of a collar he wore around his neck +arrested his hand. It was no wonder that Uncle James had not recognized +the animal, for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>he looked very unlike the lively, well-conditioned dog +which Frank was wont to regard as the apple of his eye. But, +nevertheless, it was Marmion, or, rather, all that was left of him. He +had been severely wounded, and was nearly starved; but he received the +best of care, and it was not long before he was as savage and full of +fight as ever. Although he had failed to capture the robber, he had +rendered his master a most important service, and no one ever heard him +find fault with Marmion after that.</p> + +<p>Frank's reputation was by this time firmly established, and he was the +lion of the settlement. Dick Lewis was prouder than ever of him. Of +course, he called him a "keerless feller," and read him several long +lectures, illustrating them by incidents drawn from his own experience. +He related the story of Frank's adventures with the robber every time he +could induce any one to listen to it, and ever afterward called him "the +boy that fit that ar' Greaser." Old Bob Kelly beamed benevolently upon +him every time they met, and more than once told his companion that the +"youngster would make an amazin' trapper;" and that, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> Dick's +estimation, was a compliment worth all the rest.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, the country had been made exceedingly unsafe for Pierre +Costello. The neighbors had turned out in force, every nook and corner +of the mountains for miles around had been searched, and a large reward +offered for the robber's apprehension; but it was all in vain. Nothing +more had been heard of Pierre, and Frank hoped that he had seen him for +the last time. Fate, however, had decreed that he was to have other +adventures with the highwayman.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>COLONEL ARTHUR VANE.</h3> + + +<p>We left Frank and Archie standing on the porch, watching the wild steer +which was being led toward the cow-pen. As soon as they had got over +their excitement, they remembered that they had saddled their horses for +the purpose of riding over to visit their nearest neighbor, Johnny +Harris, one of the boys whose daring horsemanship, and skill with the +lasso, had so excited their admiration. Johnny lived four miles distant; +but he and the cousins were together almost all the time. If Johnny was +not at their house, Frank and Archie were at his; and when you saw one +of the three, it was a sure sign that the others were not a great way +off. Dick Thomas, of whom mention has been made, had been one of the +party; but he was now on a visit to San Francisco and would not return +until winter.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>Had Frank and his cousin, while at home, been compelled to ride or walk +four miles in search of a playmate, they might have been disposed to +grumble over what they would have considered a very hard lot in life; +but they had learned to think nothing of it. There were their horses +always ready and willing, and half an hour's gallop over the prairie in +the cool of the morning, or evening, was not looked upon as any thing +very disagreeable. On this particular morning, Roderick and Marmion were +impatient to exhibit their mettle; and even Sleepy Sam lifted his head +and pawed the ground when Archie placed his foot in the stirrup. +Scarcely waiting for their riders to become firmly seated in their +saddles, the horses started down the road at a rattling pace, and the +dog dashed through the bushes and grass on each side, driving the +rabbits from their covers, and creating great consternation among flocks +of quails and prairie-chickens, which flew up at his approach.</p> + +<p>The farther the boys went, the faster they went; for Roderick and Sleepy +Sam, warming at their work, and encouraged, perhaps, by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>some slight +touches from their riders' spurs, increased their speed until they +fairly flew over the ground; and Marmion, unwilling to remain behind, +left the quails and rabbits to rest in security for that morning at +least, and ran along beside his master, now and then looking up into his +face, and uttering a little yelp, as if he were trying to tell how well +he enjoyed the sport.</p> + +<p>"Now, isn't this glorious?" exclaimed Archie, pulling off his sombrero, +and holding open his jacket, to catch every breath of the fresh morning +air. "Let's go faster. Yip! yip!"</p> + +<p>The horses understood that yell. They had heard it before; and, knowing +that it meant a race, they set off at the top of their speed. But the +race was not a long one; for the old buffalo hunter, fast as he was, +soon fell behind. The gray flew over the ground, as swiftly as a bird on +the wing, and, after allowing him a free rein for a short distance, to +show Archie how badly he could beat him, Frank stopped, and waited for +him to come up.</p> + +<p>The four miles were quickly accomplished, and, presently, the boys drew +up at the door of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> Mr. Harris's farm-house, where they found Johnny +waiting to receive them.</p> + +<p>"How are you, strangers?" cried Johnny. "Get down and make those posts +fast to your horses, and come in."</p> + +<p>This was the way travelers were welcomed in that country, where every +house was a hotel, and every farmer ready, at all times, to feed and +shelter a stranger.</p> + +<p>"How is the rifle-shot, this morning?" continued Johnny, as he shook +hands with the boys; "and what news has the champion horseman to +communicate?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't claim to be the champion horseman," said Archie, quickly. "I +am not conceited enough to believe that I can beat you riding wild +horses, but I'll tell you what I can do, Johnny. In a fair race from +here to the mountains, I can leave you a quarter of a mile behind."</p> + +<p>"Well, come in, and wait till I saddle my horse, and we'll see about +that," said Johnny. "Until you came here, I could beat any boy in the +settlement. I give in to Frank, but I can show that ugly old buffalo +hunter of yours a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>pretty pair of heels. Boys!" he added, suddenly, "my +day's fun is all knocked in the head. See there!"</p> + +<p>The cousins looked in the direction indicated, and saw a horseman +approaching at a rapid gallop. He was mounted on a large iron-gray, +which looked enough like Roderick to have been his brother, sat as +straight as an arrow in his saddle, and managed his fiery charger with +an ease and dexterity that showed him to be an accomplished rider.</p> + +<p>"That's <i>Colonel</i> Arthur Vane—a neighbor with whom you are not yet +acquainted," said Johnny, with strong emphasis on the word colonel. "He +is from Kentucky. His father came to this country about six months +since, and bought the rancho adjoining your uncle's. Arthur remained +here long enough for Dick and me to become as well acquainted with him +as we cared to be, and then went back to Kentucky to visit his friends. +He returned a few days ago, and now we may make up our minds to have him +for a companion."</p> + +<p>"What sort of a fellow is he, Johnny?" asked Frank.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't admire him," replied Johnny, who, like Archie, never hesitated +to speak his mind very freely. "From what I have seen of him, I should +say that he is not a boy who is calculated to make friends. He talks and +brags too much. He tries to use big words in conversation, and +criticises every one around him most unmercifully. He is one of those +knowing fellows; but, after you have exchanged a few words with him, you +will find that he doesn't know so very much after all. He has been all +over the world, if we are to believe what he says, and has been the hero +of adventures that throw your encounter with Pierre Costello into the +shade. He carries no less than seven bullets in his body."</p> + +<p>"Seven bullets!" echoed Archie. "Why, I should think they would kill +him."</p> + +<p>"So they would, most likely, if he only had them in him," replied +Johnny. "He is a famous hunter and trapper, owns two splendid horses, a +pack of hounds, three or four fine guns, and makes himself hot and happy +in a suit of buckskin. If it were not for his smooth face and dandy +airs, one would take him for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>some old mountain man. He gave Dick and me +a short history of his life—which he will be sure to repeat for your +benefit—and was foolish enough to believe that we were as green as two +pumpkins because we had never been in the States, and that we would +swallow any thing. But, if we have always lived in a wilderness, we have +not neglected our books, and we are well enough posted to know that +Arthur makes great mistakes sometimes."</p> + +<p>"But why is your day's fun all knocked in the head?" asked Archie.</p> + +<p>"Because I can't enjoy myself when Arthur is around. I am always afraid +that I shall do or say something that he won't like. Every time I look +at him, I am reminded of Byron's Corsair, who, you know, was</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'—the mildest mannered man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat.'</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>I don't mean to say that Arthur would cut any body's throat, but I do +say that if he should happen to get angry at any of us, we shall wish +him safe in Kentucky, where he belongs. I can't very well avoid +introducing him, but, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>after what I have said, you will understand that +I do not indorse him."</p> + +<p>The conversation was brought to a close by the near approach of Arthur +Vane, who presently dashed up to the porch, and dismounted. Frank and +Archie made a rapid examination of the new-comer. He was dressed in a +full suit of buckskin—hunting-shirt, leggins, and moccasins, the latter +ornamented with bright-colored beads—which set off his tall, slender, +well-knit frame to good advantage. He evidently possessed a fair share +of muscle and agility, and that, according to Archie's way of thinking, +was a great recommendation. He little dreamed that his own pluck, +strength, and endurance would one day be severely tested by that boy in +buckskin.</p> + +<p>Arthur's weapons were objects of no less curiosity to the cousins than +his dress. Instead of the short, light rifle in which the boys of that +country took so much delight, and which was so handy to be used on +horseback, he carried a double-barrel shot-gun as long as himself, +elaborately ornamented, and the boys judged, from the way he handled it, +that it must be very heavy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> From his belt protruded the buckhorn handle +of a sheath-knife, and the bright, polished head of an Indian tomahawk. +The lasso was nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>When the boys had noted these points, they glanced at the face of the +new-comer. It was a handsome face, and might have made a favorable +impression on them, had it not been for the haughty glances which its +owner directed toward them as he rode up.</p> + +<p>"He looks at us as though he thought we had no business here," whispered +Archie, as Johnny went down the steps to receive the visitor.</p> + +<p>"A second Charley Morgan," replied his cousin.</p> + +<p>"If he is blessed with Morgan's amiable disposition," returned Archie, +"we'll see fun before we are done with him."</p> + +<p>"Frank Nelson," said Johnny, leading his visitor upon the porch, "this +is our new neighbor, Arthur Vane."</p> + +<p>"Colonel of the Second Kentucky Cavalry during the Florida war, and, for +a short time captain of the scouts attached to the head-quarters <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>of the +general commanding the department of the plains," said Arthur, in +dignified tones, drawing himself up to his full height, and looking at +Frank as if to ask, What do you think of me, anyhow?</p> + +<p>"How do you do?" said Frank, accepting Vane's proffered hand. He did not +say that he was glad to see him, or happy to make his acquaintance, for +he wasn't.</p> + +<p>"Archie Winters, Colonel Vane," continued Johnny, "formerly commander of +the Second Kentucky—ahem!"</p> + +<p>Johnny was going on to repeat Arthur's pompous speech, when he saw +Archie biting his lip, and knew that it was time for him to stop.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Colonel?" said Archie, as sober as a judge.</p> + +<p>"I can not complain of my health," replied Arthur, still holding Frank's +hand with his right, while he extended his left to Archie, in much the +same manner that a monarch might have given his hand to a kneeling +subject. "The musket-ball that Osceola sent through my shoulder +sometimes troubles me a little; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> I am so accustomed to wounds that I +scarcely mind it."</p> + +<p>"How do you like California," inquired Frank, thinking that he ought to +say something.</p> + +<p>"O, I like the country well enough; but belonging, as I do, to one of +the oldest and wealthiest families of the State of Kentucky, I can find +no congenial society among these backwoodsmen."</p> + +<p>Frank had no reply to make to this declaration. That one remark had +revealed as much of the character of Arthur Vane as he cared to become +acquainted with. The latter evidently looked upon himself as something +better than the common herd of mankind, and Frank wondered why he did +not stay at home, if he could find no pleasure in the society of the +boys of that country.</p> + +<p>"I have heard of you," continued Arthur, loftily; "and I understand that +you are looked upon as a hero in this settlement."</p> + +<p>"I do not claim the honor," modestly replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"I have always observed," the visitor went <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>on to say, "that the ideas +which ignorant people entertain concerning heroes are ludicrous in the +extreme. Now, I have met with more adventures than generally fall to the +lot of mortals; but, being a modest young man, I have never allowed any +one to apply that name to me. I have been in battles—desperate battles. +I have seen the cheek of the bravest blanched with terror; but I never +flinched. Twice have I been a prisoner in the hands of the Indians, and +once I was bound to the stake. I have whipped a grizzly bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but my knife, and I can show seven honorable +scars, made by as many bullets, which I carry in my body to-day."</p> + +<p>Here Arthur stopped to take breath, and looked at his auditors as if +waiting for applause. Frank and Archie had nothing to say, but Johnny +observed:</p> + +<p>"You have seen some rough times for one of your age."</p> + +<p>"Rough!" repeated Arthur, with evident disgust. "Don't use such +words—they are so vulgar. Thrilling, or exciting, would sound much +better."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I stand corrected," remarked Johnny, very gravely, while Archie +coughed, and Frank turned away his head to conceal his laughter.</p> + +<p>"I can not begin to convey to you even a slight idea of what I have +endured," said Arthur, as if nothing had happened. "It is true that I am +young in years, but I am old in experience. I have known every variety +of danger incident to a reckless and roving life. I have skirmished with +Arabs on the burning sands of Patagonia; have hunted the ferocious polar +bear amid the icebergs of India; have followed lions and tigers through +the jungles and forests of Europe; have risked my life in four different +battles with the Algerines, and, on one occasion, was captured by those +murderous villains. If adventures make the hero, I can certainly lay +claim to that honor as well as anybody."</p> + +<p>As the visitor ceased speaking, he looked suspiciously at the three boys +before him, two of whom seemed to be strangely affected by the recital +of his thrilling adventures. Frank had grown very red in the face, while +Johnny was holding his handkerchief over his mouth, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>trying to restrain +a violent fit of coughing with which he had suddenly been seized. Archie +was the only one who could keep a straight face. He stood with his hands +behind his back, his feet spread out, his sombrero pushed as far back on +his head as he could get it, looking intently at Arthur, as if he were +very much interested in what he was saying. He came to the relief of the +others, however, by observing:</p> + +<p>"If I had seen all those countries you speak of, Vane, I should be proud +of it. No one delights more in truthful stories of adventure than I do, +and, if you have no objection, we will sit down here and talk, while +Johnny saddles his horse. We are going over to visit old Captain Porter. +You will go with us, of course?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. I have often heard of Captain Porter, and I shall be pleased +to make his acquaintance. He and I can talk over our adventures, and you +can listen, and you will, no doubt, learn something."</p> + +<p>Johnny, knowing that Frank wanted some excuse to get away where he could +enjoy a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>hearty laugh, asked him to assist in catching his horse; and, +together, they went toward the barn, leaving Archie behind to listen to +Arthur's stories.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>AN OLD BOY.</h3> + + +<p>By the exercise of wonderful self-control, Frank and Johnny succeeded in +restraining their risibilities until they reached the barn, and then one +leaned against the door-post, while the other seated himself upon the +floor, both holding their sides, and giving vent to peals of uproarious +laughter.</p> + +<p>"O dear!" exclaimed Frank, "I shall never dare look that fellow in the +face again. 'Icebergs of India!' 'Burning sands of Patagonia!' How my +jaws ache!"</p> + +<p>"I wonder what part of Europe he visited to find his lions and tigers?" +said Johnny. "And how do you suppose he escaped from the Indians when +they had him bound to the stake? We must ask him about that."</p> + +<p>"How old is he?" inquired Frank.</p> + +<p>"He says he is sixteen."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, he is older than that, if he risked his life in battles with the +Algerians; for, if my memory serves me, Decatur settled our accounts +with those gentlemen in the year 1815. That would make our new friend +old enough to be a grandfather. He holds his age well, doesn't he?"</p> + +<p>Then the two boys looked up at the rafters, and laughed louder than +ever.</p> + +<p>"I remember of hearing old Captain Porter say," observed Johnny, as soon +as he could speak, "that the strongest and most active man that ever +lived could not whip a grizzly in a fair fight; and that the bravest +hunter would take to his heels if he found himself in close quarters +with one of those animals, and would not think he was guilty of +cowardice, either."</p> + +<p>"And what I have seen with my own eyes confirms it," said Frank. "While +we were camped at the Old Bear's Hole, Dick Lewis got into a fight with +a grizzly, and, although it didn't last more than half a minute, he was +so badly cut up that his own mother wouldn't have recognized him. Dick +is a giant in strength, and as quick as a cat in his movements, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>and if +he can't whip a grizzly, I am sure that Arthur Vane can't."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said Johnny, "he never saw a grizzly. I never did either, and +there are plenty of them in this country. Arthur had better be careful +how he talks in Captain Porter's hearing. The rough old fellow will see +through him in an instant, and he may not be as careful of his feelings +as we have been."</p> + +<p>Johnny, having by this time saddled his horse, he and Frank returned to +the house, where they found Archie deeply interested in one of Arthur's +stories. "That is high up, I should think," they heard the former say.</p> + +<p>"Yes, higher than the tops of these trees," replied Arthur. "I was +relating some of the incidents of one of my voyages at sea," he +continued, addressing himself to Frank. "I was telling Archie how I used +to stand on the very top of the mast and look out for whales."</p> + +<p>"Which mast?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"Why, the middle mast, of course. What's the matter with you?" he added, +turning suddenly upon Archie, who seemed to be on the point of +strangling.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nothing," was the reply, "only something got stuck in my throat."</p> + +<p>Arthur had taken up a dangerous subject when he began to talk about +nautical matters; for they were something in which Frank and his cousin +had always been interested, and were well posted. Archie lived in a +sea-port town, and, although he had never been a sailor, he knew the +names of all the ropes, and could talk as "salt" as any old tar. He +knew, and so did Frank, that what Arthur had called the "middle mast," +was known on shipboard as the mainmast. They knew that the "very top" of +the mainmast was called the main truck; and that the look-outs were not +generally stationed so high up in the world.</p> + +<p>"We can talk as we ride along," said Johnny. "We have ten miles to go, +and we ought to reach the captain's by twelve o'clock. The old fellow +tells a capital story over his after-dinner pipe."</p> + +<p>The boys mounted their horses, and, led by Johnny, galloped off in the +direction of the old fur-trader's ranch. They rode in silence for a few +minutes, and then Archie said:</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you wouldn't think me too inquisitive, Arthur, I'd like to know at +what age you began your travels?"</p> + +<p>"At the age of eleven," was the prompt reply, "I was a midshipman in the +navy, and made my first voyage under the gallant Decatur. I spent four +years at sea with him, and during that time I had those terrible fights +with the Algerines, of which I have before spoken. In the last battle, I +was captured, and compelled to walk the plank."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?" asked Johnny, who had never devoted any of +his time to yellow-covered literature.</p> + +<p>"Why, you must know that the inhabitants of Algiers, and the adjacent +countries, were, at one time, nothing but pirates. When they captured a +vessel, their first hard work, after taking care of the valuable part of +the cargo, was to dispose of their prisoners. It was too much trouble to +set them ashore, so they balanced a plank out of one of the +gangways—one end being out over the water, and the other on board the +ship. The pirates placed their feet on the end inboard, to hold it in +its place, and then ordered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>their prisoners, one at a time, to walk out +on the plank. Of course, they were compelled to obey; and, when they got +out to the end of the plank over the water, the pirates lifted up their +feet, and down went the prisoners; and they generally found their way to +the bottom in a hurry. I escaped by swimming. I was in the water +twenty-four hours, and was picked up by a vessel bound to New York."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you had a life-preserver," said Johnny.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I had nothing to depend upon but my own exertions."</p> + +<p>"You must be some relation to a duck," said Archie, speaking before he +thought.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you mean to convey the idea that I am an excellent swimmer," +said Arthur, turning around in his saddle, and looking sharply at +Archie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's what I intended to say," replied Archie, demurely.</p> + +<p>"The vessel landed me in New York," continued Arthur, "and I went home; +and, having become tired of wandering about, and our troubles with +Algiers being settled, I led the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>quiet life of a student until the +Florida war broke out, and then I enlisted in the army."</p> + +<p>"Now, then," thought Archie, who had been paying strict attention to all +Arthur said, "I have got a basis for a calculation, and I am going to +find out how old this new friend of ours is. War was declared against +Algeria (not Algiers) in March, 1815; and on the 30th day of June, in +the same year, the Dey cried for quarter, and signed a treaty of peace. +If Arthur began his wanderings at eleven, and spent four years with +Decatur, he must have been fifteen years old when the war closed. After +that, he led the quiet life of a student until the Florida war broke +out. That commenced in 1835; so Arthur must have spent just twenty years +at school. By the way, it's a great pity that he didn't devote a portion +of his time to geography and natural history, for then he would have +known that there are no icebergs and polar bears in India, or Arabs and +burning sands in Patagonia, or wild lions and tigers in Europe. If he +spent twenty years at school, and was fifteen years old when he had +those terrible battles with the Algerians, he must have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>been +thirty-five years old when the Florida war broke out."</p> + +<p>"Did you go through the war?" Johnny asked.</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"How long did it last?" inquired Frank, "and what was the cause of it?"</p> + +<p>"It continued nearly two years, and was brought about by the hatred the +Choctaws cherished toward the white people."</p> + +<p>"Three mistakes there," thought Archie. "The war lasted seven years, and +cost our Government forty millions of dollars. The Choctaws had nothing +to do with it. It was the Seminoles and Creeks—principally the former. +The immediate cause of the trouble was the attempt on the part of the +Government to remove those tribes to the country west of the +Mississippi. They didn't want to go, and they were determined they +wouldn't; and, consequently, they got themselves decently whipped. If +Arthur was thirty-five years of age when he went into the war, and spent +two years in it, he was thirty-seven when he came out."</p> + +<p>"After the war closed," continued Arthur,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> "I went to Patagonia, and +there I spent five years."</p> + +<p>"Thirty-seven and five are forty-two," said Archie, to himself.</p> + +<p>"I had a great many thrilling adventures in Patagonia. The country is +one immense desert, and being directly under the equator, it is—if you +will for once allow me to use a slang expression—as hot as a +frying-pan. The Arabs are hostile, and are more troublesome than ever +the Indians were on the plains. From Patagonia I went to Europe, and +there I spent six years in hunting lions and tigers."</p> + +<p>"Forty-eight," thought Archie; "and Patagonia isn't under the equator, +either."</p> + +<p>"That must have been exciting," said Frank, while Johnny looked over his +shoulder, and grinned at Archie.</p> + +<p>"It was indeed exciting, and dangerous, too. It takes a man with nerves +of iron to stand perfectly still, and let a roaring lion walk up within +ten paces of him, before he puts a bullet through his head."</p> + +<p>"Could you do it?"</p> + +<p>"Could I? I have done it more than once.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> If one of those ferocious +animals were here now, I would give you a specimen of my shooting, which +is an accomplishment in which I can not be beaten. I expect that you +would be so badly frightened that you would desert me, and leave me to +fight him alone."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you run?"</p> + +<p>"Not an inch."</p> + +<p>"Would you fire that blunderbuss at him?" asked Johnny.</p> + +<p>"Blunderbuss?" repeated Arthur.</p> + +<p>"That shot-gun, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Certainly I would. You see I have the nerve to do it. From Europe I +went to India, and there I risked my life for six years more among the +polar bears."</p> + +<p>"Forty-eight and six are fifty-four," soliloquized Archie.</p> + +<p>"After that I went to the plains, where I remained three years; and when +the governor wrote to me that he was about to remove from Kentucky, I +resigned my commission as captain of scouts, and here I am. I must +confess that I am sorry enough for it; for I never saw a duller country +than California. There's no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>society here, no excitement—nothing to +stir up a fellow's blood."</p> + +<p>"Fifty-four and three are fifty-seven," said Archie.</p> + +<p>Arthur had evidently finished the history of his exploits, for he had +nothing more to say just then. Archie, after waiting a few minutes for +him to resume his narrative, pulled his sombrero down over his eyes, and +thrust his hands into his pockets—two movements he always executed when +he wished to concentrate his mind upon any thing—and began to ponder +upon what he had just heard.</p> + +<p>"Vane," said he, suddenly, an idea striking him, "who commanded your +vessel when you were captured?"</p> + +<p>Arthur knitted his brows, and looked down at the horn of his saddle, as +if thinking intently, and finally said: "Why, it was Mr.—, Mr.—; I +declare, I have forgotten his name."</p> + +<p>Archie again relapsed into silence.</p> + +<p>"We had two wars with those pirates," thought he. "The first was with +Tripoli; but as that happened in 1805, Arthur, of course, could not have +taken part in it, for he made his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>first voyage at sea in 1815. We lost +but one vessel, and that was captured in 1803—two years before war with +Tripoli was declared. It was the frigate Philadelphia, and she wasn't +whipped, either, but was run aground while pursuing a piratical vessel. +She was commanded by Captain Bainbridge, who surrendered himself and +crew. They were not compelled to 'walk the plank,' however, but were +reduced to a horrible captivity, and treated worse than dogs. The +Tripolitans never got a chance to use the Philadelphia against us, for +Decatur—who was at that time a lieutenant serving under Commodore +Preble, who commanded our navy in those waters—boarded her one night +with twenty men while she was lying in the harbor, swept the deck of +more than double that number of pirates, burned the vessel under their +very noses, and returned to his ship with only one man wounded. I never +did care much for history, but a fellow finds a great deal of +satisfaction sometimes in knowing a little about it."</p> + +<p>Archie had at first been highly amused by what Arthur had to say; but +now, that the novelty had somewhat worn off, he began to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>wonder how it +was possible for a boy to look another in the face and tell such +improbable stories. If Arthur was not ashamed of himself Archie was +heartily ashamed for him, and he was more than half inclined to put +spurs to Sleepy Sam and start for home. He was not fond of such company.</p> + +<p>Arthur Vane is not an imaginary character. There are a great many like +him in the world, boys, and men, too, who endeavor to make amends for +the absence of real merit by recounting just such impossible exploits. +The result, however, is always the exact reverse of what they wish it to +be. Instead of impressing their auditors with a sense of their great +importance, they only succeed in awakening in their minds feelings of +pity and contempt.</p> + +<p>After Arthur had finished the history of his life, he rode along +whistling snatches of the "Hunter's Chorus," happy in the belief that +his reputation was established. Well, it was established, but how? +Archie thought: "Brag is a splendid dog, but Holdfast is better. Perhaps +we may have a chance to test the courage of this mighty man of valor."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>Johnny soliloquized: "Does this fellow imagine that we are green enough +to believe that he would stand and let a lion walk up within ten paces +of him? Hump! a good-sized rabbit would scare him to death."</p> + +<p>Frank, who had taken but little part in the conversation, told himself +that he had never become acquainted with a boy as deserving of pity as +was Arthur Vane. He was not a desirable companion, and Frank hoped that +he would not often be thrown into his society.</p> + +<p>For a long time the boys rode in silence, keeping their horses in an +easy gallop, and presently they entered the woods that fringed the base +of the mountains, through which ran a bridle-path that led toward the +old fur-trader's ranch. Two young hounds belonging to Johnny led the +way, Johnny came next, and Frank and Archie brought up the rear. They +had ridden in this order for a short distance, when the singular +movements of the hounds attracted their attention, and caused them to +draw rein. The dogs stood in the path, snuffing the air, and gazing +intently at the bushes in advance of them, and then, suddenly uttering +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>a dismal howl, they ran back to the boys, and took refuge behind them. +At the same instant, the horse on which Johnny was mounted arose on his +hind feet, turned square around, and, in spite of all the efforts of his +rider to stop him, dashed by the others, and went down the path at the +top of his speed.</p> + +<p>"Good-by, fellows," shouted Johnny; "and look out for yourselves, for +there is"—</p> + +<p>What else Johnny said the boys could not understand, for the clatter of +his horse's hoofs drowned his voice, and in a moment he was out of sight +among the trees.</p> + +<p>"There's something in those bushes," said Frank, with difficulty +restraining his own horse, which seemed determined to follow Johnny, +"and who knows but it might be a grizzly?"</p> + +<p>"I am quite sure it is," said Archie. "Don't you remember how badly +frightened Pete used to be when there was one of those varmints around?"</p> + +<p>As Archie said this, the bushes were violently agitated, and the twigs +cracked and snapped as if some heavy body was forcing its way through +them. The hounds, waiting to hear no more, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>turned and fled down the +path, leaving the boys to themselves. Frank turned and looked at Arthur. +Could it be possible that the pale, terror-stricken youth he saw before +him was the one who but a few moments ago had boasted so loudly of his +courage? That noise in the bushes had produced a great change in him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>ARTHUR SHOWS HIS COURAGE</h3> + + +<p>It must not be supposed that Frank and Archie were entirely unmoved by +what had just happened. The strange conduct of the hounds, and the +desperate flight of Johnny's horse, were enough to satisfy them that +there was some dangerous animal in the bushes in front of them, and the +uncertainty of what that animal might be, caused them no little +uneasiness. Grizzly bears were frequently met with among the mountains, +and they sometimes extended their excursions into the plains, +occasioning a general stampede among the stock of the nearest ranch. The +grizzly is as much the king of beasts in his own country as the lion in +Africa and Asia; and Frank and Archie, during their sojourn at the Old +Bear's Hole, had become well enough acquainted with his habits and +disposition to know that, if their enemy in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>the bushes belonged to that +species, they were in a dangerous neighborhood. The grizzly might, at +any moment, assume the offensive, and in that event, if their horses +became entangled in the bushes, or were rendered unmanageable by fright, +their destruction was certain. This knowledge caused their hearts to +beat a trifle faster than usual, and Frank's hand trembled a little as +he unbuckled the holsters in front of his saddle, and grasped one of his +revolvers. But neither he nor Archie had any intention of discontinuing +their journey, or of leaving the field without having at least one shot +at the animal, whatever it might be.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys," said Frank, in an excited whisper, "we have a splendid +chance to immortalize ourselves. If that is a grizzly, and we should be +fortunate enough to kill him, it would be something worth bragging +about, wouldn't it? If I only had my rifle!"</p> + +<p>"We must rely upon our friend, here," said Archie. "It's lucky that he +is with us, for he is an old hunter, and he won't mind riding into the +bushes, and driving him out—will you, Arthur?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Eh!" exclaimed that young gentleman, who trembled so violently that he +could scarcely hold his reins.</p> + +<p>"I say, that, as you are the most experienced in such matters, we shall +be obliged to depend upon you to drive the bear out of the bushes into +open ground," repeated Archie, who did not appear to notice his friend's +trepidation. "We can't all go in there to attack him, for he would be +sure to catch some of us. What have you in that gun?"</p> + +<p>"B-u-c-k-s-h-o-t," replied Arthur, in an almost inaudible voice. "Let's +go home."</p> + +<p>"Go home!" exclaimed Frank; "and without even one shot at that fellow! +No, sir. You've got the only gun in the party, and, of course, you are +the one to attack him. Go right up the path, and when you see him, bang +away."</p> + +<p>"How big is he?" asked Arthur.</p> + +<p>"Why, if he is a full-grown grizzly, he is as big as a cow."</p> + +<p>"Will he fight much?"</p> + +<p>"I should say he would," answered Archie, who was somewhat surprised at +these questions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> "Have you forgotten the one you killed with your +knife? He will be certain to follow you, if you don't disable him at the +first shot, but he can't catch your horse. Besides, as soon as he comes +in sight, Frank and I will give him a volley from our revolvers. You are +not afraid?"</p> + +<p>"Afraid!" repeated Arthur, compressing his lips, and scowling fiercely. +"O, no."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, make haste," said Frank, who was beginning to get +impatient. "Ride up within ten paces of him, and let him have it. That's +the way you used to serve the lions in Europe."</p> + +<p>"Yes, go on," urged Archie; and he gave Arthur's horse a cut with his +whip, to hurry him up.</p> + +<p>"O, stop that!" whined Arthur, as the horse sprang forward so suddenly +that his rider was nearly unseated. "I am going home."</p> + +<p>What might have happened next, it is impossible to tell, had not the +boys' attention been turned from Arthur by the yelping of a dog in the +bushes a short distance up the mountain.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's Carlo," exclaimed Archie. "Now we will soon know what sort of an +enemy we have to deal with."</p> + +<p>The dog was evidently following the trail of the bear, for he broke out +into a continuous baying, which grew louder and fiercer as he +approached. The bear heard it, and was either making efforts to escape, +or preparing to defend himself; for he thrashed about among the bushes +in a way that quite bewildered Frank and Archie, who drew their +revolvers, and turned their horses' heads down the path, ready to fight +or run, as they might find it necessary. An instant afterward, a large, +tan-colored hound bounded across the path, and dashed into the bushes +where the game was concealed. It was not one of those which had so +disgracefully left the field a few moments before—it was Carlo, +Johnny's favorite hound—an animal whose strength had been tested in +many a desperate encounter, and which had never been found wanting in +courage. Scarcely had he disappeared when Marmion came in sight, also +following the trail. He ran with his nose close to the ground, the hair +on his back standing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>straight up like the quills on a porcupine, and +his whole appearance indicating great rage and excitement.</p> + +<p>"Hi! hi!" yelled Frank. "Take hold of him, you rascal! Now's your time, +Arthur. Ride up and give him the contents of your double-barrel; only, +be careful, and don't shoot the dogs."</p> + +<p>For an instant, it seemed as if Arthur's courage had returned, and that +he was about to yield to the entreaties of his companions. He +straightened up in his saddle, and, assuming what he, no doubt, imagined +to be a very determined look, was on the point of urging his horse +forward, when suddenly there arose from the woods a chorus of yells, and +snarls, and growls, that made the cold chills creep all over him, and +caused him to forget every thing in the desire to put a safe distance +between himself and the terrible animal in the bushes. Acting on the +impulse of the moment, he wheeled his horse, and, before Frank or Archie +could utter a word, he shot by them, and disappeared down the path.</p> + +<p>For a moment, the two boys, forgetting that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>a furious battle was going +on a little way from them, gazed at each other in blank amazement. The +mighty hunter, who had boasted of whipping a grizzly-bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but his knife, had fled ingloriously, without +having seen any thing to be frightened at.</p> + +<p>"That's one lie nailed," said Frank.</p> + +<p>"More than one, I should think," returned Archie, contemptuously. "I +shall have nothing more to do with that fellow. This is the end of my +acquaintance with him."</p> + +<p>No doubt Archie was in earnest when he said this; but, had he been able +to look into the future, he would have discovered that he was destined +to have a great deal more to do with Arthur Vane. Instead of being the +end of his acquaintance with that young gentleman, it was only the +beginning of it.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, the fight in the bushes, desperate as it was, judging by the +noise it occasioned, was ended, and Arthur had scarcely disappeared when +Marmion and Carlo walked out into the path, and, after looking up at the +boys, and giving their tails a few jerks, as if to say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> "We've done it!" +seated themselves on their haunches, and awaited further orders. Archie +threw his reins to his cousin, and, springing out of his saddle, went +forward to survey the scene of the conflict. He was gone but a moment, +and when he came out of the bushes, he was dragging after him—not a +grizzly bear, but a large gray wolf, which had been overpowered and +killed by the dogs. One of the wolf's hind-legs was caught in a trap, to +which was fastened a short piece of chain and a clog. The animal had +doubtless been paying his respects to some sheep-fold during the night, +and had put his foot into the trap while searching for his supper. He +had retreated toward the mountains, and had dragged the trap until the +clog caught, and held him fast. That was the reason he did not run off +when the boys came up, and the commotion in the bushes had been caused +by his efforts to free himself.</p> + +<p>While the boys were examining their prize, Johnny, having succeeded in +stopping his frantic horse, was returning to the place from which he had +started on his involuntary ride. As he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>was about to enter the woods at +the base of the mountains, he saw a horse emerge from the trees, and +come toward him at a rapid gallop. His bridle was flying loose in the +wind, and Johnny at first thought he was running away; but a second +glance showed him that there was somebody on his back.</p> + +<p>"Stampeded," thought Johnny. "If I am laughed at, it will be some +consolation to know that I am not alone in my misery."</p> + +<p>The rider of the stampeded horse was bent almost double; his feet were +out of the stirrups, which were being thrown wildly about; both hands +were holding fast to the horn of the saddle; his face was deadly pale, +and, altogether, he presented the appearance of one who had been +thoroughly alarmed. Although he looked very unlike the dignified Arthur +Vane, who had ridden so gayly over that road but a few moments before, +Johnny recognized him at once; and the first thought that flashed +through his mind was that something terrible had happened to Frank and +Archie.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Johnny, pulling up his horse with a jerk.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Grizzly bears!" shouted Arthur, in reply, without attempting to check +his headlong flight.</p> + +<p>"Grizzly bears!" echoed Johnny, in dismay. "And are you going off +without trying to help those boys? Stop, and go back with me."</p> + +<p>But Arthur was past stopping, either by ability or inclination. Digging +his spurs into the sides of his horse, which was already going at the +top of his speed, he went by Johnny like the wind, and in a moment was +so far away that it was useless to make any further attempts to stop +him. For an instant, Johnny was irresolute; then he turned in his +saddle, and shouted one word, which the wind caught up and carried to +the ears of the flying horseman, and which did much to bring about the +events we have yet to describe.</p> + +<p>"<i>Coward!</i>" yelled Johnny, with all the strength of his lungs.</p> + +<p>Having thus given utterance to his opinion of Arthur Vane, he put spurs +to his horse and galloped into the woods, hoping to reach the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>scene of +the conflict in time to be of service to his friends. But, as we know, +the grizzly bear had proved to be a wolf, and had already been killed by +the dogs.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>ARTHUR PLANS REVENGE.</h3> + + +<p>Meanwhile, Arthur Vane continued his mad flight toward the settlement. +His hat was gone, his fine shot-gun had been thrown aside as a useless +incumbrance, and his tomahawk and knife had dropped out of his belt; but +he was too frightened to stop to pick them up. No pause he knew until he +reached Mr. Harris's rancho, where he reined up his panting horse, and +electrified the family by shouting through the open window:</p> + +<p>"Grizzly bears! Grizzly bears!"</p> + +<p>"Where?" breathlessly inquired Mr. Harris, running out on the porch.</p> + +<p>Before Arthur could reply, Johnny's mother appeared; and a single glance +at the frightened hunter and his dripping steed, was enough to awaken in +her mind the most terrible apprehensions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> She knew, instinctively, that +something dreadful had happened.</p> + +<p>"O, my son!" she screamed, sinking down on the porch, and covering her +face with her hands.</p> + +<p>Mr. Harris did not stop to ask any questions then. He knew the route the +boys had taken in the morning, and his first thought was to start for +the scene of the conflict, although he had little hopes of arriving in +time to be of any assistance to the young hunters.</p> + +<p>"José!" he shouted to one of his Rancheros, who happened to pass by the +house at that moment, "call all the men to saddle up at once. The boys +have been attacked by a grizzly in the mountains."</p> + +<p>The gentleman carried his fainting wife into the house, and presently +re-appeared with a brace of revolvers strapped to his waist, and a rifle +in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Did you see any of the boys hurt?"</p> + +<p>He asked this question in a firm voice; but his pale face and quivering +lips showed that the news he had just received had not been without its +effect upon him.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, sir," replied Arthur. "My horse ran away with me; but I heard the +fight, and I know that the dogs were all cut to pieces. The bear was an +awful monster—as large as an ox; and such teeth and claws as he had! I +never saw the like in all my hunting."</p> + +<p>In a few moments, half a dozen herdsmen, all well armed, galloped up, +one of them leading his employer's horse.</p> + +<p>"Vane," said Mr. Harris, as he sprang into his saddle, "you will stop on +your way home, and tell Mr. Winters, will you not?"</p> + +<p>Arthur replied by putting spurs to his horse, and in a few moments he +was standing in Mr. Winters's court, spreading consternation among the +people of the rancho. Dick and Bob were there; but, unlike the rest of +the herdsmen, they seemed to be but little affected by Arthur's story.</p> + +<p>"You'll never see those boys again," said the latter, winding up his +narrative with a description of the bear by which they had been +attacked.</p> + +<p>"Now, don't you be anyways oneasy," replied Dick, hurrying off to saddle +his horse.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> "If it war a grizzly, he's dead enough by this time, for I +knowed them youngsters long afore you sot eyes on to 'em, an' I know +what they can do. Didn't I tell you, 'Squire," he added, turning to Mr. +Winters, who was pacing anxiously up and down the porch, "that Frank +would come out all right when he war stampeded with them buffaler? Wal, +I tell you the same now."</p> + +<p>Arthur remained at the rancho until Uncle James and his herdsmen set out +for the mountains, and then turned his face homeward.</p> + +<p>It is a rule that seldom fails, that when one meets a braggadocio, he +can put him down as a coward. We have seen that it held good in Arthur's +case; for, although he had not caught the smallest glimpse of the animal +in the bushes, he was so terrified that he had run his horse eight +miles; and, while he was plunging his spurs into the gray's sides at +almost every jump, he imagined that the animal was running away with +him. He was so badly frightened that he did not pause to consider that +he might have occasioned a great deal of unnecessary anxiety and alarm +by the stories he had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>circulated. He really believed that every word he +had uttered was the truth; and he reached this conclusion by a process +of reasoning perfectly satisfactory to himself. He had heard the growls +and snarls uttered by the animal in the bushes, when attacked by the +dogs, and they were so appalling, that he felt safe in believing that +they came from some terrible monster. The conduct of the hounds, and of +Johnny's horse, confirmed this opinion. Besides, Frank and Archie had +pronounced the animal a grizzly, and Arthur was quite sure it was; for +nothing else, except a lion or tiger, could have uttered such growls. He +had heard that grizzlies were very tenacious of life, and hard to whip, +and, consequently, it followed, as a thing of course, that Frank and +Archie, and the dogs, were utterly annihilated.</p> + +<p>"I'm safe, thank goodness!" said Arthur, to himself. "If those fellows +were foolish enough to stay there and be clawed to pieces, that's their +lookout and not mine. Johnny Harris insulted me by calling me a coward. +He may escape from the bear, and if he does, I shall think up a plan to +punish him."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>When Arthur reached home, he repeated his story as he had told it to Mr. +Harris and Uncle James, and he straightway found himself a hero. He had +seen a grizzly bear with terrible claws, and a frightful array of teeth; +his horse had run away with him, and carried him eight miles before he +could stop him, and he had come home with a whole skin. It was +wonderful.</p> + +<p>Arthur threw on airs accordingly. He strutted about among the herdsmen, +and entertained his servant, a Mexican boy about his own age, named +Pedro, with a description of the fight, in which he had seen four fierce +dogs completely demolished.</p> + +<p>Pedro complimented him highly, and the Rancheros called him a brave +lad—although Arthur himself failed to see what he had done that was +deserving of praise. He went to bed in excellent spirits, and was +awakened in the morning, about daylight, by Pedro, who came into his +room, carrying in his hand a double-barreled shot-gun, a tomahawk, and +sheath-knife, and, under his arm, he held a hat, and a bundle wrapped up +in a newspaper. Pedro <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>held his sombrero over his face, so that nothing +could be seen but his eyes, which were brimful of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Now, then," exclaimed Arthur, raising himself on his elbow, and looking +fiercely at the boy, "what do you want in here at this barbarous hour, +and what are you grinning at?"</p> + +<p>"Why, sir—the bear, you know; it wasn't a bear after all," stammered +Pedro, in reply.</p> + +<p>"It wasn't! I say it was. Didn't I see him with my own eyes, and hear +him growl with my own ears? Take that hat down from your face, and stop +your laughing."</p> + +<p>Pedro obeyed. He placed the bundle on a chair beside the bed, leaned the +gun up in one corner, deposited the other articles upon the table, and +then pulled out of his pocket a note which he handed to Arthur.</p> + +<p>"Now take yourself off," commanded that young gentleman.</p> + +<p>Pedro vanished, and Arthur heard him laughing to himself as he passed +through the hall.</p> + +<p>"What does the rascal mean, I wonder; and who can be writing to me so +early in the morning?"</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> + +<p>Arthur looked at the bundle, which lay on the chair beside him, felt of +it with his fingers, and then turned his attention to the note, which +ran as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Frank, Archie, and Johnny present their compliments to Colonel +Vane, and beg leave to inform him that, after a struggle +unequaled in the annals of hunting, they succeeded in dispatching +the monster by which they were attacked yesterday. They are, +also, happy to announce that the dogs, which were so badly cut up +during the fight, have so far recovered as to be out, and to take +their regular rations. They request the Colonel to accept the +accompanying articles, including the skin of the grizzly bear, +and to preserve them as mementoes of the most exciting event of +his life. They sincerely hope that the Colonel sustained no +injury during his ride on his runaway horse."