ST ' GEORGE
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 SAN DIEGO
 
 SUNSET RANCH
 
 SUNSET RANCH 
 
 A BOY'S STORY OF ADVENTURE 
 IN THE WEST 
 
 BY 
 
 ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE 
 
 AOTHO* OF 
 
 "CANOE AND CAMPFIRE," "RIVAL CANOE BOYS," ETC. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 STREET & SMITH 
 
 PUBLISHERS
 
 1901, 
 
 By STREET & SMITH
 
 SUNSET RANCH. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE TENDERFOOT. 
 
 The western sun was hovering above the level 
 horizon, as though loath to say his "good-night," 
 when a weary figure on foot, skirting a muddy "buf- 
 falo wallow," with a faint show of eager anticipa- 
 tion, climbed the slight rise beyond, whence a 
 sweeping view of the everlasting prairies might be 
 obtained. 
 
 A smooth-faced boy, the tired pilgrim appeared to 
 be, whose rather showy corduroy garments, while 
 fashioned somewhat on the ranger and hunter 
 model, bespoke the Eastern tailor rather than the 
 tough and well-seasoned garb of a prairie-roving 
 "cow puncher," with greasy leather overalls or 
 "chaps." When he had "topped the rise" and cast 
 one quick glance hither and yon, a groan of bitter 
 disappointment broke from his dry lips, in spite of 
 his apparent nerve. 
 
 "That settles it I'm lost, beyond a shadow of a 
 doubt, and with a pretty good chance of spending 
 my first night alone on the open prairie," he said, 
 dolefully. 
 
 Somehow he shuddered at the prospect. The 
 vast solitude surrounding him like an ocean, ap- 
 peared so tremendous, so overpowering to one ac- 
 customed to city life, or, at most, a brief vacation
 
 8 The Tenderfoot. 
 
 with companions in the great woods of the Adiron- 
 dacks or Maine. 
 
 The lad appeared to have considerable determina- 
 tion of character, while perhaps lacking in those 
 sterling resources which seem to come so naturally 
 to Western boys, often forced to depend upon them- 
 selves and compelled to meet the hardships of life 
 at an early age. 
 
 At least, upon finding himself face to face with ill 
 luck, he set manfully to work to make the best of a 
 bad bargain. 
 
 One last lingering glance cast around, more to 
 get his bearings than in the faint hope of discover- 
 ing distant signs of a camp-fire or the white-topped 
 prairie schooners that constituted the freighters 
 caravan, from which he had wandered so disas- 
 trously. 
 
 The sun was half out of sight, and the scene was 
 one to arouse a sense of admiration in almost any 
 human heart, but, facing a night of lonely vigil upon 
 the broad prairie, surrounded by unknown perils, 
 young Cuthbert Lee was hardly in a state of mind 
 to pay much attention to these things the poetic 
 was overwhelmed by the practical side of his na- 
 ture. 
 
 He strove to remember all he had read and heard 
 about camping on the open plain, but made sad 
 work of it a little actual experience is always worth 
 a ton of theory. Of course, he could make some 
 sort of a fire, being possessed of matches, but the 
 prospect of supper was exceedingly vague, seeing 
 that he had nothing to cook. 
 
 One thing he noticed that gave him some en- 
 couragement less than half a mile to the left the 
 ground was broken more than usual indeed, the 
 presence of a bunch of trees in that quarter made 
 him suspect the presence of a ravine or coulee, which 
 would afford an excellent camping spot.
 
 The Tenderfoot. 9 
 
 Accordingly, with a little show of animation, he 
 dragged one tired leg after the other and drew near 
 the place. 
 
 Twilight had come, when objects take on a weird 
 aspect, and the boy was considerably startled to see 
 a skulking gray animal slink from the shelter of the 
 few trees, losing itself in the long grass. 
 
 "Pshaw! Doubtless a cowardly coyote, more 
 scared than myself. At any rate, I'm not going to 
 be thwarted. Here I am and here I expect to stay 
 for the night." 
 
 With that he picked up a piece of fallen timber 
 that afforded a fair cudgel, and giving a husky 
 shout, dashed into the motte of cottonwoods. 
 
 If there were other animals nearby he saw no 
 signs of their presence. With almost feverish haste 
 he began to gather material for a fire. Having 
 fired the sage brush he heaped dead branches upon 
 the pile and presently a cheery roar announced that 
 his object had been accomplished. 
 
 This done he set to work securing a goodly pile 
 of fuel for use during the long and weary hours of 
 the night that was already settling fast around him. 
 
 Utterly fagged out at last the youngster threw 
 himself down where the tufts of buffalo grass grew 
 thickest, and began to face the situation. 
 
 Never had the darkness seemed so intense, and 
 even the pitying stars were blotted out of sight by 
 masses of clouds that had arisen since sundown. 
 
 The wind moaned at intervals through the cotton- 
 woods, and to his excited imagination the spirits of 
 the air were holding carnival, as though mocking 
 his distress. 
 
 Luckily he was possessed of an average amount of 
 nerve, such as became a lad whose parent had won 
 'more than his share of fame during those dark 
 days when his native State, fair Virginia, was over- 
 run roughshod by the armies of the Federals; for
 
 io The Tenderfoot. 
 
 Cuthbert Lee's home had been in the ill-starred 
 Shenandoah Valley. 
 
 The hooting of owls and barking of prairie dogs 
 in a gopher village close by were sounds with which 
 he had become somewhat accustomed, so that they 
 gave him no uneasiness; but presently other noises 
 of the night came to his ears that somehow strained 
 his nerves to their utmost tension. 
 
 He recognized the familiar yelp or bark of the 
 sneaking coyote, to whom the blaze was a beacon of 
 fear, and he judged from the chorus of sounds, that 
 quite a pack of these jackals of the prairie hovered 
 near by. 
 
 "Yip! Yip! Yip!" 
 
 What was that long-drawn, mournful howl that 
 pierced the darkness of the night with startling force, 
 causing the lone camper to clutch his sturdy cudgel 
 and stare into the pitchy gloom with bated breath? 
 It was a gaunt gray prairie wolf that gave tongue 
 he had heard it once before, though safe at the time 
 behind the rampart of freighters' wagons, and could 
 never forget the dread sound. 
 
 Flashing into his mind came all the stories he had 
 ever read concerning these bold animals of hunters 
 attacked and borne down by mere force of numbers, 
 to fall victims to the sharp, snapping fangs of the 
 gray prairies of travelers on the snow-covered Si- 
 berian steppes chased by a troop of gaunt wolves, 
 frequently overwhelmed and forced to fight for life. 
 The prospect was not pleasant, to be sure. 
 
 "Yip! Yip! Yip!" 
 
 To his dismay a second howl of the same hideous 
 tenor came from a point opposite, and a third 
 sounded in the distance. The boy-camper sprang 
 to his feet in alarm. 
 
 Evidently his situation was perilous in the ex- 
 treme what would he not have given for the new 
 Winchester repeating rifle that had been fastened to
 
 The Tenderfoot. 1 1 
 
 his saddle and carried away when his treacherous 
 cayuse took a notion to stampede while the boy was 
 examining a curious gopher village with its strange 
 denizens in the shape of rattlesnakes, owls and 
 prairie dogs! Regrets were useless he must do 
 the best possible in the circumstances. 
 
 One thing he remembered in this emergency 
 that all wild animals, from the royal lion of the Afri- 
 can forest down to the hyena and coyote, have more 
 or less fear of fire, and hesitate to attack a human 
 being who has taken refuge behind a barricade of 
 flame. 
 
 Bearing this in mind he endeavored to arrange 
 matters so that he might have such a protector on 
 either side, although this state of affairs promised 
 to make sad inroads upon his limited stock of fuel. 
 
 As time crept on he noticed that the signal howls 
 seemed to come from various quarters, as though 
 the hungry wolves had drawn a circuit around the 
 camp. 
 
 He might have taken refuge in a tree had he not 
 doubted his ability to climb the cottonwoods with 
 their smooth trunks, destitute of branches to quite 
 a dizzy height. 
 
 The night wind fanned the flames and sent the 
 smoke scurrying aloft in fantastic wreaths that 
 added to the weird aspect of things in general. 
 
 And through the darkness at intervals came that 
 weird howl: 
 
 "Yip! Yip! Yip!" 
 
 Taken altogether it was a night never to be for- 
 gotten by the young fellow to whom the experience 
 came as an unwelcome guest. By degrees the 
 prowlers around the camp grew bolder as their fear 
 of the snapping flames became less acute, and it was 
 not a great while before Cuthbert discovered a very 
 savage pair of yellow orbs glowing amid the dusky
 
 ia The Tenderfoot. 
 
 shadows marking the extreme limit of the firelight 
 circle. 
 
 Very hungry looking and cruel these eyes ap- 
 peared, and obeying a sudden impulse, the beleag- 
 uered boy snatched up a blazing stick and hurled it 
 flaming and hissing in the quarter whence the alarm 
 sprang. 
 