</p></div> + +<p>Arthur read this letter over twice, and, although he made no comments +upon it, it was easy enough to see that he was highly enraged. He sat up +in the bed, and, with trembling hands, tore off the covering of the +bundle, and discovered the skin of the gray wolf.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>"By gracious!" exclaimed Arthur, jumping out on the floor. "Was a +gentleman ever before so insulted? That little Yankee, Archie Winters, +is at the bottom of all this, and if he don't suffer for it, I'll know +the reason why."</p> + +<p>He tore the note into fragments, pitched the bundle out of the window, +and walked angrily about the room, shaking his fists in the air, and +threatening all sorts of vengeance against Archie and his two friends. +If he had been in his sober senses, he would have felt heartily ashamed +of himself; but the note had opened his eyes to the fact that he had +sadly injured his reputation, and he was angry at his companions because +he had done so—although how they could be blamed for that, it would +have puzzled a sensible boy to determine. But, after all, his case was +not an isolated one. It is by no means uncommon for boys, when they get +angry, to revenge themselves upon some innocent thing. We remember that, +on a certain rainy day, several boys were congregated in a barn, amusing +themselves by turning hand-springs. One clumsy fellow, whose feet were +so heavy that he could not get them over his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>head, became greatly +enraged at his failures, and finally tried to soothe his wounded pride +by whipping one of his companions.</p> + +<p>Arthur was actuated by the same spirit. He walked up and down his room +for a long time, trying to make up his mind what he should do, and, when +he was called to breakfast, he had decided upon a plan of operations, +which promised to make Archie and his friends a great deal of trouble.</p> + +<p>"I'll be revenged upon the whole lot of them at once," said Arthur, to +himself. "Upon Johnny Harris, for calling me a coward; upon Archie +Winters, for writing me that note—for I know he did it, although +Johnny's name does come last—and upon Frank Nelson, for being a friend +to those fellows, and for being so stuck up. He scarcely spoke to me +yesterday, and I won't stand such treatment from any boy. I'll teach +these backwoodsmen to insult a gentleman!"</p> + +<p>"Well, Arthur," said Mr. Vane, as the boy seated himself at the table, +"you must have looked through a very badly-frightened pair of eyes, to +make a grizzly bear out of a wolf."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who told you it was a wolf?" asked Arthur, gruffly.</p> + +<p>"One of Mr. Winters's herdsmen—Dick Lewis, I believe, they call him. He +came over this morning to bring your weapons and hat."</p> + +<p>Dick despised a coward quite as much as he admired a boy of spirit and +courage, and it is certain that the story, as he had heard it from Frank +and Archie, lost nothing in passing through his hands. He first told it +to Mr. Vane, as he handed him the articles he had brought, and then +repeated it to one of the Rancheros; and, by the time Arthur had +finished his breakfast, the occurrences of the previous day were known +to every one on the rancho. Pedro laughed when he brought out Arthur's +horse, and the herdsmen, as he rode through their quarters, exchanged +winks with one another, and made a great many remarks about grizzly +bears, especially concerning the one Arthur had seen the day before. +There was one man, however, who took no part in the joking and laughing, +and that was Joaquin, who was just mounting his horse to drive up some +stock.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't mind them," said he, as Arthur rode beside him. "They are a set +of blackguards, and don't know how to treat a gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Now, that's like a true friend," replied Arthur. "You're the only one I +have on the ranch."</p> + +<p>Joaquin was a villainous-looking Mexican, and since he had been in Mr. +Vane's employ, he had had little to do with the other herdsmen. He +seemed to prefer to be alone, unless he could have Arthur for company. +He always took a great deal of interest in the boy's affairs, and it was +from his lips that Arthur had heard the story of Frank's adventures with +Pierre Costello. Joaquin had gained Arthur's good will by confiding to +him a great many secrets, and one day he went so far as to confess that +Pierre was his particular friend, and that, if he felt so disposed, he +could point out the cave in the mountains where the robber was +concealed, and tell who it was that supplied him with food, and kept him +posted in all that happened in the settlement. Joaquin might have added, +further, that he himself had held several long interviews with Pierre of +late, and had talked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>over with him certain plans, in which Arthur Vane +and his three companions of the previous day bore prominent parts. But +this was one secret that the Ranchero kept to himself.</p> + +<p>"If you know where the robber is hidden, why don't you tell Mr. Winters, +and claim the reward?" Arthur had one day asked Joaquin.</p> + +<p>"What! betray my best friend!" exclaimed that worthy, in great +astonishment. "I am not base enough to abuse any man's confidence. Do +you suppose that if you were in Pierre's place, and I knew where you +were concealed, that I could be hired to play false to you? No, sir!"</p> + +<p>Arthur remembered this remark, and on this particular morning, as he +rode out with the Ranchero, he called the latter's attention to it, and +asked if he could trust him. The reply was a strong affirmative, which +satisfied Arthur that he might speak freely, and the result was, the +revelation of his plan for taking revenge on Frank, Johnny, and Archie. +Joaquin listened attentively, and Arthur was delighted at the readiness, +and even eagerness, with which the herdsman fell in with his ideas, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>promised his assistance. He had one amendment to propose, that did not +exactly suit Arthur; but, after a little argument, he agreed to it. They +talked the matter over for half an hour, and then Arthur started for +home, and the Ranchero galloped off to attend to his stock.</p> + +<p>That night, after all his companions were asleep, Joaquin crept quietly +out of his quarters, and, after saddling his horse, rode toward the +mountains. He was gone nearly all night, but returned in time to get to +bed before the herdsmen awoke; and, when he arose with the others, none +of them knew that he had been away from the rancho. Arthur Vane must +have known something about it, however, for the next morning, as soon as +he had eaten his breakfast, he mounted his horse, and overtook Joaquin, +just as he was leaving his quarters.</p> + +<p>"Well!" said Arthur.</p> + +<p>The Ranchero looked suspiciously about him, and, finding that there was +no one within sight or hearing, he detached his knife and sheath from +his belt, produced a folded paper from the crown of his sombrero, and +handed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>them both to Arthur, saying, in a suppressed whisper:</p> + +<p>"It's all right."</p> + +<p>"Did you see him?" asked Arthur, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I did, and he says your plan is an excellent one, and he will help you +to carry it out. The black line on that paper points out the road you +are to follow; the light lines, that branch off from it, are old +bridle-paths. Look at the paper often, and you can't get lost. He has +never seen you, you know, and, when you find him, you must show him my +knife to prove that you are a friend. Bear one thing in mind, now, and +that is, you are playing a dangerous game, and if you are found out, the +country around here will be too hot to hold you. Remember that I am your +only friend in this matter, and say nothing to nobody except me."</p> + +<p>With this piece of advice, the Ranchero galloped off, and Arthur, after +placing the knife in his belt, and putting the paper carefully away in +his pocket, rode toward the mountains.</p> + +<p>During the next few hours, Arthur consulted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>his paper frequently, and, +about noon, he was standing at the base of a precipitous cliff, twenty +miles from home, examining the natural features of the place, and +comparing them with his diagram. He saw no one; but half way up the +cliff was a huge bowlder, over which peered a pair of eyes that were +closely watching every move he made; and, when Arthur whistled twice, +the eyes disappeared, and a man stepped from behind the rock, and said, +in a gruff voice:</p> + +<p>"Who are you, and what do you want here?"</p> + +<p>"Are you Pierre Costello?" asked Arthur.</p> + +<p>"Well, now, that's no concern of yours," replied the man. "Who are you?" +As he spoke, he drew a revolver from his sash, and rested it on the rock +beside him, the muzzle pointing straight at the boy's head.</p> + +<p>"Don't!" cried Arthur, turning pale, and stepping back. "I am Arthur +Vane, and I have come here to have a talk with you. Here is Joaquin's +knife, which will prove that I am all right."</p> + +<p>The man returned his revolver to his belt, and came down the cliff; and, +presently, Arthur <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>found himself standing face to face with a live +robber.</p> + +<p>"I am Pierre Costello," said the latter; "and I was waiting for you."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>OFF FOR THE MOUNTAINS.</h3> + + +<p>Arthur looked at the robber with curiosity. Yellow-covered novels had +always been his favorite reading, and highwaymen, brigands, and pirates +were, in his estimation, the only heroes worthy of emulation. Pierre, +but for one thing, would have come up to his beau ideal of a robber. He +was loaded with weapons, and he was tall and broad-shouldered, sported a +ferocious mustache, and his hair fell down upon his shoulders. He was +dressed in the gayest Mexican style, but his clothing had seen long +service, and was not quite as neat as Arthur would have liked to have +seen it. It was plain that Pierre did not waste much time upon his +toilet; but, after all, he was a very good-looking villain.</p> + +<p>The robber was quite as much interested in his visitor as the latter was +in him. He had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>often heard of Arthur through Joaquin; and, if the boy +had known all Pierre's intentions concerning him, he might not have felt +quite so much at his ease.</p> + +<p>"I can't spare much time," said the robber, breaking the silence at +last.</p> + +<p>"Nor I either," returned Arthur; "so I will begin my business at once, +and get through as soon as I can. I have heard the particulars of your +fights with Frank Nelson, and I propose to put you in the way of making +five times the amount of money you would have made if you had captured +him when you met him in the mountains. I want to be revenged upon Frank +and his crowd, for they have grossly insulted me."</p> + +<p>"Of course they have," said Pierre. "I know all about it."</p> + +<p>"I can't punish them by myself," continued Arthur, "for they are three +to my one. I am not afraid of Johnny Harris, or Archie Winters; but +there's that other Yankee, Frank Nelson. He is as strong as a lion, and +if he once gets his blood up, he don't care for any thing. I am afraid +of him."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't wonder at it. I have had some experience with him, and, if he +had a few more years on his shoulders, I should be afraid of him +myself."</p> + +<p>"I can't punish them unless I have help," repeated Arthur; "and, if you +will lend me your assistance, you can make sixty thousand dollars by it. +I heard those fellows say, yesterday, that they are going on a hunting +expedition, next week. I will make friends with them again, and find out +when they intend to start, and I propose that you capture them, and take +them to some safe place in the mountains, and demand twenty thousand +dollars apiece for them. You can demand more, if you choose, and get it, +too; for Mr. Harris is rich, and so is Mr. Winters. You must have some +men to assist you, however."</p> + +<p>"I understand that," said Pierre. "I'll find the men."</p> + +<p>"Will you do it?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, I will."</p> + +<p>"Give me your hand, Pierre; I knew you would help me. But let me tell +you one thing, and that is, when you capture them you must <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>look out for +yourself. They will have plenty of weapons, and, from what I have seen +of them, I don't think they would hesitate to use them if they got a +chance. There's one thing about this business I don't exactly admire. Of +course, I shall start with their expedition—I want to have the +satisfaction of seeing them captured—and my idea was, that, when you +made the attack on them, you should give me a chance to escape; but +Joaquin says, that won't do at all."</p> + +<p>"Certainly not;" said Pierre, quickly. "I shall have five men with me, +and if we should let you get away, the boys would be suspicious of you +at once."</p> + +<p>"That's just what Joaquin said; and since I have thought the matter +over, I have come to the conclusion that he was right. I don't want them +to know that I had a hand in this matter, for they might make me some +trouble."</p> + +<p>"Very likely they would. You must allow yourself to be captured with the +others."</p> + +<p>"Well, I sha'n't mind that, for, I believe, I can enjoy myself among the +mountains for a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>month or two. But, Pierre, when you get them you must +hold fast to them."</p> + +<p>"I am not the man to let sixty thousand dollars slip through my +fingers," said the Ranchero, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"And there are three other things I want you to remember," continued +Arthur, earnestly. "The first is, you must not demand any ransom for +me."</p> + +<p>"Oh no; of course not."</p> + +<p>"The second is, I shall expect to be treated at all times like a +visitor. I am a gentleman, and a gentleman's son."</p> + +<p>"I am well aware of that fact. I knew it the moment I put my eyes on +you."</p> + +<p>"The third thing I want you to bear in mind, is, that I shall not be +captured without a struggle; and that every chance I get I shall try to +escape. I am going to show those fellows that I have some spunk. I want +you to act natural, and to prevent me from getting away from you; but +you must not abuse me. You can treat the others as roughly as you +please. Do you agree to all this?"</p> + +<p>"I do, and there's my hand on it," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> Pierre. "I fully understand +your plans now, and know just what you want me to do; and, what's more, +I'll do it. If you have got through with what you have to say, you had +better be off. I have a good many enemies, and I am in danger as long as +you are here. Watch those boys closely, and keep Joaquin posted. I can +find out every thing I want to know from him."</p> + +<p>"My plans are working nicely," chuckled Arthur, as he rode homeward. +"I'll teach these backwoodsmen manners, before I am done with them."</p> + +<p>"Eighty thousand dollars!" said Pierre, gazing after the retreating +horseman. "That's a nice little sum to be divided among six of us."</p> + +<p>This remark will show whether or not the robber intended to abide by the +promises he had just made to Arthur Vane; and, while we are on this +subject, it may not be amiss to say, that the scheme Arthur had +proposed, was one on which the robber had been meditating for many days. +During the time he had lived in the mountains, he had kept his brain +busy, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>and had been allowed ample opportunity to decide upon his future +operations. He had been astonished and enraged at his failure to secure +the twelve thousand dollars, and to make Frank Nelson a prisoner, and he +had resolved to make amends for his defeat by capturing Frank and all +his companions, including Arthur Vane. Pierre had plenty of friends to +assist him, but there was one question that troubled him, and presented +an obstacle that he could see no way to overcome; and that was, how to +capture all the boys at once. That must be done, or his plan would fail. +He could get his hands upon Arthur Vane at any time; but the others were +like birds on the wing—here to-day, and miles away to-morrow—and +Pierre did not know where to find them. Now, however, the difficulty was +removed. Frank and his friends were going on a hunting expedition, +Arthur would ascertain when they were going to start, and what road they +intended to take, and when the day arrived, the robber could call in his +men, who were employed on the neighboring ranchos, and capture the boys +without the least trouble.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> Pierre was very glad that Arthur had got +angry at Frank.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Frank, Archie, and Johnny, all unconscious of the plans that +were being formed against them, enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and +wasted a good deal of time every day in laughing over the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to Captain Porter's ranch. Archie, +especially, had a great deal to say about it. He had an accomplishment, +of which we have never before had occasion to speak: he was a +first-class mimic; and he took no little pride in showing off his +powers. He could imitate the brogue of an Irishman the broken English of +a Dutchman, or the nasal twang of a Yankee, to perfection; and one day, +while he was in the barn saddling his horse, he carried on a lengthy +conversation with Bob Kelly (who was on the outside of the building), +about some runaway cattle, and the old trapper thought all the while +that he was talking to his chum, Dick Lewis. Now Archie had a new +subject to practice upon. He laid himself out to personate Arthur Vane; +and he not only successfully imitated that young gentleman's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>pompous +style of talking, and his dignified manner of riding and walking, but +even the tone of his voice. He criticised Frank and Johnny continually, +and made them laugh, till their jaws ached, by recounting imaginary +adventures on the burning sands of Patagonia, and among the icebergs and +polar bears of India.</p> + +<p>The day following the one on which Arthur Vane visited the robber in the +mountains, found the three boys on the back porch of Mr. Winters's +rancho, making preparations for their hunting expedition. Frank was +cleaning his rifle, and Archie and Johnny were repairing an old +pack-saddle, in which they intended to carry their provisions and extra +ammunition. Archie was seated on the floor, with an awl in one hand, and +a piece of stout twine in the other; and, while he was working at the +pack-saddle, his tongue was moving rapidly.</p> + +<p>"I am young in years, fellows," he was saying, "but I am aged in +experience. If I had my rights, I should long ago have been gray-headed. +I have seen thrilling times in my life, and have been the hero of +adventures, that, were I to relate them to you, would make each +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>particular hair of your heads stand on end, like the quills of a +punched hedge-hog. I am—if you will kindly permit me to use a slang +expression—an old hand at the business of hunting and trapping, and +have accomplishments in which I can not be beaten. Among them, stands my +ability to whip a grizzly bear in a fair fight, with no weapon but my +knife. I have hunted wild gorillas in the streets of New York City; +have"—</p> + +<p>"Good morning, fellows!"</p> + +<p>Archie brought the story of his adventures to a sudden close, and, +looking over his shoulder, saw Arthur Vane standing at the end of the +porch. The boys had never expected him to call upon them again, and +Archie and Johnny were too surprised to speak; but Frank, who always +kept his wits about him, returned Arthur's greeting, and invited him to +occupy the chair he pushed toward him. He was not at all pleased to see +the visitor, but he was too much of a gentleman to show it.</p> + +<p>One would suppose, that the remembrance of what had happened, three days +before, would have caused Arthur some embarrassment; but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>such was not +the case. On the contrary, he was as dignified as ever, and seemed to be +perfectly at his ease. Frank and his friends were considerate enough to +refrain from making any allusions to the fright he had sustained, but +Arthur brought the subject up himself.</p> + +<p>"I received your note," said he, "and also the articles you were kind +enough to send me; and I am here now to say, that I feel heartily +ashamed of myself. From some cause or another, that I could not explain +if I should try, I was extremely nervous that day; but I may, some time, +have an opportunity to show you that I am not as much of a coward as I +know you now believe me to be."</p> + +<p>Arthur remained at the rancho all that day, sitting down at the same, +table, and eating his dinner with the boys he was about to betray into +the hands of the robbers; and, when he went home that night, he had +asked, and received, permission to accompany them to the mountains. +Their consent had been given reluctantly, and with very bad grace; but +they could see no way to get around it. Arthur was a boy with whom they +did not care to associate; but he had done <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>them no injury, and they +could not bring themselves to refuse his request.</p> + +<p>"They will start early Monday morning," soliloquized Arthur, as he rode +homeward, "and will take the road that leads to Captain Porter's. This +is Friday. I shall send word by Joaquin to Pierre to-night, and he will +have plenty of time to make all his arrangements."</p> + +<p>Arthur spent the next day with the boys at Mr. Winters's rancho, and, +when he rode over on Monday morning, he brought with him a supply of +provisions, which were stowed away in the pack-saddle with the rest. +Frank and his friends had been waiting for him, and now that they were +all ready, they mounted their horses and rode off—Archie leading an +extra horse, which carried the pack-saddle. As they galloped through the +Rancheros' quarters, Dick appeared at the door of his cabin, and shouted +after them words, which, taken in connection with the events that were +about to transpire, seemed like prophecy.</p> + +<p>"You'll be wishin' fur me an' Bob, to get you out of the hands of that +ar' greaser, afore you're two days older," yelled Dick.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You don't suppose that we four fellows will let one man capture us, do +you?" shouted Archie, in reply. "If we do get into trouble, and you find +it out, you'll come to our rescue, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Sartin. Now, don't be keerless, like you allers are."</p> + +<p>The boys kept their horses in a rapid gallop until they reached the +bridle-path in the mountains, and then Archie went ahead with the +pack-horse, and the others followed in single file. They rode along +singing and shouting, and little dreaming of the danger that was so +near, until they arrived in sight of the spring, near which Frank had +his last encounter with the robber. He soon found that he was to have +another adventure there; for, as he and his companions rode toward the +spring, they were startled by a shrill whistle, which echoed among the +mountains, and was answered on all sides of them; and, before they had +recovered from their surprise, Pierre Costello appeared in the path, as +suddenly as though he had dropped from the clouds, and came toward them, +holding a pistol in each hand.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Halt!" shouted the robber.</p> + +<p>The boys looked about them, as if seeking some avenue of escape, and +then they saw that Pierre was not alone. Every thicket, toward which +they turned their eyes, bristled with weapons, and a dozen revolvers +were leveled straight at their heads. It was useless to think of flight.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>PIERRE AND HIS BAND.</h3> + + +<p>"Halt, I say!" repeated Pierre, riding up beside Frank, and seizing his +horse by the bridle. "Disarm them, men, and shoot down the first one +that resists," he added, as the band closed up around the boys.</p> + +<p>Frank, seeing, at a glance, that it was useless to think of escape, sat +quietly in his saddle, and allowed Pierre to take possession of his +rifle, pistols, and lasso.</p> + +<p>Johnny and Archie also surrendered at discretion; but Arthur, believing +that the time had come to retrieve the reputation he had lost so +ingloriously a few days before, determined that he would not surrender +without a fight. It was a part of his contract with the robber chief, +that he should be allowed to resist as desperately as he pleased, and he +took advantage of it. He gazed at the Rancheros for a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>moment with +well-assumed astonishment, and then, appearing to comprehend the +situation, he shouted:</p> + +<p>"Stick together, fellows, and fight for your liberties! Don't give up, +like a pack of cowards! Knock 'em down! Shoot 'em! Take your hand off +that bridle, you villain!"</p> + +<p>As Arthur spoke, he dashed his spurs into the flanks of his horse, which +bounded forward so suddenly, that he jerked the bridle from the grasp of +the Ranchero who was holding him.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! I'm free, boys!" he shouted, clubbing his gun, and swinging it +around his head. "Follow me, and I'll show you how we used to clean out +the Indians."</p> + +<p>Arthur's triumph was of short duration. The Ranchero, from whom he had +escaped, was at his side in an instant, and, again seizing his bridle +with one hand, he leveled a pistol full at his prisoner's head with the +other, while Pierre caught his gun from behind, and wrested it from his +grasp. At the same moment, a lasso, thrown by the Ranchero who had taken +charge of Archie, settled down over his shoulders, and was drawn tight.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pierre and his band were obeying their instructions to the very letter, +indeed, they were altogether too zealous in their efforts to appear +"natural," and Arthur began to be suspicious that they were in sober +earnest with him, as well as with the others. He looked up into Pierre's +face, in the hope of receiving from him some friendly token—a sly wink +or a nod, which would satisfy him that he was "all right," and in no +danger of receiving bodily injury; but he saw nothing of the kind. The +chieftain's face wore a terrible scowl, and he even lifted Arthur's gun +above his head, as if he had half a mind to knock him out of his saddle.</p> + +<p>"Quarter! quarter!" gasped Arthur, striving, with nervous fingers, to +pull the lasso from his neck, and beginning to be thoroughly alarmed. "I +surrender."</p> + +<p>"Well, let that be your last attempt at escape," said Pierre, in a very +savage tone of voice, "or you will find, to your cost, that we are not +to be trifled with."</p> + +<p>In the meantime, the other Rancheros, while holding fast to their +prisoners, had relieved them of their weapons; and, as soon as Pierre +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>had seen Arthur conquered, he seized the bridle of the pack-horse, +while each of the other members of the band took charge of one of the +boys, and the cavalcade started down the ravine at a rapid gallop.</p> + +<p>All this happened in much less time than we have taken to describe it. +Before the young hunters had fairly recovered from the astonishment +caused by the sudden appearance of Pierre and his band, they had been +disarmed, and were being led captive into the mountains.</p> + +<p>Frank and his two friends were more bewildered than alarmed. The whole +thing was so unexpected, and had been accomplished so quickly and +quietly! Remembering the particulars of Frank's previous encounter with +Pierre Costello, they did not stand in fear of bodily harm. Although +they had not the slightest suspicion that their capture was the result +of treachery on the part of Arthur Vane, they well understood the +motives of the robbers, and knew, as well as if Pierre had explained the +matter to them, that they were to be used as a means to extort money +from their relatives, and that they had nothing to fear, so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>long as +they submitted quietly to their enemies. But this was something that one +of the three boys, at least, had no intention of doing. Frank's brain +was already busy with plans for escape. He had twice beaten Pierre at +his own game, and, if the robber did not keep his wits about him, he +would do it again. As for Arthur, although his plans were, thus far, as +successful as he could have desired, he was very much disappointed. The +three boys, who had dared to hold him up to the people of the settlement +in his true character, were prisoners, and he had Pierre's assurance +that they would remain such until the demands he intended to make upon +their relatives should be complied with. But, after all, Arthur did not +experience the satisfaction he had hoped he would, for the robbers had +treated him very roughly. The chief had raised his own gun over his +head; another had choked him with his lasso, and a third had pointed a +loaded pistol at him. That was a nice way to treat a visitor! Arthur +began to wish that he had never had any thing to do with Pierre and his +band.</p> + +<p>The chief, who rode in advance with the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>pack-horse, led the way at a +break-neck pace, and the boys, being one behind the other, each in +company with the Ranchero who had him in charge, were allowed no +opportunity to converse with one another, even had they desired it. +Frank, for want of something better to do, began to make an examination +of the members of the band. Like their leader, they were full-blooded +Mexicans, with enormous mustaches, and long, tangled hair, which looked +as though it had never seen a comb. They were dressed in gay-colored +clothes—blue jackets, buckskin pants, very wide at the knee, and +covered with buttons, ribbons, and gold lace. They wore long sashes +around their waists, which were thrust full of bowie-knives and +revolvers. They carried short, heavy rifles, slung over their shoulders +by leather bands, and behind their saddles were their ponchos, which did +duty both as overcoats and beds. Taken altogether, they were a +hard-looking set, and seemed capable of any atrocity. The man who had +charge of Frank was particularly noticeable in this respect, and our +hero thought that all he needed were the leggins, and high-pointed hat, +to make him a first-class <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>brigand. This man kept a sharp eye upon his +prisoner, and scowled at him, as if he regarded him as his most +implacable foe.</p> + +<p>"You needn't look so mad," said Frank, at length. "I don't remember that +I ever did you any harm, and I certainly am not foolish enough to try to +escape, as long as you keep hold of my bridle."</p> + +<p>"You had better not," said the Ranchero, smiling grimly, and shaking his +head in a very threatening manner.</p> + +<p>"I don't know that you can frighten me," returned Frank, coolly. "I wish +I was a man for about five minutes."</p> + +<p>"What would you do?" asked the Ranchero, who seemed to be pleased, as +well as astonished, at the boy's courage and independence.</p> + +<p>"I'd make your head and your heels change places in a great hurry. In +other words, I'd knock you out of your saddle. Then I'd say: 'Good-by, +Mr.—Mr.'—what's your name?"</p> + +<p>"Mercedes—Antoine Mercedes."</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Mercedes, I'll never forget that benevolent-looking face of +yours. As I was saying, I would bid you good-by, and leave. I'd <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>pass +those fellows," he added, jerking his thumb over his shoulder toward the +robbers in the rear, "before they could say 'General Jackson' with their +mouth's open. You haven't got a horse, in this party, that can catch +Roderick."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero smiled again, and tapped the butt of one of his revolvers +with his finger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you wouldn't have a chance to fire a pistol at me," said Frank, +quickly. "By the time you could get on your feet again, after I had +knocked you down, I would be a mile from here. Did Pierre ever tell you +how nicely I fooled him?" he continued, noticing that the chief was +turned half around in his saddle, listening to what he had to say. "Well +I am not surprised that he never mentioned it, for he ought to feel +ashamed of himself."</p> + +<p>"Ay; but I have got you fast this time," said Pierre, with a laugh. "Let +us see how nicely you will fool me now. One at a time here, men," he +added, in a louder tone, "and keep close watch of those prisoners."</p> + +<p>As Pierre spoke, the cavalcade emerged from the woods, and Frank found +himself on the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>brink of a rocky chasm, which stretched away to the +right as far as his eye could reach, and seemed to extend down into the +very bowels of the earth. It was so deep that his head grew dizzy, as he +looked into it. On his left, and directly in front of him, was a +precipitous mountain, the top of which hung threateningly over the gorge +below. It seemed to Frank that they could go no farther in this +direction, until Pierre urged his horse upon a narrow ledge that ran +around the base of the cliff. Antoine followed after the pack-horse, and +Frank came next. Roderick pricked up his ears, looked over into the +gorge, and snorted loudly. He moved very slowly and carefully, and well +he might: for a single misstep on his part would have sent both him and +his rider to destruction. The path was so narrow that, although Roderick +walked on the extreme outer edge, Frank's feet now and then brushed +against the rock on the opposite side. Our hero felt his sombrero rise +on his head, whenever he looked into the chasm, or allowed himself to +reflect how slight an accident might launch him into eternity. But there +was no backing out. Once on that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>ledge, a person must go forward; for +there was no room to turn around.</p> + +<p>After Frank came another of the band, and Johnny followed at his heels. +Archie and his keeper came next, and Arthur and <i>his</i> keeper brought up +the rear. They all rode fearlessly upon the ledge, until it came +Arthur's turn, and then was heard a cry of remonstrance. The young +gentleman, who had been brave enough to fill the perilous office of +scout among the Indians of the plains, did not possess the courage +necessary to carry him through this ordeal. He turned as pale as death, +and stopped his horse.</p> + +<p>"Go on," sternly commanded his keeper.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's dangerous," returned Arthur, in pitiful tones. "What if my +horse should slip off? That gully must be a thousand feet deep!"</p> + +<p>"More than that," said Archie, who, although very far from being pleased +at his own situation, could not resist the inclination to torment +Arthur. "It reaches clear through to India, where you used to hunt polar +bears."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Johnny; "for just now, as I looked over into the +gorge, I saw a lot of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>half naked Hindoos tumbling about among the +icebergs."</p> + +<p>"And I heard them yelling," chimed in Frank; "and saw one of those big +white bears after them."</p> + +<p>"Go on!" repeated the Ranchero, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"O, now, see here!" exclaimed Arthur, in a trembling voice, trying to +turn his horse's head away from the pass, "I believe, I'll"—</p> + +<p>He was about to say, that he believed he would not go any further, but +that he would return home and leave Pierre and his band to take care of +his three enemies; but his keeper did not give him time to finish the +sentence. Seeing that Arthur had no intention of following the rest of +the party, the robber took his lasso from the pommel of his saddle, and +with it struck his prisoner's horse a blow that caused the fiery animal +to give one tremendous spring, which brought him to the very brink of +the precipice. In his efforts to stop himself, a portion of the earth +was detached by his hoofs and fell with a loud noise into the abyss, +bounding down its rocky sides, and crashing through <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>bushes and branches +of trees in its rapid descent to the bottom. The horse, frightened by +the sound, and smarting under the blow of the lasso, reared so straight +upon his hind legs that he seemed in imminent danger of toppling over +into the chasm; and then, for the first time in his life, Arthur found +himself in real peril. He screamed loudly, clung to the horn of his +saddle with a death grip, and closed his eyes, expecting every instant +to find himself whirling through the air toward the bottom of the gorge. +But help was near: the strong hand of his keeper grasped the bridle, and +brought the horse back upon firm ground.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, go on!" commanded the Ranchero, without giving his prisoner +time to recover from his fright.</p> + +<p>Arthur was powerless to obey, for so great was his terror that he could +not move a muscle; but his horse, being left to himself, stepped boldly +upon the ledge, and followed after the rest of the party, who had, by +this time, disappeared around the base of the mountain.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.</h3> + + +<p>Pass Christian—for that was the name of the gorge—was two miles long. +About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the +mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass +and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a +huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above. +Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a +message to Mr. Winters. The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping +the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the +trees—all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a +fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near +the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close +watch over the prisoners.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> Frank and his two friends were reposing on +their blankets near the spring, and when Arthur rode up, they greeted +him with a broad grin.</p> + +<p>"Well, Colonel," said Frank, "you come near going back to India by a +short route, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Did you ever travel on horseback in such frightful places as this, +during your wanderings in Europe?" asked Johnny.</p> + +<p>Arthur had, by this time, somewhat recovered from his fright, though his +face was still very pale, and he drew a long breath every now and then, +when he thought of the dangers he had passed through.</p> + +<p>"No," he replied, to Johnny's question. "I never traveled much among the +mountains. It always makes my head dizzy, to look down from a height."</p> + +<p>"How, then, did you stand it," said Archie, with a sly wink at his +companions, "when you were perched upon the 'very top of the middle +mast' of your ship, looking out for whales?"</p> + +<p>"Eh?" exclaimed Arthur. "Why—I—you know"—</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>Arthur was cornered. He did not know how to answer this question, so he +kneeled down by the spring, and took a drink, in order to gain time to +reflect. "I was obliged to stand it," said he, at length, looking up at +his companions. "I couldn't help myself. I say, boys," he added, +desiring to turn the conversation into another channel, "you've got us +into a nice scrape by your cowardice. If you had followed me, those +fellows would have been the prisoners now."</p> + +<p>At this moment the robber chief approached the group, holding in his +hand a sheet of soiled paper and a lead pencil. "Take these," said he, +handing the articles to Frank, "and write to your uncle, telling him how +matters stand. Say to him that you and your friends are prisoners, that +I am going to take you where no one will ever think of looking for you, +and that when I am paid eighty thousand dollars in gold, I will set you +at liberty, and not before. Tell him, further, that I shall send this +note to him by one of my men; and that if he does not return in safety +by sunrise to-morrow morning, I will make scare-crows of you."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<p>Frank picked up his saddle-bags, which he used as a desk, and, after +borrowing the robber's bowie-knife to sharpen his pencil, he began the +letter, and wrote down what Pierre had dictated, using as nearly as +possible the chief's own words.</p> + +<p>"That's all right," said the latter, when his prisoner had read the +letter aloud.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Frank, "may I not add a postscript, telling Uncle James that +we are well and hearty, and that we have been kindly treated, and so +on."</p> + +<p>"Certainly; only be careful that you do not advise him to capture my +messenger."</p> + +<p>Frank again picked up his pencil, and wrote as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The above was written by Pierre's command, and I have his +permission to say a word for ourselves. You need not pay out any +money for Archie and me; and I know that if I was allowed an +opportunity to talk to Johnny, he would send the same message to +his father. We are now in Pass Christian—a difficult place to +escape from, but we intend to make the attempt this very night. +Detain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> Pierre's messenger, by all means; then send Dick and Bob +with a party of men up here by daylight, and they can capture +every one of these villains."</p></div> + +<p>That was what Frank added to the letter, but, when Pierre ordered him to +read it, he made up a postscript as he went along; for he knew that if +the chief were made acquainted with the real contents of the note, he +would not send it. The Ranchero did not know one letter from another, +and he was obliged to rely entirely upon Frank, who read:</p> + +<p>"We're all hunky-dory thus far. Pierre don't seem to be so bad a fellow, +after all; in fact, he's a brick. He treats us like gentlemen; but, of +course, we'd rather be at home, so please send on the money for Archie +and me, and see that Mr. Harris and Mr. Vane do the same for Johnny and +Arthur."</p> + +<p>"You're sure, now," said Pierre, as Frank handed him the letter, after +addressing it to Mr. Winters, "that you haven't told your uncle where we +are, or advised him to try to rescue you?"</p> + +<p>"There's the note," replied the prisoner,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> "and if you think I have been +trying to deceive you, read it yourself."</p> + +<p>"I guess it's all right," said the chief. "At any rate, I'll run the +risk. I have treated you like gentlemen, and if you want me to continue +to do so, you must behave yourselves, and not try to play any tricks +upon me. Now, mind what I say. If any of you hear the others talking of +escape, and don't tell me of it, I'll pitch every one of you into that +gully."</p> + +<p>Having given utterance to this threat, and emphasized it by scowling +savagely at his prisoners, Pierre turned on his heel and walked away.</p> + +<p>By this time, dinner was ready, and the boys were invited to sit down +and help themselves. The principal dish was dried meat, but there were +luxuries in the shape of sandwiches, cakes, crackers, and tea and +coffee, which the cook had found in the pack-saddle, and which he did +not hesitate to appropriate. The table was the ground under one of the +trees, and the grass did duty both as table-cloth and dishes.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys," said the chief, "here's a dinner <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>fit for a king. Pitch in, +and don't stand upon ceremony."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you will find us at all bashful," said Archie, dryly, +"seeing that the most of this grub belongs to us."</p> + +<p>As the robbers and their prisoners were hungry after their long ride, +they fell to work in earnest. Archie sat on his knees in the midst of +the group, and, while his teeth were busy upon a sandwich, his eyes +wandered from one to another of the Rancheros, and finally rested upon +Mr. Mercedes, whose actions instantly riveted his attention. It had +evidently been a long time since the robbers had sat down to a +respectable dinner, and they all seemed determined to make the most of +it—especially Antoine, who devoted his attention entirely to the +eatables that had been found in the pack-saddle. He lay stretched out at +full length on the ground, one hand being occupied in supporting his +head, and the other in transferring the sandwiches from the table to his +capacious mouth. Two of the sandwiches would have made a good meal for +an ordinary man, unless he was very hungry; but they did not go far +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>toward satisfying the appetite of Mr. Mercedes, for, during the short +time that Archie sat looking at him, he put no less than half a dozen +out of sight, and seemed to have room for plenty more. Archie began to +be alarmed. By the time he could finish one sandwich, Antoine would have +swallowed every one on the table, and there would be nothing left but +the dried meat.</p> + +<p>"Will the small gentleman from Maine be kind enough to pass the +plum-pudding—I mean the one that's got the most raisins in it?" said +Johnny, who was inclined to be facetious.</p> + +<p>"See here, fellows!" exclaimed Archie, and the earnest expression of his +countenance arrested the laughing at once. "This is no time for joking. +The rule of this boarding-house seems to be, Look out for number one. I +intend to do it; and, if you want to get any thing to eat, you had +better follow my example."</p> + +<p>So saying, he caught up three or four sandwiches, and half a dozen +cakes, and started toward the spring, where he sat down to finish <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>his +dinner. The other boys comprehended this piece of strategy, and, in less +time than it takes to tell it, the table was cleared of every thing +except the dried meat. Mr. Mercedes uttered an angry growl, and gazed +after Johnny, who had snatched the last sandwich almost out of his hand, +and then whipped out his knife, and turned his attention to the meat.</p> + +<p>When the robbers had finished their dinner, Pierre held a whispered +consultation with one of his men, who, after placing Frank's letter +carefully away in the crown of his sombrero, mounted his horse, and rode +down the pass. The others, with the exception of a solitary sentinel, +sought their blankets, and the boys were left to themselves.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Johnny, in a whisper, addressing himself to Frank, "tell us +what you wrote in that postscript. You surely did not ask your uncle to +send any money for you and Archie?"</p> + +<p>"Of course not!" replied Frank. "I, for one, am not worth twenty +thousand dollars; and I would rather stay here until I am gray-headed, +and live on nothing but dried meat <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>all the while, than ask Uncle James +to give twenty cents for me."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk," said Johnny, approvingly, while Archie raised himself +on his elbow, and patted his cousin on the back. Frank then repeated +what he had written in the postscript, as nearly as he could recollect +it, and it was heartily indorsed by all the boys, even including Arthur +Vane, who said:</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see that you are recovering your courage, Frank. If you +had all showed a little pluck, when Pierre attacked us this morning, we +should not have been in this predicament."</p> + +<p>"We'll not argue that point now," said Archie. "Let's talk about our +plans for escape. By the way, what sort of fellows do you suppose Pierre +takes us for, if he imagines that he can frighten us into carrying tales +about one another?"</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know, too," said Arthur, sitting up on his blanket, and +looking very indignant. "I wonder if he is foolish enough to believe +that one of us would tell him, if he heard the others talking of escape! +If I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>thought there was one in this party mean enough to do that, I +would never speak to him again."</p> + +<p>"Now, don't you be alarmed," said Johnny. "We've been through too much +to go back on each other. But how shall we get away? that's the +question."</p> + +<p>"Let us rush up and knock them down, and pitch them over into the +gully," said Arthur. "Follow me; I'll get you out of this scrape."</p> + +<p>"We couldn't gain any thing by a fight," said Frank. "Four boys are no +match for five grown men."</p> + +<p>"I'd give Sleepy Sam if I could only see Dick and Bob poke their noses +over some of these rocks around here," said Archie. "They will be after +us, as soon as they find out that we are captured; and when they get +their eyes on these 'Greasers,' as they call them, there'll be fun."</p> + +<p>"But we don't want to wait for them," said Frank. "We must escape +to-night, if possible. We can find our way home from here; but, if we +stay with these villains two or three days longer, they will have taken +us so far into <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>the mountains, that we never can get out. I propose that +we wait until dark, and see what arrangements they intend to make for +the night, before we determine upon our plans. If they allow us to +remain unbound, and leave only one sentinel to guard us, we'll see what +can be done. In the meantime, I move that we all take a nap."</p> + +<p>The prisoners settled themselves comfortably on their blankets, and, in +a few moments, three of them were sleeping soundly, all unconscious of +the fact that their wide-awake companion was impatiently awaiting an +opportunity to repeat to the robber chief every word of their recent +conversation.</p> + +<p>"Pierre said, that if any of us heard the others talking of escape, and +didn't tell him of it, he would pitch us over that precipice," muttered +Arthur. "He looked straight at me when he said it; so I shall take him +at his word, and put him on his guard against these fellows. I'll not go +back on them—O, no! Johnny Harris didn't call me a coward, did he? And +that little spindle-shanked Yankee, and his cousin, didn't insult me, by +sending me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>my hat and gun, and the skin of that wolf, and by telling +every body in the settlement that I was frightened out of my senses, +without seeing any thing to be frightened at, did they? I'd like to +catch that Archie Winters by himself. He's little, and I am sure that I +could whip him. I'll pay them all for what they have done to me, and +before I get through with them, they will learn, that it is always best +to treat a gentleman with respect."</p> + +<p>As Arthur said this, he looked contemptuously at his slumbering +companions, and then turned his back to them, and went to sleep.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>MORE TREACHERY.</h3> + + +<p>When Frank awoke, it was nearly dark. The glade was lighted up by a +fire, that one of the Rancheros had kindled, and beside which he stood, +superintending the cooking of the supper. Archie and Johnny were still +sleeping soundly, but Arthur Vane's blanket was empty, and that young +gentleman was nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>Frank raised himself to a sitting posture, rubbed his eyes, and yawned; +and then, seeing that the cook was rummaging in the pack-saddle after +more luxuries, and judging by that that supper was nearly ready, he +shook his companions, and arose to his feet. He went to the spring, and +was preparing to wash his hands and face in the little brook that ran +across the glade, when his attention was attracted by the sound of +voices close by. He found that they came <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>from behind the bowlder; and, +after listening a moment, he recognized the voices as those of Pierre +Costello, and Arthur Vane. At first, Frank thought nothing of this +circumstance. He bent over the brook, and plunged his hands into the +water, when the thought occurred to him that this was a strange +proceeding on the part of Arthur Vane. If the latter had any thing to +say to the chief, why did he not talk to him in the camp? Frank's +suspicions were aroused. He stood, for a moment, undecided how to act, +and then, dropping on his hands and knees, he crept cautiously around +the end of the bowlder, and presently came in sight of Pierre and his +companion. They were sitting on the ground, facing each other—the chief +calmly smoking a cigarette, while Arthur was amusing himself by cutting +the grass around him with the Ranchero's bowie-knife.</p> + +<p>"This is very odd," thought Frank. "Arthur acts more like a confidential +friend than a prisoner."