 He had a fleeting glimpse of a dusky form slink- 
 ing precipitately away, but his exultation was short, 
 since other equally venomous orbs glared from new 
 quarters. 
 
 Evidently the wolves were closing in inch by inch 
 they shortened their circuit, gaining new courage 
 constantly until at length, grown desperately bold, 
 one would leap from cover, to be followed by the 
 rest. 
 
 The prospect was so appalling that even a full- 
 fledged prairie hustler might have felt his nerves 
 quiver with such a battle on his hands, and surely 
 this Virginia lad, armed only with a stout heart, and 
 a cudgel that must prove a mere mockery of defense, 
 might easily be pardoned for experiencing deadly 
 fear as he faced the situation. 
 
 Help there was surely none, so that he need not 
 waste his breath in vain shouts, save as they might 
 serve to alarm the creeping beasts around his fire 
 line. 
 
 Indeed, if there existed human beings within five 
 miles of his camp, the chances were about three to 
 one they would turn out to be hostile Sioux Indians 
 on the warpath, or worse still, some of the despera- 
 does who haunted the overland trail to the Black 
 Hills, bent upon deeds of plunder in holding up 
 stagecoaches or freighters' caravans. 
 
 Having about exhausted his slender resources in 
 the matter of defense, the youngster firmly grasped 
 his one weapon and with clenched teeth awaited the 
 attack. Men of his house had met death bravely in
 
 The Tenderfoot. 13 
 
 mortal combat with the armed foe, in defense of the 
 principles that were a part of their State existence; 
 and he believed that, his first fear having passed 
 away, he could show himself a worthy scion of the 
 famous family. 
 
 At least he would not have long to wait in such a 
 condition of dread suspense, for the hungry beasts 
 were growing impatient, and were creeping closer 
 all around. 
 
 He calculated that there must be at least five of 
 the enemy, far too many to admit of the slightest 
 hope on his part. 
 
 "If I only had my gun !" he muttered. "What sad 
 havoc I would make among these miserable prowl- 
 ers, had fortune but left me that faithful weapon!" 
 
 Nearer still! 
 
 The pilgrim from the East gave one last agonized 
 look alow and aloft, in the hope that some avenue of 
 escape which had hitherto eluded him might be 
 opened at this moment, but the only result was 
 despair. 
 
 All, then, was lost save the chance of laying about 
 him vigorously to the last and doing all the damage 
 his desperate muscles were capable of executing. 
 
 Had he been prairie born, with keen ears, able to 
 detect and define every sound that the night wind 
 carried, he might have discovered reason for encour- 
 agement ; but with death staring him in the face the 
 dull thud of horse's hoofs coming down the wind 
 was quite unnoticed. 
 
 He had already decided which one of his four- 
 footed adversaries he would have to deal with first 
 the largest and fiercest of the pack, bolder than his 
 fellows, and actually undaunted when Cuthbert, with 
 a shout, ha'd hurled another blazing brand close to 
 where he had drawn his quivering, attenuated body. 
 
 Nor did he err in this conclusion, for it was this
 
 14 The Tenderfoot. 
 
 identical beast that suddenly leaped from his covert 
 and made a desperate dash for the lad. 
 
 Perhaps young Lee had played the national game 
 of baseball at college, but certainly he never swung 
 a bat with truer aim than when his cudgel whistled 
 through space, to meet the springing brute in mid- ; 
 air. j 
 
 It was a center-shot, deserving of a "home-run" -j 
 the momentum acquired by the gray poacher in his 
 forward leap was entirely overcome, and more than 
 that his body received such an impetus that he was 
 sent whirling into the fire, from which he immedi- 
 ately sprang, amid a shower of sparks, a badly- 
 singed but possibly wiser wolf. 
 
 So far as it went this was good enough ; and had 
 he been given a fair chance the youngster felt he 
 could hold his own against the gray hosts, treating 
 each in turn to the same dose of medicine. 
 
 It chanced unfortunately, that his assailants had 
 views of their own in the matter, which conflicted 
 sadly with his own. 
 
 Encouraged by the attack of their savage leader, 
 and evidently in no wise deterred by his dolorous 
 fate, the rest of the bunch made a concerted rush 
 toward the object of their hate. 
 
 It was the crisis. 
 
 The lad saw numerous gray bodies rising into 
 view. He could detect glowing orbs and even the 
 gaping red jaws which held two rows each of cruel, 
 white teeth already whetted for their feast. 
 
 Hardly was he given time to recover and assume 
 a position of defense when the hungry beasts were 
 upon him. 
 
 He struck out manfully, with a desperation nerved 
 by despair, and sent a couple of his four-footed ene- 
 mies tumbling over each other, yelping and snarling 
 as they tossed about; but a third pounced upon his
 
 The Tenderfoot. IV 
 
 back and clutched a coat sleeve between his teeth, 
 thus rendering the desperate boy almost helpless. 
 
 Though driven nearly frantic by the condition 
 confronting him, Cuthbert would undoubtedly have 
 struggled manfully to the last gasp. 
 
 Fortunately there was no need, since the ap- 
 proaching hoof strokes were close at hand and sig- 
 naled the advent of a newcomer on the scene. 
 
 There was a shout not unlike the wild war-whoop 
 of a Sioux brave plunging into the thick of battle, a 
 rush of horse's hoofs and then the sharp ringing sa- 
 lute of a heavy six-shooter, the "gun" upon which 
 every cowboy and range rider depends in an emer- 
 gency, and with which he generally becomes remark- 
 ably proficient. 
 
 Cuthbert's fierce assailants seemed to recognize 
 the doom of their assault in this new advent, and 
 deserting their expected prey, sought shelter in the 
 surrounding gloom ; but two of them remained upon 
 the battle-ground as evidence of the skillful handling 
 of the newcomer's gun. 
 
 Cuthbert could hardly believe in his good fortune 
 it seemed as though he had been virtually 
 snatched right out of the jaws of death by almost a 
 miracle. 
 
 He strained his feverish eyes to see through the 
 smoke, whether his new friend were red or white. 
 
 Expecting to discover a brawny teamster, or at 
 least a veteran cow puncher, grizzled and bronzed 
 and muscular, he was amazed to find that the figure 
 on the back of the yellow broncho was that of a boy 
 younger even than himself, and smaller of build. 
 
 The "kid" was garbed after the manner of a cow- 
 boy and sat his saddle with the air of one who con- 
 sidered it no difficult task to "bust bronchos" and 
 wear out the most vicious of prairie horses without 
 "pulling leather" or taking his hands from the 
 bridle.
 
 1 6 The Tenderfoot. 
 
 Brown as an Indian, keen of eye and with an air 
 of determination about him that gave much promise 
 of future manhood, the newcomer charmed the ten- 
 derfoot, whose ambition it was to mount the dizzy 
 heights attained by this youngster with such appar- 
 ent ease. 
 
 Seeing that the other had, to all appearances, 
 come out of the scrape with little harm beyond a 
 torn coat and a few scratches, the rider on the buck- 
 skin horse indulged in a hearty boyish laugh. 
 
 Doubtless to him the ludicrous side of the adven- 
 ture loomed up, but poor Cuthbert had passed 
 through such a fearful experience that he was more 
 or less rattled, and while he grinned in sympathy, it 
 was more because he felt under heavy obligations 
 to this new friend than in a humor to join in his mer- 
 riment. 
 
 "That was a pretty close call, stranger," sang out 
 the angel who had delivered him from so terrible a 
 fate. 
 
 "And you came just in the nick of time. I want 
 to thank you " 
 
 "Oh! bother all that! This is what we call high 
 fun out here. I'm never happier than when knock- 
 ing over a few of them gray critters on the jump." 
 
 Cuthbert himself believed he would be of the same 
 mind in the future, since those skulkers had given 
 him a scare he was not apt to forget in years. 
 
 "You wonder who I am and how I happen to be 
 camped here without horse or weapons, so let me 
 explain," he hastened to say, interpreting the curi- 
 ous glance the other cast about the lone camp under 
 the cottonwoods. 
 
 It was quickly told, and in such a frank, engaging 
 manner, not sparing himself for his blunders, that 
 the lad on the buckskin horse was quite taken with 
 him. 
 
 He held out a hand impulsively, the same that had
 
 The Tenderfoot. 17 
 
 worked the gun with such disastrous results to the 
 snarling wolves. 
 
 "Right glad to know you; needn't be ashamed of 
 what happened. No man could have shown more 
 bull pluck in facin' the critters. Me ? Oh, I'm only 
 Karl, a range rider, off his beat, and" here he 
 grinned broadly "lookin' for trouble, as Old Sile 
 says." 
 
 It was a strange meeting, and one heavily charged 
 with fateful issues. Ten minutes before neither 
 knew of the other's existence, yet now their life lines 
 had crossed, and they were destined to endure much 
 in common. 
 
 To Cuthbert it was a meeting fraught with mo- 
 mentous possibilities. 
 
 Strange as it may seem, this college lad had con- 
 ceived an ardent desire to become a centaur of the 
 plains, a cowboy, one of those dashing spirits whose 
 wild life possessed a fascination for him which he 
 could hardly understand, much less explain. 
 
 And in this wiry lad, whose home was in the sad- 
 dle, and who was doubtless just as expert at sending 
 a rope lasso through the air or taming a vicious 
 broncho as he had shown himself to be with a gun, 
 he saw his ideal. 
 
 But this was not the sole cause of Cuthbert Lee 
 finding himself under a Dakota sky. There was an- 
 other and a far more potent reason. Had Karl been 
 able to peep into the Lee home way back in Virginia 
 he would have found that this plucky youngster 
 whose life he had saved was bound up in a mystery 
 in the unraveling of which he was to witness many 
 strange scenes and live through countless hardships. 
 
 Karl had meanwhile dismounted, and was picket- 
 ing his horse after the custom of his kind. 
 
 Without warning, save a sudden shout, he sprang 
 to one side and began to stamp and thresh around 
 like one who had taken leave of his senses; but
 
 1 8 The Tenderfoot. 
 
 Cuthbert was not puzzled to account for his actions 
 since he saw that Karl slapped with his hat at little 
 spouts of flame that had begun to flash up amid the 
 clumps of prairie grass, where the last blazing ember 
 thrown at the gaunt leader of the wolf horde had 
 lodged. 
 
 Grasping the situation, the boy from the East 
 joined Karl in his impromptu dance, and between the 
 two the incipient conflagration was finally subdued. 
 
 "Phew!" gasped the range rider as victory finally 
 perched upon their standard; "you came near start- 
 ing a racket that would ha' played the very old 
 Dickens." 
 
 "Would it have been very serious?" asked Cuth- 
 bert. 
 
 "Well, when you've seen one or two prairie fires 
 I reckon you'll be careful how you open the ball. 
 But then I forgot; you had your life at stake." 
 
 "It's a pretty good thing we stamped it out then." 
 
 "Yes, sirree; we jest caught the blaze in time 
 with this wind and dry grass it would have gone off 
 with a roar. To tell the truth, I'm not too fond of 
 such a thing myself you see I lost all my hair and 
 part of my hide in one a year or two back, and can't 
 forget it." 
 
 He spoke as ojae with a fund of experience to 
 draw upon, and Cuthbert being only a greenhorn, 
 found himself lost in admiration of such a bold, and, 
 in his mind, romantic character. 
 
 Not that any evidence of pomp or pride could be 
 seen about Karl, who, while sturdy and self-pos- 
 sessed, appeared to be just what he was, a genuine, 
 whole-souled, impulsive boy, able to accomplish 
 quite a few things in keeping with his bold calling, 
 yet liable to make mistakes which he would frankly 
 own up to. 
 
 They sat down together by the fire, and Karl pro- 
 ducing some food from the bag at his saddle, the
 
 The Tenderfoot. 19 
 
 tenderfoot broke his fast. Of course they talked as 
 boys will, and in an hour's time had exchanged con- 
 fidences, so that they appeared to have known each 
 other for years, such is the ingenuous nature of un- 
 suspicious youth. 
 
 What Karl was induced to tell concerning his ro- 
 mantic life in the saddle, with its hardships and 
 pleasures, seemed to quite enthrall the other, who 
 began to see a chance of his dream coming true, 
 when he too might scour the broad prairies in chase 
 of buffalo and antelope, or join with other cowboys 
 in the grand spring and fall round-up of cattle and 
 horses, a genuine cow puncher and breaker of 
 bronchos.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CHASED BY A PRAIRIE FIRE. 
 
 Sitting there by the bright camp-fire, the boy from 
 the East forgot his fatigue and the hazardous ad- 
 venture through which he had recently come. 
 
 He listened like one charmed while Karl told in 
 simple, though graphic language, what manner of 
 life a prairie lad led, his rough experiences, his dan- 
 gerous work when in the midst of a stampeding, 
 fear-crazed herd of cattle, his lonely vigil when serv- 
 ing as night wrangler for the camp, watching the 
 horses or mules while they fed, and defending them 
 against the attacks of wild animals, or, it might be 
 horse thieves with a red skin. How Cuthbert hung 
 breathlessly upon every word! This was what he 
 had long yearned to experience ; and now that there 
 seemed a fair chance of his being gradually intro- 
 duced to the characters constituting the drama of 
 ranch and range, the old enthusiasm leaped up anew. 
 
 In imagination he scoured the limitless prairie on 
 the fleetest of bronchos, shied his trusty rope 
 through the air, singling out his victim and bring- 
 ing him down with unerring precision, fought the 
 wild prairie fire, breasted the fierce blizzard in the 
 effort to save the stunned and starving cattle all 
 these and more he had read about, and now had 
 painted for him in plain but forcible language by 
 one who, though but a stripling like himself, had 
 passed through the checkered career of herdsman, 
 wrangler and cowboy. 
 
 There were other events even less pleasant, of 
 which Karl said little of desperate battles with In- 
 dians on their periodical raids or encounters with
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 21 
 
 the "bad men" of the border, who bow to no law 
 save force. 
 
 These things Karl kept in the background, believ- 
 ing the other would in due time have experiences 
 of his own that would introduce him to such scenes. 
 
 Long they sat there. 
 
 How changed everything seemed, now that he 
 had a stanch and true comrade at his side! The 
 blackness of the night was less fearsome, the soli- 
 tude had no terrors, and he could even listen to the 
 distant, long-drawn, melancholy howl of the fierce 
 prairie wolf without a single quiver. 
 
 At last Karl's eyes began to close in spite of him- 
 self. 
 
 "Guess I must be done up," he said with a laugh. 
 "It's good to have somebody like you to talk to, but 
 I've been riding since dawn and I reckon I'd go to 
 sleep in the middle of my story if I started to tell 
 you another." 
 
 "They'll keep, Karl," said Cuthbert. "I could 
 listen to you all night, but I know you're pretty 
 tired." 
 
 "That's what I am," responded Karl. "Let's turn 
 in, then. Buckskin can bear us both in the morning ; 
 and trust him to run us up against the freighters' 
 caravan on the " 
 
 But Karl's tired eyelids slumbering fell, and 
 stretching himself out at full length, he slept the 
 sleep of the just. 
 
 There seemed no reason why Cuthbert should not 
 drop into sleep as easily as his wearied companion, 
 but somehow time drifted on, and while his eyes 
 were shut his brain was busy with a thousand 
 thoughts. 
 
 It was not the past so much as the future that en- 
 gaged his mind, though there were a few things in 
 his career that came up now and again to cause 
 more or less anxiety.
 
 22 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 
 
 What Karl had told him so graphically had in 
 reality fired his imagination and killed the desire for 
 sleep which his tired body demanded. 
 
 It must have been long after midnight. 
 
 Cuthbert sat up with more or less impatience be- 
 cause sleep refused him the sweet boon he craved. 
 
 He rubbed his hot eyes, and looked around. 
 
 The fire had gone out, and yet it was not dark as 
 before. 
 
 This surprised him at first, but he quickly decided 
 that the old battered moon must be rising. Had he 
 stopped to reason a moment it must have struck 
 him as a little incongruous that for once this steady, 
 heavenly luminary had taken a notion to rise in the 
 west. 
 
 The moaning of the wind had increased to a dull 
 roar, and yet the cottonwoods did not appear to be 
 lashing with its violence. 
 
 Karl's horse was stamping and whinnying at his 
 tether. 
 
 "Seems to me," said Cuthbert, "there is some- 
 thing out of the ordinary in the general condition 
 of things the very atmosphere is lacking in the 
 chill that this hour of the night always brings or 
 I'm dreaming." 
 
 He shook Karl, glad to have some one whose fa- 
 miliarity with the signs of the prairie would master 
 the situation. 
 
 Apparently Karl had not yet entirely overcome 
 the boyish propensity of deep-seated reluctance to 
 leave the land of dreams. 
 
 "What is it?" he muttered, drowsily. 
 
 "The moon's risen, and I reckon we're going to 
 have a storm," said Cuthbert. 
 
 Then Karl sat up. 
 
 Sleep was gone from his eyes in a twinkling. He 
 heard the uneasy actions of his horse, caught the 
 peculiar roaring, hollow sound away off to windward,
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 23 
 
 saw the yellow-red glow that was lighting up the 
 heavens as no harvest moon ever could illuminate 
 them, and with a snort of alarm sprang to his feet. 
 
 Cuthbert knew then and there some good cause 
 for action had arisen, but he did not comprehend 
 the whole terrible significance of the truth until his 
 companion clasped his arm and half led, half 
 dragged him to the edge of the motte facing the 
 west. 
 