</p> + +<p>Our hero drew back, and listened to the conversation that followed, +during which he gained <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>some insight into the character of his new +acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"I do not admire your way of doing business," he heard Arthur say, at +length. "You treat me no better than you treat them. You told me that +you knew by my looks that I was a gentleman, and you promised to respect +me as such. You assured me that I should be allowed to show fight +whenever I pleased, and that you would not hurt me for it. How have you +kept those promises? What did you do to me this morning? You jerked my +gun out of my hands, and raised it over my head, as if you were going to +knock me down. One of your men threw his lasso around my neck, and +choked me until I could scarcely breathe, and another aimed a pistol at +me. Is that treating me like a gentleman or a visitor?"</p> + +<p>"What else could we do?" demanded Pierre. "Didn't you tell me that you +wanted us to act natural, so that your three enemies would not suspect +that you had a previous understanding with me in regard to their +capture?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly; but I didn't tell you to abuse me, did I? See how I was +treated when we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>were coming through this pass! My keeper struck my +horse with his lasso, and came near sending me over the precipice; and +you laughed at it. When I look toward you, why don't you give me a wink, +or a nod, to show that you have not forgotten your promises, and that +you will protect me?"</p> + +<p>"Because I never have had a chance to do it without being seen by the +others. If you know when you are well off, you will take every +precaution to keep those boys from finding out how treacherous you have +been. You must not expect any signs of friendship from me. I shall stick +to my promise, and see that no serious injury is done you; but, if you +will insist in showing your courage by fighting us, you must make up +your mind to be roughly handled. You say that Frank didn't read to me +what he wrote in that letter?"</p> + +<p>"No, he did not. He never said a word to his uncle about sending the +money. He told him not to do it. He advised him to capture your +messenger, by all means, and to send those trappers up here, with a +party of men, by daylight to-morrow morning."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, they'll not find us," said the chief, who seemed to take the +matter very coolly. "By daylight we shall be miles from here. We'll +start as soon as the moon rises, so that we can see to travel through +the pass. After supper, I shall have those fellows bound hand and +foot—that will prevent their escape, I think—and, of course, I must +tie you, also."</p> + +<p>"I don't like the idea of lying all night with my hands fastened behind +my back," objected Arthur.</p> + +<p>"I can't help that. Those boys must be confined; for I am not going to +lose sixty thousand dollars, if I can help it; and, if you wish to avoid +suspicion, you must be tied with the rest."</p> + +<p>"I shall resist. I want to make those fellows believe that they are a +pack of cowards. Don't let your men handle me too roughly."</p> + +<p>"I'll look out for that," said Pierre. "Now, let us go back to the camp. +You have been away too long already."</p> + +<p>"O, you outrageous villain!" thought Frank, who was so astonished and +bewildered by what he had heard, that he scarcely knew what he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>was +about. "Won't you suffer for this day's work if we ever get back to the +settlement?"</p> + +<p>The movements of the traitor, who just then arose to his feet, brought +Frank to himself again. He retreated precipitately, and, when Arthur +came out from behind the bowlder, he was sitting on his blanket, talking +to Archie and Johnny.</p> + +<p>"Fellows," said he, in an excited voice, "we're ruined! That rascal has +blabbed the whole thing!"</p> + +<p>"Who? What rascal? what thing?" asked both the prisoners in a breath. +"What's the matter with you?" added Archie, in some alarm, seeing that +his cousin wore an exceedingly long face.</p> + +<p>"Arthur Vane has just told Pierre that we had made up our minds to +escape to-night," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"No!" exclaimed the boys, almost paralyzed by the information.</p> + +<p>"It's a fact. After supper, we are to be bound hand and foot; and +Arthur, to show how brave he is, and how cowardly we are, is going to +resist, and Pierre has promised that his men <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>shall not handle him +roughly. O, you'll find out!" he continued, seeing that his friends +looked incredulous. "I crept up behind that bowlder, and heard all about +it. I did not understand all the conversation; but I know that Arthur is +a traitor, and that we are indebted to him for our capture."</p> + +<p>Archie and Johnny were utterly confounded. They could not find words +strong enough to express their feelings. They sat on their blankets, and +looked at each other in blank amazement. Presently, Arthur came in +sight, and his appearance served to restore their power of action; and +then, for the first time, they seemed to realize the full enormity of +the offense of which he had been guilty. Archie jumped to his feet, and +commenced pulling off his jacket.</p> + +<p>"Fellows," said he, throwing down his sombrero, and rolling up his +shirt-sleeves, "I'm going to pound some of the meanness out of him."</p> + +<p>"And I'll help you!" exclaimed Johnny, excitedly. "Who ever heard of +such a thing?" And Johnny brought his fist down into the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>palm of his +hand, with a noise like the report of a pistol.</p> + +<p>"Don't do it, boys!" interposed Frank. "Come here, Archie! Sit down, +Johnny. He will be punished enough, when he gets back to the settlement. +Let's cut him at once, and have nothing more to do with him. Johnny, put +on your jacket! Behave yourself, Archie!"</p> + +<p>Frank found it hard work to turn the two boys from their purpose. Their +indignation had been thoroughly aroused, and, if Arthur had only known +it, he was in a dangerous neighborhood. Although Frank was quite as +angry as his friends, he had more prudence. He did not believe that they +were the proper ones to execute vengeance upon their enemy. His +punishment would come soon enough, and it would be quite as terrible as +Arthur was able to bear. By dint of a good deal of coaxing, and pushing, +and scolding, he finally got Archie and Johnny on their blankets again, +and just then the traitor came up. His face wore a triumphant smile, +that was exceedingly irritating to the three boys just then, and he +approached them with as much assurance as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>though he had never in his +life been guilty of a mean action.</p> + +<p>"I have been out enjoying the cool breeze," said he, not noticing the +angry glances that were directed toward him.</p> + +<p>"Put it all in, while you are about it," exclaimed Johnny. "Say that you +have been holding a consultation with Pierre, in regard to our escape +to-night."</p> + +<p>Arthur turned very red in the face, and took a step or two backward, as +if Johnny had aimed a blow at him; and then, somewhat recovering +himself, he opened his eyes, puckered up his lips, and looked from one +to the other of his companions, with an expression of intense +astonishment.</p> + +<p>"How, now, Innocence!" exclaimed Archie. "You're a nice looking fellow. +Go away from here."</p> + +<p>"Why, boys," stammered Arthur, "I do not understand you. I have not seen +Pierre"—</p> + +<p>"Go away!" said Johnny, again rising to his feet—a movement that was +instantly imitated by the pugnacious Archie.</p> + +<p>"Can't you tell me what's the matter?" demanded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> Arthur, making a +desperate effort to look unconcerned, and to call up some of that +courage of which he had so often boasted.</p> + +<p>"Have you got the impudence—the brass, to come to us, and ask what's +the matter, after what you have done?" asked Archie, angrily. "We'll +soon let you know what's"—</p> + +<p>"Hold on, boys!" interrupted Frank, who saw that Archie's rage was in a +fair way to get the better of him. "Johnny, stand back! Keep still, +Archie! Go about your business, Arthur Vane! We know just what passed +between you and Pierre, not five minutes ago, and we don't want to +listen to any excuses or explanations."</p> + +<p>"Explanations!" shouted Archie. "Excuses! for being a traitor!"</p> + +<p>"Go over there among those yellow gentlemen," continued Frank. "You are +their friend, and there's where you belong. Don't dare come near any of +us again. Start!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, start—mizzle—clear out!" roared Archie, getting angrier every +moment. "Begone! Make yourself scarce about here!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I think this is a nice way to treat a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>gentleman," growled +Arthur, as he turned on his heel, and walked slowly away.</p> + +<p>"Pick up that blanket and saddle," said Johnny. "Take all your plunder +away from here, and remember that this side of the glade belongs to us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, remember it—bear it in mind!" exclaimed Archie, who seemed to +think it his duty to give emphasis to what the others said. "Think of it +continually."</p> + +<p>Arthur glared savagely upon Archie; but, fearing to irritate him and his +friends further, by refusing to obey their commands, he shouldered his +baggage, and walked sullenly toward the fire, around which the Rancheros +were congregated, awaiting the summons to supper.</p> + +<p>"Benedict Arnold!" said Johnny, as soon as the traitor was out of +hearing.</p> + +<p>Frank and Archie thought the name appropriate. It clung to Arthur as +long as he remained in that part of California.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>THE ESCAPE.</h3> + + +<p>Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a +thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation +than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves +on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion. Of +course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in +view? A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were +correct. The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be +demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he +expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to +receive for them. They never imagined that the traitor had been +instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had +happened to them during the day was the result <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>of the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader's ranch.</p> + +<p>"I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws," +said Frank. "If he does, that's all the good it will do him, as far as +handling any of my uncle's money is concerned. It's lucky that we have +found him out."</p> + +<p>"It's unfortunate that we didn't find him out long ago," said Archie, +who had by this time recovered his usual good nature.</p> + +<p>"Our plans for escape are all knocked in the head for this night," +continued Frank; "but we will hold ourselves in readiness to seize the +first opportunity that is offered. Dick and Bob will be on our trail in +a few hours."</p> + +<p>At this moment, Pierre entered the glade from the side opposite the +spring, and stopped to say a few words to the sentinel, who immediately +approached the prisoners, and took his stand within a few paces of them.</p> + +<p>"These villains must be afraid of us," said Frank, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"They'd better be," returned Johnny. "I wouldn't like to have sixty +thousand dollars <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>wrapped up in such slippery customers as we are."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if Pierre thinks we can fly?" said Archie. "That's the only +way I can see for getting out of here, while these robbers are all +around us. I say, old fellow," he added, turning to the sentinel, "are +you a good shot on the wing?"</p> + +<p>The Ranchero shrugged his shoulders, and tapped his revolvers +significantly.</p> + +<p>"I judge from that you are a good shot on the wing," continued Archie. +"Let me advise you to keep both eyes open; for the first thing you know, +you'll see us disappearing over the tops of these mountains. Each of us +has a patent, duplex, double-back-action flying-machine in his pocket."</p> + +<p>Archie was going on to explain to the Ranchero the principles on which +his imaginary flying-machine operated, when the call to supper +interrupted him.</p> + +<p>During the meal, the robbers were quite as polite as they had been at +dinner. They gobbled up every thing within their reach, devouring it +greedily, as though they feared that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>somebody might get more than his +share, and the boys, having learned by experience, that, when one +sojourns among Romans, it is a good plan to do as Romans do, snatched +what they liked best, and ran back to their blankets.</p> + +<p>"Look at Benedict," said Johnny, speaking as plainly as a mouthful of +cracker would permit. "He's hot about something."</p> + +<p>Arthur was sitting on the ground beside the robber chief, to whom he was +talking earnestly, and even angrily, judging by the frantic manner in +which he flourished his arms about his head, and struck with his fists +at the empty air. Pierre was listening attentively, and so were all the +other members of the band, who appeared to be deeply interested in what +he was saying. Arthur had told the chief that his secret was discovered, +and Pierre had urged him to use every exertion to allay the suspicions +of the boys.</p> + +<p>"You don't know them as well as I do," said the Ranchero; "and, if you +will take my advice, you will try to make friends with them again."</p> + +<p>"That's something I'll never do," said Arthur, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>decidedly. "Shall a +gentleman's son stoop to beg the good-will of a lot of young Arabs? Not +if he knows himself; and he thinks he does. They have found me out, +somehow, and I don't care if they have. I may as well throw off the mask +entirely. I'll let them see that, while they are prisoners, and bound +hand and foot, I am at liberty to go and come when I please."</p> + +<p>When Arthur said this, he was gazing into the fire, and consequently did +not see the significant glances which the robber chief exchanged with +his men. It might have astonished him to know that he was not free to go +and come when he pleased; and that Pierre, in spite of all his promises +to the contrary, intended to demand twenty thousand dollars for him, as +well as for the others.</p> + +<p>When Frank and his friends had eaten their supper, they began to make +preparations for the night, by collecting a pile of dried leaves and +grass, over which they spread their blankets, placing the saddles at the +head of the bed, to serve as pillows. When the couch was completed, it +was very inviting, and, had it not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>been for the knowledge of the fact +that they were to be bound hand and foot, they would have been sure of a +good night's rest.</p> + +<p>Frank could not go to bed without visiting Roderick. He found the horse +standing quietly by the spring, and when he saw his master approaching, +he raised his head and welcomed him with a shrill neigh.</p> + +<p>"O, if we could only get half a minute's start of these robbers!" said +Frank, patting the animal's glossy neck, "wouldn't we show them a clean +pair of heels? They'd never have us prisoners again, I <i>bet</i>."</p> + +<p>Frank emphasized the last word by punching Roderick in the ribs with his +thumb—an action which caused the animal to lay back his ears, and kick +viciously, with both feet, at some imaginary object behind him.</p> + +<p>When our hero returned to the place where he had left Archie and Johnny, +he saw them lying on their beds securely bound. Pierre stood close by, +with a lasso in his hand, and, when Frank came up, he greeted him with a +fierce scowl, and, in a savage tone of voice, commanded him to cross his +arms behind his back.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> Frank obeyed, and the Ranchero, while he was busy +confining him, inquired:</p> + +<p>"Do you remember what I said to you at noon?"</p> + +<p>"About what?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"About making scare-crows of you and your friends, if my messenger does +not return at daylight."</p> + +<p>"I believe I do remember something about it."</p> + +<p>"Then why did you advise your uncle to detain him? You must be tired of +life. You told Mr. Winters to send those rascally trappers up here, with +a party of men, to capture us."</p> + +<p>"Now, see here, Pierre," exclaimed Frank, angrily, "Dick and Bob are not +rascals. They are honest men, and what they own, they have worked hard +for. They will be up here—you may depend upon that—and, if Dick once +gets his hands on you"—</p> + +<p>"O, won't he shake him up, though!" cried Archie, from his blanket. "I +wouldn't be in Pierre's shoes then for all the money he will ever get +for us."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You may make up your minds to one thing," said the chief; "and that is, +if so much as a hair of that messenger's head is harmed, you will be +swinging from some of these trees at sunrise."</p> + +<p>"That is a soothing story to tell to a person who is trying to go to +sleep," observed Johnny.</p> + +<p>"You can't make us believe that you would throw away sixty thousand +dollars," said Frank. "Be careful," he added, as Pierre, after confining +his arms with one end of the lasso, began to wind the other around his +ankles; "make those knots secure, or I may get away from you again."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk that. Now, good-night, and pleasant dreams to you."</p> + +<p>The robber lifted Frank in his arms, and laid him upon his blanket, as +if he had been a sack of flour, and then walked off, leaving his +prisoners to their meditations. Scarcely had he disappeared, when +Arthur, who had stood at a little distance, watching the operations of +the chief, came up, and, after regarding the three boys a moment with a +smile of triumph, inquired:</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How do you feel now? I hope you will enjoy a good night's rest. You see +I am at liberty." And he stretched out his arms, to show that they were +not confined.</p> + +<p>"Of course," said Frank. "You ought to be; you are one of Pierre's band. +We are under obligations to you for what you have done for us."</p> + +<p>"How did you find it out?" asked Arthur.</p> + +<p>"Why, one of those Arabs you used to know in Patagonia, came up here, +and told us how you acted while you were in that country, and we thought +it best to keep an eye on you," answered Archie.</p> + +<p>"See here, Benedict," said Johnny. "Have you forgotten that we told you +to keep your distance?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I generally go where I please," replied Arthur.</p> + +<p>"You have done something worth boasting of, haven't you?"</p> + +<p>"Well—yes; but I am not done with you yet. If I have any influence with +Pierre—and I think I have—you'll not see home for a year—perhaps +longer."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Pierre! Pierre!" shouted Archie, suddenly. "I say, Pierre!"</p> + +<p>"Well, what's the row?" asked that worthy, from his bed by the fire.</p> + +<p>"I'll make you a present of my horse, if you will give me my liberty for +just two minutes. Will you do it?"</p> + +<p>"I guess not," replied the robber.</p> + +<p>"I promise you that I will not attempt any tricks," pleaded Archie. "I +only want to show Benedict something. Come, Pierre, that's a good +fellow."</p> + +<p>The Ranchero laughed, and turned over on his blanket, without making any +answer, and Archie, being satisfied that it was useless to urge the +matter, laid his head upon his hard pillow, and looked indignantly at +the traitor.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said he. "I'll be unbound to-morrow morning, and I'll know +how to get up an appetite for breakfast."</p> + +<p>Arthur understood what the prisoner meant by getting up an appetite for +breakfast, and it made him angry. He was very brave, now. His three +enemies were lying before him unable to defend themselves, and it was a +fine opportunity <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>to execute vengeance upon them. He suddenly took it +into his head that it would be a nice thing to punish them all, +beginning with the one who had first excited his animosity.</p> + +<p>"Hold on, you little Yankee," said he. "I'll attend to you in a minute. +Johnny Harris, what was that name you applied to me?"</p> + +<p>"It was a new one we have given you," answered Johnny. "We have called +you after the meanest man that ever lived—Benedict Arnold. Do you know +him? Did you ever meet him while you were hunting lions and tigers in +Europe?"</p> + +<p>Frank and his cousin laughed loudly, which so enraged Arthur that he +caught up a stick, that happened to be lying near him, and struck Johnny +a severe blow with it.</p> + +<p>"O, you coward!" shouted Archie, struggling frantically to free his +arms. "What do you mean by hitting a man when he is down, and can't move +hand or foot?"</p> + +<p>The traitor turned fiercely upon Archie, and was about to use the stick +upon him, when the gruff voice of the sentinel arrested his hand. The +Ranchero pointed toward the fire, and Arthur, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>understanding the motion, +threw down the stick, and walked away, shaking his head, and muttering +to himself.</p> + +<p>"He had better keep close to his friends to-morrow," said Johnny, his +face all wrinkled up with pain.</p> + +<p>The other boys thought so too. Each one of them had rather that Arthur +had struck him instead of Johnny; for the latter, although +high-spirited, and inclined to be belligerent under provocation, was a +good-natured, accommodating fellow, who gained hosts of friends wherever +he went, and who never hesitated to make any sacrifice for the benefit +of others. Frank had never before witnessed such an exhibition of +cowardly vindictiveness, and he was almost sorry that he had protected +Arthur.</p> + +<p>The traitor, well satisfied with what he had done, and only regretting +that he had been interrupted before his revenge was complete, spread his +blanket beside the chief; and, after that, nothing happened for a long +time to disturb the silence of the camp. The Rancheros were soon in a +sound sleep, even including Antoine Mercedes, the sentinel, who sat with +his back against <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>a tree, his head hung down upon his breast and his +right hand, which rested on the ground beside him, grasping a revolver. +He had been placed there by his chief to watch the prisoners; but, +believing that there was little danger of their escape, and being +unwilling to be deprived of his usual rest, he had gone to sleep as soon +as the others. The boys, however, were wide awake. The exciting events +of the day, and the pain occasioned by their bonds, effectually banished +sleep from their eyes, and they passed the long hours in pondering upon +what Arthur had done, and trying in vain to find a comfortable position +on their blankets. Johnny, especially, was very restless. He lay for a +long time watching the sentinel, and thinking how easily he and his +companions could effect their escape, if their hands and feet were free; +then he wondered if Pierre was in earnest, when he said that he would +make "scare-crows" of them if his messenger did not return by daylight; +and, finally, he turned over, and tried, for the hundredth time, to go +to sleep.</p> + +<p>The fire, which was still burning brightly, lighted up every corner of +the glade, and, from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>the new position in which he lay, Johnny could see +how Archie's arms were bound. They were crossed behind his back, and the +lasso was wrapped twice around them, and tied in a square knot—a single +glance at which drove all thoughts of sleep out of Johnny's mind, and +suggested to him the idea of an attempt to liberate his friend. The +knot, on account of the stiffness of the lasso, had not been drawn very +tight, and Johnny thought he had hit upon a plan to untie it.</p> + +<p>"Archie," he whispered, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Hallo!" was the response.</p> + +<p>"Are you asleep?"</p> + +<p>"No; nor am I likely to be to-night," growled Archie. "This lasso hurts +me dreadfully. Pierre drew it as tight as he could."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk so loud," whispered Johnny. "Keep your eyes on that +sentinel, and, if he moves, shake your arms."</p> + +<p>"What for?" demanded Archie. "What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know that I can do any thing; but I am going to try."</p> + +<p>"All right; go ahead."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p> + +<p>Johnny took a long look at the Ranchero, to make sure that he was sound +asleep, and then, rolling up close to Archie, he went to work with his +teeth to untie the lasso, with which the latter's arms were bound. This +was not so easy a task as he had imagined it would be; but the knot +yielded a little with every pull he made upon it, and, after ten minutes +hard work, Johnny rolled back upon his blanket with an expression of +great satisfaction upon his countenance, and watched his friend as he +unwound the lariat with which his feet were confined.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for you, Johnny!" whispered Archie, a moment afterward. "We'll +out-wit these greasers yet. Hold easy, now, and I'll soon give you the +free use of your hands and feet."</p> + +<p>Archie's fingers made quick work with Johnny's bonds, and, when he had +untied his arms, he left him to do the rest, and turned to release his +cousin. This he soon accomplished, and then the three boys, astonished +at their success, crept up closer together, to hold a consultation.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Lead on Frank, and we'll follow," said Johnny.</p> + +<p>"I will do the best I can," replied Frank. "Let's stick together as long +as possible; but, if we are discovered, we must separate, and let each +man take of himself. Remember, now, the one that reaches home must not +sleep soundly until the others are rescued."</p> + +<p>As Frank said this, he threw himself flat upon the ground, and crawled +slowly and noiselessly through the grass, toward the ledge by which they +had entered the glade in the morning. They passed the sentinel without +arousing him, and approached the fire around which lay the stalwart +forms of the Rancheros, who snored lustily, in blissful ignorance of +what was going on close by them.</p> + +<p>The boys' hearts beat high with hope as they neared the ledge, and +Johnny was in the very act of reaching over to give Frank an approving +slap on the back, when the movement was arrested by a loud yawn behind +him. This was followed by an ejaculation of astonishment, and, an +instant afterward, the report of a pistol rang through the glade. The +sentinel had just <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>awakened from his sleep, and discovered that the +prisoners' blankets were empty.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" he shouted, in stentorian tones, discharging another +barrel of his revolver, to arouse his companions. "Pierre, your birds +have flown!"</p> + +<p>"Run now, fellows!" whispered Frank, and, suiting the action to the +word, he jumped up, and took to his heels.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>THE STRUGGLE ON THE CLIFF.</h3> + + +<p>As we have before remarked, the place in which the Rancheros had made +their camp was a natural recess in the mountains. It was surrounded on +three sides by rocky cliffs, the tops of which seemed to pierce the +clouds, and whose sides were so steep that a goat could scarcely have +found footing thereon. In front of the glade was the gorge, the sight of +which had so terrified Arthur Vane, and which was so deep that the roar +of the mountain torrent, that ran through it, could be but faintly heard +by one standing on the cliffs above.</p> + +<p>There were three ways to get out of the glade: one was by the narrow +ledge of rocks by which the Rancheros and their captives had entered it +in the morning; another was by a path on the opposite side of the glade, +which also ran along the very brink of the precipice; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>the third was by +climbing up the cliffs to the dizzy heights above. These avenues of +escape were all more or less dangerous, and one unaccustomed to +traveling in the mountains would have been at a loss to decide which to +take. Indeed, a very timid boy would have preferred to remain a prisoner +among the Rancheros, as long as he was sure of kind treatment and plenty +to eat, rather than risk any of them. If he took either of the paths +that ran along the chasm, he would require the skill of a rope-dancer to +cross it in safety; for they were both narrow and slippery, and a single +misstep in the darkness would launch him into eternity. If he tried to +scale the mountains, which, in some places, overhung the glade, he would +be in equal danger; for he might, at any moment, lose his balance, and +come tumbling back again.</p> + +<p>Frank and his two friends had thought of all these things during the +day, and they knew just what perils they were likely to encounter; but +they were not formidable enough to turn them from their purpose. While +they were crawling cautiously through the grass, they had been allowed +ample time to make up their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>minds what they would do, if their flight +should be discovered before they got out of the glade; and, +consequently, when the yells of the sentinel, and the reports of his +pistol, told them that the pursuit was about to begin, they did not +hesitate, but proceeded at once to carry out the plans they had formed. +Archie, the moment he jumped to his feet, darted toward the cliffs, +while Frank and Johnny ran for the ledge by which they had entered the +pass in the morning; and, by the time the Rancheros were fairly awake, +their prisoners had disappeared as completely as though they had never +been in the glade at all.</p> + +<p>Archie had chosen the most difficult way of escape, and he had done so +with an object. He believed that, as soon as Pierre and his band became +aroused, they would rush in a body for the path that led toward the +settlement; and Archie did not like the idea of running a race through +the darkness along the brink of that precipice. He might make a misstep, +and fall into the gorge, and that would be infinitely worse than +remaining a prisoner. His enemies, he thought, would not be likely to +follow him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>up the cliffs; but if they did, and he found that he could +not distance them, there were plenty of excellent hiding-places among +the bushes and rocks, where he could remain in perfect security, with an +army searching for him. Johnny and Frank did not look at the matter in +that way. They thought not of concealment; they took the nearest and +easiest way home, and trusted entirely to their heels.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" shouted the sentinel, discharging the barrels of his +revolver in quick succession. "The boys have gone!"</p> + +<p>For a moment, great confusion reigned in the camp. The Rancheros sprang +to their feet, and hurried hither and thither, each one asking +questions, and giving orders, to which nobody paid the least attention, +and the babel of English and Spanish that arose awoke the echoes far and +near. The chief was the only one who seemed to know what ought to be +done. He examined the beds to satisfy himself that the prisoners had +really gone, and then his voice was heard above the tumult, commanding +silence.</p> + +<p>The first thing he did, when quiet had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>restored, was to swear +lustily at the sentinel, for allowing the prisoners to escape, and then +he set about making preparations for pursuit. He sent two of the band on +foot down the path that led toward the settlement, another he ordered to +saddle the horses, and the rest he commanded to search every nook and +corner of the glade.</p> + +<p>As long as the noise continued, Archie worked industriously; and, being +a very active fellow, he got up the mountain at an astonishing rate. But +as soon as the chief had succeeded in restoring order, he sat down to +recover his breath, and to wait until the Rancheros left the glade: for +he was fearful that the noise he necessarily made, in working his way +through the thick bushes, might direct his enemies in their search.</p> + +<p>Although it was pitch dark on the mountainside, Archie could tell +exactly what was going on below him. He knew when the two men left the +glade, chuckled to himself when he heard the Ranchero, who had been +ordered to saddle the horses, growl at the restive animals, and noted +the movements of the party who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>were searching the bushes. He distinctly +heard their voices, and he knew that Arthur Vane was with them.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they will get away, Joaquin?" he heard the traitor ask.</p> + +<p>"That's hard to tell," was the reply. "It depends a good deal upon how +long they have been gone. If they get back to the settlement, you had +better keep away from there."</p> + +<p>"That's so," said Archie, to himself.</p> + +<p>"They'll never reach the settlement if I can help it," declared Arthur. +"If I get my eyes on one of them, I bet he don't escape. I'll take him +prisoner."</p> + +<p>Perhaps we shall find that Arthur did "get his eyes on one of them," and +we shall see how he kept his promise.</p> + +<p>The party went entirely around the glade, passing directly beneath +Archie, who held himself in readiness to continue his flight, should +they begin to ascend the cliff, and finally one of them called out:</p> + +<p>"They're not here, Pierre."</p> + +<p>"Mount, then, every one of you," exclaimed the chief. "When you reach +the end of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>pass, scatter out and search the mountains, thoroughly. +Antoine, we have to thank you for the loss of a fortune, you idiot."</p> + +<p>Archie heard the Ranchero mutter an angry reply, and then came the +tramping of horses as the band rode from the glade. In a few seconds the +sound died away in the pass, and the fugitive was left alone. His first +impulse was to descend into the glade, mount Sleepy Sam, and follow the +robbers. Archie could ride the animal without saddle or bridle as well +as he could with them; and he was sure that if he could get but a few +feet the start of the Rancheros, his favorite could easily distance +them. But he remembered the chief's order for the band to "scatter out," +and knowing that every path that led toward the settlement would be +closely guarded, and fearing that he might run against some of his +enemies in the dark, he decided that the safest plan was to remain upon +the cliffs, where he could not be followed by mounted men. It cost him a +struggle to abandon his horse, which was galloping about the glade, and +neighing disconsolately, but he wisely concluded that twenty thousand +dollars were worth more <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>to his uncle than Sleepy Sam was to him; and +drawing in a long breath, he tightened his sash about his waist, and +again began the ascent.</p> + +<p>His progress was necessarily slow and laborious, for, in some places, +the cliff was quite perpendicular, and the only way he could advance at +all, was by drawing himself up by the grass and bushes that grew out of +the crevices of the rocks. Sometimes these gave way beneath his weight, +and then Archie would descend the mountain for a short distance much +more rapidly than he had gone up. He was often badly bruised by these +falls. The bushes and the sharp points of the rocks tore his clothing, +and it was not long before he was as ragged as any beggar he had ever +seen in the streets of his native city.</p> + +<p>"By gracious!" exclaimed Archie, stopping for the hundredth time to +rest, and feeling of a severe bruise on his cheek which he had received +in his last fall, "I am completely tired out. And this is all the work +of that Benedict Arnold! Didn't I say that we should see trouble with +that fellow? If I were out on clear ground, and had my horse and gun, +I'd <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>be willing to forgive him for what he has done to me, but I'll +always remember that he struck Johnny over the head, when he was tied, +and could not defend himself."</p> + +<p>Wiping the big drops of perspiration from his forehead, and panting +loudly after his violent exertions, Archie again toiled up the mountain, +so weary that he could scarcely drag one foot after the other. He +stumbled over logs, fell upon the rocks, and dragged himself through +bushes that cut into his tattered garments like a knife. Hour after hour +passed in this way, and, finally, just as the sun was rising, Archie, +faint with thirst, aching in every joint, and bleeding from numerous +wounds, stepped upon a broad, flat bowlder, which formed the summit of +the cliff.</p> + +<p>On his right, between him and a huge rock that rose for fifty feet +without a single break or crevice, was a narrow but deep chasm which ran +down the cliff he had just ascended, and into which he had more than +once been in imminent danger of falling as he stumbled about in the +darkness. Far below him was the glade, a thin wreath of smoke rising +from the smouldering <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>camp-fire, and on his left was the gorge, a +hundred times more frightful in his eyes now than it had ever seemed +before. In front of him the mountain sloped gently down to the valley +below, its base clothed with a thick wood, which at that height looked +like an unbroken mass of green sward, and beyond that, so far away that +it could be but dimly seen, was a broad expanse of prairie, from which +arose the whitewashed walls of his uncle's rancho. It was a view that +would have put an artist into ecstasies, but the fugitive was in no mood +to appreciate it. He had no eye for the beauties of nature then—he had +other things to think of; and he regarded the picturesque mountains and +rocks, and the luxuriant woods, as so many grim monsters that stood +between him and his home.</p> + +<p>But Archie could not remain long inactive. After all the dangers he had +incurred, and the bruises and scratches he had received, he had +accomplished but little. He was still thirty miles from home, hungry and +thirsty, and pursued by crafty enemies, who might even then be watching +him from some secret covert.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I were only there!" said he, casting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>a longing glance toward +the rancho, whose inmates, just then sitting down to a dainty breakfast, +little dreamed how much good a small portion of their bounty would have +done the fugitive on the mountain-top. "But, as the rancho can't come to +me, I must go to it."</p> + +<p>Archie found the descent of the mountain comparatively easy. There were +not so many bushes and logs to impede his progress, the slope was more +gradual, and he had not gone more than half a mile when he found a cool +spring bubbling out from under the rocks. He bathed his hands and face, +drank a little of the water, and when he set out again he felt much +refreshed. He followed the course of the stream, which ran from the +spring down the mountain, keeping a bright lookout for enemies all the +while, and stopping now and then to listen for sounds of pursuit, when +suddenly, as he came around the base of a rock, he found himself on the +brink of the gorge, and confronted by a figure in buckskin, who stood +leaning on a long, double-barrel shot-gun. Archie started back in +dismay, and so did the boy in buckskin, who turned pale, and gazed at +the fugitive as if he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>were hardly prepared to believe that he was a +human being. He speedily recovered himself, however, and after he had +let down the hammer of his gun, which he had cocked when the ragged +apparition first came in sight, he dropped the butt of the weapon to the +ground, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Archie Winters!"</p> + +<p>"Benedict Arnold!"</p> + +<p>For a moment the two boys stood looking at each other without moving or +speaking. Archie was wondering if it were possible for him to effect the +capture of the traitor, and Arthur, while he gazed in astonishment at +the fugitive's tattered garments and bloody face, was chuckling to +himself, and enjoying beforehand the punishment he had resolved to +inflict upon Archie. The opportunity he had wished for so long had +arrived at last.</p> + +<p>"I have found you, have I?" said Arthur, resting his elbows on the +muzzle of his gun, and looking at Archie with a triumphant smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, suppose you have; what do you propose to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"It is my intention to teach you to respect a gentleman the next time +you meet one."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/gs03.jpg" width="450" height="281" alt="" title="" /> +</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How are you going to do it?"</p> + +<p>"In the first place, by giving you a good beating."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" said Archie, contemptuously, looking at Arthur from head to +foot, as if he were taking his exact measure. "It requires a boy with +considerable 'get up' about him to do that."</p> + +<p>"None of your impudence, you little Yankee," exclaimed Arthur, angrily. +"I'm going to take some of it out of you before you are two minutes +older."</p> + +<p>When the traitor selected Archie as the one upon whom he could wreak his +vengeance without danger to himself, he had made a great mistake. Archie +was smaller than most boys of his age, but, after all, he was an +antagonist not to be despised. He was courageous, active, and as wiry as +an eel; and his body, hardened by all sorts of violent exercise, was as +tough as hickory. He trembled a little when he looked over into the +gorge, and thought of the possible consequences of an encounter on that +cliff, but he was not the one to save himself by taking to his heels, +nor did it come natural to him to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>stand still and take a whipping as +long as he possessed the strength to defend himself. A single glance was +enough to convince him that the traitor was in earnest, and Archie +watched the opportunity to begin the struggle himself.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," continued Arthur, "I've got you now just where I want you. I +am going to settle this little difference between us, and then I shall +take you back to Pierre. If you have any apologies to make, I am willing +to listen to them."</p> + +<p>The effect of these words not a little astonished the traitor. He had +been sure that Archie would be terribly frightened, and that he would +either seek safety in flight, or beg hard for mercy; consequently, he +was not prepared for what really happened. Scarcely had Arthur ceased +speaking, when the place where Archie was standing became suddenly +vacant, and, before the traitor could move a finger, his gun was torn +from his grasp and pitched over the cliff into the gorge. As the weapon +fell whirling through the air, both barrels were discharged, and the +reports awoke a thousand <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>echoes, which reverberated among the mountains +like peals of thunder.</p> + +<p>"Now we are on equal terms," exclaimed Archie, as he clasped the traitor +around the body and attempted to throw him to the ground. "You remember +that you struck Johnny last night, when he was bound, hand and foot, and +couldn't defend himself, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and now I am going to serve you worse than that," replied Arthur, +who, although surprised and taken at great disadvantage by the +suddenness of the attack, struggled furiously, and to such good purpose +that he very soon broke Archie's hold; "I am going to fling you over the +cliff after that gun."</p> + +<p>The contest that followed was carried on on the very edge of the +precipice, and was long and desperate. Archie, bruised and battered in a +hundred places, and weary with a night's travel, was scarcely a match +for the fresh and vigorous Arthur, who, in his blind rage, seemed +determined to fulfill his threat of throwing him over the cliff after +the gun. Fortune favored first one and then the other; but Archie's +indomitable courage and long wind carried the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>day, and he finally +succeeded in bearing his antagonist to the ground and holding him there.</p> + +<p>"You are not going to throw me over, are you?" gasped Arthur, who was +humble enough, now that he had been worsted.</p> + +<p>"Do you take me for a savage?" panted Archie, in reply. "I simply wanted +to save myself from a whipping that I did not deserve, and I've done it. +Now you must go to the settlement with me, to"—</p> + +<p>"Here you are!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "Let us see if you will +escape me again."</p> + +<p>Archie looked up, and saw Antoine Mercedes advancing upon him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> + + +<p>Archie had been so fully occupied with the traitor that he had not +thought of his other enemies, and for a moment he lay upon the ground +beside his antagonist, gazing at Antoine in speechless amazement. +Resistance, of course, was not to be thought of, and it also seemed +useless to make any attempts at escape; for he had been so nearly +exhausted by his struggle with Arthur, that he scarcely possessed the +power to rise from the ground. "I am caught easy enough," thought he, +"and I might as well give up first as last."</p> + +<p>"I see before me twenty thousand dollars," said Antoine, hastily coiling +up his lasso as he approached.</p> + +<p>These words acted like a spur upon Archie's flagging spirits. He no +longer thought of surrender: on the contrary, almost before he knew <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>it, +he found himself on his feet and going down the mountain like the wind.</p> + +<p>"<i>Carrajo!</i>" yelled the Ranchero, swinging his lasso around his head.</p> + +<p>Archie was afraid of that lasso, for he knew that he was in danger as +long as he was within reach of it; but fortunately he had been too quick +for Antoine. He heard the lariat whistle through the air behind him, and +snap like a whip close to his ear, and then he knew that his enemy had +missed his mark.</p> + +<p>"Santa Maria!" shouted the robber. "Stop, you young vagabond, or I'll +shoot you."</p> + +<p>The fugitive was not frightened by this threat. He was not afraid of +being shot, nor did he believe that he could be overtaken in a fair +race; for, now that he got started, he found that he had wind enough +left for a long run. He had lived among the Rancheros long enough to +know that they were very poor marksmen, and that they could not boast of +their swiftness of foot; and, having escaped the lasso, his spirits rose +again, and hope lent him wings. He heard Antoine crushing through the +bushes in pursuit, but the sound grew fainter and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>fainter as he sped on +his way. He jumped over rocks and logs, and cleared ravines that at +almost any other time would have effectually checked his progress, and +when he reached the thick woods at the base of the mountains, the +Ranchero was out of sight and hearing.</p> + +<p>Archie was well aware of the fact that he had now reached the most +dangerous part of his route homeward. The chief had ordered the band to +"scatter out" when they reached the end of the pass, and he knew that +every road that led toward the settlement was closely watched. He knew, +also, that his only chance for escape was to avoid these roads and keep +in the thickest part of the woods. He sat down behind some bushes to +rest for a few moments, and then started on again, sometimes creeping on +his hands and knees, making use of every log and rock to cover his +retreat, and stopping frequently to examine the woods in front of him, +and to listen for sounds of pursuit. He had accomplished about a mile in +this way, when he found himself in one of the numerous bridle-paths that +ran through the mountains in every direction, and, what was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>worse, he +saw the scowling visage of Pierre Costello arise from behind a log not +ten paces from him. With the same glance he saw something else; and that +was a crouching figure in buckskin, which was creeping stealthily toward +the robber.</p> + +<p>"Here's one caught," said Pierre, stepping into the path and walking +toward Archie. "None of your tricks, now; you can't escape."</p> + +<p>"I don't intend to try," replied Archie, with a boldness that astonished +the robber. "Your game is up, Mr. Pierre, and I advice you to surrender +quietly, if you don't want to get hurt!"</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed the Ranchero. "Surrender! If you know what you are +about, you will not offer any resistance. I am a desperate man."</p> + +<p>The robber spoke these words boldly enough, but he evidently did not +like the looks of things. He gazed earnestly at Archie, as if trying to +determine what it was that had encouraged him to show so bold a front, +and seeing that he held one hand behind him, Pierre came to the +conclusion that he must, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>by some means, have secured possession of a +revolver.</p> + +<p>"Drop that weapon, and hold your arms above your head," said the robber.</p> + +<p>Archie did not move. While he appeared to be looking steadily at the +chief, he was really watching the movements of the figure in buckskin, +which had all this while been working its way quickly, but noiselessly, +through the bushes, and had now approached within a few feet of the +Ranchero.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear what I said?" demanded the latter, placing his hand on one +of his revolvers. "You are my prisoner."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, why don't you come and take me?" asked Archie.</p> + +<p>At this moment a slight rustling in the leaves caught the quick ear of +the robber, who turned suddenly, uttered a cry of alarm, and fled down +the path, closely followed by something that to Archie looked like a +gray streak, so swiftly did it move. But it was not a gray streak—it +was Dick Lewis, who, after a few of his long strides, collared the +Ranchero with one hand and threw him to the ground, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>with the other +seized the revolver he was trying to draw, and wrested it from his +grasp. Pierre struggled desperately, but to no purpose, for the trapper +handled him as easily as though he had been a child.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, you tarnal Greaser," exclaimed Dick, "your jig's danced, an' +you must settle with the fiddler. If I only had you out on the prairie, +I'd larn you a few things I reckon you never heern tell on. Come here, +you keerless feller, an' tell me if you 'member what I said to you +yesterday! Whar's Frank?"</p> + +<p>Before Archie had time to reply, an incident happened, which, had the +trapper been a less experienced man than he was, would have turned his +triumph into defeat very suddenly. He had more than one enemy to contend +with, and the first intimation he had of the fact, was a sound that +Archie had heard so often since his residence in California that it had +become familiar to him—the whistling noise made by a lariat in its +passage through the air. Before Archie could look around to discover +whence this new danger came, he saw the trapper stretched at full length +on the ground. For <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>an instant his heart stood still; but it was only +for an instant, for Dick was on his feet again immediately, and Archie +drew a long breath of relief when he saw the lasso, which he feared had +settled around his friend's neck, glide harmlessly over his shoulder. +The trapper, from force of long habit, was always on the watch for +danger, and when he heard that whistling sound in the air, he did not +stop to look for his enemy, but dropped like a flash to avoid the lasso; +and when he arose to his feet his long rifle was leveled at a thicket of +bushes in front of him.</p> + +<p>"Show yourself, Greaser!" cried Dick.</p> + +<p>The concealed enemy obeyed without an instant's hesitation, and when he +stepped into the path, Archie saw that it was Antoine Mercedes.</p> + +<p>"Thar's nothin' like knowin' the tricks of the varmints," said Dick, +coolly, as he handed his rifle to Archie, and proceeded to disarm +Antoine. "If I had been a greenhorn, I should have been well-nigh choked +to death by this time; but a man who has seed prairy life, soon larns +that his ears was made for use <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>as well as his eyes. Now, little un, +whar's the rest of them fellers?"