 Then he was simply appalled by the weird and un- 
 canny spectacle that burst upon his view the whole 
 horizon as far as the sight could reach seemed to be 
 on fire, and the strange, roaring sound he had 
 listened to as the approach of a storm was a secret 
 no longer. 
 
 "That's the moon that rises in the west!" cried 
 Karl, sarcastically. 
 
 "A prairie on fire!" gasped Cuthbert. 
 
 "Yes; ain't it a grand and terrible sight? But this 
 is no time for talk we've got to do some tall riding 
 right away if we want to have a chance to see day- 
 light again. Come !" 
 
 How steadily he spoke in the face of a peril that 
 threatened death! Cuthbert had admired him be- 
 fore, but now he felt something even stronger for 
 the lad whose spirit could not be daunted by even 
 such an impending calamity. 
 
 Karl gave his orders coolly, but quickly, for sec- 
 onds were precious at such a time. 
 
 It seemed hardly a minute ere they were at the 
 side of the snorting horse, Karl running the trailing 
 lariat through his hands until he reached the fright- 
 ened animal, Cuthbert coming just behind with the 
 cowboy saddle and paraphernalia. 
 
 "Sorry for you, Buckskin, my boy, but there's no 
 escape. You've got to bear double this night, and 
 let out every kink at that or we're all goners for
 
 24 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 
 
 sure. So, there, steady, boy. Look sharp, comrade 
 behind me quick!" 
 
 Fortunately the Virginia lad was a fair horseman 
 at least he had been considered such in his old 
 home, though when he saw cowboys ride he knew 
 he had much to learn. 
 
 He scrambled up behind Karl, who had just coiled 
 his rope on the saddle horn. 
 
 "Hold tight to me we're off!" shouted the latter. 
 
 The buckskin horse shot away like the wind, and 
 apparently unconscious as yet of the fact that he so 
 gallantly bore a double burden, fear gave him addi- 
 tional strength and that crackling roar in the rear 
 served as no other goad would have done. 
 
 Surely Cuthbert was having a speedy introduc- 
 tion to the perils that menace the prairie traveler. 
 
 At least he had never experienced a ride that bore 
 any comparison with that mad gallop. 
 
 It was with considerable difficulty he managed to 
 maintain his seat, and he shuddered to think what 
 the consequences must be should the horse break 
 through into a gopher hole. 
 
 Only the sagacity of Buckskin stood between 
 them and a catastrophe. 
 
 Karl maintained his coolness in the face of dan- 
 ger, a characteristic that becomes second nature 
 with cowboys, constantly finding themselves in tight 
 places. 
 
 He knew what course he had laid out and just 
 how much of a chance they had of escaping from the 
 fiery terror that boomed along in pursuit. 
 
 "I'd like to stop and look at it," said Cuthbert, 
 twisting his head around to see what the spectacle 
 was like. There was a dreadful fascination about it 
 he could not explain the lurid heavens, the leaping 
 flames, the clouds of smoke bearing myriads of fiery 
 sparks which started miniature conflagrations in the
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 25 
 
 grass beyond, to be swallowed up in turn by the 
 great avalanche of flame. 
 
 "Better not pull up," said Karl, grimly; "that is, 
 if you want to live to tell the tale." 
 
 Buckskin was doing his noblest, and Karl had no 
 need to use the stinging "quirt" that dangled from 
 his left wrist there is no lash equal to that of fear. 
 
 Still the fiery pursuer gained, for the wind had 
 increased to more than ten miles an hour and was 
 whipping up the flames unmercifully. 
 
 The heavy load crippled the horse, already hard 
 used on the previous day. 
 
 What wild exhilaration in such a ride when life 
 and death lie in the balance! 
 
 Cuthbert felt his nerves thrill with the tension he 
 seemed to have entered the arena of western life 
 with a bound, and though his introduction had been 
 almost savage, it at least promised to launch him 
 upon the sea of experience without loss of time. 
 
 He could feel every* muscular movement of the 
 brave little broncho under him, and experienced that 
 feeling of pride which comes to a true horseman 
 when his steed strains every nerve to accomplish the 
 race. 
 
 Buckskin was running for his life now. 
 
 The aspect in their rear became constantly more 
 terrifying, the closer it drew. 
 
 Karl had not as yet said one word save to occa- 
 sionally shout encouragement to his overworked 
 horse, but even the tenderfoot knew he was aiming 
 for some particular spot, to reach which meant 
 safety. 
 
 To his mind the chances were rather in favor of 
 disaster, yet somehow he had learned to place great 
 confidence in the stanch buckskin horse and his 
 able rider. 
 
 The novelty of the situation, together with his 
 own fears, forced him to at length ask Karl what
 
 26 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 
 
 they were aiming for; whereupon the other pointed 
 to a dark line in the advance and declared it to be 
 the river, which would, with its green trees and 
 watery barrier, doubtless check the rush of the 
 flames. 
 
 All they wanted was time enough to gain this oasis 
 in the desert. 
 
 The heat had become almost unbearable, espe- 
 cially to Cuthbert, whose unprotected back caught 
 it the most. 
 
 As they drew nearer the stream the horse seemed 
 to exert himself still more, as though scenting the 
 cool water, and the greenhorn began to have re- 
 newed hopes. 
 
 Still, it was a close call, and he never saw the 
 time when he felt any desire to repeat the experience 
 the slightest mishap to Buckskin, and doom was 
 certain. 
 
 "Bend low!" suddenly yelled Karl. 
 
 And it was lucky Cuthbert obeyed the command, 
 for in another minute they were dashing in among 
 the leafy branches of the trees bordering the river. 
 
 None too soon did this occur, for the flying 
 sparks had already commenced to rain upon them, 
 and the carousal of fire was apparently just at their 
 heels. 
 
 How blessed the relief as Buckskin, with a shrill 
 neigh, dashed into the cool waters ! 
 
 Both boys threw themselves from his back and 
 soused their heads under to emerge dripping with 
 moisture, but relieved of the fever that had com- 
 menced to riot in their veins. 
 
 "That's the first time in your life, Cuthbert, when 
 you took a ducking thankfully," said Karl, with a 
 grin. 
 
 "Guess that's right," replied Cuthbert, as he made 
 a feeble attempt to repeat Karl's smile. 
 
 Standing there up to their waists in the cool
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 27 
 
 waters of the Powder River, they gazed upon the 
 sublime spectacle presented when the on-sweeping 
 prairie fire bucked up against this obstacle to its 
 further progress, and Karl vouched for the fact that 
 many a conflagration had this same old river turned 
 back in the days that were gone. 
 
 The roar decreased in volume, the awful blaze be- 
 gan to die out, with here and there a dead tree 
 flashing up like a gigantic torch. 
 
 But the fire had met its death and sullenly ac- 
 quiesced in its destiny, since the breeze had failed 
 to carry the sparks across the green belt marking 
 the river's course. 
 
 All this the newcomer saw with wondering eyes, 
 never to forget what danger lies in a careless spark 
 upon the billowy plains at a certain time of year. 
 
 "Come," said Karl, at length, "we must ford the 
 river while we can see. The other shore will give 
 us a camp. For one, I haven't had enough sleep, 
 and I kinder reckon poor old Buckskin feels like he 
 could drop." 
 
 The cowboy always thinks of his horse, nor can 
 this be wondered at when that animal means every- 
 thing to him, even as the fleet steed of the desert 
 does to the Arab or Bedouin. 
 
 So they cautiously made their way across, Karl 
 on the watch against quicksands, for the river was 
 notoriously treacherous in this regard. 
 
 Thanks to Karl's sagacity, they reached the op- 
 posite bank in safety, and not being very particular, 
 threw themselves upon the ground to rest. 
 
 Presently, however, Karl thought best to make a 
 fire at which they could dry their clothes after a 
 fashion, for he remembered that his companion had 
 never spent nights on the range tending cattle in 
 the midst of tropical downpours, with only an old 
 yellow "slicker" for protection, and slept comfort-
 
 28 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 
 
 ably in a pool of water that oozed from his gar- 
 ments. 
 
 Before lying down, Karl went to see Buckskin, 
 and Cuthbert could hear him talking affectionately 
 to the weary horse, as he hobbled him where the 
 grass was greenest. 
 
 This time Cuthbert slept despite the new excite- 
 ment that had come upon them tired Nature de- 
 manded repose, and even his heated brain had to 
 give in. 
 
 When he awoke the sun was shining, Karl was 
 busy at the fire making a limited breakfast as only 
 a cowboy knows how, and the odor of fragrant 
 coffee permeated the air. 
 
 Cuthbert was up in a jiffy. 
 
 "Hi there, Karl," he called out, gayly, "what can 
 I do to help the good cause along?" 
 
 "Lots!" said Karl promptly, and he set his new 
 chum to work. 
 