</p> + +<p>While the trapper was engaged in confining his prisoners' arms with +their own lassos, Archie gave him a rapid account of all that had +happened during his captivity, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis on +the treachery of Arthur Vane. Dick opened his eyes in astonishment, and, +when Archie had finished his story, declared that they would be serving +Arthur right if they were to leave him among the robbers.</p> + +<p>"Why, he doesn't want to get away from them," said Archie. "He is with +them now, hunting for us. He and I had a fight not half an hour ago, +and, if Antoine had only stayed away a few minutes longer, Arthur would +have been a prisoner too."</p> + +<p>At this moment, a party of Rancheros galloped up, led by Uncle James and +Mr. Harris, and accompanied by the dogs, which the boys—who had +intended to devote the most of their time to stalking the elks, which +were abundant in the mountains—had left at home. Marmion and Carlo made +every demonstration of joy at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>seeing Archie once more, and Mr. Winters +greeted him as though he had not met him for years.</p> + +<p>Without any unnecessary delay, a trusty herdsman was dismounted, and +sent back to the ranch with the prisoners, and Archie mounted his horse.</p> + +<p>"You had better go home," said Mr. Winters, looking at his nephew's rags +and bruises.</p> + +<p>"Oh no, uncle," said Archie, quickly. "I promised Frank and Johnny that, +if I succeeded in getting away, I wouldn't sleep until they were safe +among friends. I want to go with you."</p> + +<p>Uncle James did not urge the matter, and Dick, although he shook his +head at Archie, and called him a "keerless feller," was proud of his +pluck.</p> + +<p>The trapper, who was the acknowledged leader of the party, set out at a +rapid trot toward the pass, but had not gone far, when he stopped, and +turned his head on one side to listen. "Spread out, fellers," said he, +waving his hand toward the bushes on each side of him. "Thar's something +comin'."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<p>The horsemen separated, and took up their positions on each side of the +path. They could hear nothing but the chirping of the birds, and the +sighing of the wind through the branches above their heads; but they had +not been long in their concealments before they found that Dick had not +been deceived. The clatter of a horse's hoofs on the hard path, faint +and far off at first, but growing louder as the animal approached, came +to their ears, and presently Roderick appeared in sight. The first thing +Archie noticed was, that he wore neither saddle nor bridle; the second, +that he carried Frank and Johnny on his back. One of Frank's hands was +twisted in the horse's mane, and his body was tightly clasped in the +arms of Johnny, who sat behind him. Archie had never seen the mustang +run so swiftly before, and he made up his mind that, if any of the +Rancheros were pursuing him, they might as well give up the chase. He +also thought that Frank and Johnny would enjoy a long ride before they +got a chance to put their feet on the ground again; for Roderick was +plainly stampeded. It was fortunate that Dick had sent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>them into the +bushes; for, had the party been in the path then, some of them would +have been run down, and, perhaps, trampled to death.</p> + +<p>"Out of the way there, Greaser!" shouted Frank, when he discovered the +trapper standing in the path.</p> + +<p>Dick was not a Greaser; but he thought it best to get out of the way; +and Frank would have gone by him, had not Carlo and Marmion recognized +their masters, and set up a howl of welcome.</p> + +<p>"Whoa!" shouted Johnny and Frank, in concert, and Roderick stopped so +suddenly that both his riders were thrown forward on his neck.</p> + +<p>"Come here, you boy that fit that ar' Greaser, an' tell me all about it, +to onct," exclaimed Dick. "Be they follerin' you?"</p> + +<p>"Not that we know of. We haven't seen any of them since daylight. Lend +me your lasso, Carlos, and we'll go back and hunt up Archie."</p> + +<p>But Archie was already found, and when he rode out of the bushes, Frank +was relieved of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>a great deal of anxiety. He had not seen his cousin +since he left the glade, and he feared that he had been re-captured; or, +what was worse, had slipped off the ledge into the gorge.</p> + +<p>A consultation was now held, and, after Uncle James and Mr. Harris had +listened to the boys' story, they decided that it would be a waste of +time to search for Arthur Vane. The latter's conduct had induced the +belief that he was a friend of the robbers, and could go and come when +he pleased. No doubt, when he got tired of life in the mountains, he +would return home of his own free will. The party would keep on to the +glade, however, and recover Sleepy Sam, and the boys' weapons. When this +had been decided upon, Dick's horse, which he had hidden in the bushes, +was brought out for Johnny, a lasso was twisted around Roderick's lower +jaw, to serve as a bridle, and then the trapper shouldered his long +rifle, and gave another exhibition of his "travelin' qualities." He kept +the horses in a steady gallop, sometimes "letting out" a little on +getting far in advance of them, and, when he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>stopped at the entrance to +the pass, he seemed as fresh as ever.</p> + +<p>The boys had expressed the hope that they would surprise some of the +robbers in the glade, but were disappointed. They found their saddles, +bridles, blankets, and weapons, however, and Archie recovered his horse, +which was standing contentedly beside the spring, half asleep, as usual. +Every thing was gathered up, including a few articles the robbers had +left behind, and, as they rode toward the settlement, the boys told each +other that the next time they went hunting, after Pierre's band had all +been captured, they would camp in the glade.</p> + +<p>Archie was confined to the house for a day or two after that; but, if +his body was stiff and bruised, his tongue was all right, and it was a +long time before he got through relating the incidents of his fight with +the traitor.</p> + +<p>Frank and Johnny had met with no adventures, not having seen any of the +band after they left the glade. They crossed the ledge without +accident—although they confessed that they would think twice before +trying it again—and, when they reached the end of the pass, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>they +concealed themselves in a hollow log until morning. When they were about +to continue their flight, they discovered the mustang, which, unwilling +to be left alone in the glade, had crossed the ledge, and was on his way +home. Frank easily caught him; but, knowing his favorite's disposition +as well as he did, hesitated about requiring him to carry double; +however, he finally decided that Roderick was large enough and strong +enough to carry them both, and that he must do it, or take the +consequences. Frank thereupon mounted the animal, Johnny climbed up +behind him, and Roderick, after a few angry kicks, consented to the +arrangement. Believing the boldest course to be the safest, they put the +horse to the top of his speed, trusting to his momentum to overcome any +thing that might endeavor to obstruct the path.</p> + +<p>While Archie was confined to the house, Dick and old Bob were busy, and +their efforts were rewarded by the capture of three more of the band, +who were sent to San Diego with the others. Only one was left now, and +that was Joaquin, who had thus far successfully eluded <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>pursuit. The +traitor was also missing; and, although Mr. Vane kept his herdsmen in +the mountains continually, nothing had been seen of him. Arthur was +paying the penalty of his treachery, and was being punished in a way he +had not thought of. After his unsuccessful attempt to capture Archie +Winters, he went down the mountain to the place where he had left his +horse, and there he found Joaquin, who had narrowly escaped a ball from +the rifle of old Bob Kelly. He was in ill-humor about something, but his +face brightened when he discovered Arthur.</p> + +<p>"We must be off at once," said he. "The mountains are full of men."</p> + +<p>"I believe I'll go home," replied Arthur. "I am going to ask my father +to give me money enough to take me back to Kentucky; for, of course, I +can't live here after what I have done. Before I go, however, I want to +tell you, that you and your friends are a set of blockheads. If I had +known that you would be so stupid as to allow those fellows to escape, I +shouldn't have had any thing to do with you. Good-by, Joaquin."</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not quite so fast, my lad," said the Ranchero, seizing Arthur's horse +by the bridle. "You are worth as much to us as the others."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" exclaimed Arthur.</p> + +<p>"I mean that you are a prisoner, and that you must stay here with us. I +hope you understand that?"</p> + +<p>Arthur was thunderstruck. "Why, Joaquin," said he, "Pierre promised me +faithfully that I should be treated as a visitor, and that no ransom +should be demanded for me."</p> + +<p>"And did you put any faith in that promise? When your father gives us +twenty thousand dollars, you can go, and not before."</p> + +<p>Arthur cried, begged, and threatened in vain. Joaquin was firm, and the +traitor was obliged to accompany him to the mountains. That night he +wrote to his father, informing him of his situation, and Joaquin, after +tying his prisoner to a tree, and gagging him, to prevent him from +shouting for assistance, rode to the settlement, and left the note on +Mr. Vane's door-step.</p> + +<p>During the three weeks following, Arthur led a most miserable life. He +had nothing to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>eat but dried meat, and but little of that. His captor +treated him very harshly, tying him to a tree every night, to prevent +his escape, and moving him about in the day-time, from place to place, +to avoid capture. It soon became known in the settlement, that Arthur +was held as a prisoner, and the search was conducted with redoubled +energy. Joaquin was constantly on the alert, but he was caught at last; +for, one day, just as he and Arthur were about to sit down to their +dinner of dried meat, Frank, Archie, and Johnny suddenly appeared in +sight, accompanied by the two trappers. Archie had repeatedly declared +that he owed the traitor a debt, which he intended to settle the very +first time he met him; but when he saw what a wretched condition Arthur +was in, he relented, and pitied him from the bottom of his heart.</p> + +<p>Joaquin was sent to San Diego to be dealt with according to law, and +Arthur went home. He did not remain there long; but, as soon as he was +able to travel, started for Kentucky, and every one was glad that he had +gone.</p> + +<p>Frank and Archie could tell stories now that were worth listening to. +They had seen exciting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>times since their arrival in California, had +been the heroes of some thrilling adventures, and they never got weary +of talking over the incidents that transpired during their captivity +<span class="smcap">Among the Rancheros</span>.</p> + + +<h4>THE END.</h4> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><a name="THE_JOHN_C_WINSTON_COS_POPULAR_JUVENILES" id="THE_JOHN_C_WINSTON_COS_POPULAR_JUVENILES"></a>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES.</h4> + +<h2>J.T. TROWBRIDGE.</h2> + + +<p>Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity.</p> + +<p>The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late <i>Our Young +Folks</i>, and continued in the first volume of <i>St. Nicholas</i>, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school.</p> + +<p>On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.—<i>Scribner's Monthly</i>.</p> + + +<h3>JACK HAZARD SERIES.</h3> +<p class="center">6 vols. BY J.T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25<br /> +<br /> +Jack Hazard and His Fortunes.<br /> +Doing His Best.<br /> +The Young Surveyor.<br /> +A Chance for Himself.<br /> +Past Friends.<br /> +Lawrence's Adventures.<br /> +</p> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + +<h3>CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS.</h3> + +<p>This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his +mental and physical powers.</p> + +<p>"We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a freshness +and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description of sport +and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to +share."—<i>Worcester Spy</i>.</p> + +<p>"The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly +at the head of what may be called boys' literature."—<i>Buffalo Courier</i>.</p> + + +<h3>CAMPING OUT SERIES.</h3> + +<h4>By C.A. STEPHENS.</h4> + +<p><b>All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. +Cloth, extra, 75 cents.</b></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Camping Out</span>. As Recorded by "Kit."</p> + +<p>"This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above +the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and +shoulders."—<i>The Christian Register</i>, Boston.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Schooner Yacht +"Curlew</span>." As Recorded by "Wash."</p> + +<p>"The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange +expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make +boys even unconscious of hunger."—<i>New Bedford Mercury</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Off to the Geysers; or The Young Yachters in Iceland</span>. As +Recorded by "Wade."</p> + +<p>"It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were not +live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily over an +Esquimaux tribe."—<i>The Independent</i>, New York.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Lynx Hunting</span>: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out."</p> + +<p>"Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside the +best."—<i>Richmond Enquirer</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Fox Hunting</span>. As Recorded by "Raed."</p> + +<p>"The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It +overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy +throughout."—<i>Boston Gazette</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">On the Amazon; or, the Cruise of the "Rambler</span>." As Recorded by +"Wash."</p> + +<p>"Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."—<i>Buffalo +Courier</i>.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Among The Rancheros, by Harry Castlemon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + +***** This file should be named 17349-h.htm or 17349-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/3/4/17349/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Frank Among The Rancheros + +Author: Harry Castlemon + +Release Date: December 19, 2005 [EBook #17349] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + +[Illustration: THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES] + + + + +_THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES._ + + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + +BY +HARRY CASTLEMON, +AUTHOR OF "THE GUN-BOAT SERIES," "THE GO-AHEAD +SERIES," ETC. + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., +PHILADELPHIA, +CHICAGO, TORONTO. + + + + +FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS. + + +GUNBOAT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 6 vols. 12mo. + +FRANK THE YOUNG NATURALIST. +FRANK IN THE WOODS. +FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. +FRANK ON A GUNBOAT. +FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG. +FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. + + +ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. +FRANK AT DON CARLOS' RANCH. +FRANK IN THE MOUNTAINS. + + +SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB IN THE SADDLE. +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB AFLOAT. +THE SPORTSMAN'S CLUB AMONG THE TRAPPERS. + + +FRANK NELSON SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +SNOWED UP. +FRANK IN THE FORECASTLE. +THE BOY TRADERS. + + +BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +THE BURIED TREASURE. +THE BOY TRAPPER. +THE MAIL-CARRIER. + + +ROUGHING IT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +GEORGE IN CAMP. +GEORGE AT THE WHEEL. +GEORGE AT THE FORT. + + +ROD AND GUN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +DON GORDON'S SHOOTING BOX. +ROD AND GUN CLUB. +THE YOUNG WILD FOWLERS. + + +GO-AHEAD SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +TOM NEWCOMBE. +GO-AHEAD. +NO MOSS. + + +FOREST AND STREAM SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. +Cloth. + +JOE WAYRING. +SNAGGED AND SUNK. +STEEL HORSE. + + +WAR SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 5 vols. 12mo. Cloth. + +TRUE TO HIS COLORS. +RODNEY THE PARTISAN. +RODNEY THE OVERSEER. +MARCY THE BLOCKADE-RUNNER. +MARCY THE REFUGEE. + + +Other Volumes in Preparation. + + * * * * * + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, +by R.W. CARROLL & CO., +In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, +for the Southern District of Ohio. + +COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY CHARLES A. FOSDICK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + +CHAPTER I. + +A Novel Battle, 5 + + +CHAPTER II. + +Frank's New Home, 16 + + +CHAPTER III. + +Twelve Thousand Dollars, 29 + + +CHAPTER IV. + +Frank Proves Himself a Hero, 40 + + +CHAPTER V. + +The Fight in the Court, 54 + + +CHAPTER VI. + +The Mysteries Solved, 68 + + +CHAPTER VII. + +Frank Meets a Highwayman, 81 + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +Colonel Arthur Vane, 95 + + +CHAPTER IX. + +An Old Boy, 110 + +CHAPTER X. + +Arthur Shows His Courage, 126 + + +CHAPTER XI. + +Arthur Plans Revenge, 137 + + +CHAPTER XII. + +Off for the Mountains, 154 + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Pierre and His Band, 168 + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A Dinner in the Mountains, 180 + + +CHAPTER XV. + +More Treachery, 193 + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +The Escape, 204 + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +The Struggle on the Cliff, 221 + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Conclusion, 237 + + + + +FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + +CHAPTER I. + +A NOVEL BATTLE. + + +"Pull him along, Carlos! Pull him along!" shouted a young gentleman +about sixteen years of age, as he danced about on the back porch of his +uncle's house, in a state of great excitement; "why don't you pull him +along?" + +"He'll come, after awhile," replied the person addressed; "but he is +very wild and obstinate." + +The boy on the porch was almost beside himself--so much so, in fact, +that he found it utterly impossible to stand still. He was jumping +wildly about, swinging his arms around his head, and laughing and +shouting at the top of his lungs. + +We have met this young gentleman before. We have been with him through +the woods, accompanied him across the prairie, and seen him in some +exciting situations; but, for all that, it is by no means certain that +his most intimate friend, could he have beheld him while he was dancing +about on the porch, would have recognized him. The last time we saw him +he was dressed in a suit of blue jeans, rather the worse for wear, a +slouch hat, and a pair of heavy horseman's boots. Now, he sports a suit +of clothes cut in the height of fashion--that is, Mexican fashion. They +are not exactly of the description that we see on the streets every day, +but they are common among the farmers of Southern California, for that +is where this young gentleman lives. He is dressed in a short jacket of +dark blue cloth, trimmed around the edges, and on the sleeves, with gold +lace, and wide trousers of the same material, also gaudily ornamented. +The hat, with which he fans his flushed face, is a sombrero, bound with +gold cord, the ends of which are adorned with tassels, that fall +jauntily over the edge of the brim. An embroidered shirt of gray cloth, +and shoes and stockings, complete his attire; or, we may add, a long +crimson sash, which is wound several times around his waist, and tied at +the side, and a pair of small Mexican spurs, whose rowels are ornamented +with little silver bells, which tinkle musically as he moves his feet +about. If you fail to recognize an old acquaintance in this excited, +sunburnt boy, you surely can call the name of the tall, +broad-shouldered, sober-looking youth, who stands at his side. Three +months in the saddle have not changed Frank Nelson a great deal, only he +is a little more robust, and, perhaps, more sedate. He has lost none of +his love of excitement, and he is quite as interested in what is going +on before him as Archie; but he stands with his hands in his pockets, +looking as dignified as a judge. It would be a wonder if they were not +somewhat excited, as they are witnessing a desperate battle that is +going on between two of their uncle's Rancheros and a wild steer, which +one of them has lassoed, and is trying to pull through the gate into the +cow-pen. The animal is struggling furiously for his freedom, and the +issue of the contest is doubtful. + +At the time our story begins, Frank and his cousin had lived two months +in Southern California, where Mr. Winters owned a farm--or, in the +language of that country, a _rancho_--of sixteen thousand acres. Besides +attending to his business in the mines, and superintending his affairs +in Sacramento, Uncle James had devoted a portion of his time to +stock-raising; and, when Frank and Archie first saw his immense droves +of horses and cattle, they thought them sufficient in numbers to supply +all the markets in America. + +Mr. Winters's rancho was not managed like the farms in our part of the +country. To begin with, there were but three fences on it--one inclosed +two small barns and corn-cribs; another, a pasture of two or three +acres, and the third formed the cow-pen. In the barns, Uncle James kept +his riding and farm horses; the pasture was for the use of the half +dozen cows which supplied the rancho with butter and milk; and the +cow-pen was nothing more nor less than a prison, into which, in the +spring of the year, all the young cattle and horses were driven and +branded with the initials of the owner's name. This was done so that +Mr. Winters and his hired men might be able to recognize the stock +anywhere. The cattle sometimes strayed, and became mixed up with those +of the neighbors, and the marks on their flanks showed to whom they +belonged. + +[Illustration] + +A fence around that farm would have been useless. None of the cattle and +horses had ever been handled, except when they were branded, and, +consequently, they were very wild. Sometimes they became frightened and +stampeded; and then they behaved like a herd of buffaloes, which turn +aside for nothing, and stop only when they are completely tired out. On +these occasions, the strongest fences that could have been made would +have been trampled down like the grass beneath their feet. + +Of course, these cattle and horses had never seen the inside of a +stable. Indeed, a barn large enough to accommodate them would have been +an immense building, and would have cost more money than all the +stock-raisers in the country were worth. However, there was no need of +shelter for them. The grass on the prairie was abundant at all seasons +of the year, the winters were very mild, and the cattle were always fat +and in condition to be driven to market. + +All this stock was managed by half a dozen men, called Rancheros. Four +of them were Mexicans; the others were our old friends, Dick Lewis and +Bob Kelly. So skillful were these men in their business, that a herd of +cattle, which, in the hands of any one else, would have proved utterly +unmanageable, was driven about by them with perfect ease. Sometimes it +became necessary to secure a single member of these droves. Perhaps the +housekeeper wanted some fresh meat for dinner, or Uncle James desired a +new riding horse; in either case, the services of these men were +invaluable. Mr. Winters would issue the necessary orders to Carlos--who +was the chief of the Rancheros, and the man who managed the farm during +the absence of his employer--and an hour or two afterward four quarters +of fine beef would be carried into the cellar, or Mr. Winters would be +requested to step to the door and see if they had captured the horse he +wanted. The Rancheros accomplished this with their lassos, which they +carried suspended from the horns of their saddles wherever they went. A +lasso is a long rope, about as large as a clothes-line, and is generally +made of rawhide. One end of it is fastened to the saddle, and the other, +by the aid of a strong iron ring, formed into a running noose. This +contrivance these herdsmen could use with a skill that was astonishing. +Mounted on their fleet horses, they would ride up behind a wild steer, +and catch him by the horns, around his neck, or by one of his feet, as +suited their fancy. + +On the morning we find Frank and Archie on the porch, their nearest +neighbor, also a stock-raiser, had ridden over to inform them that one +of his fine steers, which he had intended to drive to market, had +escaped from his Rancheros, and joined one of Mr. Winters's droves; +whereupon Frank, who, in the absence of his uncle, acted as the head man +of the ranch, sent for Carlos, and commanded him to capture the runaway, +and confine him in the cow-pen until his owner should send for him. +Carlos had obeyed the first part of the order, but just then it seemed +that that was all he could do. The steer had suddenly taken it into his +head that he had been driven far enough, and that he would not go +through the gate that led into the cow-pen; and, although Carlos pulled +him by his lasso, which he had thrown over his horns, and another +Ranchero, named Felix, vigorously applied a whip from behind, the +obstinate animal refused to budge an inch. Sometimes he would kick, and +plunge, and try to run off; and then the horse on which Carlos was +mounted, which seemed to understand the business quite as well as his +master, would plant his fore-feet firmly on the ground to stop him. +Finding that he could not effect his escape in that way, the steer would +run around in a circle; and the horse would turn around also, keeping +his face toward the animal all the while, and thus avoid being wrapped +up in the lasso. This novel battle had been going on for nearly ten +minutes, and even Frank had become highly excited over it. + +"Pull him along, Carlos!" shouted Archie, jumping about on the porch as +if he had lost all control over his legs, and they would dance in spite +of every thing he could do to prevent it. "Pull him along! Whip up +behind, Felix; hit him hard!" + +Archie continued to shout his orders at the top of his voice; but they +did not seem to help the matter any, for the steer still refused to +move. He had fallen to his knees, and laid his head close to the ground, +as if he had deliberately resolved that he would remain there; and for a +long time, all the pulling and whipping the two Rancheros could do, +brought nothing from him but angry snorts and shakes of the head. + +"Now, Archie," said Carlos, as he stopped to wipe the big drops of +perspiration from his face, "what would you do with this fellow?" + +The boys, who never neglected an opportunity to pick up items of +information concerning every thing that came in their way, had been +taking lessons of the Rancheros in horsemanship, throwing the lasso, and +managing wild cattle; and Carlos thought this a proper occasion to +ascertain how much they remembered of what they had learned. + +"Well," replied Archie, pulling off his sombrero, and digging his +fingers into his head, to stir up his ideas, "I'd keep pulling and +hauling at him until I got him tired out, and then I think I could +manage him." + +"That would take up too much time," said Carlos; "I've got other work to +do, and I am in a hurry." + +"Make your lasso fast to the horn of your saddle, and start up your +horse, and drag him in," suggested Frank. + +"That's the idea, and that's just what I'm going to do," said Carlos. + +But that was just what the Ranchero did _not_ do. While he was preparing +to put this plan into operation, the steer suddenly jumped to his feet, +and made another desperate attempt to effect his escape, and this time +he was successful. There was a loud snap, Carlos's heels made a flourish +in the air like the shafts of a windmill, and, in an instant, he was +stretched at full length on the ground. His saddle-girth had parted, and +the steer was at liberty to take himself off, which he did in short +order. + +The boys gazed in astonishment at the fallen horseman, who righted +himself with alacrity, stretched his arms and legs to satisfy himself +that there were no bones broken, and then commenced shouting some +orders to his companion, who put spurs to his horse and started in +pursuit of the steer, which was galloping over the prairie, dragging +Carlos's saddle after him. He was very soon overtaken, and Felix, +raising himself in his stirrups, swung his lasso around his head once or +twice, to make sure of an accurate aim, and launched it at the steer. +The lariat whistled through the air, as true to its course as a ball +from a rifle, the noose settled down over his horns, the horse stopped +suddenly, and the runaway lay struggling on the ground. + +His last attempt at escape seemed to have exhausted his energies, for +when he had regained his feet, he allowed Felix to lead him back to the +gate and into the cow-pen, where he was turned loose, to remain until +his owner should send for him. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +FRANK'S NEW HOME. + + +Frank and Archie, as we have before remarked, had been in California +about two months; and, between riding, hunting, visiting, and assisting +Uncle James, who was engaged in selling off his stock and closing up his +business, preparatory to his return to Lawrence, they had passed the +time most agreeably. They were as fond as ever of excitement, were +almost constantly in the saddle, and Mr. Winters often said that if they +and their horses and dog did not travel a thousand miles every day, it +was not because they did not try. + +When the boys first arrived in California, they thought themselves +expert in all manner of frontier accomplishments. But one morning, they +rode over to visit Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas--two boys, about their +own age, with whom they had become acquainted--and, during the day, +they witnessed some feats of skill that made them wonder. Johnny and +Dick, to show what they could do, captured and rode a couple of wild +horses, that had never been handled before; and Frank and Archie were +compelled to admit that they had some things yet to learn. Every boy in +that country could throw the lasso, and the cousins found that, if they +desired to keep up their reputation, they must put themselves under +instructions. Dick and Bob readily took them in hand, and, although the +boys were awkward at first, they improved rapidly. They soon learned to +throw the lasso with considerable skill, and Frank speedily took the +lead in rifle-shooting, while Archie began to brag of his horsemanship. +The former could bring a squirrel out of the top of the highest oak on +the farm, at every shot; and his cousin could bend down from his saddle +and pick up his sombrero from the ground, while his horse was going at +the top of his speed. + +The horses the boys rode were the same that had carried them across the +prairie, and they were now hitched at the end of the porch, saddled and +bridled, and awaiting the pleasure of their masters. One of them, Sleepy +Sam, looked as sleepy as ever. He stood with his head down, and his eyes +half closed, as if it made no difference to him whether Archie took his +morning ride or not. The other, a magnificent iron-gray, pulled +impatiently at his halter, and pranced about, apparently as much excited +as Archie had been a few moments before. This was the "king of the +drove"--the one the trappers had captured during their sojourn at the +Old Bear's Hole. He answered to the name of Roderick; for Frank had read +Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," and, admiring the character of +the rebel chieftain, had named his favorite after him. Perhaps the name +was appropriate, for the animal sometimes showed a disposition to rebel +against lawful authority, especially when any one besides Frank +attempted to put a saddle or bridle on him. He was a wild-looking +fellow, and he had a way of laying back his ears, and opening his mouth, +when any one came near him, that would have made a stranger think twice +before trying to mount him. With Frank, however, he was as gentle as a +dog. He would come at his call, stand on his hind legs, and carry his +master's whip or sombrero. He would kick and bite at Frank when the +latter tickled him in the ribs, all in sport, of course; but if Mr. +Winters, or one of the herdsmen, came about him, he would use his teeth +and heels in good earnest. He was as swift as ever, and Frank had yet to +see the horse that could beat him. + +The saddles these horses wore were like every thing else about +themselves and masters, of the Mexican pattern. They were made of +beautifully-stamped leather, with high pommels in front, the tops of +which were flat, and as large around as the crown of Frank's sombrero. A +pair of saddle-bags was fastened across the seat of each, in which the +boys carried several handy articles, such as flint, steel, and tinder +for lighting a fire; ammunition for their revolvers, which were safely +stowed away in bearskin holsters strapped in front of the saddles, and +large clasp-knives, that were useful in skinning squirrels when the boys +went hunting. Behind the saddles, neatly rolled up, and held in their +places by straps, were a couple of pouches, which they used in rainy +weather. They were pieces of India-rubber cloth, with holes in the +center for the wearers' heads. They were large enough to afford complete +protection from the rain, and could also be used as tents in case the +boys found it necessary to camp all night on the prairie. + +We have spoken of Frank's dog; but were we to let the matter drop here, +it would be slighting an animal which had played a somewhat important +part in the history of Frank's life in California. His name was Marmion, +and he had been presented to Frank by Captain Porter--an old fur-trader, +who lived a few miles distant from the rancho, and with whom the cousins +were great favorites. Archie did not like the dog, and, if the truth +must be told, the dog had not the smallest particle of affection for +Archie. In fact, he cared for no one except his master, and that was the +reason the fur-trader had given him to Frank. He was as large as two +ordinary dogs--very courageous, and so savage that no one cared to +trouble him. He had seen some stirring times during his life, and his +body was covered with wounds, some of which were not entirely healed. +Frank was quite as fond of him as he was of Brave, and with good reason, +too. Marmion had received those wounds while fighting for his master, +and it was through his interference that Frank had been saved from a +long captivity. It happened before the commencement of our story, and +how it came to pass shall be told in the following chapters. + +The house in which Frank and Archie lived stood in a grove of stately +oak-trees, and, externally, was in perfect keeping with its +surroundings. It was built of massive logs, in the form of a hollow +square, with an open court in the center, which was paved with stone. +The windows, which extended down to the floor, and which were used for +ingress and egress quite as often as the doors, were protected by +shutters made of heavy planks, and there were four loop-holes on each +side of the house, showing that it had been intended to serve as a +defense as well as a shelter. Indeed, it looked more like a +fortification than a dwelling. + +The house was old, and had a history--an exciting one, too, as any one +could have told after examining it closely. The walls bore numerous +scars, which had been made by bullets, and the trees surrounding the +dwelling were marked in the same manner. The grove had not always been +as peaceful and quiet as we found it. Its echoes had been awakened by +the yells of infuriated men and the reports of hostile rifles, and the +very sod upon which Frank sometimes stretched himself after dinner, to +while away an hour with some favorite author, had been wet with blood. + +When the house was built, there was not another human habitation within +a circle of twenty miles. The country was an unbroken wilderness. Mr. +Winters's nearest neighbors were bands of roving freebooters, who robbed +all who came in their way. They did not, however, content themselves +with waylaying solitary travelers. They frequently made organized +attacks upon remote farm-houses, and one night they made a sudden +descent upon Mr. Winters's rancho. But the old frontiersman had lived +too long in that country, and was too well acquainted with the +character of his neighbors, to be caught napping. He and his Rancheros +were armed to the teeth, and prepared for a fight; and, after a siege of +two days, during which time the robbers poured an almost constant shower +of bullets against the walls of the house, they withdrew, after shooting +and dispersing the cattle, and destroying the crops. Not one of Mr. +Winters's party was injured; but the outlaws suffered so severely, that +they never repeated the attempt to rob that rancho. + +Frank and Archie never grew tired of hearing Uncle James tell the story +of that fight, and nearly every day they examined the marks of the +bullets on the logs, sometimes being foolish enough to wish that they +had been there to take part in those exciting scenes, or that the +robbers would return and make another attack on the house, so that they +might be able to say that they had been in a real battle. Then they +should have a story to tell that would be worth listening to. They never +imagined that, before they were many years older, they could recount +adventures quite as exciting as their uncle's. + +The interior of the house presented a strange contrast to the outside. +When one crossed the threshold, he found himself surrounded with all the +comforts of civilization. There were fine carpets on the floors, oil +paintings on the walls, and easy chairs, sofas, and musical instruments +in abundance. The room the boys occupied was the only one in which could +be found any traces of the backwoods. It was a pleasant, cheerful +apartment, quite as nicely furnished as the other rooms in the house, +and every thing about it bespoke the taste and character of its young +masters. A stranger, having taken a single glance at the numerous +articles hung upon the walls, and scattered about over the floor--some +of them useful and ornamental, others apparently of no value or service +to any one--could have told that its presiding geniuses were live, +wide-awake, restless boys. + +The room contained a fine library, an extensive collection of relics of +all descriptions, and its walls were adorned with pictures, only they +were of a different character from those in the other parts of the +house. Frank and Archie cared nothing for such scenes as the "Soldier's +Dream" and "Sunrise in the Mountains;" their tastes ran in another +channel. Their favorite picture hung over their writing desk, and was +entitled, "One Rubbed Out." In the foreground was a man mounted on a +mustang that was going at full speed. The man was dressed in the garb of +a hunter, with leggins, moccasins, and coonskin cap, and in one hand he +carried a rifle, while the other held the reins which guided his horse. +The hunter was turned half around in the saddle, looking back toward +half a dozen Indians, who had been pursuing him, but were now gathered +about their chief, who had been struck from his horse by a ball from the +hunter's rifle. The latter's face wore a broad grin, which testified to +the satisfaction he felt at the result of this shot. This picture had +been shown to old Bob Kelly, who, after regarding it attentively for a +few moments, declared that it must have been painted by some one who was +acquainted with the story of his last trip to the Saskatchewan, the +particulars of which he had related to Dick on the night he made his +first appearance in their camp. + +"I don't know how the chap that made that ar' pictur' could have found +it out," said old Bob, who, simple-hearted fellow that he was, really +believed that the hunter in the painting was intended to represent him, +"'cause I never told the story to nobody 'cept you an' my chum Dick. But +thar's one thing wrong about it, youngsters. When I shot a Injun, I +didn't hold my rifle on the horn of my saddle, an' waste time laughin' +over it. I loaded up again to onct, an' got ready for another shot." + +At the opposite end of the room hung a picture of a hunters' camp. Two +or three men were stretched out on the ground before a cheerful fire, +resting after the labors of the day, while others were coming in from +the woods--some loaded with water-fowl, some with fish, and the two who +brought up the rear were staggering under the weight of a fine deer they +had shot. Archie often wondered where that camp could have been located. +He did not believe there was a place in the United States where game of +all kinds was as abundant as the hunters in the picture found it. + +Paintings of this character occupied prominent places on the walls of +the room, and between them hung numerous relics the boys had collected +during their journey across the prairie, and a few trophies of their +skill as hunters. Over the door were the antlers of the first and only +elk they had killed, and upon them hung a string of grizzly bear's +claws, which had once been worn as a necklace by an Indian chief, and +also a bow, a quiver full of arrows, a stone tomahawk, and a +scalping-knife--all of which had been presented to them by Captain +Porter. At the head of the bed were two pairs of deer's horns fastened +to the wall, and supporting their rifles, bullet-pouches, powder-horns, +and hunting-knives. + +These articles were all highly prized by the boys; but, upon a nail +driven into the wall beside the book-case, hung something that, next to +his horse and dog, held the most exalted place in Frank's estimation. It +was the remnant of the first lasso he had ever owned. He thought more of +it than of any other article he possessed, and he would have surrendered +every thing, except Roderick and Marmion, before he would have parted +with that piece of a rawhide rope. It had once saved his uncle's life; +and, more than that, Frank himself had been hanged with it. Yes, as +improbable as it may seem, one end of that lasso had been placed around +his neck, the other thrown over the hook which supported one of his +large pictures, and Frank had been drawn up until his toes only rested +on the floor; and all because he refused to tell where he had hidden a +key. Where the rest of the lasso was he did not know. The last time he +saw it, it was around the neck of a man who was running through the +grove at the top of his speed, with Marmion close at his heels. The dog +came back, but the man and the piece of lasso did not; and this brings +us to our story. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. + + +One day, about six weeks before the commencement of our story, Frank and +Archie were sent to San Diego on business for Uncle James. When they +returned, they found a new face among the Rancheros--that of Pierre +Costello, a man for whom Frank at once conceived a violent dislike. +Pierre was a full-blooded Mexican, dark-browed, morose, and +sinister-looking, and he had a pair of small, black eyes that were never +still, but constantly roving about, as if on the lookout for something. +His appearance was certainly forbidding; but that was not the reason why +Frank disliked him. It was because Marmion regarded him with suspicion, +and seemed to think he had no business on the rancho. When the Ranchero +came about the house, Marmion would follow him wherever he went, as if +he feared that the man was about to attempt some mischief; and, when +Pierre returned to his quarters, the dog always seemed to be immensely +relieved. Frank invariably made common cause with his favorites, whether +they belonged to the human or brute creation, and without taking the +trouble to inquire into the merits of the case; and, when he found how +matters stood between Pierre and Marmion, he at once espoused the cause +of his dog, and hated the Ranchero as cordially as though the latter had +done him some terrible injury, although the man had never spoken to him, +except to salute him very respectfully every time they met. + +That Pierre hated and feared the dog, quite as much as the animal +disliked him, was evident. He would scowl, and say "_Carrajo_," every +time Marmion came near him, and lay his hand on his knife, as if it +would have afforded him infinite pleasure could he have found an +opportunity, to draw it across the dog's throat. Frank had often noticed +this, and consequently, when he one day came suddenly upon the dog, +which was looking wistfully at a piece of meat Pierre was holding out +to him, he was astonished, and not a little alarmed. The Mexican +scowled, as he always did when Frank came near him, and walked away, +hiding the meat under his coat. + +"Give it to me, Pierre," said Frank; "Marmion don't like to be fed by +strangers." + +The Ranchero kept on as if he were not aware that he had been spoken to; +and his conduct went a long way in confirming the new suspicions that +had suddenly sprung up in Frank's mind. + +"Uncle," said he, that evening, after supper, as he joined Mr. Winters +and Archie, who had seated themselves on the porch to enjoy the cool +breeze of evening, "how long do you intend to keep that new Ranchero?" + +"As long as he will stay," replied Mr. Winters. "He is one of the most +faithful men I ever had, and he is quite as skillful in his business as +either Carlos or Dick." + +"He is a mean man for all that," said Frank; "he tried to poison +Marmion, to-day." + +"I don't blame him," said Archie; "a meaner, uglier dog I never saw"-- + +"Now, Archie," interrupted Frank, "I like the dog; and even if I didn't, +I would keep him because he is a present." + +"How do you know that Pierre tried to poison him?" asked Mr. Winters. + +"Why, he was holding a piece of meat out to the dog, and when I came up +he walked off in a great hurry," replied Frank, who, when he came to +state the case, found that it was not quite so strong against the +Ranchero as he had at first supposed. + +"He may have done all that, and still be innocent of any desire to +injure your favorite. Marmion doesn't like him, and, no doubt, Pierre is +trying his best to make friends with him. I'll insure your dog's life +for a quarter." + +Frank was far from being satisfied. Somehow, he did not like the scowl +he had often seen on Pierre's face. He was certain that the Ranchero had +intended to harm Marmion; but why? Not simply because he hated the dog, +but for the reason that the animal was in his way. This was the view +Frank took of the case; and, believing that Pierre was there for no +good, he resolved to keep a close watch on all his movements. + +A day or two after that, Mr. Winters and Archie set out on horseback for +San Diego, the former to collect the money for a drove of horses he had +sold there, before his departure for the East, and Archie to explore the +city. Frank, hourly expecting his two friends, Johnny Harris and Dick +Thomas, who had promised to spend a week with him, remained at home, +with the housekeeper and two of the Rancheros, one of whom was Pierre, +for company. Dick and Bob, and the rest of the herdsmen, were off +somewhere, attending to the stock. + +Frank, being left to himself, tried various plans for his amusement. He +read a few pages in half a dozen different books, took a short gallop +over the prairie, shot a brace of quails for his dinner; all the while +keeping a bright lookout for his expected visitors, who, however, did +not make their appearance. About noon, he was gratified by hearing the +sound of a horse's hoofs in the court. He ran out, expecting to welcome +Johnny and Dick, but, to his disappointment, encountered a stranger, +who reined up his horse at the door, and inquired: + +"Is this Mr. Winters's rancho, young man?" + +Frank replied that it was. + +"He is at home, I suppose?" continued the visitor. + +"No, sir; he started for the city early this morning." + +The gentleman said that was very unfortunate, and began to make +inquiries concerning the road Mr. Winters generally traveled when he +went to San Diego--whether he took the upper or lower trail--and then he +wondered what he should do. + +"My name is Brown," said he; and Frank knew he was the very man his +uncle expected to meet in San Diego. "I owe Mr. Winters some money for a +drove of horses I bought of him before he went to the States, and I have +come up to pay it. I have here twelve thousand dollars in gold," he +added, laying his hand on his saddle-bags, which seemed to be heavy and +well filled. + +"Couldn't you remain until day after to-morrow?" asked Frank. "Uncle +James will be at home then." + +"I can't spare the time. I am on my way to Fort Yuma, where I have some +business to transact that may detain me three or four days. I don't like +to carry this money there and back, for it is heavy, and there is no +knowing what sort of travelers one may meet on the road. Wouldn't it be +all right if I should leave it here with you?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Frank, eager to accept the responsibility; "I can +take care of it. But I thought you might want a receipt." + +"I am not particular about that. Mr. Winters has trusted me for about +six months, and I think I can afford to trust him for as many days. I'll +call and get the receipt when I come back." + +As Mr. Brown said this, he dismounted, and Pierre, who, ever since his +employer's departure, had seemed to have nothing to do but to loiter +about the house, and who had stood at the opposite side of the court, +listening to every word of the conversation, came up to hold his horse. +The visitor shouldered his saddle-bags, and followed Frank into a room +which went by the name of "the office," where Mr. Winters transacted all +his business. The room was furnished with a high desk, a three-legged +stool, and a small safe, which, like those in banks, was set into the +wall, so that nothing but the door could be seen. + +"That is just the place for it," said Mr. Brown; "it will be secure +there." + +"But I haven't got the key," replied Frank; "uncle always carries it in +his pocket." + +"Well, I don't suppose there would be any danger if you were to leave +the money on the porch. Of course, your hired people can be depended on, +or your uncle wouldn't keep them." + +Frank thought there was at least one person on the rancho who could not +be trusted to any great extent; but, of course, he said nothing about +it. He glanced around the room, wondering what he should do with the +money, when he discovered that his uncle had left the key of the desk in +the lock. For want of a better place, Frank decided to put the gold in +there. Mr. Brown took it out of his saddle-bags, and packed it away in +the drawer--six bags in all, each containing two thousand dollars, in +bright, new "yellow-boys." Then, declining Frank's invitation to stay to +dinner, the gentleman bade him good-by, mounted his horse, and resumed +his journey. + +"Twelve thousand dollars!" said Frank, to himself, as he locked the desk +and put the key into his pocket. "Why, that's a fortune! Now that I +think of it, I almost wish Mr. Brown hadn't left it here. What would +Uncle James say if somebody should break into the house and steal it?" + +As Frank asked himself this question, he turned suddenly, and saw Pierre +standing on the porch, in front of one of the windows, watching him with +eager eyes. He must have moved very quietly to have approached so near +without attracting the boy's attention, and that, to Frank, whose +suspicions had already been thoroughly aroused, was good evidence that +the Ranchero was not just what he ought to be. If he was an honest man, +he would not try to slip around without making any noise. + +Finding that he was discovered, Pierre removed his sombrero and said, +without the least embarrassment: + +"Is it your pleasure to ride? If so, I will saddle your horse." + +"You need not trouble yourself," replied Frank, rather gruffly. "I shall +remain at home." + +Pierre bowed and walked away. + +"Now, that rascal thinks he is sharp," said Frank, gazing after the +Ranchero. "He never offered to saddle my horse before, and he wouldn't +have done it then if I hadn't caught him looking in at the window. I +wonder if he thinks I am foolish enough to ride for pleasure at this +time of day, with the thermometer standing a hundred degrees in the +shade? That fellow is a scoundrel, and he is up to something. Perhaps he +is after this gold. If he is, he may have the satisfaction of knowing +that he won't get it." + +So saying, Frank began to close and fasten the shutters which protected +the windows, and while thus engaged, he caught a glimpse of the +Ranchero's dark face peering at him around the corner of the house. + +"If I owned this ranch," said Frank, to himself, "that fellow shouldn't +stay here five minutes longer. I'd pay him off, and tell him to leave as +fast as his horse could carry him." + +Having satisfied himself that the windows were so well secured that no +one could effect an entrance through them, Frank opened the drawer and +took another good look at the money, as if he were afraid that it might +have been spirited away even while he was in the room; after which he +locked the desk, and hid the key under the edge of the carpet. Then +glancing about the office, to make sure that every thing was safe, he +closed the door, and hurrying into his own room, he threw the key under +his writing-desk, next to the wall. Then he breathed easier. The money +was as safe as it would have been in the bank at San Diego. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +FRANK PROVES HIMSELF A HERO. + + +"There!" said Frank, with something like a sigh of relief. "If Pierre +gets into that office to-night, he'll have to use an ax; and if he tries +that"-- + +Frank finished the sentence by shaking his head in a threatening manner, +and taking down his rifle, which he proceeded to load very carefully. He +had made up his mind to fight, if it should become necessary. + +He was now more anxious than ever for the arrival of his two friends, +for he did not like the idea of remaining alone in the house all night, +with so much money under his charge, and a villainous-looking Mexican +hovering about. Frank, as we know, was very far from being a coward; but +having by some means got it into his head that Pierre was a rascal, and +that something unpleasant would happen before morning, he could not +help feeling rather anxious. + +The afternoon wore slowly away, but Johnny and Dick did not make their +appearance. Darkness came on apace, and Frank, being at last satisfied +that he was to be left alone in his glory for that night at least, ate +his supper, and visited Roderick in his stable to see that he was well +provided for, and then whistled for his dog, which he had not seen since +the departure of Mr. Brown. Marmion, however, did not respond to the +call. Frank whistled and shouted several times in vain, and then set out +to hunt up his favorite. He visited the Rancheros' quarters, and found +Felix and Pierre sitting in the door of one of the cabins, smoking their +cigarettes. The former had not seen the dog; but, willing to serve Frank +to any extent in his power, offered to go in search of the animal. +Pierre, however, said that would be useless, for he had seen Marmion in +hot pursuit of a rabbit. No doubt he had driven the game into its +burrow, and was engaged in digging it out. When he caught the rabbit, he +would come home of his own free will. + +Although Frank was suspicious of every thing Pierre said or did, he +could see no reason for disbelieving this story. Marmion was quite as +fond of the chase as his young master, and frequently indulged in +hunting expeditions on his own responsibility; sometimes being absent +all day and nearly all night. But he was not off hunting then, and +Pierre had told a deliberate falsehood, when he said that he had seen +him in pursuit of a rabbit. The Ranchero had determined upon a course of +action which he knew he could not follow out so long as the dog was at +liberty, and Marmion was, at that very moment, lying bound and muzzled +under one of the corn-cribs, almost within hearing of his master's +voice. + +Frank slowly retraced his steps toward the house, feeling more nervous +and uneasy than ever. In Marmion he had an ally that could be depended +on in any emergency; and, if the dog had been at his side, he would have +felt perfectly safe. But he was not the one to indulge long in gloomy +thoughts without a cause, and in order to drive them away, he lighted +his lamp, and, drawing his easy-chair upon the porch, amused himself +until nine o'clock with his guitar. The music not only served to soothe +his troubled feelings, but also had the effect of banishing his +suspicions to a great extent, and left him in a much more cheerful frame +of mind. + +"How foolish I have been," said he, to himself. "Because Pierre is ugly, +like all the rest of his race, and because he always carries a knife in +his belt, and hates Marmion, I have been willing to believe him capable +of any villainy. I don't suppose he has thought of that gold since he +saw me lock it up." + +As Frank said this, he pulled his chair into the room, and selecting +Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans" from the numerous volumes in the +library, he dismissed all thoughts of the Ranchero, and sat down to read +until he should become sleepy. He soon grew so deeply interested in his +book, that he did not hear the light step that sounded on the porch, nor +did he see the dark, glittering eyes which looked steadily at him +through the open window. He saw them a moment afterward, however, for, +while he was absorbed in that particular part of the fight at Glen's +Falls, where Hawk-Eye snapped his unloaded rifle at the Indian who was +making off with the canoe in which the scout had left his ammunition, a +figure glided quickly but noiselessly into the room, and stopped behind +the boy's chair. + +"Now, my opinion is that Hawk-Eye was not much of a backwoodsman, after +all," said Frank, who was in the habit of commenting upon and +criticising every thing he read. "Why did he leave his extra powder-horn +in his canoe, when he knew that the Hurons were all around him? You +wouldn't catch Dick or old Bob Kelly in any such scrape, nor me either, +for that matter, for I would"-- + +Frank's soliloquy was brought to a close very suddenly, and what he was +about to say must forever remain a secret. His throat was seized with an +iron grasp, and he was lifted bodily out of his chair, and thrown upon +the floor. So quickly was it done that he had no time to resist or to +cry out. Before he could realize what had happened, he found himself +lying flat on his back, and felt a heavy weight upon his breast holding +him down. + +Filled with surprise and indignation, he looked up into the face that +was bending over him, and recognized Pierre Costello, whose features +wore a fiendish expression, the effect of which was heightened by a +murderous-looking knife which he carried between his teeth. Scowling +fiercely, as if he were trying to strike terror to the boy's heart by +his very appearance, he loosened his grasp on Frank's throat, and the +latter, after coughing and swallowing to overcome the effects of the +choking he had received, demanded: + +"What do you mean, you villain?" + +Pierre, without making any reply, coolly proceeded to overhaul the +contents of Frank's pockets. Like all boys of his age, our hero was +supplied with a variety of articles, which, however serviceable they may +be to a youngster of sixteen, no one else could possibly find use for, +and the Ranchero's investigations brought to light a fish-line, +bait-box, a rooster's spur, of which Frank intended to make a charger +for his rifle, a piece of buckskin, half a dozen bullets, a brass +cannon, a pocket comb, a quill pop-gun, a small compass, a silver ring, +a match-box, a jack-knife, and a piece of lead. These articles he +tossed upon the floor, rather contemptuously, and then turned all +Frank's pockets inside out, but failed to discover any thing more. + +"Where are they?" demanded Pierre, removing the knife from his mouth, +and looking savagely at his prisoner, who all this time had lain +perfectly still upon the floor, apparently not the least alarmed. + +"Where are what?" inquired Frank. + +"The keys, you young vagabond!" returned the Ranchero, astonished at the +result of his search, and in a great hurry to get through with his +business. "The keys that open the office and the safe. Speak quick!" + +"The safe key is where you'll never get your hands upon it," replied +Frank. "If you want it, you'll have to go to San Diego, catch Uncle +James, and throw him down, as you did me, and search his pockets for it. +But that is something a dozen such fellows as you couldn't do." + +"But the office key! Where's that?" + +"It's in a safe place, also," said Frank, who had already resolved that +the would-be robber should never learn from him where he had hidden the +key. "If I were a man, I should like to see you hold me down so easily. +Let me up, or I'll call for help!" + +"If you speak above your breath, I'll choke you!" said Pierre, with +savage emphasis. "I am not done with you yet! Is the money in the safe?" + +"That's none of your business! Let me up, I say! Here, Marmion! +Marmion!" + +"_Carrajo!_" muttered the Ranchero, again seizing his prisoner's throat +in his powerful fingers. "Do you want me to kill you?" + +Frank, nothing daunted by this rough treatment, struggled manfully, and +tried hard to make a defiant reply, but could not utter a sound. Pierre +tightened his grasp, until it seemed as if he had deliberately resolved +to send him out of the world altogether, and then released his hold, and +waited until Frank was able to speak before he said: + +"You see that I am in earnest! Now, answer me! Is the gold in the safe?" + +"I am in earnest, too!" replied Frank, as bravely as ever. "I shall not +tell you where it is. Are you going to let me up?" + +"I am going to make you tell where you have put that key!" said Pierre, +as he removed the sash his prisoner wore around his waist, and began to +confine his arms behind his back. "If I once get inside the office, I'll +soon find out where you have put that gold." + +"But you are not inside the office yet, and I don't think you will get +there very soon. If you were well acquainted with me, you would know +that you can not drive me one inch. You're a coward, Pierre," he added, +as he released one of his hands by a sudden jerk, and made a desperate +but unsuccessful attempt to seize the ruffian by the hair. "You don't +give a fellow a fair chance. I wish my dog was here." + +"You need not look for him," said the Ranchero; "he'll never come." + +Frank made no reply. He was wondering what his captor intended to do +with him, and turning over in his mind numerous wild plans for escape. +Pierre, in his haste, was tying the sash in a very clumsy manner, and +Frank was certain that, with one vigorous twist, he could set himself +at liberty. In spite of his unpleasant and even painful situation--for, +after his attempt to catch the Ranchero by the hair, the latter had +turned him upon his face, and was kneeling upon him to hold him down--he +could not help chuckling to himself when he thought how he would +astonish Pierre if he did not mind what he was about. + +"Perhaps he will leave me, and try to force an entrance into the +office," soliloquized Frank. "If he does, I am all right! I'll jerk my +arms out of this sash, pick up that rifle, and the first thing Mr. +Pierre Costello knows, he'll be the prisoner. I'll march him to the +quarters, and tell Felix to tie him, hand and foot." + +Unfortunately for the success of these plans, the Ranchero did not leave +the room after he had tied Frank's arms. He was too well acquainted with +the old house to think of trying to force an entrance into the office. +He knew that the doors and window-shutters were as strong as wood and +iron could make them, and that it would be a dangerous piece of business +to attempt to break them open. Felix, all unconscious of what was going +on in the house, snored lustily in his quarters, and the housekeeper +slept in a room adjoining the kitchen; and if Pierre awakened either of +them, he might bid good-by to all hopes of ever securing possession of +the gold. His only hope was in compelling Frank to tell where he had put +the office key. + +"Now, then," said he, "I will give you one more chance. Where is it?" + +"Where's what?" asked Frank. + +"The office key!" exclaimed the Ranchero, enraged at the coolness of his +prisoner. "Tell me where it is, or I'll drive you through the floor!" + +As he said this, he raised his fist over Frank's head, as if he were on +the point of putting his threat into execution. + +"Drive away!" replied Frank. + +"Then you won't tell me where it is?" yelled the Ranchero. + +"No, I won't! And when I say no, I mean it; and all the threats you can +make won't scare me into saying any thing else!" + +Pierre hesitated a moment, and then jumped to his feet, his actions +indicating that he was determined to waste no more words. He placed his +knife upon the table, closed the windows, and dropped the curtains, so +that any one who might happen to pass by could not see what was going on +in the room. His next action was to seize Frank by the collar of his +jacket, and pull him roughly to his feet, preparatory to putting into +operation his new plan for compelling him to tell where he had hidden +the office key. + +"If you conclude to answer my question, let me know it," said the +Ranchero. + +"I will," was Frank's reply. + +Pierre stepped upon a chair, and removing one of the pictures from its +hook, tossed it upon the bed. After that, he took Frank's lasso down +from the nail, beside the book-case, and holding the noose in his hand, +threw the other end over the hook. + +Frank had thus far shown himself to be possessed of a good share of +courage. He had bravely endured the choking, and had made defiant +replies to all Pierre's threats; but when he saw this movement, he +became thoroughly alarmed. He knew what was coming. + +"Aha!" exclaimed the Ranchero, who had not failed to notice the sudden +pallor that overspread the boy's countenance; "Aha!" + +"What are you going to do?" asked Frank, in a trembling voice. + +"Can't you see?" returned the Ranchero, with a savage smile. "I told you +that I was going to make you tell me where you had put that office key, +didn't I? Well, I intend to do it. I have tamed many a wild colt, and I +know how to tame you!" + +As he spoke, he adroitly threw the noose over Frank's head, and drew it +tight around his neck. Then, seizing him by the shoulders, he pushed him +against the wall, under the hook, and pulled down on the lasso, until +Frank began to rise on his toes. This was intended merely to give him a +foretaste of what was in store for him. + +"Now you know how it feels," said Pierre, slackening up on the rope, +"and you ought to know, by this time, that I am not playing with you. I +am in sober earnest, and if you don't answer my question, I'll hang +you, right here in your own room, and with your own lasso. This is your +last chance! Where's that key?" + +Frank hesitated. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE FIGHT IN THE COURT. + + +Frank was certainly in a predicament. He had his choice between +revealing the hiding-place of the office key, and being hanged with his +own lasso--a most disagreeable alternative. On one side was a lingering +death, and on the other, something of which Frank stood almost as much +in awe--disgrace. Never before had so heavy a responsibility rested upon +him; and if he lost that money, what other evidence would be needed to +prove that he was not worthy of being trusted? + +"Come, come!" exclaimed the Ranchero, impatiently. "Are you going to +answer my question?" + +"I don't know whether I am or not," replied Frank. "Don't be in such a +hurry. Can't you give me time to think about it?" + +"You have had time enough already," growled Pierre. "But I'll give you +two minutes more, and while you are thinking the matter over, you can +bear one thing in mind: and that is, if you don't tell me where that +office key is, you'll never see daylight again." + +The expression on Pierre's countenance told Frank that the villain meant +all he said. + +Frank leaned his head against the wall, closed his eyes, and made use of +those two minutes in trying to conjure up some plan to defeat the +robber. He had not the slightest intention of allowing him to put his +hands on that money if it were possible for him to prevent it, and he +was wondering if he could not make use of a little strategy. If he could +invent some excuse to get Pierre out of the room for a few moments, he +was sure that he could release his hands. Would it not be a good plan to +tell him where he had hidden the key, and while Pierre was in the office +searching for the gold, free himself from his bonds, and seize his +rifle, and make the villain a prisoner? Wouldn't it be a glorious +exploit, one of which he could be justly proud, if he could save the +twelve thousand dollars, and capture the Ranchero besides? Frank +thought it would, and determined to try it. + +"Pierre," said he, "if I tell you where that key is, what will you do?" + +"_If!_" exclaimed the Ranchero; "there are no ifs or ands about it. You +must tell me where it is." + +"But what I want to know is, what will you do with me?" + +"I promise you, upon the honor of a gentleman, that no harm shall be +done you." + +"Gentleman!" sneered Frank. "The State's prison is full of such +gentlemen as you are. If I were trying to rob a man of a few cents, I'd +never think of calling myself a gentleman." + +"Now, just look here," said Pierre, "if you think you can fool me, you +were never more mistaken in your life. A few cents, indeed! I heard all +that passed between you and Mr. Brown, and I know that there are twelve +thousand dollars somewhere in that office. I call it a fortune. It is +much more than I could ever earn herding cattle, and I am bound to have +it. Where's that key?" + +"You must answer my question first," said Frank. "If you had the key in +your hand now, what would you do with me?" + +"Well, as I am not fool enough to give you the least chance for escape, +the first thing I should do would be to tie you hard and fast to that +bed-post. Then I'd take the gold, mount my horse, and be off to the +mountains." + +"And leave me tied up here?" exclaimed the prisoner. + +"Exactly. Felix, or the housekeeper, would release you in the morning." + +This answer came upon Frank like a bucket of cold water. His fine plan +for releasing himself and capturing the robber would not work. The +latter saw his look of disappointment, and laughed derisively. + +"I am too old," said he, "to allow a boy like you to play any tricks +upon me. You won't tell me where the key is, then?" + +"No, I won't. If that money was mine, you might take it, and I would run +the risk of catching you before you could get very far away with it. But +it belongs to my uncle; you have no claim upon it, and, what's more, you +sha'n't touch it." + +"Is that your final answer?" asked the Ranchero, bracing himself for a +strong pull. "You had better ponder the matter well before you decide. +What do you suppose your uncle will think, when he comes home and finds +you hanging to this hook? He had rather lose the money a thousand times +over than to part with you." + +Frank shuddered as the Ranchero said this, and, for the first time, he +felt his firmness giving away. But he was possessed of no ordinary +degree of fortitude, and, after a momentary thrill of terror, his +courage returned, and he looked at Pierre as bravely as ever. + +The Ranchero paused for a moment or two, to give his last words time to +have their full effect, and then said: "Once more--yes or no." + +"No, I tell you," was the firm reply. Scarcely were the words out of his +mouth, when the Ranchero began to pull down upon the lasso, and Frank, +in spite of his desperate struggles, was drawn up until he almost swung +clear of the floor. Pierre held him in this position for a few +seconds--it seemed an age to Frank, who retained his consciousness all +the while--and then gradually slackened up on the lasso, until his +prisoner's feet once more rested firmly on the floor. Frank reeled a +moment like a drunken man, gazed about him with a bewildered air, and +attempted to raise his hands to his throat, while the Ranchero stood +watching him with a smile of triumph. + +"I have given you one more chance," said he. "Have you come to your +senses yet." + +Frank tried in vain to reply. The choking he had endured had deprived +him of his power of utterance, but it had not affected his courage or +his determination. There was not the least sign of yielding about him. + +Pierre had thus far conducted his operations with the most business-like +coolness, and in much the same spirit that he would have exhibited had +he been breaking one of Mr. Winters's wild horses to the saddle. He had +smiled at times, as he would have smiled at the efforts of the horse to +escape, and the thought that he should fail in his object had never +entered his head. He had been certain that he could frighten or torture +Frank into revealing the hiding-place of the office key; but now he +began to believe that he had reckoned without his host. He was +astonished and enraged at the wonderful firmness displayed by his +prisoner. He had never imagined that this sixteen-year-old boy would +prove an obstacle too great to be overcome. + +"You are the most obstinate colt I ever tried to manage," said Pierre, +in a voice choked with passion; "but I'll break one of two things--your +spirit or your neck; it makes no difference to me which." + +Without waiting to give his prisoner time to recover his power of +speech, the Ranchero wound the lariat around his hands, and was about to +pull him up again, when he was startled by the clatter of a horse's +hoofs in the court. + +The sound worked a great change in Pierre. As if by magic, the savage +scowl faded from his face, and he stood for an instant the very picture +of terror. All thoughts of the twelve thousand dollars, and the +vengeance he had determined to wreak upon his prisoner, were banished +from his mind, and gave place to the desire to escape from the house as +secretly and speedily as possible. + +"Who can that be?" he muttered, dropping the lasso, and throwing a +frightened glance ever his shoulder toward the door. + +"I'm sure I don't know," said Frank, speaking with the greatest +difficulty; "and I don't care who it is, if he will only make a prisoner +of you." + +The Ranchero scowled fiercely upon his plucky captive, hesitated a +moment, as if he had half a mind to be revenged upon him before he left +the house, and then, catching up his knife, and extinguishing the lamp, +he jerked open one of the windows, and disappeared in the darkness. + +Frank was no less astonished than delighted at his unexpected +deliverance. He tried to shout, to attract the attention of the unknown +horseman, but all his efforts were unavailing. His attempts to release +his hands, however, which he commenced the instant the Ranchero left the +room, were more successful. Pierre's carelessness in tying the knots was +a point in his favor then; for, in less time than it takes to record the +fact, Frank was free. He threw the noose off his neck, pulled the lasso +down from the hook, and hastily coiling it up in one hand, he ran to +the place where he had left his rifle, fully determined that the robber +should not escape from the ranch without an attempt on his part to +capture him. His rifle was gone. The Ranchero had caught it up as he +bounded through the window, thinking he might find use for it, in case +he should happen to run against the visitor in the dark. + +Frank looked upon the loss of his rifle as a great misfortune; for, not +only did he believe the weapon lost to him forever, but he was powerless +to effect the capture of the Ranchero, even if he succeeded in finding +him. However, he did not waste time in vain regrets. He sprang through +the window, and, running around the house, entered the court, to look +for the horseman whose timely arrival had saved his life. He went as far +as the archway that led into the court, and there he suddenly paused, +and the blood rushed back upon his heart, leaving his face as pale as +death itself. He had told the Ranchero that a dozen such men as he could +not overcome his uncle; but the scene before him belied his words. Flat +upon his back, in the middle of the court, lay Mr. Winters, with Pierre +Costello kneeling on his breast, one hand grasping his victim's throat, +and the other holding aloft his murderous-looking bowie, whose bright +blade glistened in the moonlight like burnished silver. + +Frank started back, rubbed his eyes, and looked again. There could be no +mistake about it, for the moon shone brightly, rendering all the objects +in the court as plainly visible as if it had been broad daylight. He was +not only terribly frightened, but he was utterly confounded. He had +believed Mr. Winters to be fast asleep in his bed at the hotel in San +Diego; but there he was, when Frank least expected him, and, more than +that, he was being worsted in his struggle with Pierre. The boy could +not understand it. + +"Unhand me, you scoundrel!" he heard Uncle James say, in a feeble voice. + +"Not until you have given me the key of the safe," was the robber's +answer. "I have worked hard for that gold to-night, and I am not going +to leave the ranch without it." + +Then commenced a furious struggle, and Frank turned away his head, lest +he should see that gleaming knife buried in his uncle's body. + +Never before had Frank been so thoroughly overcome with fear. He had +just passed through in ordeal that would have tried the nerves of the +bravest man, and he had scarcely flinched; but to stand there a witness +of his uncle's deadly peril, believing himself powerless to aid him, was +indeed enough to strike terror to his heart. + +"O, if I only had my rifle, or one of my pistols!" cried Frank, +"wouldn't I tumble that villain in a hurry? Or if I could find a club, +or could loosen one of these stones"-- + +Frank suddenly remembered that he held in his hand a weapon quite as +effective at short range, when skilfully used, as either a rifle or +pistol. It was his lasso; and, until that instant, he had forgotten all +about it. Then the blood flew to his cheeks; his power of action +returned, and his arms seemed nerved with the strength of giants. How +thankful was he, then, that his desire to become as expert as his two +friends, Johnny Harris and Dick Thomas, had led him to practice with +that novel weapon. + +With a bound like an antelope he started toward the struggling men, +swinging his lasso around his head as he ran. Pierre, believing that he +had left Frank securely bound, and being too intent upon taking care of +his new prisoner to look for enemies in his rear, heard not the sound of +his approaching footsteps, nor did he dream of danger until the noose, +which, but a few moments before, had been around Frank's neck, settled +down over his own. Then he knew that his game was up. With a piercing +cry of terror he sprang to his feet, and, with frantic haste, endeavored +to throw off the lariat; but Frank was too quick for him. + +"Aha!" he exclaimed, trying to imitate the tone in which the Ranchero +had spoken that same word but a few moments before. "Aha! Now I am going +to break one of two things--your spirit or your neck; I don't care +which. One good turn deserves another, you know." + +As Frank said this, he threw all his strength into his arms, and gave +the lasso a vigorous jerk, which caused Pierre's heels to fly up, and +his head to come in violent contact with the pavement of the court. + +"Now, then, Uncle James," exclaimed Frank, "we've got him. No you +don't!" he added, as the Ranchero made a desperate attempt to regain his +feet; "come back here!" and he gave him a second jerk, which brought him +to the ground again. + +Frank was blessed with more than an ordinary share of muscle for a boy +of his age; but he could not hope to compete successfully with a man of +Pierre's size and experience, even though he held him at great +disadvantage. The Ranchero, as active as a cat, thrashed about at an +astonishing rate, and, before Frank knew what was going on, he had cut +the lasso with his knife--an action which caused our hero, who was +pulling back on the lariat with all his strength, to toss up his heels, +and sit down upon the rough stones of the court, very suddenly, while +Pierre, finding himself at liberty, jumped up, and ran for his life. + +Mr. Winters had by this time regained his feet, and, catching up Frank's +rifle, which lay beside him on the pavement, he took a flying shot at +the robber just as he was running through the archway. Pierre's escape +was a very narrow one; for the bullet went through the brim of his +sombrero, and cut off a lock of his hair. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE MYSTERIES SOLVED. + + +Pierre, finding himself uninjured by Mr. Winters's shot, suddenly became +very courageous, and stopped to say a parting word to that gentleman. + +"Try it again," said he, with a taunting laugh. "You are a poor shot for +an old frontiersman! I will bid you good-by, now," he added, shaking his +knife at Uncle James, "but you have not seen the last of me. You will +have reason to remember"-- + +The Ranchero did not say what Mr. Winters would have reason to remember, +for he happened to look toward the opposite side of the court, and saw +something that brought from him an ejaculation of alarm, and caused him +to turn and take to his heels. An instant afterward, a dark object +bounded through the court, and, before the robber had taken half a dozen +steps, Marmion sprang upon his back, and threw him to the ground. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Frank. "You are not gone yet, it seems. You're caught +now, easy enough; for that dog never lets go, if he once gets a good +hold. Hang on to him, old fellow!" + +But Marmion seemed to be utterly unable to manage the Ranchero. He had +placed his fore-feet upon Pierre's breast, and appeared to be holding +him by the throat; but the latter, with one blow of his arm, knocked him +off, and, regaining his feet, fled through the grove with the speed of +the wind--the piece of the lasso, which was still around his neck, +streaming straight out behind him. + +"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, astonished to see his dog so easily +defeated. "Take him! Hi! hi!" + +The animal evidently did his best to obey; but there seemed to be +something the matter with him. He ran as if he were dragging a heavy +weight behind him, or as if his feet were tied together, and it was all +he could do to keep up with the robber; and, when he tried to seize +him, Pierre would shake him off without even slackening his pace. + +Mr. Winters, in the meantime, had run to his horse--which, during the +struggle, had stood perfectly still in the middle of the court--after +his pistols; but, before he could get an opportunity to use them, both +Pierre and the dog had disappeared among the trees. A moment afterward, +a horse was heard going at full speed through the grove, indicating that +the robber was leaving the ranch as fast as possible. + +All this while, Frank has been almost overwhelmed with astonishment. The +ease with which the desperado had vanquished his uncle and the strange +behavior of the hitherto infallible Marmion, were things beyond his +comprehension. He stood gazing, in stupid wonder, toward the trees among +which Pierre had disappeared, while the sound of the horse's hoofs grew +fainter and fainter, and finally died away altogether. Then he seemed to +wake up, and to realize the fact that the Ranchero had made good his +escape, in spite of all their efforts to capture him. + +"Let's follow him, uncle!" he exclaimed, in an excited voice. "I can +soon overtake him on Roderick." + +"I could not ride a hundred yards to save my life!" replied Mr. Winters, +seating himself on the porch, and resting his head on his hands. "Bring +me some water, Frank." + +These words alarmed the boy, who now, for the first time, saw that his +uncle's face was deadly pale, and that his hair was matted with blood, +which was trickling down over his collar. + +"O, uncle!" cried Frank, in dismay. + +"Don't be uneasy," said Mr. Winters, quietly. "Bring me some water." + +Without stopping to make any inquiries, Frank ran into the kitchen and +aroused the housekeeper, giving her a very hasty and disconnected +account of what had happened, and then he hurried to the quarters to +awaken Felix. + +"Go to Fort Yuma for the doctor, at once!" shouted Frank, pounding +loudly upon the door. + +"What's up?" inquired Felix, from the inside. + +"No matter what's up--go for the doctor! Take Roderick; he's the +swiftest horse on the ranch. Uncle's badly wounded." + +"Wounded!" repeated Felix, jerking open the door, and appearing upon the +threshold, with a revolver in each hand. "Who did it? Where is he?" + +"I can't stop to tell you who did it, or where he is. Hurry up, Felix, +and don't stand there looking at me! We've just had the hardest kind of +a fight with Pierre. Marmion was there, but he didn't do any good. He +threw the villain down, and then wouldn't hold him. I've a good notion +to shoot that dog if he ever comes back. Make haste, Felix! I can't stop +to tell you any more." + +But, after all, Frank did stop to tell a great deal more; and, by the +time the Ranchero was dressed, he had given him a complete history of +all that had happened in the house since sunset. Felix, astonished and +enraged at the treachery of his companion, examined his pistols very +carefully before he put them into his holsters, and Frank knew, by the +expression in his eye, that if he should happen to meet Pierre, during +his ride to the Fort, the latter would fall into dangerous hands. + +As soon as Frank had seen Roderick saddled, he ran back to the house, +and found Uncle James lying on a sofa, and the housekeeper engaged in +dressing a long, ragged cut on the back of his head. Being weak from the +loss of blood, he sank into a deep slumber before the operation was +completed, and Frank, finding nothing to do, and being too nervous, +after the exciting events of the evening, to keep still, went out to +watch for the doctor, who, seeing that the Fort was sixteen miles from +the ranch, could not reasonably be expected before daylight. For a long +time he paced restlessly up and down the porch, his mind busy with the +three questions that had so astonished and perplexed him: What had +happened to bring his uncle home that night? How had he been so easily +overpowered by Pierre? and, What was the matter with Marmion? The longer +he pondered upon them, the more bewildered he became; and, finally +dismissing them from his mind altogether, he went out to attend to his +uncle's horse, which, all this while, had been running back and forth +between the house and barn, now and then neighing shrilly, as if +impatient at being so long neglected. + +As Frank passed through the court, he picked up his rifle, which Mr. +Winters had thrown down after taking that flying shot at Pierre. The +stock felt damp in his grasp, and when he looked at his hand, he saw +that it was red with blood. + +"I understand one thing now, just as well as if I had stood here and +witnessed it," said he, to himself. "When Pierre went out of my room, he +ran in here to see who it was visiting the ranch at this late hour, and +when he found that it was Uncle James, he thought he would get the safe +key. He was too much of a coward to attack him openly, and so he slipped +up and knocked him down with the butt of my rifle. That's what made the +wound on uncle's head, and that's how it came that Pierre could hold him +down with one hand. Didn't I know all the time that there was something +up? Now, if Pierre had succeeded in getting the safe key, no doubt he +would have renewed his attempts to make me tell where I had put the key +of the office. Would I have been coward enough to do it? No, sir! I +would have--Hallo!" + +This exclamation was called forth by the sudden appearance of the dog, +which crept slowly toward his master, looking altogether as if he had +been guilty of something very mean. + +"So you have got back, have you?" said Frank, sternly. "What do you mean +by going off to hunt rabbits when you ought to stay at home? And what +excuse have you to offer for allowing that robber to get up after you +had pulled him down?" + +Marmion stopped, and, laying his head close to the pavement, wagged his +tail and whined piteously. + +"I don't wonder that you feel ashamed of yourself," said his master. +"Come here, you old coward." + +The dog reluctantly obeyed, and, when he came nearer, another mystery +was cleared up, and Frank knew why his favorite had behaved so +strangely. One end of a rope was twisted about his jaws so tightly that +he could scarcely move them, and the other, after being wound around his +head and neck to keep the muzzle from slipping off, was fastened to +both his fore feet, holding them so close together that it was a wonder +that he could walk at all. Frank's anger vanished in an instant. He ran +into his room after his knife, to release the dog from his bonds, and +then he discovered that the animal had not come out of the fight +unharmed. Two gaping wounds in his side bore evidence to the skill with +which Pierre had handled his bowie. + +At that moment, Frank felt a good deal as Llewellyn must have felt when +he killed the hound which he imagined had devoured his child, but which +had, in reality, defended him from the attacks of a wolf. He had scolded +Marmion for his failure to hold the robber after he had thrown him down, +and had been more than half inclined to give him a good beating; while +the animal had, all the while, been doing his best, and, in spite of his +wounds and bonds, had kept up the fight until Pierre mounted his horse +and fled from the ranch. + +The boy's first care, after he had removed the rope, was to bandage the +wounds as well as he could, and to lead the dog to a comfortable bed on +the porch, where he left him to await the arrival of the doctor; for +Frank resolved that, as Marmion had received his injuries during the +performance of his duty, he should have the very best of care. + +Frank never closed his eyes that night. He passed the hours in pacing up +and down the porch watching for the Ranchero, who made his appearance +shortly after daylight, accompanied by the doctor. Mr. Winters's wound, +although very painful, was not a dangerous one, and after it had been +dressed by the skillful hands of the surgeon, he felt well enough to +enter into conversation with those around him. + +"Now," said Frank, who had been impatiently awaiting an opportunity to +talk to his uncle, "I'd like to know what brought you back here last +night?" + +"I came after the twelve thousand dollars," replied Mr. Winters. "When I +arrived in the city, I learned that Mr. Brown had left there early in +the morning to pay us a visit, taking with him the money he owed me. I +wanted to use it immediately, and as I did not know what might happen if +it should become known that there was so much money in the house, and +no one here to take care of it, I came home; but I should have lost the +money after all, if it hadn't been for you, Frank, and I might have lost +my life with it; for I believe the villain was in earnest." + +"I am quite sure he was," said Frank, feeling of his neck, which still +bore the marks of the lasso in the shape of a bright red streak. "If you +had stayed away five minutes longer, I should have been hanged. O, it's +a fact!" he added, earnestly, noticing that the doctor looked at him +incredulously. "I came very near dancing on nothing, now I tell you; and +if you only knew all that has happened in this house since dark, you +wouldn't say that there was no one here to take care of that money. But, +uncle, how came you by that wound?" + +"Pierre gave it to me," was the reply. "He slipped up behind me when I +was dismounting, and struck me with something. But what did he do to +you?" + +"He pulled me up by the neck with my own lasso," replied Frank; "that's +what he did to me." + +"The scoundrel!" exclaimed the doctor. "Tell us all about it." + +Thus encouraged, Frank began and related his story, to which his +auditors listened with breathless attention. He told what he had done +with the twelve thousand dollars, where he had hidden the keys, how he +had detected Pierre watching him through the window, and how the +Ranchero had told him that Marmion was off hunting rabbits, when he was +lying bound and muzzled in some out-of-the-way place. Then he explained +how the robber had overpowered him while he was reading, how he had +searched his pockets for the keys, and pulled him up by the neck because +he refused to tell where he had hidden them, and how he was on the very +point of hanging him in earnest when the arrival of Uncle James alarmed +him. Mr. Winters was astonished, and so was the doctor, who patted Frank +on the head, and said: + +"You're a chip of the old block. And did you not tell him where you had +put the key?" + +"No, sir;" was the answer. "He choked me pretty hard, though, and my +throat feels funny yet." + +The boy having finished his story, Mr. Winters took it up where he left +off, and told the doctor how Frank had rescued him from the robber, and +how hard he had worked to effect his capture, and all who heard it +declared that he was a hero. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +FRANK MEETS A HIGHWAYMAN. + + +Frank passed the next day in making up for the sleep he had lost the +night before. About three o'clock in the afternoon he arose refreshed, +and visited his uncle, whom he found fast asleep. Now that Archie was +gone, the old house was quiet and lonesome--too much so, indeed, to suit +Frank, who, after trying in vain to find some way to amuse himself until +supper time, saddled Roderick, and set out for a short gallop over the +prairie. As he was about to mount his horse, Marmion came out of the +court, and frisked about his master as lively as ever, apparently none +the worse for the ugly-looking wounds he had received during his +encounter with the robber. + +"Go home, sir," said Frank. "Don't you know that you are under the +doctor's care?" + +If Marmion did know it, he didn't bother his head about it. He had a +will of his own; and having always been permitted to accompany his +master wherever he went, he did not feel disposed to remain behind. +Instead of obeying the command to go home, he ran on before, and Frank +made no further attempts to drive him back. + +Frank, having by this time become well acquainted with the country for +twenty miles around his uncle's rancho, knew where he wanted to go, and +about an hour after he left home, he was stretched at full length beside +a spring among the mountains, where he and his friends often camped to +eat their dinner during their hunting expeditions. Roderick stood close +by, lazily cropping the grass, but Marmion was not in sight. The last +time his master saw him, he was trying to gnaw his way into a hollow log +where a rabbit had taken refuge. + +Frank lay beside the spring until his increasing hunger reminded him +that it was nearly supper time, and then he mounted his horse, and +started for home. Roderick being permitted to choose his own gait, +walked slowly along a narrow bridle-path that led out of the mountains, +and Frank sat in his saddle with both hands in his pockets, his +sombrero pulled down over his eyes, and his thoughts wandering away to +the ends of the earth. He had ridden in this way about half a mile, when +he was suddenly aroused from his meditations by a commotion in the +bushes at his side, and the next moment a man sprang in front of the +horse, and seized him by the bridle. + +"Pierre Costello!" exclaimed Frank, as soon as he had somewhat recovered +from his astonishment. + +"Ay, it's Pierre, and no mistake," returned the Ranchero, with a +triumphant smile. "You thought I had left the country, didn't you?" + +"I was in hopes you had; but I see you are still on hand, like a bad +dollar-bill." + +"We are well met," continued Pierre. "I have been waiting for an +opportunity to thank you for the very friendly manner in which you +treated me last night." + +"You need not have put yourself to any trouble about it. You are under +no obligations to me. As I am in something of a hurry, I will now bid +you good-by." + +"Not if I know myself, and I think I do," said Pierre, with a laugh. +"You are just as impudent as ever. Climb down off that horse." + +Frank's actions indicated that he did not think it best to obey this +order. He sat perfectly still in his saddle, looking at Pierre, and +wondering what he should do. He could show no weapon to intimidate the +robber, for he was entirely unarmed, not having brought even his lasso +or clasp-knife with him; while Pierre held in his hand, ready for +instant use, the bowie that had rendered him such good service during +the fight in the court. At first Frank entertained the bold idea of +riding over the Ranchero. Roderick was as quick as a flash in his +movements, and one touch of the spurs, if his rider could take Pierre +off his guard, would cause the horse to jerk the bridle from his grasp, +and before the robber could recover himself, Frank would be out of +danger. But Pierre had anticipated this movement, and he was too well +acquainted with his prisoner to relax his vigilance for an instant. More +than that, he held both the reins under Roderick's jaw with a firm +grasp, and stood in such a position that he could control the movements +of both the horse and his rider. + +A moment's reflection having satisfied Frank that his idea of running +over Pierre could not be carried out, he began to look around for his +dog. But Marmion had not yet come up, and Frank was compelled to +acknowledge to himself that he was as completely in the villain's power +as he had been when Pierre had the lasso around his neck. + +"Get down off that horse, I say," commanded the Ranchero. + +"So you have turned highwayman, have you?" said Frank, without moving. +"Do you find it a more pleasant and profitable business than herding +cattle?" + +"Are you going to get off that horse?" asked the robber, impatiently. + +"What's the use? You will not find a red cent in my pockets." + +"I suppose not; but if I take you with me, I'll soon find out how many +yellow boys your uncle carries in his pockets." + +"If you take me with you!" repeated Frank. "What do you mean?" + +"I mean just this: I shall find it exceedingly lonesome living here in +the mountains by myself, and I don't know of any one in the world I had +rather have for a companion than yourself." + +"Humph!" exclaimed Frank; "that's a nice idea. I won't go." + +"Of course," continued the Ranchero, not heeding the interruption, "when +you fail to make your appearance at home for three or four days, your +uncle will think he has seen the last of you. He will believe that you +have been clawed up by grizzlies, or that you have tumbled into some of +these gullies. He will raise a hue and cry, search high and low for you, +offer rewards, and all that; and, while the fuss is going on, and people +are wondering what in the world could have become of you, you will be +safe and sound, and living like a gentleman, with me, on the fat of the +land." + +"But, Pierre," said Frank, now beginning to be really frightened, "I +don't want to live with you on the fat of the land, and I won't do it. +Let go that bridle." + +The Ranchero, as before, paid no attention to the interruption. He +seemed to delight in tormenting his prisoner. + +"After you have been with me about six months," he went on, "and your +friends have given up all hope of ever seeing you again, I'll send a +note to Mr. Winters, stating that you are alive and well, and that, if +he will give me twenty thousand dollars in gold, I will return you to +him in good order, right side up with care. If I find that we can get +along pretty well together, I may conclude to keep you a year; for the +longer you remain away from your uncle, the more he will want to see +you, and the bigger will be the pile he will give to have you brought +back. What is your opinion of that plan? Don't you think it a capital +way to raise the wind?" + +Frank listened to this speech in utter bewilderment. Cruel and reckless +as he knew Pierre to be, he had never for a moment imagined that he +could be guilty of such an enormous crime as this. He did not know what +reply to make--there was nothing he could say or do. Entreaties and +resistance were alike useless. + +"Well, what are you thinking about?" inquired the Ranchero. + +"I was wondering if a greater villain than yourself ever lived," replied +Frank. + +"We will talk about that as we go along," said Pierre. "Get off that +horse, now; I am going to send him home." + +Frank, seeing no way of escape, was about to obey this order, when the +truant, Marmion, came in sight, trotting leisurely up the path, carrying +in his mouth the rabbit, which he had succeeded in gnawing out of the +log. He stopped short on discovering Pierre, dropped his game, and +gathered himself for a spring. + +"Take him, Marmion!" yelled Frank, as he straightened himself up in his +saddle. "If it is all the same to you, Mr. Pierre, I'll not go to the +mountains this evening." + +The Ranchero did not wait to receive the dog. He was an arrant coward, +and, more than that, he stood as much in fear of Marmion as if he had +been a bear or panther. Uttering a cry of terror, he dropped the bridle, +and, with one bound, disappeared in the bushes. Marmion followed close +at his heels, encouraged by terrific yells from his master, who, now +that his dog was neither bound nor muzzled, looked upon the capture of +the robber as a thing beyond a doubt. There was a loud crashing and +snapping in the bushes, as the pursuer and pursued sped on their way, +and presently another loud yell of terror, mingled with an angry growl, +told Frank that the dog had come up with Pierre. + +"He is caught at last," thought our hero; "how shall I get him home? +that's the question. How desperately he fights," he added, as the +commotion in the bushes increased, and the yells and growls grew louder. +"But he'll find it's no use, for he can't whip that dog, if he has got a +knife. Now, I ought to have a rope. I'll ride up the path, and see if I +can find Pierre's horse; and, if I can, I'll take his lasso and tie the +rascal hand and foot." + +Frank galloped up the path a short distance, but could see nothing of +the horse. The Ranchero had, doubtless, left him in the bushes, and +Frank was about to dismount and go in search of him, when, to his utter +astonishment, he saw Pierre coming toward him. His face was badly +scratched; his jacket and shirt had disappeared altogether; his breast +and arms were covered with blood, and so was his knife, which he still +held in his hand. But, where was Marmion, that he was not following up +his enemy? The answer was plain. The dog had been worsted in his +encounter with the robber, and Frank was left to fight his battles +alone. He thought no more of taking Pierre a prisoner to the rancho. All +he cared for now was to escape. + +"Well, now, it was good of you not to run away when you had the chance," +said the Ranchero, who appeared to be quite as much surprised at seeing +Frank as the latter had been at seeing him. + +"If I had thought that you could get away from that dog, I should have +been a mile from here by this time," replied Frank. "I was looking for +your horse, and, if I had found him, I should have gone to Marmion's +assistance." + +"Well, he needed you bad enough," said Pierre, with a laugh. "I have +fixed him this time." + +"You have!" cried Frank, his worst suspicions confirmed. "Is Marmion +dead?" + +"Dead as a door-nail. Now we must be off; we have wasted too much time +already." + +If the Ranchero supposed that Frank would allow himself to be captured a +second time, he was sadly mistaken. The boy was free, and he determined +to remain so. + +"Pierre," said he, filled with rage at the words of the robber, "I may +have a chance to square accounts with you some day, and if I do I'll +remember that you killed my dog." + +"Come, now, no nonsense," said the Ranchero, gruffly. "You are my +prisoner, you know." + +"I think not. Stand where you are; don't come a step nearer." + +While this conversation was going on, Pierre had been walking slowly up +the path, and, as Frank ceased speaking, he made a sudden rush, +intending to seize Roderick by the bridle. But his rider was on the +alert. Gathering his reins firmly in his hands, he dashed his spurs into +the flanks of his horse, which sprang forward like an arrow from a bow, +and thundered down the path toward Pierre, who turned pale with terror. + +"Out of the way, you villain, or I'll ride you down," shouted Frank. + +This was very evident to the Ranchero, who, seizing upon the only chance +for escape offered him, plunged head-foremost into the bushes. He barely +missed being run down, for Roderick flew by before he was fairly out of +the path, and, by the time he had recovered his feet, Frank was out of +sight. + +When Frank reached home, he shed a great many tears over Marmion's +untimely death; but, as it happened, it was grief wasted. One morning, +about a week after his adventure with the highwayman, while Frank and +Archie were out for their morning's ride, a sorry-looking object crawled +into the court, and thence into the office, where Mr. Winters was busy +at his desk. "Mad dog!" shouted the gentleman, when he discovered the +intruder; and, springing to his feet, he lifted his chair over his head, +and was in the very act of extinguishing the last spark of life left in +the poor brute, when the sight of a collar he wore around his neck +arrested his hand. It was no wonder that Uncle James had not recognized +the animal, for he looked very unlike the lively, well-conditioned dog +which Frank was wont to regard as the apple of his eye. But, +nevertheless, it was Marmion, or, rather, all that was left of him. He +had been severely wounded, and was nearly starved; but he received the +best of care, and it was not long before he was as savage and full of +fight as ever. Although he had failed to capture the robber, he had +rendered his master a most important service, and no one ever heard him +find fault with Marmion after that. + +Frank's reputation was by this time firmly established, and he was the +lion of the settlement. Dick Lewis was prouder than ever of him. Of +course, he called him a "keerless feller," and read him several long +lectures, illustrating them by incidents drawn from his own experience. +He related the story of Frank's adventures with the robber every time he +could induce any one to listen to it, and ever afterward called him "the +boy that fit that ar' Greaser." Old Bob Kelly beamed benevolently upon +him every time they met, and more than once told his companion that the +"youngster would make an amazin' trapper;" and that, in Dick's +estimation, was a compliment worth all the rest. + +Meanwhile, the country had been made exceedingly unsafe for Pierre +Costello. The neighbors had turned out in force, every nook and corner +of the mountains for miles around had been searched, and a large reward +offered for the robber's apprehension; but it was all in vain. Nothing +more had been heard of Pierre, and Frank hoped that he had seen him for +the last time. Fate, however, had decreed that he was to have other +adventures with the highwayman. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +COLONEL ARTHUR VANE. + + +We left Frank and Archie standing on the porch, watching the wild steer +which was being led toward the cow-pen. As soon as they had got over +their excitement, they remembered that they had saddled their horses for +the purpose of riding over to visit their nearest neighbor, Johnny +Harris, one of the boys whose daring horsemanship, and skill with the +lasso, had so excited their admiration. Johnny lived four miles distant; +but he and the cousins were together almost all the time. If Johnny was +not at their house, Frank and Archie were at his; and when you saw one +of the three, it was a sure sign that the others were not a great way +off. Dick Thomas, of whom mention has been made, had been one of the +party; but he was now on a visit to San Francisco and would not return +until winter. + +Had Frank and his cousin, while at home, been compelled to ride or walk +four miles in search of a playmate, they might have been disposed to +grumble over what they would have considered a very hard lot in life; +but they had learned to think nothing of it. There were their horses +always ready and willing, and half an hour's gallop over the prairie in +the cool of the morning, or evening, was not looked upon as any thing +very disagreeable. On this particular morning, Roderick and Marmion were +impatient to exhibit their mettle; and even Sleepy Sam lifted his head +and pawed the ground when Archie placed his foot in the stirrup. +Scarcely waiting for their riders to become firmly seated in their +saddles, the horses started down the road at a rattling pace, and the +dog dashed through the bushes and grass on each side, driving the +rabbits from their covers, and creating great consternation among flocks +of quails and prairie-chickens, which flew up at his approach. + +The farther the boys went, the faster they went; for Roderick and Sleepy +Sam, warming at their work, and encouraged, perhaps, by some slight +touches from their riders' spurs, increased their speed until they +fairly flew over the ground; and Marmion, unwilling to remain behind, +left the quails and rabbits to rest in security for that morning at +least, and ran along beside his master, now and then looking up into his +face, and uttering a little yelp, as if he were trying to tell how well +he enjoyed the sport. + +"Now, isn't this glorious?" exclaimed Archie, pulling off his sombrero, +and holding open his jacket, to catch every breath of the fresh morning +air. "Let's go faster. Yip! yip!" + +The horses understood that yell. They had heard it before; and, knowing +that it meant a race, they set off at the top of their speed. But the +race was not a long one; for the old buffalo hunter, fast as he was, +soon fell behind. The gray flew over the ground, as swiftly as a bird on +the wing, and, after allowing him a free rein for a short distance, to +show Archie how badly he could beat him, Frank stopped, and waited for +him to come up. + +The four miles were quickly accomplished, and, presently, the boys drew +up at the door of Mr. Harris's farm-house, where they found Johnny +waiting to receive them. + +"How are you, strangers?" cried Johnny. "Get down and make those posts +fast to your horses, and come in." + +This was the way travelers were welcomed in that country, where every +house was a hotel, and every farmer ready, at all times, to feed and +shelter a stranger. + +"How is the rifle-shot, this morning?" continued Johnny, as he shook +hands with the boys; "and what news has the champion horseman to +communicate?" + +"I didn't claim to be the champion horseman," said Archie, quickly. "I +am not conceited enough to believe that I can beat you riding wild +horses, but I'll tell you what I can do, Johnny. In a fair race from +here to the mountains, I can leave you a quarter of a mile behind." + +"Well, come in, and wait till I saddle my horse, and we'll see about +that," said Johnny. "Until you came here, I could beat any boy in the +settlement. I give in to Frank, but I can show that ugly old buffalo +hunter of yours a pretty pair of heels. Boys!" he added, suddenly, "my +day's fun is all knocked in the head. See there!" + +The cousins looked in the direction indicated, and saw a horseman +approaching at a rapid gallop. He was mounted on a large iron-gray, +which looked enough like Roderick to have been his brother, sat as +straight as an arrow in his saddle, and managed his fiery charger with +an ease and dexterity that showed him to be an accomplished rider. + +"That's _Colonel_ Arthur Vane--a neighbor with whom you are not yet +acquainted," said Johnny, with strong emphasis on the word colonel. "He +is from Kentucky. His father came to this country about six months +since, and bought the rancho adjoining your uncle's. Arthur remained +here long enough for Dick and me to become as well acquainted with him +as we cared to be, and then went back to Kentucky to visit his friends. +He returned a few days ago, and now we may make up our minds to have him +for a companion." + +"What sort of a fellow is he, Johnny?" asked Frank. + +"I don't admire him," replied Johnny, who, like Archie, never hesitated +to speak his mind very freely. "From what I have seen of him, I should +say that he is not a boy who is calculated to make friends. He talks and +brags too much. He tries to use big words in conversation, and +criticises every one around him most unmercifully. He is one of those +knowing fellows; but, after you have exchanged a few words with him, you +will find that he doesn't know so very much after all. He has been all +over the world, if we are to believe what he says, and has been the hero +of adventures that throw your encounter with Pierre Costello into the +shade. He carries no less than seven bullets in his body." + +"Seven bullets!" echoed Archie. "Why, I should think they would kill +him." + +"So they would, most likely, if he only had them in him," replied +Johnny. "He is a famous hunter and trapper, owns two splendid horses, a +pack of hounds, three or four fine guns, and makes himself hot and happy +in a suit of buckskin. If it were not for his smooth face and dandy +airs, one would take him for some old mountain man. He gave Dick and me +a short history of his life--which he will be sure to repeat for your +benefit--and was foolish enough to believe that we were as green as two +pumpkins because we had never been in the States, and that we would +swallow any thing. But, if we have always lived in a wilderness, we have +not neglected our books, and we are well enough posted to know that +Arthur makes great mistakes sometimes." + +"But why is your day's fun all knocked in the head?" asked Archie. + +"Because I can't enjoy myself when Arthur is around. I am always afraid +that I shall do or say something that he won't like. Every time I look +at him, I am reminded of Byron's Corsair, who, you know, was + + '--the mildest mannered man + That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat.' + +I don't mean to say that Arthur would cut any body's throat, but I do +say that if he should happen to get angry at any of us, we shall wish +him safe in Kentucky, where he belongs. I can't very well avoid +introducing him, but, after what I have said, you will understand that +I do not indorse him." + +The conversation was brought to a close by the near approach of Arthur +Vane, who presently dashed up to the porch, and dismounted. Frank and +Archie made a rapid examination of the new-comer. He was dressed in a +full suit of buckskin--hunting-shirt, leggins, and moccasins, the latter +ornamented with bright-colored beads--which set off his tall, slender, +well-knit frame to good advantage. He evidently possessed a fair share +of muscle and agility, and that, according to Archie's way of thinking, +was a great recommendation. He little dreamed that his own pluck, +strength, and endurance would one day be severely tested by that boy in +buckskin. + +Arthur's weapons were objects of no less curiosity to the cousins than +his dress. Instead of the short, light rifle in which the boys of that +country took so much delight, and which was so handy to be used on +horseback, he carried a double-barrel shot-gun as long as himself, +elaborately ornamented, and the boys judged, from the way he handled it, +that it must be very heavy. From his belt protruded the buckhorn handle +of a sheath-knife, and the bright, polished head of an Indian tomahawk. +The lasso was nowhere to be seen. + +When the boys had noted these points, they glanced at the face of the +new-comer. It was a handsome face, and might have made a favorable +impression on them, had it not been for the haughty glances which its +owner directed toward them as he rode up. + +"He looks at us as though he thought we had no business here," whispered +Archie, as Johnny went down the steps to receive the visitor. + +"A second Charley Morgan," replied his cousin. + +"If he is blessed with Morgan's amiable disposition," returned Archie, +"we'll see fun before we are done with him." + +"Frank Nelson," said Johnny, leading his visitor upon the porch, "this +is our new neighbor, Arthur Vane." + +"Colonel of the Second Kentucky Cavalry during the Florida war, and, for +a short time captain of the scouts attached to the head-quarters of the +general commanding the department of the plains," said Arthur, in +dignified tones, drawing himself up to his full height, and looking at +Frank as if to ask, What do you think of me, anyhow? + +"How do you do?" said Frank, accepting Vane's proffered hand. He did not +say that he was glad to see him, or happy to make his acquaintance, for +he wasn't. + +"Archie Winters, Colonel Vane," continued Johnny, "formerly commander of +the Second Kentucky--ahem!" + +Johnny was going on to repeat Arthur's pompous speech, when he saw +Archie biting his lip, and knew that it was time for him to stop. + +"How are you, Colonel?" said Archie, as sober as a judge. + +"I can not complain of my health," replied Arthur, still holding Frank's +hand with his right, while he extended his left to Archie, in much the +same manner that a monarch might have given his hand to a kneeling +subject. "The musket-ball that Osceola sent through my shoulder +sometimes troubles me a little; but I am so accustomed to wounds that I +scarcely mind it." + +"How do you like California," inquired Frank, thinking that he ought to +say something. + +"O, I like the country well enough; but belonging, as I do, to one of +the oldest and wealthiest families of the State of Kentucky, I can find +no congenial society among these backwoodsmen." + +Frank had no reply to make to this declaration. That one remark had +revealed as much of the character of Arthur Vane as he cared to become +acquainted with. The latter evidently looked upon himself as something +better than the common herd of mankind, and Frank wondered why he did +not stay at home, if he could find no pleasure in the society of the +boys of that country. + +"I have heard of you," continued Arthur, loftily; "and I understand that +you are looked upon as a hero in this settlement." + +"I do not claim the honor," modestly replied Frank. + +"I have always observed," the visitor went on to say, "that the ideas +which ignorant people entertain concerning heroes are ludicrous in the +extreme. Now, I have met with more adventures than generally fall to the +lot of mortals; but, being a modest young man, I have never allowed any +one to apply that name to me. I have been in battles--desperate battles. +I have seen the cheek of the bravest blanched with terror; but I never +flinched. Twice have I been a prisoner in the hands of the Indians, and +once I was bound to the stake. I have whipped a grizzly bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but my knife, and I can show seven honorable +scars, made by as many bullets, which I carry in my body to-day." + +Here Arthur stopped to take breath, and looked at his auditors as if +waiting for applause. Frank and Archie had nothing to say, but Johnny +observed: + +"You have seen some rough times for one of your age." + +"Rough!" repeated Arthur, with evident disgust. "Don't use such +words--they are so vulgar. Thrilling, or exciting, would sound much +better." + +"I stand corrected," remarked Johnny, very gravely, while Archie +coughed, and Frank turned away his head to conceal his laughter. + +"I can not begin to convey to you even a slight idea of what I have +endured," said Arthur, as if nothing had happened. "It is true that I am +young in years, but I am old in experience. I have known every variety +of danger incident to a reckless and roving life. I have skirmished with +Arabs on the burning sands of Patagonia; have hunted the ferocious polar +bear amid the icebergs of India; have followed lions and tigers through +the jungles and forests of Europe; have risked my life in four different +battles with the Algerines, and, on one occasion, was captured by those +murderous villains. If adventures make the hero, I can certainly lay +claim to that honor as well as anybody." + +As the visitor ceased speaking, he looked suspiciously at the three boys +before him, two of whom seemed to be strangely affected by the recital +of his thrilling adventures. Frank had grown very red in the face, while +Johnny was holding his handkerchief over his mouth, trying to restrain +a violent fit of coughing with which he had suddenly been seized. Archie +was the only one who could keep a straight face. He stood with his hands +behind his back, his feet spread out, his sombrero pushed as far back on +his head as he could get it, looking intently at Arthur, as if he were +very much interested in what he was saying. He came to the relief of the +others, however, by observing: + +"If I had seen all those countries you speak of, Vane, I should be proud +of it. No one delights more in truthful stories of adventure than I do, +and, if you have no objection, we will sit down here and talk, while +Johnny saddles his horse. We are going over to visit old Captain Porter. +You will go with us, of course?" + +"Certainly. I have often heard of Captain Porter, and I shall be pleased +to make his acquaintance. He and I can talk over our adventures, and you +can listen, and you will, no doubt, learn something." + +Johnny, knowing that Frank wanted some excuse to get away where he could +enjoy a hearty laugh, asked him to assist in catching his horse; and, +together, they went toward the barn, leaving Archie behind to listen to +Arthur's stories. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +AN OLD BOY. + + +By the exercise of wonderful self-control, Frank and Johnny succeeded in +restraining their risibilities until they reached the barn, and then one +leaned against the door-post, while the other seated himself upon the +floor, both holding their sides, and giving vent to peals of uproarious +laughter. + +"O dear!" exclaimed Frank, "I shall never dare look that fellow in the +face again. 'Icebergs of India!' 'Burning sands of Patagonia!' How my +jaws ache!" + +"I wonder what part of Europe he visited to find his lions and tigers?" +said Johnny. "And how do you suppose he escaped from the Indians when +they had him bound to the stake? We must ask him about that." + +"How old is he?" inquired Frank. + +"He says he is sixteen." + +"Well, he is older than that, if he risked his life in battles with the +Algerians; for, if my memory serves me, Decatur settled our accounts +with those gentlemen in the year 1815. That would make our new friend +old enough to be a grandfather. He holds his age well, doesn't he?" + +Then the two boys looked up at the rafters, and laughed louder than +ever. + +"I remember of hearing old Captain Porter say," observed Johnny, as soon +as he could speak, "that the strongest and most active man that ever +lived could not whip a grizzly in a fair fight; and that the bravest +hunter would take to his heels if he found himself in close quarters +with one of those animals, and would not think he was guilty of +cowardice, either." + +"And what I have seen with my own eyes confirms it," said Frank. "While +we were camped at the Old Bear's Hole, Dick Lewis got into a fight with +a grizzly, and, although it didn't last more than half a minute, he was +so badly cut up that his own mother wouldn't have recognized him. Dick +is a giant in strength, and as quick as a cat in his movements, and if +he can't whip a grizzly, I am sure that Arthur Vane can't." + +"Humph!" said Johnny, "he never saw a grizzly. I never did either, and +there are plenty of them in this country. Arthur had better be careful +how he talks in Captain Porter's hearing. The rough old fellow will see +through him in an instant, and he may not be as careful of his feelings +as we have been." + +Johnny, having by this time saddled his horse, he and Frank returned to +the house, where they found Archie deeply interested in one of Arthur's +stories. "That is high up, I should think," they heard the former say. + +"Yes, higher than the tops of these trees," replied Arthur. "I was +relating some of the incidents of one of my voyages at sea," he +continued, addressing himself to Frank. "I was telling Archie how I used +to stand on the very top of the mast and look out for whales." + +"Which mast?" asked Frank. + +"Why, the middle mast, of course. What's the matter with you?" he added, +turning suddenly upon Archie, who seemed to be on the point of +strangling. + +"Nothing," was the reply, "only something got stuck in my throat." + +Arthur had taken up a dangerous subject when he began to talk about +nautical matters; for they were something in which Frank and his cousin +had always been interested, and were well posted. Archie lived in a +sea-port town, and, although he had never been a sailor, he knew the +names of all the ropes, and could talk as "salt" as any old tar. He +knew, and so did Frank, that what Arthur had called the "middle mast," +was known on shipboard as the mainmast. They knew that the "very top" of +the mainmast was called the main truck; and that the look-outs were not +generally stationed so high up in the world. + +"We can talk as we ride along," said Johnny. "We have ten miles to go, +and we ought to reach the captain's by twelve o'clock. The old fellow +tells a capital story over his after-dinner pipe." + +The boys mounted their horses, and, led by Johnny, galloped off in the +direction of the old fur-trader's ranch. They rode in silence for a few +minutes, and then Archie said: + +"If you wouldn't think me too inquisitive, Arthur, I'd like to know at +what age you began your travels?" + +"At the age of eleven," was the prompt reply, "I was a midshipman in the +navy, and made my first voyage under the gallant Decatur. I spent four +years at sea with him, and during that time I had those terrible fights +with the Algerines, of which I have before spoken. In the last battle, I +was captured, and compelled to walk the plank." + +"What do you mean by that?" asked Johnny, who had never devoted any of +his time to yellow-covered literature. + +"Why, you must know that the inhabitants of Algiers, and the adjacent +countries, were, at one time, nothing but pirates. When they captured a +vessel, their first hard work, after taking care of the valuable part of +the cargo, was to dispose of their prisoners. It was too much trouble to +set them ashore, so they balanced a plank out of one of the +gangways--one end being out over the water, and the other on board the +ship. The pirates placed their feet on the end inboard, to hold it in +its place, and then ordered their prisoners, one at a time, to walk out +on the plank. Of course, they were compelled to obey; and, when they got +out to the end of the plank over the water, the pirates lifted up their +feet, and down went the prisoners; and they generally found their way to +the bottom in a hurry. I escaped by swimming. I was in the water +twenty-four hours, and was picked up by a vessel bound to New York." + +"I suppose you had a life-preserver," said Johnny. + +"No, sir. I had nothing to depend upon but my own exertions." + +"You must be some relation to a duck," said Archie, speaking before he +thought. + +"I suppose you mean to convey the idea that I am an excellent swimmer," +said Arthur, turning around in his saddle, and looking sharply at +Archie. + +"Yes; that's what I intended to say," replied Archie, demurely. + +"The vessel landed me in New York," continued Arthur, "and I went home; +and, having become tired of wandering about, and our troubles with +Algiers being settled, I led the quiet life of a student until the +Florida war broke out, and then I enlisted in the army." + +"Now, then," thought Archie, who had been paying strict attention to all +Arthur said, "I have got a basis for a calculation, and I am going to +find out how old this new friend of ours is. War was declared against +Algeria (not Algiers) in March, 1815; and on the 30th day of June, in +the same year, the Dey cried for quarter, and signed a treaty of peace. +If Arthur began his wanderings at eleven, and spent four years with +Decatur, he must have been fifteen years old when the war closed. After +that, he led the quiet life of a student until the Florida war broke +out. That commenced in 1835; so Arthur must have spent just twenty years +at school. By the way, it's a great pity that he didn't devote a portion +of his time to geography and natural history, for then he would have +known that there are no icebergs and polar bears in India, or Arabs and +burning sands in Patagonia, or wild lions and tigers in Europe. If he +spent twenty years at school, and was fifteen years old when he had +those terrible battles with the Algerians, he must have been +thirty-five years old when the Florida war broke out." + +"Did you go through the war?" Johnny asked. + +"I did." + +"How long did it last?" inquired Frank, "and what was the cause of it?" + +"It continued nearly two years, and was brought about by the hatred the +Choctaws cherished toward the white people." + +"Three mistakes there," thought Archie. "The war lasted seven years, and +cost our Government forty millions of dollars. The Choctaws had nothing +to do with it. It was the Seminoles and Creeks--principally the former. +The immediate cause of the trouble was the attempt on the part of the +Government to remove those tribes to the country west of the +Mississippi. They didn't want to go, and they were determined they +wouldn't; and, consequently, they got themselves decently whipped. If +Arthur was thirty-five years of age when he went into the war, and spent +two years in it, he was thirty-seven when he came out." + +"After the war closed," continued Arthur, "I went to Patagonia, and +there I spent five years." + +"Thirty-seven and five are forty-two," said Archie, to himself. + +"I had a great many thrilling adventures in Patagonia. The country is +one immense desert, and being directly under the equator, it is--if you +will for once allow me to use a slang expression--as hot as a +frying-pan. The Arabs are hostile, and are more troublesome than ever +the Indians were on the plains. From Patagonia I went to Europe, and +there I spent six years in hunting lions and tigers." + +"Forty-eight," thought Archie; "and Patagonia isn't under the equator, +either." + +"That must have been exciting," said Frank, while Johnny looked over his +shoulder, and grinned at Archie. + +"It was indeed exciting, and dangerous, too. It takes a man with nerves +of iron to stand perfectly still, and let a roaring lion walk up within +ten paces of him, before he puts a bullet through his head." + +"Could you do it?" + +"Could I? I have done it more than once. If one of those ferocious +animals were here now, I would give you a specimen of my shooting, which +is an accomplishment in which I can not be beaten. I expect that you +would be so badly frightened that you would desert me, and leave me to +fight him alone." + +"Wouldn't you run?" + +"Not an inch." + +"Would you fire that blunderbuss at him?" asked Johnny. + +"Blunderbuss?" repeated Arthur. + +"That shot-gun, I mean." + +"Certainly I would. You see I have the nerve to do it. From Europe I +went to India, and there I risked my life for six years more among the +polar bears." + +"Forty-eight and six are fifty-four," soliloquized Archie. + +"After that I went to the plains, where I remained three years; and when +the governor wrote to me that he was about to remove from Kentucky, I +resigned my commission as captain of scouts, and here I am. I must +confess that I am sorry enough for it; for I never saw a duller country +than California. There's no society here, no excitement--nothing to +stir up a fellow's blood." + +"Fifty-four and three are fifty-seven," said Archie. + +Arthur had evidently finished the history of his exploits, for he had +nothing more to say just then. Archie, after waiting a few minutes for +him to resume his narrative, pulled his sombrero down over his eyes, and +thrust his hands into his pockets--two movements he always executed when +he wished to concentrate his mind upon any thing--and began to ponder +upon what he had just heard. + +"Vane," said he, suddenly, an idea striking him, "who commanded your +vessel when you were captured?" + +Arthur knitted his brows, and looked down at the horn of his saddle, as +if thinking intently, and finally said: "Why, it was Mr.--, Mr.--; I +declare, I have forgotten his name." + +Archie again relapsed into silence. + +"We had two wars with those pirates," thought he. "The first was with +Tripoli; but as that happened in 1805, Arthur, of course, could not have +taken part in it, for he made his first voyage at sea in 1815. We lost +but one vessel, and that was captured in 1803--two years before war with +Tripoli was declared. It was the frigate Philadelphia, and she wasn't +whipped, either, but was run aground while pursuing a piratical vessel. +She was commanded by Captain Bainbridge, who surrendered himself and +crew. They were not compelled to 'walk the plank,' however, but were +reduced to a horrible captivity, and treated worse than dogs. The +Tripolitans never got a chance to use the Philadelphia against us, for +Decatur--who was at that time a lieutenant serving under Commodore +Preble, who commanded our navy in those waters--boarded her one night +with twenty men while she was lying in the harbor, swept the deck of +more than double that number of pirates, burned the vessel under their +very noses, and returned to his ship with only one man wounded. I never +did care much for history, but a fellow finds a great deal of +satisfaction sometimes in knowing a little about it." + +Archie had at first been highly amused by what Arthur had to say; but +now, that the novelty had somewhat worn off, he began to wonder how it +was possible for a boy to look another in the face and tell such +improbable stories. If Arthur was not ashamed of himself Archie was +heartily ashamed for him, and he was more than half inclined to put +spurs to Sleepy Sam and start for home. He was not fond of such company. + +Arthur Vane is not an imaginary character. There are a great many like +him in the world, boys, and men, too, who endeavor to make amends for +the absence of real merit by recounting just such impossible exploits. +The result, however, is always the exact reverse of what they wish it to +be. Instead of impressing their auditors with a sense of their great +importance, they only succeed in awakening in their minds feelings of +pity and contempt. + +After Arthur had finished the history of his life, he rode along +whistling snatches of the "Hunter's Chorus," happy in the belief that +his reputation was established. Well, it was established, but how? +Archie thought: "Brag is a splendid dog, but Holdfast is better. Perhaps +we may have a chance to test the courage of this mighty man of valor." + +Johnny soliloquized: "Does this fellow imagine that we are green enough +to believe that he would stand and let a lion walk up within ten paces +of him? Hump! a good-sized rabbit would scare him to death." + +Frank, who had taken but little part in the conversation, told himself +that he had never become acquainted with a boy as deserving of pity as +was Arthur Vane. He was not a desirable companion, and Frank hoped that +he would not often be thrown into his society. + +For a long time the boys rode in silence, keeping their horses in an +easy gallop, and presently they entered the woods that fringed the base +of the mountains, through which ran a bridle-path that led toward the +old fur-trader's ranch. Two young hounds belonging to Johnny led the +way, Johnny came next, and Frank and Archie brought up the rear. They +had ridden in this order for a short distance, when the singular +movements of the hounds attracted their attention, and caused them to +draw rein. The dogs stood in the path, snuffing the air, and gazing +intently at the bushes in advance of them, and then, suddenly uttering +a dismal howl, they ran back to the boys, and took refuge behind them. +At the same instant, the horse on which Johnny was mounted arose on his +hind feet, turned square around, and, in spite of all the efforts of his +rider to stop him, dashed by the others, and went down the path at the +top of his speed. + +"Good-by, fellows," shouted Johnny; "and look out for yourselves, for +there is"-- + +What else Johnny said the boys could not understand, for the clatter of +his horse's hoofs drowned his voice, and in a moment he was out of sight +among the trees. + +"There's something in those bushes," said Frank, with difficulty +restraining his own horse, which seemed determined to follow Johnny, +"and who knows but it might be a grizzly?" + +"I am quite sure it is," said Archie. "Don't you remember how badly +frightened Pete used to be when there was one of those varmints around?" + +As Archie said this, the bushes were violently agitated, and the twigs +cracked and snapped as if some heavy body was forcing its way through +them. The hounds, waiting to hear no more, turned and fled down the +path, leaving the boys to themselves. Frank turned and looked at Arthur. +Could it be possible that the pale, terror-stricken youth he saw before +him was the one who but a few moments ago had boasted so loudly of his +courage? That noise in the bushes had produced a great change in him. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +ARTHUR SHOWS HIS COURAGE + + +It must not be supposed that Frank and Archie were entirely unmoved by +what had just happened. The strange conduct of the hounds, and the +desperate flight of Johnny's horse, were enough to satisfy them that +there was some dangerous animal in the bushes in front of them, and the +uncertainty of what that animal might be, caused them no little +uneasiness. Grizzly bears were frequently met with among the mountains, +and they sometimes extended their excursions into the plains, +occasioning a general stampede among the stock of the nearest ranch. The +grizzly is as much the king of beasts in his own country as the lion in +Africa and Asia; and Frank and Archie, during their sojourn at the Old +Bear's Hole, had become well enough acquainted with his habits and +disposition to know that, if their enemy in the bushes belonged to that +species, they were in a dangerous neighborhood. The grizzly might, at +any moment, assume the offensive, and in that event, if their horses +became entangled in the bushes, or were rendered unmanageable by fright, +their destruction was certain. This knowledge caused their hearts to +beat a trifle faster than usual, and Frank's hand trembled a little as +he unbuckled the holsters in front of his saddle, and grasped one of his +revolvers. But neither he nor Archie had any intention of discontinuing +their journey, or of leaving the field without having at least one shot +at the animal, whatever it might be. + +"Now, boys," said Frank, in an excited whisper, "we have a splendid +chance to immortalize ourselves. If that is a grizzly, and we should be +fortunate enough to kill him, it would be something worth bragging +about, wouldn't it? If I only had my rifle!" + +"We must rely upon our friend, here," said Archie. "It's lucky that he +is with us, for he is an old hunter, and he won't mind riding into the +bushes, and driving him out--will you, Arthur?" + +"Eh!" exclaimed that young gentleman, who trembled so violently that he +could scarcely hold his reins. + +"I say, that, as you are the most experienced in such matters, we shall +be obliged to depend upon you to drive the bear out of the bushes into +open ground," repeated Archie, who did not appear to notice his friend's +trepidation. "We can't all go in there to attack him, for he would be +sure to catch some of us. What have you in that gun?" + +"B-u-c-k-s-h-o-t," replied Arthur, in an almost inaudible voice. "Let's +go home." + +"Go home!" exclaimed Frank; "and without even one shot at that fellow! +No, sir. You've got the only gun in the party, and, of course, you are +the one to attack him. Go right up the path, and when you see him, bang +away." + +"How big is he?" asked Arthur. + +"Why, if he is a full-grown grizzly, he is as big as a cow." + +"Will he fight much?" + +"I should say he would," answered Archie, who was somewhat surprised at +these questions. "Have you forgotten the one you killed with your +knife? He will be certain to follow you, if you don't disable him at the +first shot, but he can't catch your horse. Besides, as soon as he comes +in sight, Frank and I will give him a volley from our revolvers. You are +not afraid?" + +"Afraid!" repeated Arthur, compressing his lips, and scowling fiercely. +"O, no." + +"Well, then, make haste," said Frank, who was beginning to get +impatient. "Ride up within ten paces of him, and let him have it. That's +the way you used to serve the lions in Europe." + +"Yes, go on," urged Archie; and he gave Arthur's horse a cut with his +whip, to hurry him up. + +"O, stop that!" whined Arthur, as the horse sprang forward so suddenly +that his rider was nearly unseated. "I am going home." + +What might have happened next, it is impossible to tell, had not the +boys' attention been turned from Arthur by the yelping of a dog in the +bushes a short distance up the mountain. + +"That's Carlo," exclaimed Archie. "Now we will soon know what sort of an +enemy we have to deal with." + +The dog was evidently following the trail of the bear, for he broke out +into a continuous baying, which grew louder and fiercer as he +approached. The bear heard it, and was either making efforts to escape, +or preparing to defend himself; for he thrashed about among the bushes +in a way that quite bewildered Frank and Archie, who drew their +revolvers, and turned their horses' heads down the path, ready to fight +or run, as they might find it necessary. An instant afterward, a large, +tan-colored hound bounded across the path, and dashed into the bushes +where the game was concealed. It was not one of those which had so +disgracefully left the field a few moments before--it was Carlo, +Johnny's favorite hound--an animal whose strength had been tested in +many a desperate encounter, and which had never been found wanting in +courage. Scarcely had he disappeared when Marmion came in sight, also +following the trail. He ran with his nose close to the ground, the hair +on his back standing straight up like the quills on a porcupine, and +his whole appearance indicating great rage and excitement. + +"Hi! hi!" yelled Frank. "Take hold of him, you rascal! Now's your time, +Arthur. Ride up and give him the contents of your double-barrel; only, +be careful, and don't shoot the dogs." + +For an instant, it seemed as if Arthur's courage had returned, and that +he was about to yield to the entreaties of his companions. He +straightened up in his saddle, and, assuming what he, no doubt, imagined +to be a very determined look, was on the point of urging his horse +forward, when suddenly there arose from the woods a chorus of yells, and +snarls, and growls, that made the cold chills creep all over him, and +caused him to forget every thing in the desire to put a safe distance +between himself and the terrible animal in the bushes. Acting on the +impulse of the moment, he wheeled his horse, and, before Frank or Archie +could utter a word, he shot by them, and disappeared down the path. + +For a moment, the two boys, forgetting that a furious battle was going +on a little way from them, gazed at each other in blank amazement. The +mighty hunter, who had boasted of whipping a grizzly-bear in a fair +fight, with no weapon but his knife, had fled ingloriously, without +having seen any thing to be frightened at. + +"That's one lie nailed," said Frank. + +"More than one, I should think," returned Archie, contemptuously. "I +shall have nothing more to do with that fellow. This is the end of my +acquaintance with him." + +No doubt Archie was in earnest when he said this; but, had he been able +to look into the future, he would have discovered that he was destined +to have a great deal more to do with Arthur Vane. Instead of being the +end of his acquaintance with that young gentleman, it was only the +beginning of it. + +Meanwhile, the fight in the bushes, desperate as it was, judging by the +noise it occasioned, was ended, and Arthur had scarcely disappeared when +Marmion and Carlo walked out into the path, and, after looking up at the +boys, and giving their tails a few jerks, as if to say "We've done it!" +seated themselves on their haunches, and awaited further orders. Archie +threw his reins to his cousin, and, springing out of his saddle, went +forward to survey the scene of the conflict. He was gone but a moment, +and when he came out of the bushes, he was dragging after him--not a +grizzly bear, but a large gray wolf, which had been overpowered and +killed by the dogs. One of the wolf's hind-legs was caught in a trap, to +which was fastened a short piece of chain and a clog. The animal had +doubtless been paying his respects to some sheep-fold during the night, +and had put his foot into the trap while searching for his supper. He +had retreated toward the mountains, and had dragged the trap until the +clog caught, and held him fast. That was the reason he did not run off +when the boys came up, and the commotion in the bushes had been caused +by his efforts to free himself. + +While the boys were examining their prize, Johnny, having succeeded in +stopping his frantic horse, was returning to the place from which he had +started on his involuntary ride. As he was about to enter the woods at +the base of the mountains, he saw a horse emerge from the trees, and +come toward him at a rapid gallop. His bridle was flying loose in the +wind, and Johnny at first thought he was running away; but a second +glance showed him that there was somebody on his back. + +"Stampeded," thought Johnny. "If I am laughed at, it will be some +consolation to know that I am not alone in my misery." + +The rider of the stampeded horse was bent almost double; his feet were +out of the stirrups, which were being thrown wildly about; both hands +were holding fast to the horn of the saddle; his face was deadly pale, +and, altogether, he presented the appearance of one who had been +thoroughly alarmed. Although he looked very unlike the dignified Arthur +Vane, who had ridden so gayly over that road but a few moments before, +Johnny recognized him at once; and the first thought that flashed +through his mind was that something terrible had happened to Frank and +Archie. + +"What's the matter?" asked Johnny, pulling up his horse with a jerk. + +"Grizzly bears!" shouted Arthur, in reply, without attempting to check +his headlong flight. + +"Grizzly bears!" echoed Johnny, in dismay. "And are you going off +without trying to help those boys? Stop, and go back with me." + +But Arthur was past stopping, either by ability or inclination. Digging +his spurs into the sides of his horse, which was already going at the +top of his speed, he went by Johnny like the wind, and in a moment was +so far away that it was useless to make any further attempts to stop +him. For an instant, Johnny was irresolute; then he turned in his +saddle, and shouted one word, which the wind caught up and carried to +the ears of the flying horseman, and which did much to bring about the +events we have yet to describe. + +"_Coward!_" yelled Johnny, with all the strength of his lungs. + +Having thus given utterance to his opinion of Arthur Vane, he put spurs +to his horse and galloped into the woods, hoping to reach the scene of +the conflict in time to be of service to his friends. But, as we know, +the grizzly bear had proved to be a wolf, and had already been killed by +the dogs. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +ARTHUR PLANS REVENGE. + + +Meanwhile, Arthur Vane continued his mad flight toward the settlement. +His hat was gone, his fine shot-gun had been thrown aside as a useless +incumbrance, and his tomahawk and knife had dropped out of his belt; but +he was too frightened to stop to pick them up. No pause he knew until he +reached Mr. Harris's rancho, where he reined up his panting horse, and +electrified the family by shouting through the open window: + +"Grizzly bears! Grizzly bears!" + +"Where?" breathlessly inquired Mr. Harris, running out on the porch. + +Before Arthur could reply, Johnny's mother appeared; and a single glance +at the frightened hunter and his dripping steed, was enough to awaken in +her mind the most terrible apprehensions. She knew, instinctively, that +something dreadful had happened. + +"O, my son!" she screamed, sinking down on the porch, and covering her +face with her hands. + +Mr. Harris did not stop to ask any questions then. He knew the route the +boys had taken in the morning, and his first thought was to start for +the scene of the conflict, although he had little hopes of arriving in +time to be of any assistance to the young hunters. + +"Jose!" he shouted to one of his Rancheros, who happened to pass by the +house at that moment, "call all the men to saddle up at once. The boys +have been attacked by a grizzly in the mountains." + +The gentleman carried his fainting wife into the house, and presently +re-appeared with a brace of revolvers strapped to his waist, and a rifle +in his hand. + +"Did you see any of the boys hurt?" + +He asked this question in a firm voice; but his pale face and quivering +lips showed that the news he had just received had not been without its +effect upon him. + +"No, sir," replied Arthur. "My horse ran away with me; but I heard the +fight, and I know that the dogs were all cut to pieces. The bear was an +awful monster--as large as an ox; and such teeth and claws as he had! I +never saw the like in all my hunting." + +In a few moments, half a dozen herdsmen, all well armed, galloped up, +one of them leading his employer's horse. + +"Vane," said Mr. Harris, as he sprang into his saddle, "you will stop on +your way home, and tell Mr. Winters, will you not?" + +Arthur replied by putting spurs to his horse, and in a few moments he +was standing in Mr. Winters's court, spreading consternation among the +people of the rancho. Dick and Bob were there; but, unlike the rest of +the herdsmen, they seemed to be but little affected by Arthur's story. + +"You'll never see those boys again," said the latter, winding up his +narrative with a description of the bear by which they had been +attacked. + +"Now, don't you be anyways oneasy," replied Dick, hurrying off to saddle +his horse. "If it war a grizzly, he's dead enough by this time, for I +knowed them youngsters long afore you sot eyes on to 'em, an' I know +what they can do. Didn't I tell you, 'Squire," he added, turning to Mr. +Winters, who was pacing anxiously up and down the porch, "that Frank +would come out all right when he war stampeded with them buffaler? Wal, +I tell you the same now." + +Arthur remained at the rancho until Uncle James and his herdsmen set out +for the mountains, and then turned his face homeward. + +It is a rule that seldom fails, that when one meets a braggadocio, he +can put him down as a coward. We have seen that it held good in Arthur's +case; for, although he had not caught the smallest glimpse of the animal +in the bushes, he was so terrified that he had run his horse eight +miles; and, while he was plunging his spurs into the gray's sides at +almost every jump, he imagined that the animal was running away with +him. He was so badly frightened that he did not pause to consider that +he might have occasioned a great deal of unnecessary anxiety and alarm +by the stories he had circulated. He really believed that every word he +had uttered was the truth; and he reached this conclusion by a process +of reasoning perfectly satisfactory to himself. He had heard the growls +and snarls uttered by the animal in the bushes, when attacked by the +dogs, and they were so appalling, that he felt safe in believing that +they came from some terrible monster. The conduct of the hounds, and of +Johnny's horse, confirmed this opinion. Besides, Frank and Archie had +pronounced the animal a grizzly, and Arthur was quite sure it was; for +nothing else, except a lion or tiger, could have uttered such growls. He +had heard that grizzlies were very tenacious of life, and hard to whip, +and, consequently, it followed, as a thing of course, that Frank and +Archie, and the dogs, were utterly annihilated. + +"I'm safe, thank goodness!" said Arthur, to himself. "If those fellows +were foolish enough to stay there and be clawed to pieces, that's their +lookout and not mine. Johnny Harris insulted me by calling me a coward. +He may escape from the bear, and if he does, I shall think up a plan to +punish him." + +When Arthur reached home, he repeated his story as he had told it to Mr. +Harris and Uncle James, and he straightway found himself a hero. He had +seen a grizzly bear with terrible claws, and a frightful array of teeth; +his horse had run away with him, and carried him eight miles before he +could stop him, and he had come home with a whole skin. It was +wonderful. + +Arthur threw on airs accordingly. He strutted about among the herdsmen, +and entertained his servant, a Mexican boy about his own age, named +Pedro, with a description of the fight, in which he had seen four fierce +dogs completely demolished. + +Pedro complimented him highly, and the Rancheros called him a brave +lad--although Arthur himself failed to see what he had done that was +deserving of praise. He went to bed in excellent spirits, and was +awakened in the morning, about daylight, by Pedro, who came into his +room, carrying in his hand a double-barreled shot-gun, a tomahawk, and +sheath-knife, and, under his arm, he held a hat, and a bundle wrapped up +in a newspaper. Pedro held his sombrero over his face, so that nothing +could be seen but his eyes, which were brimful of laughter. + +"Now, then," exclaimed Arthur, raising himself on his elbow, and looking +fiercely at the boy, "what do you want in here at this barbarous hour, +and what are you grinning at?" + +"Why, sir--the bear, you know; it wasn't a bear after all," stammered +Pedro, in reply. + +"It wasn't! I say it was. Didn't I see him with my own eyes, and hear +him growl with my own ears? Take that hat down from your face, and stop +your laughing." + +Pedro obeyed. He placed the bundle on a chair beside the bed, leaned the +gun up in one corner, deposited the other articles upon the table, and +then pulled out of his pocket a note which he handed to Arthur. + +"Now take yourself off," commanded that young gentleman. + +Pedro vanished, and Arthur heard him laughing to himself as he passed +through the hall. + +"What does the rascal mean, I wonder; and who can be writing to me so +early in the morning?" + +Arthur looked at the bundle, which lay on the chair beside him, felt of +it with his fingers, and then turned his attention to the note, which +ran as follows: + + "Frank, Archie, and Johnny present their compliments to Colonel + Vane, and beg leave to inform him that, after a struggle + unequaled in the annals of hunting, they succeeded in dispatching + the monster by which they were attacked yesterday. They are, + also, happy to announce that the dogs, which were so badly cut up + during the fight, have so far recovered as to be out, and to take + their regular rations. They request the Colonel to accept the + accompanying articles, including the skin of the grizzly bear, + and to preserve them as mementoes of the most exciting event of + his life. They sincerely hope that the Colonel sustained no + injury during his ride on his runaway horse." + +Arthur read this letter over twice, and, although he made no comments +upon it, it was easy enough to see that he was highly enraged. He sat up +in the bed, and, with trembling hands, tore off the covering of the +bundle, and discovered the skin of the gray wolf. + +"By gracious!" exclaimed Arthur, jumping out on the floor. "Was a +gentleman ever before so insulted? That little Yankee, Archie Winters, +is at the bottom of all this, and if he don't suffer for it, I'll know +the reason why." + +He tore the note into fragments, pitched the bundle out of the window, +and walked angrily about the room, shaking his fists in the air, and +threatening all sorts of vengeance against Archie and his two friends. +If he had been in his sober senses, he would have felt heartily ashamed +of himself; but the note had opened his eyes to the fact that he had +sadly injured his reputation, and he was angry at his companions because +he had done so--although how they could be blamed for that, it would +have puzzled a sensible boy to determine. But, after all, his case was +not an isolated one. It is by no means uncommon for boys, when they get +angry, to revenge themselves upon some innocent thing. We remember that, +on a certain rainy day, several boys were congregated in a barn, amusing +themselves by turning hand-springs. One clumsy fellow, whose feet were +so heavy that he could not get them over his head, became greatly +enraged at his failures, and finally tried to soothe his wounded pride +by whipping one of his companions. + +Arthur was actuated by the same spirit. He walked up and down his room +for a long time, trying to make up his mind what he should do, and, when +he was called to breakfast, he had decided upon a plan of operations, +which promised to make Archie and his friends a great deal of trouble. + +"I'll be revenged upon the whole lot of them at once," said Arthur, to +himself. "Upon Johnny Harris, for calling me a coward; upon Archie +Winters, for writing me that note--for I know he did it, although +Johnny's name does come last--and upon Frank Nelson, for being a friend +to those fellows, and for being so stuck up. He scarcely spoke to me +yesterday, and I won't stand such treatment from any boy. I'll teach +these backwoodsmen to insult a gentleman!" + +"Well, Arthur," said Mr. Vane, as the boy seated himself at the table, +"you must have looked through a very badly-frightened pair of eyes, to +make a grizzly bear out of a wolf." + +"Who told you it was a wolf?" asked Arthur, gruffly. + +"One of Mr. Winters's herdsmen--Dick Lewis, I believe, they call him. He +came over this morning to bring your weapons and hat." + +Dick despised a coward quite as much as he admired a boy of spirit and +courage, and it is certain that the story, as he had heard it from Frank +and Archie, lost nothing in passing through his hands. He first told it +to Mr. Vane, as he handed him the articles he had brought, and then +repeated it to one of the Rancheros; and, by the time Arthur had +finished his breakfast, the occurrences of the previous day were known +to every one on the rancho. Pedro laughed when he brought out Arthur's +horse, and the herdsmen, as he rode through their quarters, exchanged +winks with one another, and made a great many remarks about grizzly +bears, especially concerning the one Arthur had seen the day before. +There was one man, however, who took no part in the joking and laughing, +and that was Joaquin, who was just mounting his horse to drive up some +stock. + +"Don't mind them," said he, as Arthur rode beside him. "They are a set +of blackguards, and don't know how to treat a gentleman." + +"Now, that's like a true friend," replied Arthur. "You're the only one I +have on the ranch." + +Joaquin was a villainous-looking Mexican, and since he had been in Mr. +Vane's employ, he had had little to do with the other herdsmen. He +seemed to prefer to be alone, unless he could have Arthur for company. +He always took a great deal of interest in the boy's affairs, and it was +from his lips that Arthur had heard the story of Frank's adventures with +Pierre Costello. Joaquin had gained Arthur's good will by confiding to +him a great many secrets, and one day he went so far as to confess that +Pierre was his particular friend, and that, if he felt so disposed, he +could point out the cave in the mountains where the robber was +concealed, and tell who it was that supplied him with food, and kept him +posted in all that happened in the settlement. Joaquin might have added, +further, that he himself had held several long interviews with Pierre of +late, and had talked over with him certain plans, in which Arthur Vane +and his three companions of the previous day bore prominent parts. But +this was one secret that the Ranchero kept to himself. + +"If you know where the robber is hidden, why don't you tell Mr. Winters, +and claim the reward?" Arthur had one day asked Joaquin. + +"What! betray my best friend!" exclaimed that worthy, in great +astonishment. "I am not base enough to abuse any man's confidence. Do +you suppose that if you were in Pierre's place, and I knew where you +were concealed, that I could be hired to play false to you? No, sir!" + +Arthur remembered this remark, and on this particular morning, as he +rode out with the Ranchero, he called the latter's attention to it, and +asked if he could trust him. The reply was a strong affirmative, which +satisfied Arthur that he might speak freely, and the result was, the +revelation of his plan for taking revenge on Frank, Johnny, and Archie. +Joaquin listened attentively, and Arthur was delighted at the readiness, +and even eagerness, with which the herdsman fell in with his ideas, and +promised his assistance. He had one amendment to propose, that did not +exactly suit Arthur; but, after a little argument, he agreed to it. They +talked the matter over for half an hour, and then Arthur started for +home, and the Ranchero galloped off to attend to his stock. + +That night, after all his companions were asleep, Joaquin crept quietly +out of his quarters, and, after saddling his horse, rode toward the +mountains. He was gone nearly all night, but returned in time to get to +bed before the herdsmen awoke; and, when he arose with the others, none +of them knew that he had been away from the rancho. Arthur Vane must +have known something about it, however, for the next morning, as soon as +he had eaten his breakfast, he mounted his horse, and overtook Joaquin, +just as he was leaving his quarters. + +"Well!" said Arthur. + +The Ranchero looked suspiciously about him, and, finding that there was +no one within sight or hearing, he detached his knife and sheath from +his belt, produced a folded paper from the crown of his sombrero, and +handed them both to Arthur, saying, in a suppressed whisper: + +"It's all right." + +"Did you see him?" asked Arthur, eagerly. + +"I did, and he says your plan is an excellent one, and he will help you +to carry it out. The black line on that paper points out the road you +are to follow; the light lines, that branch off from it, are old +bridle-paths. Look at the paper often, and you can't get lost. He has +never seen you, you know, and, when you find him, you must show him my +knife to prove that you are a friend. Bear one thing in mind, now, and +that is, you are playing a dangerous game, and if you are found out, the +country around here will be too hot to hold you. Remember that I am your +only friend in this matter, and say nothing to nobody except me." + +With this piece of advice, the Ranchero galloped off, and Arthur, after +placing the knife in his belt, and putting the paper carefully away in +his pocket, rode toward the mountains. + +During the next few hours, Arthur consulted his paper frequently, and, +about noon, he was standing at the base of a precipitous cliff, twenty +miles from home, examining the natural features of the place, and +comparing them with his diagram. He saw no one; but half way up the +cliff was a huge bowlder, over which peered a pair of eyes that were +closely watching every move he made; and, when Arthur whistled twice, +the eyes disappeared, and a man stepped from behind the rock, and said, +in a gruff voice: + +"Who are you, and what do you want here?" + +"Are you Pierre Costello?" asked Arthur. + +"Well, now, that's no concern of yours," replied the man. "Who are you?" +As he spoke, he drew a revolver from his sash, and rested it on the rock +beside him, the muzzle pointing straight at the boy's head. + +"Don't!" cried Arthur, turning pale, and stepping back. "I am Arthur +Vane, and I have come here to have a talk with you. Here is Joaquin's +knife, which will prove that I am all right." + +The man returned his revolver to his belt, and came down the cliff; and, +presently, Arthur found himself standing face to face with a live +robber. + +"I am Pierre Costello," said the latter; "and I was waiting for you." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +OFF FOR THE MOUNTAINS. + + +Arthur looked at the robber with curiosity. Yellow-covered novels had +always been his favorite reading, and highwaymen, brigands, and pirates +were, in his estimation, the only heroes worthy of emulation. Pierre, +but for one thing, would have come up to his beau ideal of a robber. He +was loaded with weapons, and he was tall and broad-shouldered, sported a +ferocious mustache, and his hair fell down upon his shoulders. He was +dressed in the gayest Mexican style, but his clothing had seen long +service, and was not quite as neat as Arthur would have liked to have +seen it. It was plain that Pierre did not waste much time upon his +toilet; but, after all, he was a very good-looking villain. + +The robber was quite as much interested in his visitor as the latter was +in him. He had often heard of Arthur through Joaquin; and, if the boy +had known all Pierre's intentions concerning him, he might not have felt +quite so much at his ease. + +"I can't spare much time," said the robber, breaking the silence at +last. + +"Nor I either," returned Arthur; "so I will begin my business at once, +and get through as soon as I can. I have heard the particulars of your +fights with Frank Nelson, and I propose to put you in the way of making +five times the amount of money you would have made if you had captured +him when you met him in the mountains. I want to be revenged upon Frank +and his crowd, for they have grossly insulted me." + +"Of course they have," said Pierre. "I know all about it." + +"I can't punish them by myself," continued Arthur, "for they are three +to my one. I am not afraid of Johnny Harris, or Archie Winters; but +there's that other Yankee, Frank Nelson. He is as strong as a lion, and +if he once gets his blood up, he don't care for any thing. I am afraid +of him." + +"I don't wonder at it. I have had some experience with him, and, if he +had a few more years on his shoulders, I should be afraid of him +myself." + +"I can't punish them unless I have help," repeated Arthur; "and, if you +will lend me your assistance, you can make sixty thousand dollars by it. +I heard those fellows say, yesterday, that they are going on a hunting +expedition, next week. I will make friends with them again, and find out +when they intend to start, and I propose that you capture them, and take +them to some safe place in the mountains, and demand twenty thousand +dollars apiece for them. You can demand more, if you choose, and get it, +too; for Mr. Harris is rich, and so is Mr. Winters. You must have some +men to assist you, however." + +"I understand that," said Pierre. "I'll find the men." + +"Will you do it?" + +"Certainly, I will." + +"Give me your hand, Pierre; I knew you would help me. But let me tell +you one thing, and that is, when you capture them you must look out for +yourself. They will have plenty of weapons, and, from what I have seen +of them, I don't think they would hesitate to use them if they got a +chance. There's one thing about this business I don't exactly admire. Of +course, I shall start with their expedition--I want to have the +satisfaction of seeing them captured--and my idea was, that, when you +made the attack on them, you should give me a chance to escape; but +Joaquin says, that won't do at all." + +"Certainly not;" said Pierre, quickly. "I shall have five men with me, +and if we should let you get away, the boys would be suspicious of you +at once." + +"That's just what Joaquin said; and since I have thought the matter +over, I have come to the conclusion that he was right. I don't want them +to know that I had a hand in this matter, for they might make me some +trouble." + +"Very likely they would. You must allow yourself to be captured with the +others." + +"Well, I sha'n't mind that, for, I believe, I can enjoy myself among the +mountains for a month or two. But, Pierre, when you get them you must +hold fast to them." + +"I am not the man to let sixty thousand dollars slip through my +fingers," said the Ranchero, with a laugh. + +"And there are three other things I want you to remember," continued +Arthur, earnestly. "The first is, you must not demand any ransom for +me." + +"Oh no; of course not." + +"The second is, I shall expect to be treated at all times like a +visitor. I am a gentleman, and a gentleman's son." + +"I am well aware of that fact. I knew it the moment I put my eyes on +you." + +"The third thing I want you to bear in mind, is, that I shall not be +captured without a struggle; and that every chance I get I shall try to +escape. I am going to show those fellows that I have some spunk. I want +you to act natural, and to prevent me from getting away from you; but +you must not abuse me. You can treat the others as roughly as you +please. Do you agree to all this?" + +"I do, and there's my hand on it," said Pierre. "I fully understand +your plans now, and know just what you want me to do; and, what's more, +I'll do it. If you have got through with what you have to say, you had +better be off. I have a good many enemies, and I am in danger as long as +you are here. Watch those boys closely, and keep Joaquin posted. I can +find out every thing I want to know from him." + +"My plans are working nicely," chuckled Arthur, as he rode homeward. +"I'll teach these backwoodsmen manners, before I am done with them." + +"Eighty thousand dollars!" said Pierre, gazing after the retreating +horseman. "That's a nice little sum to be divided among six of us." + +This remark will show whether or not the robber intended to abide by the +promises he had just made to Arthur Vane; and, while we are on this +subject, it may not be amiss to say, that the scheme Arthur had +proposed, was one on which the robber had been meditating for many days. +During the time he had lived in the mountains, he had kept his brain +busy, and had been allowed ample opportunity to decide upon his future +operations. He had been astonished and enraged at his failure to secure +the twelve thousand dollars, and to make Frank Nelson a prisoner, and he +had resolved to make amends for his defeat by capturing Frank and all +his companions, including Arthur Vane. Pierre had plenty of friends to +assist him, but there was one question that troubled him, and presented +an obstacle that he could see no way to overcome; and that was, how to +capture all the boys at once. That must be done, or his plan would fail. +He could get his hands upon Arthur Vane at any time; but the others were +like birds on the wing--here to-day, and miles away to-morrow--and +Pierre did not know where to find them. Now, however, the difficulty was +removed. Frank and his friends were going on a hunting expedition, +Arthur would ascertain when they were going to start, and what road they +intended to take, and when the day arrived, the robber could call in his +men, who were employed on the neighboring ranchos, and capture the boys +without the least trouble. Pierre was very glad that Arthur had got +angry at Frank. + +Meanwhile Frank, Archie, and Johnny, all unconscious of the plans that +were being formed against them, enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and +wasted a good deal of time every day in laughing over the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to Captain Porter's ranch. Archie, +especially, had a great deal to say about it. He had an accomplishment, +of which we have never before had occasion to speak: he was a +first-class mimic; and he took no little pride in showing off his +powers. He could imitate the brogue of an Irishman the broken English of +a Dutchman, or the nasal twang of a Yankee, to perfection; and one day, +while he was in the barn saddling his horse, he carried on a lengthy +conversation with Bob Kelly (who was on the outside of the building), +about some runaway cattle, and the old trapper thought all the while +that he was talking to his chum, Dick Lewis. Now Archie had a new +subject to practice upon. He laid himself out to personate Arthur Vane; +and he not only successfully imitated that young gentleman's pompous +style of talking, and his dignified manner of riding and walking, but +even the tone of his voice. He criticised Frank and Johnny continually, +and made them laugh, till their jaws ached, by recounting imaginary +adventures on the burning sands of Patagonia, and among the icebergs and +polar bears of India. + +The day following the one on which Arthur Vane visited the robber in the +mountains, found the three boys on the back porch of Mr. Winters's +rancho, making preparations for their hunting expedition. Frank was +cleaning his rifle, and Archie and Johnny were repairing an old +pack-saddle, in which they intended to carry their provisions and extra +ammunition. Archie was seated on the floor, with an awl in one hand, and +a piece of stout twine in the other; and, while he was working at the +pack-saddle, his tongue was moving rapidly. + +"I am young in years, fellows," he was saying, "but I am aged in +experience. If I had my rights, I should long ago have been gray-headed. +I have seen thrilling times in my life, and have been the hero of +adventures, that, were I to relate them to you, would make each +particular hair of your heads stand on end, like the quills of a +punched hedge-hog. I am--if you will kindly permit me to use a slang +expression--an old hand at the business of hunting and trapping, and +have accomplishments in which I can not be beaten. Among them, stands my +ability to whip a grizzly bear in a fair fight, with no weapon but my +knife. I have hunted wild gorillas in the streets of New York City; +have"-- + +"Good morning, fellows!" + +Archie brought the story of his adventures to a sudden close, and, +looking over his shoulder, saw Arthur Vane standing at the end of the +porch. The boys had never expected him to call upon them again, and +Archie and Johnny were too surprised to speak; but Frank, who always +kept his wits about him, returned Arthur's greeting, and invited him to +occupy the chair he pushed toward him. He was not at all pleased to see +the visitor, but he was too much of a gentleman to show it. + +One would suppose, that the remembrance of what had happened, three days +before, would have caused Arthur some embarrassment; but such was not +the case. On the contrary, he was as dignified as ever, and seemed to be +perfectly at his ease. Frank and his friends were considerate enough to +refrain from making any allusions to the fright he had sustained, but +Arthur brought the subject up himself. + +"I received your note," said he, "and also the articles you were kind +enough to send me; and I am here now to say, that I feel heartily +ashamed of myself. From some cause or another, that I could not explain +if I should try, I was extremely nervous that day; but I may, some time, +have an opportunity to show you that I am not as much of a coward as I +know you now believe me to be." + +Arthur remained at the rancho all that day, sitting down at the same, +table, and eating his dinner with the boys he was about to betray into +the hands of the robbers; and, when he went home that night, he had +asked, and received, permission to accompany them to the mountains. +Their consent had been given reluctantly, and with very bad grace; but +they could see no way to get around it. Arthur was a boy with whom they +did not care to associate; but he had done them no injury, and they +could not bring themselves to refuse his request. + +"They will start early Monday morning," soliloquized Arthur, as he rode +homeward, "and will take the road that leads to Captain Porter's. This +is Friday. I shall send word by Joaquin to Pierre to-night, and he will +have plenty of time to make all his arrangements." + +Arthur spent the next day with the boys at Mr. Winters's rancho, and, +when he rode over on Monday morning, he brought with him a supply of +provisions, which were stowed away in the pack-saddle with the rest. +Frank and his friends had been waiting for him, and now that they were +all ready, they mounted their horses and rode off--Archie leading an +extra horse, which carried the pack-saddle. As they galloped through the +Rancheros' quarters, Dick appeared at the door of his cabin, and shouted +after them words, which, taken in connection with the events that were +about to transpire, seemed like prophecy. + +"You'll be wishin' fur me an' Bob, to get you out of the hands of that +ar' greaser, afore you're two days older," yelled Dick. + +"You don't suppose that we four fellows will let one man capture us, do +you?" shouted Archie, in reply. "If we do get into trouble, and you find +it out, you'll come to our rescue, won't you?" + +"Sartin. Now, don't be keerless, like you allers are." + +The boys kept their horses in a rapid gallop until they reached the +bridle-path in the mountains, and then Archie went ahead with the +pack-horse, and the others followed in single file. They rode along +singing and shouting, and little dreaming of the danger that was so +near, until they arrived in sight of the spring, near which Frank had +his last encounter with the robber. He soon found that he was to have +another adventure there; for, as he and his companions rode toward the +spring, they were startled by a shrill whistle, which echoed among the +mountains, and was answered on all sides of them; and, before they had +recovered from their surprise, Pierre Costello appeared in the path, as +suddenly as though he had dropped from the clouds, and came toward them, +holding a pistol in each hand. + +"Halt!" shouted the robber. + +The boys looked about them, as if seeking some avenue of escape, and +then they saw that Pierre was not alone. Every thicket, toward which +they turned their eyes, bristled with weapons, and a dozen revolvers +were leveled straight at their heads. It was useless to think of flight. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +PIERRE AND HIS BAND. + + +"Halt, I say!" repeated Pierre, riding up beside Frank, and seizing his +horse by the bridle. "Disarm them, men, and shoot down the first one +that resists," he added, as the band closed up around the boys. + +Frank, seeing, at a glance, that it was useless to think of escape, sat +quietly in his saddle, and allowed Pierre to take possession of his +rifle, pistols, and lasso. + +Johnny and Archie also surrendered at discretion; but Arthur, believing +that the time had come to retrieve the reputation he had lost so +ingloriously a few days before, determined that he would not surrender +without a fight. It was a part of his contract with the robber chief, +that he should be allowed to resist as desperately as he pleased, and he +took advantage of it. He gazed at the Rancheros for a moment with +well-assumed astonishment, and then, appearing to comprehend the +situation, he shouted: + +"Stick together, fellows, and fight for your liberties! Don't give up, +like a pack of cowards! Knock 'em down! Shoot 'em! Take your hand off +that bridle, you villain!" + +As Arthur spoke, he dashed his spurs into the flanks of his horse, which +bounded forward so suddenly, that he jerked the bridle from the grasp of +the Ranchero who was holding him. + +"Hurrah! I'm free, boys!" he shouted, clubbing his gun, and swinging it +around his head. "Follow me, and I'll show you how we used to clean out +the Indians." + +Arthur's triumph was of short duration. The Ranchero, from whom he had +escaped, was at his side in an instant, and, again seizing his bridle +with one hand, he leveled a pistol full at his prisoner's head with the +other, while Pierre caught his gun from behind, and wrested it from his +grasp. At the same moment, a lasso, thrown by the Ranchero who had taken +charge of Archie, settled down over his shoulders, and was drawn tight. + +Pierre and his band were obeying their instructions to the very letter, +indeed, they were altogether too zealous in their efforts to appear +"natural," and Arthur began to be suspicious that they were in sober +earnest with him, as well as with the others. He looked up into Pierre's +face, in the hope of receiving from him some friendly token--a sly wink +or a nod, which would satisfy him that he was "all right," and in no +danger of receiving bodily injury; but he saw nothing of the kind. The +chieftain's face wore a terrible scowl, and he even lifted Arthur's gun +above his head, as if he had half a mind to knock him out of his saddle. + +"Quarter! quarter!" gasped Arthur, striving, with nervous fingers, to +pull the lasso from his neck, and beginning to be thoroughly alarmed. "I +surrender." + +"Well, let that be your last attempt at escape," said Pierre, in a very +savage tone of voice, "or you will find, to your cost, that we are not +to be trifled with." + +In the meantime, the other Rancheros, while holding fast to their +prisoners, had relieved them of their weapons; and, as soon as Pierre +had seen Arthur conquered, he seized the bridle of the pack-horse, +while each of the other members of the band took charge of one of the +boys, and the cavalcade started down the ravine at a rapid gallop. + +All this happened in much less time than we have taken to describe it. +Before the young hunters had fairly recovered from the astonishment +caused by the sudden appearance of Pierre and his band, they had been +disarmed, and were being led captive into the mountains. + +Frank and his two friends were more bewildered than alarmed. The whole +thing was so unexpected, and had been accomplished so quickly and +quietly! Remembering the particulars of Frank's previous encounter with +Pierre Costello, they did not stand in fear of bodily harm. Although +they had not the slightest suspicion that their capture was the result +of treachery on the part of Arthur Vane, they well understood the +motives of the robbers, and knew, as well as if Pierre had explained the +matter to them, that they were to be used as a means to extort money +from their relatives, and that they had nothing to fear, so long as +they submitted quietly to their enemies. But this was something that one +of the three boys, at least, had no intention of doing. Frank's brain +was already busy with plans for escape. He had twice beaten Pierre at +his own game, and, if the robber did not keep his wits about him, he +would do it again. As for Arthur, although his plans were, thus far, as +successful as he could have desired, he was very much disappointed. The +three boys, who had dared to hold him up to the people of the settlement +in his true character, were prisoners, and he had Pierre's assurance +that they would remain such until the demands he intended to make upon +their relatives should be complied with. But, after all, Arthur did not +experience the satisfaction he had hoped he would, for the robbers had +treated him very roughly. The chief had raised his own gun over his +head; another had choked him with his lasso, and a third had pointed a +loaded pistol at him. That was a nice way to treat a visitor! Arthur +began to wish that he had never had any thing to do with Pierre and his +band. + +The chief, who rode in advance with the pack-horse, led the way at a +break-neck pace, and the boys, being one behind the other, each in +company with the Ranchero who had him in charge, were allowed no +opportunity to converse with one another, even had they desired it. +Frank, for want of something better to do, began to make an examination +of the members of the band. Like their leader, they were full-blooded +Mexicans, with enormous mustaches, and long, tangled hair, which looked +as though it had never seen a comb. They were dressed in gay-colored +clothes--blue jackets, buckskin pants, very wide at the knee, and +covered with buttons, ribbons, and gold lace. They wore long sashes +around their waists, which were thrust full of bowie-knives and +revolvers. They carried short, heavy rifles, slung over their shoulders +by leather bands, and behind their saddles were their ponchos, which did +duty both as overcoats and beds. Taken altogether, they were a +hard-looking set, and seemed capable of any atrocity. The man who had +charge of Frank was particularly noticeable in this respect, and our +hero thought that all he needed were the leggins, and high-pointed hat, +to make him a first-class brigand. This man kept a sharp eye upon his +prisoner, and scowled at him, as if he regarded him as his most +implacable foe. + +"You needn't look so mad," said Frank, at length. "I don't remember that +I ever did you any harm, and I certainly am not foolish enough to try to +escape, as long as you keep hold of my bridle." + +"You had better not," said the Ranchero, smiling grimly, and shaking his +head in a very threatening manner. + +"I don't know that you can frighten me," returned Frank, coolly. "I wish +I was a man for about five minutes." + +"What would you do?" asked the Ranchero, who seemed to be pleased, as +well as astonished, at the boy's courage and independence. + +"I'd make your head and your heels change places in a great hurry. In +other words, I'd knock you out of your saddle. Then I'd say: 'Good-by, +Mr.--Mr.'--what's your name?" + +"Mercedes--Antoine Mercedes." + +"Well, Mr. Mercedes, I'll never forget that benevolent-looking face of +yours. As I was saying, I would bid you good-by, and leave. I'd pass +those fellows," he added, jerking his thumb over his shoulder toward the +robbers in the rear, "before they could say 'General Jackson' with their +mouth's open. You haven't got a horse, in this party, that can catch +Roderick." + +The Ranchero smiled again, and tapped the butt of one of his revolvers +with his finger. + +"Oh, you wouldn't have a chance to fire a pistol at me," said Frank, +quickly. "By the time you could get on your feet again, after I had +knocked you down, I would be a mile from here. Did Pierre ever tell you +how nicely I fooled him?" he continued, noticing that the chief was +turned half around in his saddle, listening to what he had to say. "Well +I am not surprised that he never mentioned it, for he ought to feel +ashamed of himself." + +"Ay; but I have got you fast this time," said Pierre, with a laugh. "Let +us see how nicely you will fool me now. One at a time here, men," he +added, in a louder tone, "and keep close watch of those prisoners." + +As Pierre spoke, the cavalcade emerged from the woods, and Frank found +himself on the brink of a rocky chasm, which stretched away to the +right as far as his eye could reach, and seemed to extend down into the +very bowels of the earth. It was so deep that his head grew dizzy, as he +looked into it. On his left, and directly in front of him, was a +precipitous mountain, the top of which hung threateningly over the gorge +below. It seemed to Frank that they could go no farther in this +direction, until Pierre urged his horse upon a narrow ledge that ran +around the base of the cliff. Antoine followed after the pack-horse, and +Frank came next. Roderick pricked up his ears, looked over into the +gorge, and snorted loudly. He moved very slowly and carefully, and well +he might: for a single misstep on his part would have sent both him and +his rider to destruction. The path was so narrow that, although Roderick +walked on the extreme outer edge, Frank's feet now and then brushed +against the rock on the opposite side. Our hero felt his sombrero rise +on his head, whenever he looked into the chasm, or allowed himself to +reflect how slight an accident might launch him into eternity. But there +was no backing out. Once on that ledge, a person must go forward; for +there was no room to turn around. + +After Frank came another of the band, and Johnny followed at his heels. +Archie and his keeper came next, and Arthur and _his_ keeper brought up +the rear. They all rode fearlessly upon the ledge, until it came +Arthur's turn, and then was heard a cry of remonstrance. The young +gentleman, who had been brave enough to fill the perilous office of +scout among the Indians of the plains, did not possess the courage +necessary to carry him through this ordeal. He turned as pale as death, +and stopped his horse. + +"Go on," sternly commanded his keeper. + +"Oh, it's dangerous," returned Arthur, in pitiful tones. "What if my +horse should slip off? That gully must be a thousand feet deep!" + +"More than that," said Archie, who, although very far from being pleased +at his own situation, could not resist the inclination to torment +Arthur. "It reaches clear through to India, where you used to hunt polar +bears." + +"That's so," said Johnny; "for just now, as I looked over into the +gorge, I saw a lot of half naked Hindoos tumbling about among the +icebergs." + +"And I heard them yelling," chimed in Frank; "and saw one of those big +white bears after them." + +"Go on!" repeated the Ranchero, impatiently. + +"O, now, see here!" exclaimed Arthur, in a trembling voice, trying to +turn his horse's head away from the pass, "I believe, I'll"-- + +He was about to say, that he believed he would not go any further, but +that he would return home and leave Pierre and his band to take care of +his three enemies; but his keeper did not give him time to finish the +sentence. Seeing that Arthur had no intention of following the rest of +the party, the robber took his lasso from the pommel of his saddle, and +with it struck his prisoner's horse a blow that caused the fiery animal +to give one tremendous spring, which brought him to the very brink of +the precipice. In his efforts to stop himself, a portion of the earth +was detached by his hoofs and fell with a loud noise into the abyss, +bounding down its rocky sides, and crashing through bushes and branches +of trees in its rapid descent to the bottom. The horse, frightened by +the sound, and smarting under the blow of the lasso, reared so straight +upon his hind legs that he seemed in imminent danger of toppling over +into the chasm; and then, for the first time in his life, Arthur found +himself in real peril. He screamed loudly, clung to the horn of his +saddle with a death grip, and closed his eyes, expecting every instant +to find himself whirling through the air toward the bottom of the gorge. +But help was near: the strong hand of his keeper grasped the bridle, and +brought the horse back upon firm ground. + +"Now, then, go on!" commanded the Ranchero, without giving his prisoner +time to recover from his fright. + +Arthur was powerless to obey, for so great was his terror that he could +not move a muscle; but his horse, being left to himself, stepped boldly +upon the ledge, and followed after the rest of the party, who had, by +this time, disappeared around the base of the mountain. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS. + + +Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long. +About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the +mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass +and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a +huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above. +Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a +message to Mr. Winters. The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping +the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the +trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a +fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near +the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close +watch over the prisoners. Frank and his two friends were reposing on +their blankets near the spring, and when Arthur rode up, they greeted +him with a broad grin. + +"Well, Colonel," said Frank, "you come near going back to India by a +short route, didn't you?" + +"Did you ever travel on horseback in such frightful places as this, +during your wanderings in Europe?" asked Johnny. + +Arthur had, by this time, somewhat recovered from his fright, though his +face was still very pale, and he drew a long breath every now and then, +when he thought of the dangers he had passed through. + +"No," he replied, to Johnny's question. "I never traveled much among the +mountains. It always makes my head dizzy, to look down from a height." + +"How, then, did you stand it," said Archie, with a sly wink at his +companions, "when you were perched upon the 'very top of the middle +mast' of your ship, looking out for whales?" + +"Eh?" exclaimed Arthur. "Why--I--you know"-- + +Arthur was cornered. He did not know how to answer this question, so he +kneeled down by the spring, and took a drink, in order to gain time to +reflect. "I was obliged to stand it," said he, at length, looking up at +his companions. "I couldn't help myself. I say, boys," he added, +desiring to turn the conversation into another channel, "you've got us +into a nice scrape by your cowardice. If you had followed me, those +fellows would have been the prisoners now." + +At this moment the robber chief approached the group, holding in his +hand a sheet of soiled paper and a lead pencil. "Take these," said he, +handing the articles to Frank, "and write to your uncle, telling him how +matters stand. Say to him that you and your friends are prisoners, that +I am going to take you where no one will ever think of looking for you, +and that when I am paid eighty thousand dollars in gold, I will set you +at liberty, and not before. Tell him, further, that I shall send this +note to him by one of my men; and that if he does not return in safety +by sunrise to-morrow morning, I will make scare-crows of you." + +Frank picked up his saddle-bags, which he used as a desk, and, after +borrowing the robber's bowie-knife to sharpen his pencil, he began the +letter, and wrote down what Pierre had dictated, using as nearly as +possible the chief's own words. + +"That's all right," said the latter, when his prisoner had read the +letter aloud. + +"Now," said Frank, "may I not add a postscript, telling Uncle James that +we are well and hearty, and that we have been kindly treated, and so +on." + +"Certainly; only be careful that you do not advise him to capture my +messenger." + +Frank again picked up his pencil, and wrote as follows: + + "The above was written by Pierre's command, and I have his + permission to say a word for ourselves. You need not pay out any + money for Archie and me; and I know that if I was allowed an + opportunity to talk to Johnny, he would send the same message to + his father. We are now in Pass Christian--a difficult place to + escape from, but we intend to make the attempt this very night. + Detain Pierre's messenger, by all means; then send Dick and Bob + with a party of men up here by daylight, and they can capture + every one of these villains." + +That was what Frank added to the letter, but, when Pierre ordered him to +read it, he made up a postscript as he went along; for he knew that if +the chief were made acquainted with the real contents of the note, he +would not send it. The Ranchero did not know one letter from another, +and he was obliged to rely entirely upon Frank, who read: + +"We're all hunky-dory thus far. Pierre don't seem to be so bad a fellow, +after all; in fact, he's a brick. He treats us like gentlemen; but, of +course, we'd rather be at home, so please send on the money for Archie +and me, and see that Mr. Harris and Mr. Vane do the same for Johnny and +Arthur." + +"You're sure, now," said Pierre, as Frank handed him the letter, after +addressing it to Mr. Winters, "that you haven't told your uncle where we +are, or advised him to try to rescue you?" + +"There's the note," replied the prisoner, "and if you think I have been +trying to deceive you, read it yourself." + +"I guess it's all right," said the chief. "At any rate, I'll run the +risk. I have treated you like gentlemen, and if you want me to continue +to do so, you must behave yourselves, and not try to play any tricks +upon me. Now, mind what I say. If any of you hear the others talking of +escape, and don't tell me of it, I'll pitch every one of you into that +gully." + +Having given utterance to this threat, and emphasized it by scowling +savagely at his prisoners, Pierre turned on his heel and walked away. + +By this time, dinner was ready, and the boys were invited to sit down +and help themselves. The principal dish was dried meat, but there were +luxuries in the shape of sandwiches, cakes, crackers, and tea and +coffee, which the cook had found in the pack-saddle, and which he did +not hesitate to appropriate. The table was the ground under one of the +trees, and the grass did duty both as table-cloth and dishes. + +"Now, boys," said the chief, "here's a dinner fit for a king. Pitch in, +and don't stand upon ceremony." + +"I don't think you will find us at all bashful," said Archie, dryly, +"seeing that the most of this grub belongs to us." + +As the robbers and their prisoners were hungry after their long ride, +they fell to work in earnest. Archie sat on his knees in the midst of +the group, and, while his teeth were busy upon a sandwich, his eyes +wandered from one to another of the Rancheros, and finally rested upon +Mr. Mercedes, whose actions instantly riveted his attention. It had +evidently been a long time since the robbers had sat down to a +respectable dinner, and they all seemed determined to make the most of +it--especially Antoine, who devoted his attention entirely to the +eatables that had been found in the pack-saddle. He lay stretched out at +full length on the ground, one hand being occupied in supporting his +head, and the other in transferring the sandwiches from the table to his +capacious mouth. Two of the sandwiches would have made a good meal for +an ordinary man, unless he was very hungry; but they did not go far +toward satisfying the appetite of Mr. Mercedes, for, during the short +time that Archie sat looking at him, he put no less than half a dozen +out of sight, and seemed to have room for plenty more. Archie began to +be alarmed. By the time he could finish one sandwich, Antoine would have +swallowed every one on the table, and there would be nothing left but +the dried meat. + +"Will the small gentleman from Maine be kind enough to pass the +plum-pudding--I mean the one that's got the most raisins in it?" said +Johnny, who was inclined to be facetious. + +"See here, fellows!" exclaimed Archie, and the earnest expression of his +countenance arrested the laughing at once. "This is no time for joking. +The rule of this boarding-house seems to be, Look out for number one. I +intend to do it; and, if you want to get any thing to eat, you had +better follow my example." + +So saying, he caught up three or four sandwiches, and half a dozen +cakes, and started toward the spring, where he sat down to finish his +dinner. The other boys comprehended this piece of strategy, and, in less +time than it takes to tell it, the table was cleared of every thing +except the dried meat. Mr. Mercedes uttered an angry growl, and gazed +after Johnny, who had snatched the last sandwich almost out of his hand, +and then whipped out his knife, and turned his attention to the meat. + +When the robbers had finished their dinner, Pierre held a whispered +consultation with one of his men, who, after placing Frank's letter +carefully away in the crown of his sombrero, mounted his horse, and rode +down the pass. The others, with the exception of a solitary sentinel, +sought their blankets, and the boys were left to themselves. + +"Now," said Johnny, in a whisper, addressing himself to Frank, "tell us +what you wrote in that postscript. You surely did not ask your uncle to +send any money for you and Archie?" + +"Of course not!" replied Frank. "I, for one, am not worth twenty +thousand dollars; and I would rather stay here until I am gray-headed, +and live on nothing but dried meat all the while, than ask Uncle James +to give twenty cents for me." + +"That's the talk," said Johnny, approvingly, while Archie raised himself +on his elbow, and patted his cousin on the back. Frank then repeated +what he had written in the postscript, as nearly as he could recollect +it, and it was heartily indorsed by all the boys, even including Arthur +Vane, who said: + +"I am glad to see that you are recovering your courage, Frank. If you +had all showed a little pluck, when Pierre attacked us this morning, we +should not have been in this predicament." + +"We'll not argue that point now," said Archie. "Let's talk about our +plans for escape. By the way, what sort of fellows do you suppose Pierre +takes us for, if he imagines that he can frighten us into carrying tales +about one another?" + +"I'd like to know, too," said Arthur, sitting up on his blanket, and +looking very indignant. "I wonder if he is foolish enough to believe +that one of us would tell him, if he heard the others talking of escape! +If I thought there was one in this party mean enough to do that, I +would never speak to him again." + +"Now, don't you be alarmed," said Johnny. "We've been through too much +to go back on each other. But how shall we get away? that's the +question." + +"Let us rush up and knock them down, and pitch them over into the +gully," said Arthur. "Follow me; I'll get you out of this scrape." + +"We couldn't gain any thing by a fight," said Frank. "Four boys are no +match for five grown men." + +"I'd give Sleepy Sam if I could only see Dick and Bob poke their noses +over some of these rocks around here," said Archie. "They will be after +us, as soon as they find out that we are captured; and when they get +their eyes on these 'Greasers,' as they call them, there'll be fun." + +"But we don't want to wait for them," said Frank. "We must escape +to-night, if possible. We can find our way home from here; but, if we +stay with these villains two or three days longer, they will have taken +us so far into the mountains, that we never can get out. I propose that +we wait until dark, and see what arrangements they intend to make for +the night, before we determine upon our plans. If they allow us to +remain unbound, and leave only one sentinel to guard us, we'll see what +can be done. In the meantime, I move that we all take a nap." + +The prisoners settled themselves comfortably on their blankets, and, in +a few moments, three of them were sleeping soundly, all unconscious of +the fact that their wide-awake companion was impatiently awaiting an +opportunity to repeat to the robber chief every word of their recent +conversation. + +"Pierre said, that if any of us heard the others talking of escape, and +didn't tell him of it, he would pitch us over that precipice," muttered +Arthur. "He looked straight at me when he said it; so I shall take him +at his word, and put him on his guard against these fellows. I'll not go +back on them--O, no! Johnny Harris didn't call me a coward, did he? And +that little spindle-shanked Yankee, and his cousin, didn't insult me, by +sending me my hat and gun, and the skin of that wolf, and by telling +every body in the settlement that I was frightened out of my senses, +without seeing any thing to be frightened at, did they? I'd like to +catch that Archie Winters by himself. He's little, and I am sure that I +could whip him. I'll pay them all for what they have done to me, and +before I get through with them, they will learn, that it is always best +to treat a gentleman with respect." + +As Arthur said this, he looked contemptuously at his slumbering +companions, and then turned his back to them, and went to sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +MORE TREACHERY. + + +When Frank awoke, it was nearly dark. The glade was lighted up by a +fire, that one of the Rancheros had kindled, and beside which he stood, +superintending the cooking of the supper. Archie and Johnny were still +sleeping soundly, but Arthur Vane's blanket was empty, and that young +gentleman was nowhere to be seen. + +Frank raised himself to a sitting posture, rubbed his eyes, and yawned; +and then, seeing that the cook was rummaging in the pack-saddle after +more luxuries, and judging by that that supper was nearly ready, he +shook his companions, and arose to his feet. He went to the spring, and +was preparing to wash his hands and face in the little brook that ran +across the glade, when his attention was attracted by the sound of +voices close by. He found that they came from behind the bowlder; and, +after listening a moment, he recognized the voices as those of Pierre +Costello, and Arthur Vane. At first, Frank thought nothing of this +circumstance. He bent over the brook, and plunged his hands into the +water, when the thought occurred to him that this was a strange +proceeding on the part of Arthur Vane. If the latter had any thing to +say to the chief, why did he not talk to him in the camp? Frank's +suspicions were aroused. He stood, for a moment, undecided how to act, +and then, dropping on his hands and knees, he crept cautiously around +the end of the bowlder, and presently came in sight of Pierre and his +companion. They were sitting on the ground, facing each other--the chief +calmly smoking a cigarette, while Arthur was amusing himself by cutting +the grass around him with the Ranchero's bowie-knife. + +"This is very odd," thought Frank. "Arthur acts more like a confidential +friend than a prisoner." + +Our hero drew back, and listened to the conversation that followed, +during which he gained some insight into the character of his new +acquaintance. + +"I do not admire your way of doing business," he heard Arthur say, at +length. "You treat me no better than you treat them. You told me that +you knew by my looks that I was a gentleman, and you promised to respect +me as such. You assured me that I should be allowed to show fight +whenever I pleased, and that you would not hurt me for it. How have you +kept those promises? What did you do to me this morning? You jerked my +gun out of my hands, and raised it over my head, as if you were going to +knock me down. One of your men threw his lasso around my neck, and +choked me until I could scarcely breathe, and another aimed a pistol at +me. Is that treating me like a gentleman or a visitor?" + +"What else could we do?" demanded Pierre. "Didn't you tell me that you +wanted us to act natural, so that your three enemies would not suspect +that you had a previous understanding with me in regard to their +capture?" + +"Certainly; but I didn't tell you to abuse me, did I? See how I was +treated when we were coming through this pass! My keeper struck my +horse with his lasso, and came near sending me over the precipice; and +you laughed at it. When I look toward you, why don't you give me a wink, +or a nod, to show that you have not forgotten your promises, and that +you will protect me?" + +"Because I never have had a chance to do it without being seen by the +others. If you know when you are well off, you will take every +precaution to keep those boys from finding out how treacherous you have +been. You must not expect any signs of friendship from me. I shall stick +to my promise, and see that no serious injury is done you; but, if you +will insist in showing your courage by fighting us, you must make up +your mind to be roughly handled. You say that Frank didn't read to me +what he wrote in that letter?" + +"No, he did not. He never said a word to his uncle about sending the +money. He told him not to do it. He advised him to capture your +messenger, by all means, and to send those trappers up here, with a +party of men, by daylight to-morrow morning." + +"Well, they'll not find us," said the chief, who seemed to take the +matter very coolly. "By daylight we shall be miles from here. We'll +start as soon as the moon rises, so that we can see to travel through +the pass. After supper, I shall have those fellows bound hand and +foot--that will prevent their escape, I think--and, of course, I must +tie you, also." + +"I don't like the idea of lying all night with my hands fastened behind +my back," objected Arthur. + +"I can't help that. Those boys must be confined; for I am not going to +lose sixty thousand dollars, if I can help it; and, if you wish to avoid +suspicion, you must be tied with the rest." + +"I shall resist. I want to make those fellows believe that they are a +pack of cowards. Don't let your men handle me too roughly." + +"I'll look out for that," said Pierre. "Now, let us go back to the camp. +You have been away too long already." + +"O, you outrageous villain!" thought Frank, who was so astonished and +bewildered by what he had heard, that he scarcely knew what he was +about. "Won't you suffer for this day's work if we ever get back to the +settlement?" + +The movements of the traitor, who just then arose to his feet, brought +Frank to himself again. He retreated precipitately, and, when Arthur +came out from behind the bowlder, he was sitting on his blanket, talking +to Archie and Johnny. + +"Fellows," said he, in an excited voice, "we're ruined! That rascal has +blabbed the whole thing!" + +"Who? What rascal? what thing?" asked both the prisoners in a breath. +"What's the matter with you?" added Archie, in some alarm, seeing that +his cousin wore an exceedingly long face. + +"Arthur Vane has just told Pierre that we had made up our minds to +escape to-night," replied Frank. + +"No!" exclaimed the boys, almost paralyzed by the information. + +"It's a fact. After supper, we are to be bound hand and foot; and +Arthur, to show how brave he is, and how cowardly we are, is going to +resist, and Pierre has promised that his men shall not handle him +roughly. O, you'll find out!" he continued, seeing that his friends +looked incredulous. "I crept up behind that bowlder, and heard all about +it. I did not understand all the conversation; but I know that Arthur is +a traitor, and that we are indebted to him for our capture." + +Archie and Johnny were utterly confounded. They could not find words +strong enough to express their feelings. They sat on their blankets, and +looked at each other in blank amazement. Presently, Arthur came in +sight, and his appearance served to restore their power of action; and +then, for the first time, they seemed to realize the full enormity of +the offense of which he had been guilty. Archie jumped to his feet, and +commenced pulling off his jacket. + +"Fellows," said he, throwing down his sombrero, and rolling up his +shirt-sleeves, "I'm going to pound some of the meanness out of him." + +"And I'll help you!" exclaimed Johnny, excitedly. "Who ever heard of +such a thing?" And Johnny brought his fist down into the palm of his +hand, with a noise like the report of a pistol. + +"Don't do it, boys!" interposed Frank. "Come here, Archie! Sit down, +Johnny. He will be punished enough, when he gets back to the settlement. +Let's cut him at once, and have nothing more to do with him. Johnny, put +on your jacket! Behave yourself, Archie!" + +Frank found it hard work to turn the two boys from their purpose. Their +indignation had been thoroughly aroused, and, if Arthur had only known +it, he was in a dangerous neighborhood. Although Frank was quite as +angry as his friends, he had more prudence. He did not believe that they +were the proper ones to execute vengeance upon their enemy. His +punishment would come soon enough, and it would be quite as terrible as +Arthur was able to bear. By dint of a good deal of coaxing, and pushing, +and scolding, he finally got Archie and Johnny on their blankets again, +and just then the traitor came up. His face wore a triumphant smile, +that was exceedingly irritating to the three boys just then, and he +approached them with as much assurance as though he had never in his +life been guilty of a mean action. + +"I have been out enjoying the cool breeze," said he, not noticing the +angry glances that were directed toward him. + +"Put it all in, while you are about it," exclaimed Johnny. "Say that you +have been holding a consultation with Pierre, in regard to our escape +to-night." + +Arthur turned very red in the face, and took a step or two backward, as +if Johnny had aimed a blow at him; and then, somewhat recovering +himself, he opened his eyes, puckered up his lips, and looked from one +to the other of his companions, with an expression of intense +astonishment. + +"How, now, Innocence!" exclaimed Archie. "You're a nice looking fellow. +Go away from here." + +"Why, boys," stammered Arthur, "I do not understand you. I have not seen +Pierre"-- + +"Go away!" said Johnny, again rising to his feet--a movement that was +instantly imitated by the pugnacious Archie. + +"Can't you tell me what's the matter?" demanded Arthur, making a +desperate effort to look unconcerned, and to call up some of that +courage of which he had so often boasted. + +"Have you got the impudence--the brass, to come to us, and ask what's +the matter, after what you have done?" asked Archie, angrily. "We'll +soon let you know what's"-- + +"Hold on, boys!" interrupted Frank, who saw that Archie's rage was in a +fair way to get the better of him. "Johnny, stand back! Keep still, +Archie! Go about your business, Arthur Vane! We know just what passed +between you and Pierre, not five minutes ago, and we don't want to +listen to any excuses or explanations." + +"Explanations!" shouted Archie. "Excuses! for being a traitor!" + +"Go over there among those yellow gentlemen," continued Frank. "You are +their friend, and there's where you belong. Don't dare come near any of +us again. Start!" + +"Yes, start--mizzle--clear out!" roared Archie, getting angrier every +moment. "Begone! Make yourself scarce about here!" + +"Well, I think this is a nice way to treat a gentleman," growled +Arthur, as he turned on his heel, and walked slowly away. + +"Pick up that blanket and saddle," said Johnny. "Take all your plunder +away from here, and remember that this side of the glade belongs to us." + +"Yes, remember it--bear it in mind!" exclaimed Archie, who seemed to +think it his duty to give emphasis to what the others said. "Think of it +continually." + +Arthur glared savagely upon Archie; but, fearing to irritate him and his +friends further, by refusing to obey their commands, he shouldered his +baggage, and walked sullenly toward the fire, around which the Rancheros +were congregated, awaiting the summons to supper. + +"Benedict Arnold!" said Johnny, as soon as the traitor was out of +hearing. + +Frank and Archie thought the name appropriate. It clung to Arthur as +long as he remained in that part of California. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +THE ESCAPE. + + +Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a +thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation +than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves +on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion. Of +course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in +view? A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were +correct. The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be +demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he +expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to +receive for them. They never imagined that the traitor had been +instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had +happened to them during the day was the result of the incidents that +had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader's ranch. + +"I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws," +said Frank. "If he does, that's all the good it will do him, as far as +handling any of my uncle's money is concerned. It's lucky that we have +found him out." + +"It's unfortunate that we didn't find him out long ago," said Archie, +who had by this time recovered his usual good nature. + +"Our plans for escape are all knocked in the head for this night," +continued Frank; "but we will hold ourselves in readiness to seize the +first opportunity that is offered. Dick and Bob will be on our trail in +a few hours." + +At this moment, Pierre entered the glade from the side opposite the +spring, and stopped to say a few words to the sentinel, who immediately +approached the prisoners, and took his stand within a few paces of them. + +"These villains must be afraid of us," said Frank, with a laugh. + +"They'd better be," returned Johnny. "I wouldn't like to have sixty +thousand dollars wrapped up in such slippery customers as we are." + +"I wonder if Pierre thinks we can fly?" said Archie. "That's the only +way I can see for getting out of here, while these robbers are all +around us. I say, old fellow," he added, turning to the sentinel, "are +you a good shot on the wing?" + +The Ranchero shrugged his shoulders, and tapped his revolvers +significantly. + +"I judge from that you are a good shot on the wing," continued Archie. +"Let me advise you to keep both eyes open; for the first thing you know, +you'll see us disappearing over the tops of these mountains. Each of us +has a patent, duplex, double-back-action flying-machine in his pocket." + +Archie was going on to explain to the Ranchero the principles on which +his imaginary flying-machine operated, when the call to supper +interrupted him. + +During the meal, the robbers were quite as polite as they had been at +dinner. They gobbled up every thing within their reach, devouring it +greedily, as though they feared that somebody might get more than his +share, and the boys, having learned by experience, that, when one +sojourns among Romans, it is a good plan to do as Romans do, snatched +what they liked best, and ran back to their blankets. + +"Look at Benedict," said Johnny, speaking as plainly as a mouthful of +cracker would permit. "He's hot about something." + +Arthur was sitting on the ground beside the robber chief, to whom he was +talking earnestly, and even angrily, judging by the frantic manner in +which he flourished his arms about his head, and struck with his fists +at the empty air. Pierre was listening attentively, and so were all the +other members of the band, who appeared to be deeply interested in what +he was saying. Arthur had told the chief that his secret was discovered, +and Pierre had urged him to use every exertion to allay the suspicions +of the boys. + +"You don't know them as well as I do," said the Ranchero; "and, if you +will take my advice, you will try to make friends with them again." + +"That's something I'll never do," said Arthur, decidedly. "Shall a +gentleman's son stoop to beg the good-will of a lot of young Arabs? Not +if he knows himself; and he thinks he does. They have found me out, +somehow, and I don't care if they have. I may as well throw off the mask +entirely. I'll let them see that, while they are prisoners, and bound +hand and foot, I am at liberty to go and come when I please." + +When Arthur said this, he was gazing into the fire, and consequently did +not see the significant glances which the robber chief exchanged with +his men. It might have astonished him to know that he was not free to go +and come when he pleased; and that Pierre, in spite of all his promises +to the contrary, intended to demand twenty thousand dollars for him, as +well as for the others. + +When Frank and his friends had eaten their supper, they began to make +preparations for the night, by collecting a pile of dried leaves and +grass, over which they spread their blankets, placing the saddles at the +head of the bed, to serve as pillows. When the couch was completed, it +was very inviting, and, had it not been for the knowledge of the fact +that they were to be bound hand and foot, they would have been sure of a +good night's rest. + +Frank could not go to bed without visiting Roderick. He found the horse +standing quietly by the spring, and when he saw his master approaching, +he raised his head and welcomed him with a shrill neigh. + +"O, if we could only get half a minute's start of these robbers!" said +Frank, patting the animal's glossy neck, "wouldn't we show them a clean +pair of heels? They'd never have us prisoners again, I _bet_." + +Frank emphasized the last word by punching Roderick in the ribs with his +thumb--an action which caused the animal to lay back his ears, and kick +viciously, with both feet, at some imaginary object behind him. + +When our hero returned to the place where he had left Archie and Johnny, +he saw them lying on their beds securely bound. Pierre stood close by, +with a lasso in his hand, and, when Frank came up, he greeted him with a +fierce scowl, and, in a savage tone of voice, commanded him to cross his +arms behind his back. Frank obeyed, and the Ranchero, while he was busy +confining him, inquired: + +"Do you remember what I said to you at noon?" + +"About what?" asked Frank. + +"About making scare-crows of you and your friends, if my messenger does +not return at daylight." + +"I believe I do remember something about it." + +"Then why did you advise your uncle to detain him? You must be tired of +life. You told Mr. Winters to send those rascally trappers up here, with +a party of men, to capture us." + +"Now, see here, Pierre," exclaimed Frank, angrily, "Dick and Bob are not +rascals. They are honest men, and what they own, they have worked hard +for. They will be up here--you may depend upon that--and, if Dick once +gets his hands on you"-- + +"O, won't he shake him up, though!" cried Archie, from his blanket. "I +wouldn't be in Pierre's shoes then for all the money he will ever get +for us." + +"You may make up your minds to one thing," said the chief; "and that is, +if so much as a hair of that messenger's head is harmed, you will be +swinging from some of these trees at sunrise." + +"That is a soothing story to tell to a person who is trying to go to +sleep," observed Johnny. + +"You can't make us believe that you would throw away sixty thousand +dollars," said Frank. "Be careful," he added, as Pierre, after confining +his arms with one end of the lasso, began to wind the other around his +ankles; "make those knots secure, or I may get away from you again." + +"I'll risk that. Now, good-night, and pleasant dreams to you." + +The robber lifted Frank in his arms, and laid him upon his blanket, as +if he had been a sack of flour, and then walked off, leaving his +prisoners to their meditations. Scarcely had he disappeared, when +Arthur, who had stood at a little distance, watching the operations of +the chief, came up, and, after regarding the three boys a moment with a +smile of triumph, inquired: + +"How do you feel now? I hope you will enjoy a good night's rest. You see +I am at liberty." And he stretched out his arms, to show that they were +not confined. + +"Of course," said Frank. "You ought to be; you are one of Pierre's band. +We are under obligations to you for what you have done for us." + +"How did you find it out?" asked Arthur. + +"Why, one of those Arabs you used to know in Patagonia, came up here, +and told us how you acted while you were in that country, and we thought +it best to keep an eye on you," answered Archie. + +"See here, Benedict," said Johnny. "Have you forgotten that we told you +to keep your distance?" + +"No; but I generally go where I please," replied Arthur. + +"You have done something worth boasting of, haven't you?" + +"Well--yes; but I am not done with you yet. If I have any influence with +Pierre--and I think I have--you'll not see home for a year--perhaps +longer." + +"Pierre! Pierre!" shouted Archie, suddenly. "I say, Pierre!" + +"Well, what's the row?" asked that worthy, from his bed by the fire. + +"I'll make you a present of my horse, if you will give me my liberty for +just two minutes. Will you do it?" + +"I guess not," replied the robber. + +"I promise you that I will not attempt any tricks," pleaded Archie. "I +only want to show Benedict something. Come, Pierre, that's a good +fellow." + +The Ranchero laughed, and turned over on his blanket, without making any +answer, and Archie, being satisfied that it was useless to urge the +matter, laid his head upon his hard pillow, and looked indignantly at +the traitor. + +"Never mind," said he. "I'll be unbound to-morrow morning, and I'll know +how to get up an appetite for breakfast." + +Arthur understood what the prisoner meant by getting up an appetite for +breakfast, and it made him angry. He was very brave, now. His three +enemies were lying before him unable to defend themselves, and it was a +fine opportunity to execute vengeance upon them. He suddenly took it +into his head that it would be a nice thing to punish them all, +beginning with the one who had first excited his animosity. + +"Hold on, you little Yankee," said he. "I'll attend to you in a minute. +Johnny Harris, what was that name you applied to me?" + +"It was a new one we have given you," answered Johnny. "We have called +you after the meanest man that ever lived--Benedict Arnold. Do you know +him? Did you ever meet him while you were hunting lions and tigers in +Europe?" + +Frank and his cousin laughed loudly, which so enraged Arthur that he +caught up a stick, that happened to be lying near him, and struck Johnny +a severe blow with it. + +"O, you coward!" shouted Archie, struggling frantically to free his +arms. "What do you mean by hitting a man when he is down, and can't move +hand or foot?" + +The traitor turned fiercely upon Archie, and was about to use the stick +upon him, when the gruff voice of the sentinel arrested his hand. The +Ranchero pointed toward the fire, and Arthur, understanding the motion, +threw down the stick, and walked away, shaking his head, and muttering +to himself. + +"He had better keep close to his friends to-morrow," said Johnny, his +face all wrinkled up with pain. + +The other boys thought so too. Each one of them had rather that Arthur +had struck him instead of Johnny; for the latter, although +high-spirited, and inclined to be belligerent under provocation, was a +good-natured, accommodating fellow, who gained hosts of friends wherever +he went, and who never hesitated to make any sacrifice for the benefit +of others. Frank had never before witnessed such an exhibition of +cowardly vindictiveness, and he was almost sorry that he had protected +Arthur. + +The traitor, well satisfied with what he had done, and only regretting +that he had been interrupted before his revenge was complete, spread his +blanket beside the chief; and, after that, nothing happened for a long +time to disturb the silence of the camp. The Rancheros were soon in a +sound sleep, even including Antoine Mercedes, the sentinel, who sat with +his back against a tree, his head hung down upon his breast and his +right hand, which rested on the ground beside him, grasping a revolver. +He had been placed there by his chief to watch the prisoners; but, +believing that there was little danger of their escape, and being +unwilling to be deprived of his usual rest, he had gone to sleep as soon +as the others. The boys, however, were wide awake. The exciting events +of the day, and the pain occasioned by their bonds, effectually banished +sleep from their eyes, and they passed the long hours in pondering upon +what Arthur had done, and trying in vain to find a comfortable position +on their blankets. Johnny, especially, was very restless. He lay for a +long time watching the sentinel, and thinking how easily he and his +companions could effect their escape, if their hands and feet were free; +then he wondered if Pierre was in earnest, when he said that he would +make "scare-crows" of them if his messenger did not return by daylight; +and, finally, he turned over, and tried, for the hundredth time, to go +to sleep. + +The fire, which was still burning brightly, lighted up every corner of +the glade, and, from the new position in which he lay, Johnny could see +how Archie's arms were bound. They were crossed behind his back, and the +lasso was wrapped twice around them, and tied in a square knot--a single +glance at which drove all thoughts of sleep out of Johnny's mind, and +suggested to him the idea of an attempt to liberate his friend. The +knot, on account of the stiffness of the lasso, had not been drawn very +tight, and Johnny thought he had hit upon a plan to untie it. + +"Archie," he whispered, excitedly. + +"Hallo!" was the response. + +"Are you asleep?" + +"No; nor am I likely to be to-night," growled Archie. "This lasso hurts +me dreadfully. Pierre drew it as tight as he could." + +"Don't talk so loud," whispered Johnny. "Keep your eyes on that +sentinel, and, if he moves, shake your arms." + +"What for?" demanded Archie. "What are you going to do?" + +"I don't know that I can do any thing; but I am going to try." + +"All right; go ahead." + +Johnny took a long look at the Ranchero, to make sure that he was sound +asleep, and then, rolling up close to Archie, he went to work with his +teeth to untie the lasso, with which the latter's arms were bound. This +was not so easy a task as he had imagined it would be; but the knot +yielded a little with every pull he made upon it, and, after ten minutes +hard work, Johnny rolled back upon his blanket with an expression of +great satisfaction upon his countenance, and watched his friend as he +unwound the lariat with which his feet were confined. + +"Hurrah for you, Johnny!" whispered Archie, a moment afterward. "We'll +out-wit these greasers yet. Hold easy, now, and I'll soon give you the +free use of your hands and feet." + +Archie's fingers made quick work with Johnny's bonds, and, when he had +untied his arms, he left him to do the rest, and turned to release his +cousin. This he soon accomplished, and then the three boys, astonished +at their success, crept up closer together, to hold a consultation. + +"Lead on Frank, and we'll follow," said Johnny. + +"I will do the best I can," replied Frank. "Let's stick together as long +as possible; but, if we are discovered, we must separate, and let each +man take of himself. Remember, now, the one that reaches home must not +sleep soundly until the others are rescued." + +As Frank said this, he threw himself flat upon the ground, and crawled +slowly and noiselessly through the grass, toward the ledge by which they +had entered the glade in the morning. They passed the sentinel without +arousing him, and approached the fire around which lay the stalwart +forms of the Rancheros, who snored lustily, in blissful ignorance of +what was going on close by them. + +The boys' hearts beat high with hope as they neared the ledge, and +Johnny was in the very act of reaching over to give Frank an approving +slap on the back, when the movement was arrested by a loud yawn behind +him. This was followed by an ejaculation of astonishment, and, an +instant afterward, the report of a pistol rang through the glade. The +sentinel had just awakened from his sleep, and discovered that the +prisoners' blankets were empty. + +"Help! help!" he shouted, in stentorian tones, discharging another +barrel of his revolver, to arouse his companions. "Pierre, your birds +have flown!" + +"Run now, fellows!" whispered Frank, and, suiting the action to the +word, he jumped up, and took to his heels. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +THE STRUGGLE ON THE CLIFF. + + +As we have before remarked, the place in which the Rancheros had made +their camp was a natural recess in the mountains. It was surrounded on +three sides by rocky cliffs, the tops of which seemed to pierce the +clouds, and whose sides were so steep that a goat could scarcely have +found footing thereon. In front of the glade was the gorge, the sight of +which had so terrified Arthur Vane, and which was so deep that the roar +of the mountain torrent, that ran through it, could be but faintly heard +by one standing on the cliffs above. + +There were three ways to get out of the glade: one was by the narrow +ledge of rocks by which the Rancheros and their captives had entered it +in the morning; another was by a path on the opposite side of the glade, +which also ran along the very brink of the precipice; the third was by +climbing up the cliffs to the dizzy heights above. These avenues of +escape were all more or less dangerous, and one unaccustomed to +traveling in the mountains would have been at a loss to decide which to +take. Indeed, a very timid boy would have preferred to remain a prisoner +among the Rancheros, as long as he was sure of kind treatment and plenty +to eat, rather than risk any of them. If he took either of the paths +that ran along the chasm, he would require the skill of a rope-dancer to +cross it in safety; for they were both narrow and slippery, and a single +misstep in the darkness would launch him into eternity. If he tried to +scale the mountains, which, in some places, overhung the glade, he would +be in equal danger; for he might, at any moment, lose his balance, and +come tumbling back again. + +Frank and his two friends had thought of all these things during the +day, and they knew just what perils they were likely to encounter; but +they were not formidable enough to turn them from their purpose. While +they were crawling cautiously through the grass, they had been allowed +ample time to make up their minds what they would do, if their flight +should be discovered before they got out of the glade; and, +consequently, when the yells of the sentinel, and the reports of his +pistol, told them that the pursuit was about to begin, they did not +hesitate, but proceeded at once to carry out the plans they had formed. +Archie, the moment he jumped to his feet, darted toward the cliffs, +while Frank and Johnny ran for the ledge by which they had entered the +pass in the morning; and, by the time the Rancheros were fairly awake, +their prisoners had disappeared as completely as though they had never +been in the glade at all. + +Archie had chosen the most difficult way of escape, and he had done so +with an object. He believed that, as soon as Pierre and his band became +aroused, they would rush in a body for the path that led toward the +settlement; and Archie did not like the idea of running a race through +the darkness along the brink of that precipice. He might make a misstep, +and fall into the gorge, and that would be infinitely worse than +remaining a prisoner. His enemies, he thought, would not be likely to +follow him up the cliffs; but if they did, and he found that he could +not distance them, there were plenty of excellent hiding-places among +the bushes and rocks, where he could remain in perfect security, with an +army searching for him. Johnny and Frank did not look at the matter in +that way. They thought not of concealment; they took the nearest and +easiest way home, and trusted entirely to their heels. + +"Help! help!" shouted the sentinel, discharging the barrels of his +revolver in quick succession. "The boys have gone!" + +For a moment, great confusion reigned in the camp. The Rancheros sprang +to their feet, and hurried hither and thither, each one asking +questions, and giving orders, to which nobody paid the least attention, +and the babel of English and Spanish that arose awoke the echoes far and +near. The chief was the only one who seemed to know what ought to be +done. He examined the beds to satisfy himself that the prisoners had +really gone, and then his voice was heard above the tumult, commanding +silence. + +The first thing he did, when quiet had been restored, was to swear +lustily at the sentinel, for allowing the prisoners to escape, and then +he set about making preparations for pursuit. He sent two of the band on +foot down the path that led toward the settlement, another he ordered to +saddle the horses, and the rest he commanded to search every nook and +corner of the glade. + +As long as the noise continued, Archie worked industriously; and, being +a very active fellow, he got up the mountain at an astonishing rate. But +as soon as the chief had succeeded in restoring order, he sat down to +recover his breath, and to wait until the Rancheros left the glade: for +he was fearful that the noise he necessarily made, in working his way +through the thick bushes, might direct his enemies in their search. + +Although it was pitch dark on the mountainside, Archie could tell +exactly what was going on below him. He knew when the two men left the +glade, chuckled to himself when he heard the Ranchero, who had been +ordered to saddle the horses, growl at the restive animals, and noted +the movements of the party who were searching the bushes. He distinctly +heard their voices, and he knew that Arthur Vane was with them. + +"Do you think they will get away, Joaquin?" he heard the traitor ask. + +"That's hard to tell," was the reply. "It depends a good deal upon how +long they have been gone. If they get back to the settlement, you had +better keep away from there." + +"That's so," said Archie, to himself. + +"They'll never reach the settlement if I can help it," declared Arthur. +"If I get my eyes on one of them, I bet he don't escape. I'll take him +prisoner." + +Perhaps we shall find that Arthur did "get his eyes on one of them," and +we shall see how he kept his promise. + +The party went entirely around the glade, passing directly beneath +Archie, who held himself in readiness to continue his flight, should +they begin to ascend the cliff, and finally one of them called out: + +"They're not here, Pierre." + +"Mount, then, every one of you," exclaimed the chief. "When you reach +the end of the pass, scatter out and search the mountains, thoroughly. +Antoine, we have to thank you for the loss of a fortune, you idiot." + +Archie heard the Ranchero mutter an angry reply, and then came the +tramping of horses as the band rode from the glade. In a few seconds the +sound died away in the pass, and the fugitive was left alone. His first +impulse was to descend into the glade, mount Sleepy Sam, and follow the +robbers. Archie could ride the animal without saddle or bridle as well +as he could with them; and he was sure that if he could get but a few +feet the start of the Rancheros, his favorite could easily distance +them. But he remembered the chief's order for the band to "scatter out," +and knowing that every path that led toward the settlement would be +closely guarded, and fearing that he might run against some of his +enemies in the dark, he decided that the safest plan was to remain upon +the cliffs, where he could not be followed by mounted men. It cost him a +struggle to abandon his horse, which was galloping about the glade, and +neighing disconsolately, but he wisely concluded that twenty thousand +dollars were worth more to his uncle than Sleepy Sam was to him; and +drawing in a long breath, he tightened his sash about his waist, and +again began the ascent. + +His progress was necessarily slow and laborious, for, in some places, +the cliff was quite perpendicular, and the only way he could advance at +all, was by drawing himself up by the grass and bushes that grew out of +the crevices of the rocks. Sometimes these gave way beneath his weight, +and then Archie would descend the mountain for a short distance much +more rapidly than he had gone up. He was often badly bruised by these +falls. The bushes and the sharp points of the rocks tore his clothing, +and it was not long before he was as ragged as any beggar he had ever +seen in the streets of his native city. + +"By gracious!" exclaimed Archie, stopping for the hundredth time to +rest, and feeling of a severe bruise on his cheek which he had received +in his last fall, "I am completely tired out. And this is all the work +of that Benedict Arnold! Didn't I say that we should see trouble with +that fellow? If I were out on clear ground, and had my horse and gun, +I'd be willing to forgive him for what he has done to me, but I'll +always remember that he struck Johnny over the head, when he was tied, +and could not defend himself." + +Wiping the big drops of perspiration from his forehead, and panting +loudly after his violent exertions, Archie again toiled up the mountain, +so weary that he could scarcely drag one foot after the other. He +stumbled over logs, fell upon the rocks, and dragged himself through +bushes that cut into his tattered garments like a knife. Hour after hour +passed in this way, and, finally, just as the sun was rising, Archie, +faint with thirst, aching in every joint, and bleeding from numerous +wounds, stepped upon a broad, flat bowlder, which formed the summit of +the cliff. + +On his right, between him and a huge rock that rose for fifty feet +without a single break or crevice, was a narrow but deep chasm which ran +down the cliff he had just ascended, and into which he had more than +once been in imminent danger of falling as he stumbled about in the +darkness. Far below him was the glade, a thin wreath of smoke rising +from the smouldering camp-fire, and on his left was the gorge, a +hundred times more frightful in his eyes now than it had ever seemed +before. In front of him the mountain sloped gently down to the valley +below, its base clothed with a thick wood, which at that height looked +like an unbroken mass of green sward, and beyond that, so far away that +it could be but dimly seen, was a broad expanse of prairie, from which +arose the whitewashed walls of his uncle's rancho. It was a view that +would have put an artist into ecstasies, but the fugitive was in no mood +to appreciate it. He had no eye for the beauties of nature then--he had +other things to think of; and he regarded the picturesque mountains and +rocks, and the luxuriant woods, as so many grim monsters that stood +between him and his home. + +But Archie could not remain long inactive. After all the dangers he had +incurred, and the bruises and scratches he had received, he had +accomplished but little. He was still thirty miles from home, hungry and +thirsty, and pursued by crafty enemies, who might even then be watching +him from some secret covert. + +"Oh, if I were only there!" said he, casting a longing glance toward +the rancho, whose inmates, just then sitting down to a dainty breakfast, +little dreamed how much good a small portion of their bounty would have +done the fugitive on the mountain-top. "But, as the rancho can't come to +me, I must go to it." + +Archie found the descent of the mountain comparatively easy. There were +not so many bushes and logs to impede his progress, the slope was more +gradual, and he had not gone more than half a mile when he found a cool +spring bubbling out from under the rocks. He bathed his hands and face, +drank a little of the water, and when he set out again he felt much +refreshed. He followed the course of the stream, which ran from the +spring down the mountain, keeping a bright lookout for enemies all the +while, and stopping now and then to listen for sounds of pursuit, when +suddenly, as he came around the base of a rock, he found himself on the +brink of the gorge, and confronted by a figure in buckskin, who stood +leaning on a long, double-barrel shot-gun. Archie started back in +dismay, and so did the boy in buckskin, who turned pale, and gazed at +the fugitive as if he were hardly prepared to believe that he was a +human being. He speedily recovered himself, however, and after he had +let down the hammer of his gun, which he had cocked when the ragged +apparition first came in sight, he dropped the butt of the weapon to the +ground, exclaiming: + +"Archie Winters!" + +"Benedict Arnold!" + +For a moment the two boys stood looking at each other without moving or +speaking. Archie was wondering if it were possible for him to effect the +capture of the traitor, and Arthur, while he gazed in astonishment at +the fugitive's tattered garments and bloody face, was chuckling to +himself, and enjoying beforehand the punishment he had resolved to +inflict upon Archie. The opportunity he had wished for so long had +arrived at last. + +"I have found you, have I?" said Arthur, resting his elbows on the +muzzle of his gun, and looking at Archie with a triumphant smile. + +"Well, suppose you have; what do you propose to do about it?" + +"It is my intention to teach you to respect a gentleman the next time +you meet one." + +[Illustration] + +"How are you going to do it?" + +"In the first place, by giving you a good beating." + +"Humph!" said Archie, contemptuously, looking at Arthur from head to +foot, as if he were taking his exact measure. "It requires a boy with +considerable 'get up' about him to do that." + +"None of your impudence, you little Yankee," exclaimed Arthur, angrily. +"I'm going to take some of it out of you before you are two minutes +older." + +When the traitor selected Archie as the one upon whom he could wreak his +vengeance without danger to himself, he had made a great mistake. Archie +was smaller than most boys of his age, but, after all, he was an +antagonist not to be despised. He was courageous, active, and as wiry as +an eel; and his body, hardened by all sorts of violent exercise, was as +tough as hickory. He trembled a little when he looked over into the +gorge, and thought of the possible consequences of an encounter on that +cliff, but he was not the one to save himself by taking to his heels, +nor did it come natural to him to stand still and take a whipping as +long as he possessed the strength to defend himself. A single glance was +enough to convince him that the traitor was in earnest, and Archie +watched the opportunity to begin the struggle himself. + +"Yes, sir," continued Arthur, "I've got you now just where I want you. I +am going to settle this little difference between us, and then I shall +take you back to Pierre. If you have any apologies to make, I am willing +to listen to them." + +The effect of these words not a little astonished the traitor. He had +been sure that Archie would be terribly frightened, and that he would +either seek safety in flight, or beg hard for mercy; consequently, he +was not prepared for what really happened. Scarcely had Arthur ceased +speaking, when the place where Archie was standing became suddenly +vacant, and, before the traitor could move a finger, his gun was torn +from his grasp and pitched over the cliff into the gorge. As the weapon +fell whirling through the air, both barrels were discharged, and the +reports awoke a thousand echoes, which reverberated among the mountains +like peals of thunder. + +"Now we are on equal terms," exclaimed Archie, as he clasped the traitor +around the body and attempted to throw him to the ground. "You remember +that you struck Johnny last night, when he was bound, hand and foot, and +couldn't defend himself, don't you?" + +"Yes; and now I am going to serve you worse than that," replied Arthur, +who, although surprised and taken at great disadvantage by the +suddenness of the attack, struggled furiously, and to such good purpose +that he very soon broke Archie's hold; "I am going to fling you over the +cliff after that gun." + +The contest that followed was carried on on the very edge of the +precipice, and was long and desperate. Archie, bruised and battered in a +hundred places, and weary with a night's travel, was scarcely a match +for the fresh and vigorous Arthur, who, in his blind rage, seemed +determined to fulfill his threat of throwing him over the cliff after +the gun. Fortune favored first one and then the other; but Archie's +indomitable courage and long wind carried the day, and he finally +succeeded in bearing his antagonist to the ground and holding him there. + +"You are not going to throw me over, are you?" gasped Arthur, who was +humble enough, now that he had been worsted. + +"Do you take me for a savage?" panted Archie, in reply. "I simply wanted +to save myself from a whipping that I did not deserve, and I've done it. +Now you must go to the settlement with me, to"-- + +"Here you are!" exclaimed a familiar voice. "Let us see if you will +escape me again." + +Archie looked up, and saw Antoine Mercedes advancing upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Archie had been so fully occupied with the traitor that he had not +thought of his other enemies, and for a moment he lay upon the ground +beside his antagonist, gazing at Antoine in speechless amazement. +Resistance, of course, was not to be thought of, and it also seemed +useless to make any attempts at escape; for he had been so nearly +exhausted by his struggle with Arthur, that he scarcely possessed the +power to rise from the ground. "I am caught easy enough," thought he, +"and I might as well give up first as last." + +"I see before me twenty thousand dollars," said Antoine, hastily coiling +up his lasso as he approached. + +These words acted like a spur upon Archie's flagging spirits. He no +longer thought of surrender: on the contrary, almost before he knew it, +he found himself on his feet and going down the mountain like the wind. + +"_Carrajo!_" yelled the Ranchero, swinging his lasso around his head. + +Archie was afraid of that lasso, for he knew that he was in danger as +long as he was within reach of it; but fortunately he had been too quick +for Antoine. He heard the lariat whistle through the air behind him, and +snap like a whip close to his ear, and then he knew that his enemy had +missed his mark. + +"Santa Maria!" shouted the robber. "Stop, you young vagabond, or I'll +shoot you." + +The fugitive was not frightened by this threat. He was not afraid of +being shot, nor did he believe that he could be overtaken in a fair +race; for, now that he got started, he found that he had wind enough +left for a long run. He had lived among the Rancheros long enough to +know that they were very poor marksmen, and that they could not boast of +their swiftness of foot; and, having escaped the lasso, his spirits rose +again, and hope lent him wings. He heard Antoine crushing through the +bushes in pursuit, but the sound grew fainter and fainter as he sped on +his way. He jumped over rocks and logs, and cleared ravines that at +almost any other time would have effectually checked his progress, and +when he reached the thick woods at the base of the mountains, the +Ranchero was out of sight and hearing. + +Archie was well aware of the fact that he had now reached the most +dangerous part of his route homeward. The chief had ordered the band to +"scatter out" when they reached the end of the pass, and he knew that +every road that led toward the settlement was closely watched. He knew, +also, that his only chance for escape was to avoid these roads and keep +in the thickest part of the woods. He sat down behind some bushes to +rest for a few moments, and then started on again, sometimes creeping on +his hands and knees, making use of every log and rock to cover his +retreat, and stopping frequently to examine the woods in front of him, +and to listen for sounds of pursuit. He had accomplished about a mile in +this way, when he found himself in one of the numerous bridle-paths that +ran through the mountains in every direction, and, what was worse, he +saw the scowling visage of Pierre Costello arise from behind a log not +ten paces from him. With the same glance he saw something else; and that +was a crouching figure in buckskin, which was creeping stealthily toward +the robber. + +"Here's one caught," said Pierre, stepping into the path and walking +toward Archie. "None of your tricks, now; you can't escape." + +"I don't intend to try," replied Archie, with a boldness that astonished +the robber. "Your game is up, Mr. Pierre, and I advice you to surrender +quietly, if you don't want to get hurt!" + +"What!" exclaimed the Ranchero. "Surrender! If you know what you are +about, you will not offer any resistance. I am a desperate man." + +The robber spoke these words boldly enough, but he evidently did not +like the looks of things. He gazed earnestly at Archie, as if trying to +determine what it was that had encouraged him to show so bold a front, +and seeing that he held one hand behind him, Pierre came to the +conclusion that he must, by some means, have secured possession of a +revolver. + +"Drop that weapon, and hold your arms above your head," said the robber. + +Archie did not move. While he appeared to be looking steadily at the +chief, he was really watching the movements of the figure in buckskin, +which had all this while been working its way quickly, but noiselessly, +through the bushes, and had now approached within a few feet of the +Ranchero. + +"Did you hear what I said?" demanded the latter, placing his hand on one +of his revolvers. "You are my prisoner." + +"Well, then, why don't you come and take me?" asked Archie. + +At this moment a slight rustling in the leaves caught the quick ear of +the robber, who turned suddenly, uttered a cry of alarm, and fled down +the path, closely followed by something that to Archie looked like a +gray streak, so swiftly did it move. But it was not a gray streak--it +was Dick Lewis, who, after a few of his long strides, collared the +Ranchero with one hand and threw him to the ground, and with the other +seized the revolver he was trying to draw, and wrested it from his +grasp. Pierre struggled desperately, but to no purpose, for the trapper +handled him as easily as though he had been a child. + +"Now, then, you tarnal Greaser," exclaimed Dick, "your jig's danced, an' +you must settle with the fiddler. If I only had you out on the prairie, +I'd larn you a few things I reckon you never heern tell on. Come here, +you keerless feller, an' tell me if you 'member what I said to you +yesterday! Whar's Frank?" + +Before Archie had time to reply, an incident happened, which, had the +trapper been a less experienced man than he was, would have turned his +triumph into defeat very suddenly. He had more than one enemy to contend +with, and the first intimation he had of the fact, was a sound that +Archie had heard so often since his residence in California that it had +become familiar to him--the whistling noise made by a lariat in its +passage through the air. Before Archie could look around to discover +whence this new danger came, he saw the trapper stretched at full length +on the ground. For an instant his heart stood still; but it was only +for an instant, for Dick was on his feet again immediately, and Archie +drew a long breath of relief when he saw the lasso, which he feared had +settled around his friend's neck, glide harmlessly over his shoulder. +The trapper, from force of long habit, was always on the watch for +danger, and when he heard that whistling sound in the air, he did not +stop to look for his enemy, but dropped like a flash to avoid the lasso; +and when he arose to his feet his long rifle was leveled at a thicket of +bushes in front of him. + +"Show yourself, Greaser!" cried Dick. + +The concealed enemy obeyed without an instant's hesitation, and when he +stepped into the path, Archie saw that it was Antoine Mercedes. + +"Thar's nothin' like knowin' the tricks of the varmints," said Dick, +coolly, as he handed his rifle to Archie, and proceeded to disarm +Antoine. "If I had been a greenhorn, I should have been well-nigh choked +to death by this time; but a man who has seed prairy life, soon larns +that his ears was made for use as well as his eyes. Now, little un, +whar's the rest of them fellers?" + +While the trapper was engaged in confining his prisoners' arms with +their own lassos, Archie gave him a rapid account of all that had +happened during his captivity, dwelling with a good deal of emphasis on +the treachery of Arthur Vane. Dick opened his eyes in astonishment, and, +when Archie had finished his story, declared that they would be serving +Arthur right if they were to leave him among the robbers. + +"Why, he doesn't want to get away from them," said Archie. "He is with +them now, hunting for us. He and I had a fight not half an hour ago, +and, if Antoine had only stayed away a few minutes longer, Arthur would +have been a prisoner too." + +At this moment, a party of Rancheros galloped up, led by Uncle James and +Mr. Harris, and accompanied by the dogs, which the boys--who had +intended to devote the most of their time to stalking the elks, which +were abundant in the mountains--had left at home. Marmion and Carlo made +every demonstration of joy at seeing Archie once more, and Mr. Winters +greeted him as though he had not met him for years. + +Without any unnecessary delay, a trusty herdsman was dismounted, and +sent back to the ranch with the prisoners, and Archie mounted his horse. + +"You had better go home," said Mr. Winters, looking at his nephew's rags +and bruises. + +"Oh no, uncle," said Archie, quickly. "I promised Frank and Johnny that, +if I succeeded in getting away, I wouldn't sleep until they were safe +among friends. I want to go with you." + +Uncle James did not urge the matter, and Dick, although he shook his +head at Archie, and called him a "keerless feller," was proud of his +pluck. + +The trapper, who was the acknowledged leader of the party, set out at a +rapid trot toward the pass, but had not gone far, when he stopped, and +turned his head on one side to listen. "Spread out, fellers," said he, +waving his hand toward the bushes on each side of him. "Thar's something +comin'." + +The horsemen separated, and took up their positions on each side of the +path. They could hear nothing but the chirping of the birds, and the +sighing of the wind through the branches above their heads; but they had +not been long in their concealments before they found that Dick had not +been deceived. The clatter of a horse's hoofs on the hard path, faint +and far off at first, but growing louder as the animal approached, came +to their ears, and presently Roderick appeared in sight. The first thing +Archie noticed was, that he wore neither saddle nor bridle; the second, +that he carried Frank and Johnny on his back. One of Frank's hands was +twisted in the horse's mane, and his body was tightly clasped in the +arms of Johnny, who sat behind him. Archie had never seen the mustang +run so swiftly before, and he made up his mind that, if any of the +Rancheros were pursuing him, they might as well give up the chase. He +also thought that Frank and Johnny would enjoy a long ride before they +got a chance to put their feet on the ground again; for Roderick was +plainly stampeded. It was fortunate that Dick had sent them into the +bushes; for, had the party been in the path then, some of them would +have been run down, and, perhaps, trampled to death. + +"Out of the way there, Greaser!" shouted Frank, when he discovered the +trapper standing in the path. + +Dick was not a Greaser; but he thought it best to get out of the way; +and Frank would have gone by him, had not Carlo and Marmion recognized +their masters, and set up a howl of welcome. + +"Whoa!" shouted Johnny and Frank, in concert, and Roderick stopped so +suddenly that both his riders were thrown forward on his neck. + +"Come here, you boy that fit that ar' Greaser, an' tell me all about it, +to onct," exclaimed Dick. "Be they follerin' you?" + +"Not that we know of. We haven't seen any of them since daylight. Lend +me your lasso, Carlos, and we'll go back and hunt up Archie." + +But Archie was already found, and when he rode out of the bushes, Frank +was relieved of a great deal of anxiety. He had not seen his cousin +since he left the glade, and he feared that he had been re-captured; or, +what was worse, had slipped off the ledge into the gorge. + +A consultation was now held, and, after Uncle James and Mr. Harris had +listened to the boys' story, they decided that it would be a waste of +time to search for Arthur Vane. The latter's conduct had induced the +belief that he was a friend of the robbers, and could go and come when +he pleased. No doubt, when he got tired of life in the mountains, he +would return home of his own free will. The party would keep on to the +glade, however, and recover Sleepy Sam, and the boys' weapons. When this +had been decided upon, Dick's horse, which he had hidden in the bushes, +was brought out for Johnny, a lasso was twisted around Roderick's lower +jaw, to serve as a bridle, and then the trapper shouldered his long +rifle, and gave another exhibition of his "travelin' qualities." He kept +the horses in a steady gallop, sometimes "letting out" a little on +getting far in advance of them, and, when he stopped at the entrance to +the pass, he seemed as fresh as ever. + +The boys had expressed the hope that they would surprise some of the +robbers in the glade, but were disappointed. They found their saddles, +bridles, blankets, and weapons, however, and Archie recovered his horse, +which was standing contentedly beside the spring, half asleep, as usual. +Every thing was gathered up, including a few articles the robbers had +left behind, and, as they rode toward the settlement, the boys told each +other that the next time they went hunting, after Pierre's band had all +been captured, they would camp in the glade. + +Archie was confined to the house for a day or two after that; but, if +his body was stiff and bruised, his tongue was all right, and it was a +long time before he got through relating the incidents of his fight with +the traitor. + +Frank and Johnny had met with no adventures, not having seen any of the +band after they left the glade. They crossed the ledge without +accident--although they confessed that they would think twice before +trying it again--and, when they reached the end of the pass, they +concealed themselves in a hollow log until morning. When they were about +to continue their flight, they discovered the mustang, which, unwilling +to be left alone in the glade, had crossed the ledge, and was on his way +home. Frank easily caught him; but, knowing his favorite's disposition +as well as he did, hesitated about requiring him to carry double; +however, he finally decided that Roderick was large enough and strong +enough to carry them both, and that he must do it, or take the +consequences. Frank thereupon mounted the animal, Johnny climbed up +behind him, and Roderick, after a few angry kicks, consented to the +arrangement. Believing the boldest course to be the safest, they put the +horse to the top of his speed, trusting to his momentum to overcome any +thing that might endeavor to obstruct the path. + +While Archie was confined to the house, Dick and old Bob were busy, and +their efforts were rewarded by the capture of three more of the band, +who were sent to San Diego with the others. Only one was left now, and +that was Joaquin, who had thus far successfully eluded pursuit. The +traitor was also missing; and, although Mr. Vane kept his herdsmen in +the mountains continually, nothing had been seen of him. Arthur was +paying the penalty of his treachery, and was being punished in a way he +had not thought of. After his unsuccessful attempt to capture Archie +Winters, he went down the mountain to the place where he had left his +horse, and there he found Joaquin, who had narrowly escaped a ball from +the rifle of old Bob Kelly. He was in ill-humor about something, but his +face brightened when he discovered Arthur. + +"We must be off at once," said he. "The mountains are full of men." + +"I believe I'll go home," replied Arthur. "I am going to ask my father +to give me money enough to take me back to Kentucky; for, of course, I +can't live here after what I have done. Before I go, however, I want to +tell you, that you and your friends are a set of blockheads. If I had +known that you would be so stupid as to allow those fellows to escape, I +shouldn't have had any thing to do with you. Good-by, Joaquin." + +"Not quite so fast, my lad," said the Ranchero, seizing Arthur's horse +by the bridle. "You are worth as much to us as the others." + +"What do you mean?" exclaimed Arthur. + +"I mean that you are a prisoner, and that you must stay here with us. I +hope you understand that?" + +Arthur was thunderstruck. "Why, Joaquin," said he, "Pierre promised me +faithfully that I should be treated as a visitor, and that no ransom +should be demanded for me." + +"And did you put any faith in that promise? When your father gives us +twenty thousand dollars, you can go, and not before." + +Arthur cried, begged, and threatened in vain. Joaquin was firm, and the +traitor was obliged to accompany him to the mountains. That night he +wrote to his father, informing him of his situation, and Joaquin, after +tying his prisoner to a tree, and gagging him, to prevent him from +shouting for assistance, rode to the settlement, and left the note on +Mr. Vane's door-step. + +During the three weeks following, Arthur led a most miserable life. He +had nothing to eat but dried meat, and but little of that. His captor +treated him very harshly, tying him to a tree every night, to prevent +his escape, and moving him about in the day-time, from place to place, +to avoid capture. It soon became known in the settlement, that Arthur +was held as a prisoner, and the search was conducted with redoubled +energy. Joaquin was constantly on the alert, but he was caught at last; +for, one day, just as he and Arthur were about to sit down to their +dinner of dried meat, Frank, Archie, and Johnny suddenly appeared in +sight, accompanied by the two trappers. Archie had repeatedly declared +that he owed the traitor a debt, which he intended to settle the very +first time he met him; but when he saw what a wretched condition Arthur +was in, he relented, and pitied him from the bottom of his heart. + +Joaquin was sent to San Diego to be dealt with according to law, and +Arthur went home. He did not remain there long; but, as soon as he was +able to travel, started for Kentucky, and every one was glad that he had +gone. + +Frank and Archie could tell stories now that were worth listening to. +They had seen exciting times since their arrival in California, had +been the heroes of some thrilling adventures, and they never got weary +of talking over the incidents that transpired during their captivity +AMONG THE RANCHEROS. + + +THE END. + + + + +THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES. + +J.T. TROWBRIDGE. + + +Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life +and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances. +He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and +all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of +march of the great body of humanity. + +The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young +Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the +title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place in +this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of their +seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time. +Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man, +too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successful +manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive to +all young readers, they have great value on account of their +portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing is +wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, +Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will we +find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. The +picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fiction +is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor little +Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in an +unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in his +lesson in school. + +On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the critical +reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate, that +easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to +do.--_Scribner's Monthly_. + +JACK HAZARD SERIES. +6 vols. BY J.T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25 + +Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. +Doing His Best. +The Young Surveyor. +A Chance for Himself. +Past Friends. +Lawrence's Adventures. + * * * * * + + +CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS. + +This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his +mental and physical powers. + +"We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a freshness +and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description of sport +and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to +share."--_Worcester Spy_. + +"The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly +at the head of what may be called boys' literature."--_Buffalo Courier_. + + +CAMPING OUT SERIES. + +By C.A. STEPHENS. + +All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations. +Cloth, extra, 75 cents. + +CAMPING OUT. As Recorded by "Kit." + +"This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands above +the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and +shoulders."--_The Christian Register_, Boston. + +LEFT ON LABRADOR; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE SCHOONER YACHT +"CURLEW." As Recorded by "Wash." + +"The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange +expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make +boys even unconscious of hunger."--_New Bedford Mercury_. + +OFF TO THE GEYSERS; OR THE YOUNG YACHTERS IN ICELAND. As +Recorded by "Wade." + +"It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were not +live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily over an +Esquimaux tribe."--_The Independent_, New York. + +LYNX HUNTING: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out." + +"Of first quality as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside the +best."--_Richmond Enquirer_. + +FOX HUNTING. As Recorded by "Raed." + +"The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It +overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy +throughout."--_Boston Gazette_. + +ON THE AMAZON; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "RAMBLER." As Recorded by +"Wash." + +"Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."--_Buffalo +Courier_. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Among The Rancheros, by Harry Castlemon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS *** + +***** This file should be named 17349.txt or 17349.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/3/4/17349/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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