 The simple breakfast, eaten under such singular 
 conditions, tasted fine, and Cuthbert's spirits arose 
 to greater heights than before. 
 
 This was the free life for which he had so long 
 yearned, and he felt sure he would enjoy being 
 Karl's comrade. 
 
 Buckskin apparently did not like the idea of again 
 bearing a double burden; perhaps it brought to 
 his equine mind the startling events associated with 
 his last experience in that line; but Karl had the 
 master hand, and no broncho that lived could baffle 
 his desire. 
 
 Accordingly they mounted and were off at a very 
 moderate pace. 
 
 Karl had little doubt as to his ability to discover 
 the freighters' caravan, which he knew must have 
 crossed the river at the usual ford, and reaching this 
 he showed his companion the deep ruts made by the 
 wheels of the great wagons drawn by mule power.
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 29 
 
 After that it was easy, and about noon they came 
 up with the caravan that had halted to rest their 
 cattle for an hour or so. 
 
 Cuthbert was eager to learn whether his treach- 
 erous cayuse had, with the wonderful instinct of his 
 kind, made the camp, and was delighted to learn 
 that this was so. 
 
 He had promised Bob a good thrashing to pay 
 for his miserable trick, but the animal greeted him 
 with a glad whinny that quite disarmed his master. 
 
 Moreover, Cuthbert was now of the opinion that 
 the fault was wholly his own; since meeting the 
 young range rider he had learned more points in 
 connection with bronchos than he had ever dreamed 
 of in his philosophy, and chief of all, never to trust 
 them wholly. 
 
 Preparations for leaving the caravan were soon 
 completed. Karl was pleased to discover the small 
 amount of goods he had to pack on Bob's unwilling 
 back, for truth to tell, the prairie boy had been 
 haunted by a terrible fear lest his new-found friend 
 would produce a Saratoga trunk and stagger them 
 about its transportation. 
 
 Many of the "mule skinners" knew the cowboy, 
 and greeted him with rough enthusiasm, so that evi- 
 dently Karl was well liked among the teamsters of 
 the freight trail. 
 
 He had a genial word or a joke for every one, 
 and Cuthbert flattered himself that he had been 
 fortunate indeed to make so warm a friend out of a 
 character so universally commended. 
 
 A bite of lunch and they were off, just es the 
 teamsters were shouting and swearing to get their 
 refractory mules in motion. 
 
 Cuthbert, seated once more in his own saddle, in- 
 stead of hanging upon a horse's withers, felt light- 
 hearted enough to shout. His ambition, laughed 
 at by Eastern college mates, was in a fair way of
 
 )o Chased by a Prairie Fire 
 
 being realized, the air seemed bracing and all Na- 
 ture joyous. Soon he would see, and perhaps join 
 in the many sports and labors of these wild "prairie 
 skimmers," whose home is upon the back of a buck- 
 ing broncho, and who welcome danger for the in- 
 toxication it brings to the nervous system. 
 
 How good it felt to handle his Winchester again, 
 and what vows he made to utilize it upon every oc- 
 casion whenever a gray wolf was concerned, for 
 somehow the chivalrous spirit of his ancestors 
 seemed to have been humbled in the dust by the 
 affair of the lone camp, and he could never see one 
 o those animals without an ardent desire to wipe 
 out the insult. 
 
 Karl bore away toward the region where the 
 ranch upon which he was employed was situated; 
 they would have to do good time if they hoped to 
 reach it by sundown. 
 
 But these prairie steeds are capable of covering 
 an incredible number of miles within a limited time, 
 and their course was as straight as the crow flies. 
 
 To a child of the prairie all signs are as plain 
 print, and Cuthbert was as deeply interested in and 
 lost in admiration of the marvelous manner in which 
 Karl could tell in a twinkling just how long a time 
 had elapsed since antelope made a trail the boys dis- 
 covered, as Karl, on his part, was filled with awe 
 and envy over the knowledge his young college 
 friend showed of books and the wide world. 
 
 It began to appear as though fortune had brought 
 them together in this strange manner in order that 
 they might be useful to each other. 
 
 The acquaintance had begun under such peculiar 
 and trying conditions that it had already passed the 
 preliminary stage and was advancing with leaps and 
 bounds to a closer relation that would make them 
 chums. 
 
 Each discovered in the other certain elements to
 
 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 31 
 
 arouse his admiration, and was eager to exchange 
 what he knew for those things his heart had yearned 
 after. 
 
 Cuthbert's cayuse proved to be in good trim, and 
 the already half-fagged Buckskin was forced to do 
 his prettiest in order to keep alongside during that 
 sharp gallop ; but the little fellow was made of stern 
 stuff, and had proved his mettle on the previous 
 night, so that he hung on with the pertinacity of a 
 wolf in chase of its wounded quarry, and old hunters 
 declare this to be the acme of doggedness. 
 
 The sun hung low in the west when Karl gave a 
 shout that betokened satisfaction, and turning to 
 Cuthbert, he exclaimed: 
 
 "There, my boy, how's that?" 
 
 "Why, what on earth are we up against?" said 
 Cuthbert, gazing curiously ahead. "There's a rough 
 looking one-story building and a heap of other odd- 
 looking outhouses. I guess that's what they are." 
 
 Karl laughed. 
 
 "Keep on looking, Cuthbert, and you'll see jest 
 what we've struck in about a minute." 
 
 Then Cuthbert detected moving figures, men on 
 horseback and groups of cattle that were being 
 rounded up for some purpose, perhaps shipment 
 East in charge of trusty herders, to the nearest rail- 
 road. 
 
 Eagerly the tenderfoot strained his eyes while 
 the panorama gradually unfolded more and more as 
 the two riders swept on nearer the animated scene, 
 and the declining sun sent his quivering red shafts 
 over the erstwhile white fleecy clouds until the 
 whole heavens seemed ablaze. 
 
 "By Jove, it must be a ranch!" exclaimed Cuth- 
 bert. 
 
 It was his first glimpse of a real, genuine cattle 
 ranch, and naturally he took the keenest interest in 
 everything connected with the whole affair.
 
 32 Chased by a Prairie Fire. 
 
 In truth, the picture as seen by the light of the 
 dying sun, was one long to be remembered the 
 whitewashed buildings, the boundless, flower-stud- 
 ded prairie, as yet unsullied with that latest triumph 
 of civilization, the barbed wire fence; the lowing 
 herds wending their way toward the corral, the cir- 
 cling cowboys who darted thither and yon, slapping 
 with their hats now and then at refractory animals 
 that showed a disposition to kick over the traces 
 and wander off by themselves, and above all the 
 glorious heavens, painted as no cunning hand of 
 man could ever equal on canvas. 
 
 Yes, it was an introduction to Sunset Ranch which 
 Cuthbert would long remember it fulfilled his wild- 
 est dreams and opened to him a new life where the 
 adventurous spirit within him could find such as 
 was denied in the East. 
 
 As they came galloping up, loud voices greeted 
 Karl in a hearty manner, and Cuthbert knew his 
 young friend was "hail fellow well met," and a favor- 
 ite with Kelly's herders. 
 
 He could not but notice the peculiar glances cast 
 in his direction, and knew many a rough joke would 
 be cracked among these free-souled riders over the 
 advent of the tenderfoot with his tailor-made suit of 
 corduroy; but all that could be endured, for Karl 
 was his friend and Karl had assured him that in the 
 main the cow punchers were a good-natured set ; and 
 besides, the Eastern lad was grimly determined to 
 make himself at home as one of them from the start. 
 
 Now they were in the midst of the lowing herds, 
 and rode up to the porch of the long, low house, 
 where Mr. Kelly and his wife stood waiting with 
 smiles to receive them. 
 
 And this, then, was the way the tenderfoot came 
 to Sunset Ranch.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 WILD LIFE ON THE RANCH. 
 
 Many were the novel experiences in store for 
 young Lee upon the great cattle ranch never a day 
 went by that he failed to learn some new trick con- 
 nected with the wonderful prairie life. 
 
 Work there was in plenty, and be it said to his 
 credit he did not shun it as many boys would have 
 done ; but there were also hours of recreation, made 
 more enjoyable by the labor with which they had 
 been preceded. 
 
 His soul, long cramped, cribbed and confined 
 within the walls of college and metropolis, seemed 
 to expand beneath this genial Dakota sky, and he 
 even found a strange pleasure in standing watch 
 over the horses when serving his time as Kelly's 
 night wrangler. 
 
 The star-studded sky, the whispering winds, the 
 perfume of flowers and the sense of solitude com- 
 bined to make a grandeur that gave him satisfaction 
 beyond expression. 
 
 And there was danger, too. 
 
 Wolves hovered around when he watched the 
 sheep with their many tender lambs, and the utmost 
 vigilance was required on the part of the herder to 
 discover and slay these cunning wanderers. 
 
 By degrees he learned, under the guidance of 
 Karl, how to detect any uneasiness among his keen- 
 scented charges, and about where to look for 
 trouble. 
 
 Probably the Virginia lad never in all his past life 
 experienced more savage joy than came to him one 
 night when watching a bunch of sheep that had been 
 inclosed in a rope corral and left to his charge.
 
 34 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 It was a clear night, and a young moon hung in 
 the western sky, giving a tender light, just enough 
 to see some little distance. The previous night it 
 had rained and Cuthbert was soaked through when 
 he came into camp, so that he felt in a mood to fully 
 enjoy the delights of this occasion. 
 
 It was about this time he began to discover that 
 the sheep showed signs of restlessness the ewes 
 with their young lambs crowded to leeward while 
 the old rams sniffed the air, and pawed the soil in a 
 defiant manner. 
 
 "There isn't the faintest sign of a coming storm, 
 and I bet the danger lies in some four-footed beast, 
 hungry for spring lamb," he concluded. 
 
 He kept as cool as was possible under the con- 
 ditions, though conscious of the fact that his heart 
 was beating like a trip-hammer; and remembering 
 the explicit instructions given by Karl, began to 
 creep to windward, as it was evident the alarm came 
 from that quarter. 
 
 Eagerly he strained his eyes to detect any moving 
 creature, and his Winchester was held in readiness 
 for instant use. 
 
 There had been some pretty wild talk among the 
 riders of the X bar X outfit, belonging to Kelly's 
 ranch, of Indians away from their reservations and 
 driving off herds from the most isolated grazing 
 quarters, which news was circulated through herders 
 and cowboys belonging to other camps. 
 
 Hence, under such circumstances it was not 
 singular that the tenderfoot, as yet unable to dis- 
 tinguish the difference in signs of danger, should 
 let imagination run riot in his brain, and picture a 
 gang of thieving Sioux creping up to stampede his 
 flock. This bare possibility was not a pleasant out- 
 look, but the greenhorn was game all the way 
 through, and did not flinch from the task set before 
 him.
 
 \\i!d Life on the Ranch. 35 
 
 By degrees he worked to windward, keeping 
 close to the rope corral. He had made almost half 
 the circuit and as yet discovered nothing, but was 
 not in the least disappointed, for the racket had in- 
 creased inside the corral, the rams rattling their 
 horns in defiance and snorting much as a deer 
 whistles at sight of danger, while some of the fright- 
 ened lambs uttered plaintive cries, as if recognizing 
 the fact that it was their precious selves the intruder 
 wanted. 
 
 Still further crept the herder; his eyes had be- 
 come almost like those of a cat, and he was able to 
 detect many things that might have escaped ordi- 
 nary vision. 
 
 Then came victory he detected a movement in 
 the down-trodden grass, as though some crouching 
 figure crawled stealthily along in the direction of 
 the corral. 
 
 "Whether that dusky figure," said Cuthbert under 
 his breath, "is that of man or beast, I'm not going 
 to attempt to decide ; this isn't the time to argue 
 the point; but this infernal creeper threatens the 
 safety of my charges, and incurs the penalty of his 
 rashness." 
 
 The boy made ready with his gun. 
 
 It was not a long shot, though the conditions 
 made it anything but a sure one. 
 
 Whatever the crawler might be, man or beast, 
 some suspicion of danger had arisen, for it no 
 longer advanced, but crouched there. 
 
 Cuthbert discovered a pair of luminous eyes 
 turned in his quarter, which reminded him forcibly 
 of the yellow orbs that had surrounded his lone 
 camp-fire when he was lost upon the prairie. 
 
 The recollection gave him new resolution. 
 
 He utilized the twin orbs as a target, and let fly 
 without wincing a particle, as had been his wont in 
 earlier days.
 
 36 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 Then there was a commotion, indeed he saw a 
 long bodied animal skulk away and sent another 
 bullet after him, though probably with but indiffer- 
 ent success. 
 
 When the herder ran forward he found a gaunt 
 gray wolf kicking his last, proving how true had 
 been his first shot. 
 
 A sense of exhilaration filled his young heart as 
 he stood over his fierce quarry and noted the dimen- 
 sions of the turned-down marauder. 
 
 This shot in the night seemed to wipe out much 
 of the sting that had annoyed him ever since that 
 other occasion when, but for the opportune arrival 
 of the young range rider, he must have fared badly. 
 
 So experiences multiplied, and Cuthbert by de- 
 grees learned the first principles of a cattleman's 
 success to depend wholly upon his own resources 
 in any emergency and never be at a loss what to do. 
 
 No wonder they are a self-reliant race, and make 
 glorious fighters in war, such as the Rough Riders 
 Wood and Roosevelt took to Santiago ! 
 
 Karl was Cuthbert's model in everything. 
 
 Now, according to his own mind, Karl was far 
 from perfection, making occasional mistakes which 
 were frankly confessed; but Cuthbert believed him 
 faultless so far as a knowledge of prairie love and 
 cowboy life was concerned, and sighed for the day 
 when his own clumsy manner of reaching results 
 would give way to the finished nonchalance through 
 which Karl attained the same end what was an ef- 
 fort for him was perfectly natural to the prairie lad. 
 
 By degrees Cuthbert could ride a fairly active 
 broncho, with only a "hackamore" about the beast's 
 jaw in place of a bridle ; he experienced that delight 
 in conquering his first unruly and bucking steed that 
 comes to the true horseman, and without which 
 there could be no hope for him as a cowboy. 
 
 Then he diligently went to work with the rope,
 
 Wild Life on the Ranch. 37 
 
 and managed to master its intricacies, so that in due 
 time he could throw it over his horse when he 
 wanted a mount. 
 
 These things pleased him mightily he was taking 
 on a coat of tan under sun and wind, while his frame 
 became more rugged with the life of exposure he 
 led. 
 
 As yet Karl had not been wholly taken into his 
 confidence, though the prairie boy began to suspect 
 that it might be some other cause than mere love 
 of adventure that brought Cuthbert Lee so far away 
 from his Eastern home. 
 
 Some time in the near future, perhaps, when they 
 sat together under the friendly stars and watched 
 the great flock of sheep belonging to the famous 
 Kelly ranch, Cuthbert might in a burst of confidence 
 open his heart to him and relate the circumstances 
 connected with his past. 
 
 Above all things, Cuthbert delighted to sit with 
 the cowboys when the day's work was over, and hear 
 them relate their amazing experiences with the 
 legion of dangers that beset the prairie herdsman 
 in those early times. 
 
 He learned how to separate the wheat from the 
 chaff in these stirring yarns, and thus found a way 
 to profit through the experience of others. In the 
 days to come he would, on more than one occasion, 
 be able to accomplish some difficult task through 
 having had a solution propounded by one who had 
 run up against the same difficulty and conquered it. 
 
 Thus time went by. 
 
 Cuthbert appeared to be one of the boys his 
 tailor-made corduroys had been supplemented with 
 leather "chaps," he sported a wide felt hat just as 
 saucily as the next one, and carried a quirt attached 
 to his left wrist when driving cattle, the proud in- 
 signia of a cowboy. He had learned to hustle with 
 the best of thenvand few indeed among Kelly's men
 
 38 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 but who liked the Virginia "kid" for his good na- 
 ture. 
 
 Every day brought its duties, and he spent most 
 of the time in the saddle, acquiring new experience, 
 now riding down a skulking coyote or anon waylay- 
 ing antelope and gaining a shot through the dex- 
 terous use of a red rag, which excited the curiosity 
 of the little animals and drew them nearer the co- 
 vert where Cuthbert and his Winchester were se- 
 creted. 
 
 There came a time, however, when the peace that 
 reigned over Sunset Ranch became a thing of the 
 past, and its place was taken by a new excitement. 
 
 It happened one morning that a rider from the 
 Double Cross outfit down the river came galloping 
 up, waving his arms and firing his gun in a manner 
 characteristic of cowboys in general when on a lark 
 or desirous of attracting attention. 
 
 Karl and his friend were just in the act of saddling 
 up each had taken his rope, thrown it over his 
 horse and was engaged in "cinching" the girths (for 
 the cunning animals have a way of distending their 
 bellies as soon as they feel the saddle on their back, 
 so that an unwary rider who might think he had 
 tightened his girth would find the saddle slipping to 
 one side as soon as he mounted) when the first dis- 
 tant shout called their attention to the fast on-com- 
 ing horseman. 
 
 "Hello ! here's trouble," said Karl, and apparently 
 there was a little ring of satisfaction in his voice, 
 while his clear gray eyes lighted up, as though the 
 prospect of a break in the steady routine of every- 
 day work, which had not the charm of novelty for 
 him it possessed with young Lee, might not be so 
 very distasteful. 
 
 "What's the matter too much liquor and on the 
 warpath?" asked the tenderfoot, who had seen some 
 peculiar things among these rough and ready men
 
 Wild Life on the Ranch. 39 
 
 of the border and had learned to regret their weak 
 points even while ardently admiring their many ad- 
 mirable qualities. 
 
 "I reckon it means danger," said Karl, quietly. 
 
 The other immediately ran the gamut of such 
 perils as might threaten a prairie cattle ranch cy- 
 clone, fire, an Indian foray, the presence of white 
 outlaws or "bad men" which of these could it be, 
 he wondered? 
 
 Once mounted, the two boys galloped toward the 
 house, near which all hands had begun to gather in 
 anticipation of the courier's arrival. 
 
 "It's Old Sile," said Karl, as they rode. 
 
 Now Cuthbert had heard his friend speak so often 
 of this sagacious and veteran rider of the cattle 
 ranges that he felt a genuine thrill of pleasure at the 
 prospect of meeting one who had led such a check- 
 ered career, and to whom all the cow punchers of 
 the whole region looked up to as a man from whom 
 the best of them might on occasions secure points. 
 
 The cowboy was a man well along in years, whose 
 gaunt frame and iron jaws spoke of indomitable 
 energy otherwise he did not differ to any extent 
 from the rest of the gang. 
 
 Cuthbert saw that he was a born leader, and pos- 
 sessed the confidence of the men, some of whom 
 undoubtedly had been with him in wild forays of the 
 past when the cattle stampeded in an electric storm, 
 or the marauding Indians had to be pursued in order 
 to rescue the stolen herds. 
 
 Yes, they knew Old Sile, and were ready to follow 
 his lead anywhere. 
 
 Mr. Kelly hastened to meet him with some anx- 
 iety on his face, for he had more than one valuable 
 bunch of cattle feeding on the range, which must 
 excite the cupidity of prowling bands of dusky 
 thieves. 
 
 "What's in the wind?" he asked such men do
 
 40 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 not waste words when unknown danger seems in 
 the air. 
 
 "Indians off their reservation, and lookin' for 
 trouble," grunted the newcomer, who, having ridden 
 fast and far, was more or less winded. 
 
 "Squaws with them or not?" asked the ranchman 
 for when on a hunt the red man of the plains takes 
 his family along, but never when going on the war- 
 path or bent upon a cattle-stealing raid. 
 
 "Nary a squaw seen all bucks and rigged out 
 strictly for biz," came the reply. 
 
 At this, looks were exchanged among the em- 
 ployees of X bar X ranch; it meant a change of 
 venue, that their work was evidently cut out for 
 them, and that it would be of quite a different nature 
 from the humdrum routine of the last few weeks. 
 
 Among such wild spirits it could only be expected 
 that a prospect like this would arouse more or less 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 A brush with the Indians meant danger, and that 
 is what the cowboy enjoys above all things. 
 
 "Say, where'd ye meet 'em ?" asked the ranchman. 
 
 "Down river," said Old Sile, laconically, with a 
 nod of his head. 
 
 "Many?" 
 
 "Enough to wipe out Sunset. Heard as how 
 these Sioux fellers was makin' trouble with the cow- 
 boys of Lone Star and Double Cross outfits." 
 
 "Ye did?" 
 
 "Yep; and they made toward the range. Guess 
 they've an eye to scooting with some of the cattle 
 quartered thar." 
 
 All was excitement in the camp, but presently 
 order came out of chaos. 
 
 Kelly was a man of great presence of mind. 
 
 This was not the first time, by long odds, that in 
 his experience as a ranchman he had been called
 
 Wild Life on the Ranch. 41 
 
 upon to outwit such wily and desperate marauders 
 at their game of grab. 
 
 Buffaloes were still to be found by zealous hunt- 
 ers, and for one he did not mean that these thieving 
 Sioux should lay in their winter stock of meat from 
 his herd if prompt and energetic measures could 
 prevent it. 
 
 He consulted a few minutes with Old Sile, and 
 then gave his orders in a clear voice, naming the 
 men and hustling them away upon the duty to which 
 they were appointed. 
 
 Some were sent to look after a bunch of cattle 
 known to be feeding at a certain point about eight 
 miles away, with orders to drive them toward the 
 ranch. 
 
 Another gang went to round up the troop of sad- 
 dle horses, which might prove objects of interest in 
 the eyes of the Indians. 
 
 Thus half a dozen parties shot out from the ranch 
 and scoured the plain. 
 
 To Cuthbert's intense pleasure, Old Sile volun- 
 tarily attached himself to the little group among 
 which Karl and himself were numbered. It may 
 have been mere accident that caused him to do so, 
 though his attachment for Karl was well known 
 perhaps the presence of two "kids" in this allotment 
 caused him to think he could sort of balance matters 
 by casting his lot with them. 
 
 Cuthbert had difficulty in realizing that he was al- 
 ready upon the warpath, adjudged capable of bear- 
 ing arms in a desperate affair of this kind when the 
 cattle had to be rounded up and swept in toward the 
 ranch, perhaps with the hostile Indians bearing 
 down upon them. 
 
 His blood seemed surcharged with fire, and leaped 
 through his veins like molten lava it was far differ- 
 ent to his former experiences, which had been wholly 
 confined to fur, fin and feather. Now he was to be
 
 42 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 pitted against wily human beings, those red men of 
 whom he had heard so much and seen so little. 
 
 Still, some of the enthusiasm that marked the cow- 
 boy band had taken possession of him, and he was 
 quite as ready to plunge into the affair as the most 
 dare-devil among the lot. 
 
 So they galloped on in the early morning. 
 
 Cuthbert tried to remember all Karl had told him 
 about the Sioux. 
 
 Few could give more points than the young range 
 rider he had spent many moons among the tepees 
 of the Sioux, had wrestled with the Indian lads, 
 beaten them at rifle practice, won races on horse- 
 back and lost them, too, and had even gone on their 
 annual hunt in search of meat to be dried into pem- 
 mican for winter use. 
 
 Old Sile had said the band originally numbered 
 some sixty young bucks, though, no doubt, it had 
 been ere now broken into many fractions, the better 
 to drive off cattle and confuse the herders. 
 
 Hence they might expect to encounter only one 
 of these smaller bands, but even then the probability 
 was the marauders would outnumber them three to 
 one. 
 
 Cuthbert watched the old ranger almost con- 
 stantly every move of the veteran had a deep sig- 
 nificance to his wondering eyes. 
 
 And yet it might be set down as assured that what 
 Sile did not know about prairie lore was hardly 
 worth acquiring. 
 
 He was the leather stocking of the cattle range, 
 and it would, in truth, require the skill and pen of a 
 Fennimore Cooper to do his quaint character full 
 justice. 
 
 Cuthbert was only an amateur at reading human 
 nature, but even he could readily see the strength 
 there was back of those piercing eyes, so like the un- 
 flinching orbs of the eagle, that dare look even into
 
 Wild Life on the Ranch. 43 
 
 the glowing sun, and as his acquaintance with old 
 Sile deepened he discovered new traits to admire 
 that the plainsman who had laughed the Indians to 
 scorn as he stood at the torture post, with a bravado 
 equal to the most reckless among them, or engage 
 in a single-handed fight with a grizzly bear, his only 
 weapon a hunting-knife, could at the same time be 
 as tender as a woman with a wounded companion. 
 
 They were but five in all, Old Sile, the two kids 
 and a couple of range riders who knew their busi- 
 ness from A to Z, hardy fellows, good natured, 
 reckless, and of course with the almost universal 
 love for strong drink that marks their kind. 
 
 Taken altogether, they presented quite a deter- 
 mined and warlike appearance, and the tenderfoot 
 believed it would be a sorry day for the painted ma- 
 rauders should they come in contact with them. He 
 had had no experience with Sioux on the rampage, 
 and did not know what deviltry they were capable 
 of showing. 
 
 The gallop continued mile after mile. 
 
 Eager eyes scanned the surrounding prairie when- 
 ever the horses topped a rise, but if the Indians 
 were near by they managed to conceal their where- 
 abouts without trouble, for no one caught even a 
 glimpse of them in any quarter. 
 
 Then Old Sile gave a sudden signal for the career- 
 ing squad to halt, and was overboard immediately, 
 bending over the trail his keen eyes, ever on the 
 alert for "sign." 
 
 Crouching down on all fours he began his exam- 
 ination. At intervals was heard a grunt, and finally 
 he delivered himself with the air of a man who 
 knows not doubt: 
 
 "Ten Indians. Heading for spot northeast of 
 camp. Why in thund'ration did Kelly send the cat- 
 tle thar?"
 
 44 Wild Life on the Ranch. 
 
 Karl tried to explain that they had been "sent 
 there for safety." 
 
 Old Sile scarcely heard, or if he did he took no 
 notice only continued in the same certain tone: 
 
 "Fellers passed here two hours ago. Humph! 
 Indian pony ridden by a girl white girl by gum, 
 a prisoner!" 
 
 This was spoken with utter confidence by the vet- 
 eran and accepted as gospel by the men, which made 
 Cuthbert stare in wonder. 
 
 By what wizard legerdemain he discovered these 
 facts Cuthbert could not even guess, but he knew 
 something of the wonderful skill shown by such 
 plainsmen in reading "sign;" and the deductions 
 aroused by a bent twig, a footprint in the prairie 
 mold or shred of dress goods caught upon a cac- 
 tus thorn would give points to even Conan Doyle's 
 famous character, Sherlock Holmes. 
 
 Perhaps the Sioux had raided a freighter's camp, 
 or overwhelmed some daring pilgrim who had, with 
 his family, set out unguarded to reach the new 
 mines of the Black Hills. 
 
 Karl and Cuthbert were the only ones who took 
 the least interest in the matter, for the others were 
 figuring solely upon the chances of victory in case 
 they fell in with the cattle thieves, and whether their 
 thatch or scalp would, as a result, adorn the tepee 
 of a Sioux brave. 
 
 They must speedily know the worst, for they were 
 rapidly rounding up to that portion of the range 
 known to be used by the big bunch of cattle that 
 Kelly had handed over to their attention. 
 
 Karl, who knew something about such matters, 
 attempted to coach his friend as they madly rode 
 along side by side, but it was unusually hard work 
 talking under such circumstances, and, after all, 
 much must be left to the sagacity and intelligence
 
 Wild Life on the Ranch. 45 
 
 of each individual going to make up the whole 
 party. 
 
 "One more rise and then we'll know," said Karl, 
 as he drew his gun, and took a fresh seat in his 
 saddle, as if to be in readiness for anything that 
 might come. 
 
 Cuthbert held his breath as the little party fairly 
 flew up the incline ; when his eyes looked over the 
 crest and the level, grassy plain beyond, he saw a 
 spectacle well calculated to stir the blood in his veins 
 and overwhelm him with the fever of battle, for 
 those they sought were upon the stage of action.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE INDIAN FORAY. 
 
 Even before our little party had gained the top 
 of the rise their hearing gave plain warning that 
 something unusual was going on beyond, for a con- 
 fusion of sounds came, borne on the faint zephyr 
 the bellowing of cattle, shrill neighing of excited 
 horses and shouts that were unmistakably human. 
 
 So those who had had previous experience in 
 these matters were not very much surprised at the 
 scene that burst upon their vision. 
 
 There were the cattle dashing this way and that, 
 as though about to stampede, while anon could be 
 seen a figure on horseback, with waving arms, en- 
 deavoring to collect the herd so that it could be 
 driven off. 
 
 Even at that distance they could readily be dis- 
 tinguished as Sioux braves. 
 
 Cuthbert glued his eyes on them eagerly. 
 
 He had seen a few tame Indians at the border 
 town from whence the freighters' caravan started, 
 and some more of the same sort at the frontier 
 fort, but this was really his first glimpse of the red- 
 man of the wild and woolly West engaged in his 
 dangerous game of running off cattle. 
 
 The sight did not possess the same fascination 
 for the rest of the crowd they only experienced 
 deep indignation and anger because these red 
 thieves of the border had pounced upon their pet 
 herd and were intent upon driving off the choicest 
 animals, to slay them later and call their meat buf- 
 falo pemmican. 
 
 Old Sile gave a peculiar laugh, as dry and rat-
 
 The Indian Foray. 47 
 
 tling as a lot of bones shaken in a box, or the crack- 
 ling of dead leaves in the forest. 
 
 "Thar they be, the beauties, and neck deep in 
 the game. We'll have to spile their reckoning, I 
 kinder guess. Now, then, let loose, and when you 
 shoot let lead count." 
 
 The rush down the slight incline and across the 
 intervening stretch of level prairie, would Cuthbert 
 ever forget it? such exhilaration, with his blood 
 at fever heat, such a sensation of going into action 
 the first time every young soldier has experi- 
 enced it. 
 
 At first the marauders did not notice their sud- 
 den advent on the scene, so taken up were they 
 with their engaging business, and the breeze, what 
 little there was, coming from the wrong quarter. 
 
 The little cavalcade cleared some distance ere a 
 fierce yell declared the fact of their discovery. 
 
 "Sit tight, Cuthbert," shouted Karl. "The beg- 
 gars are on to us at last." 
 
 Cuthbert's blood was up, and the rush across the 
 plain had given him a superabundance of courage. 
 
 "Say, Karl, watch them fly in about a minute." 
 
 "Well, hardly," said Karl, with a peculiar smile. 
 "My boy, we'll have some tough work before they 
 clear off." 
 
 "But they won't stand up to us. Why, they'll 
 turn tail directly we get in their range." 
 
 "What ! and leave the chance to bag cattle ? Not 
 on your life." 
 
 If the tenderfoot expected to see the Sioux 
 braves scamper off in alarm, without making an 
 effort to hold what they had seized he was very 
 much mistaken. 
 
 These impetuous young bucks were just pining 
 for action of some sort, and welcomed the oppor- 
 tunity to have a little brush with those they reck- 
 oned their hereditary foes.
 
 48 The Indian Foray. 
 
 At the same time previous acquaintance with cow- 
 boys had taught them caution they knew how 
 reckless these wild range riders might be, and how 
 proficient with rope and revolver. 
 
 Evidently the red rascals had arranged a plan in 
 anticipation of such an interruption, for while a 
 couple endeavored to cut off a fair-sized bunch of 
 cattle with which they meant to ride off, the other 
 eight galloped toward the advancing horsemen. 
 
 Such a spectacle as they presented, the boy from 
 the East had never before seen some shook their 
 fists in bravado, others waved guns over their heads, 
 while all of them sat their horses as though a part 
 of the animals. 
 
 With many-colored feathers glowing in the sun- 
 light, and the war paint upon their faces giving 
 each warrior a hideous aspect, they truly presented 
 an appearance that was apt to send a thrill of alarm 
 through the breast of the stoutest adversary. 
 
 Still Old Sile never slackened his pace, but kept 
 straight on, as though he meant to teach these au- 
 dacious young bucks a lesson they would not soon 
 forget, and Cuthbert, seeing the grim look upon 
 the seamed and weather-beaten face of the veteran 
 cow puncher, made up his mind there was nothing 
 to fear. 
 
 They kept well together as they rode, and had 
 now arrived within easy gunshot of their galloping 
 adversaries. 
 
 "Do the Indians mean to keep straight on until 
 the shock of battle comes?" Cuthbert asked, now 
 thoroughly alarmed. 
 
 Little as the tenderfoot knew about their habits, 
 he did not think this could be the usual method of 
 warfare employed by such tricky and cautious 
 people. 
 
 "You just watch," said Karl, significantly. 
 
 Even as he contemplated such a change in the
 
 The Indian Foray. 49 
 
 programme it came about the careering maraud- 
 ers divided into two lines and began to draw apart 
 as though about to circle around them. 
 
 It was an ancient trick, but fully as effective as 
 in the days when the forty-niners were crossing 
 the plains, exposed to the attacks of the prowling 
 redmen. 
 
 Old Sile laughed again, and there was a ring of 
 scorn in his peculiar cachination, as though he glo- 
 ried in an opportunity to pay off old scores, for he 
 had in years gone by suffered much loss at the hands 
 of just such thieves as these. 
 
 As Cuthbert looked, guessing what was coming 
 next, he suddenly saw each bronze rider throw him- 
 self out of sight behind the body of his galloping 
 pony, only a glimpse of his painted face being 
 caught under the animal's neck. 
 
 Then came a puff of smoke and the spiteful re- 
 port of a gun. 
 
 The bullet went over their heads, which was not 
 to be wondered at, considering how difficult it must 
 have been to shoot at all under such peculiar condi- 
 tions. 
 
 Cuthbert had never in all his life been under fire 
 before, and somehow he found himself involuntarily 
 ducking his head, though not one of the others 
 moved a muscle, which fact gave him a feeling of 
 humiliation. 
 
 By this time the Indians were riding around them 
 on all sides, for Old Sile had drawn in his horse, 
 knowing what must be done to beat the rascals on 
 their own ground. 
 
 "Company halt !" he sang out. 
 
 Cuthbert drew frantically at his bridle and 
 brought his horse on his haunches. 
 
 He was eagerly watching to see what the others 
 did, wishing to be in the same boat, and when they
 
 50 The Indian Foray. 
 
 leaped to the ground the boy from Virginia was 
 not a whit behind. 
 
 The bullets were singing overhead and all around. 
 Cuthbert could not but compare them to an en- 
 raged swarm of bees seeking the youthful destroyer 
 of their peace he had, like most boys, passed 
 through this warm experience during visits to the 
 country, and the impression made under such con- 
 ditions remains a lifetime. 
 
 He was surprised to find himself so calm, and 
 began to entertain a better opinion of his abilities 
 than heretofore. 
 
 Just as he expected, no sooner had his comrades 
 touched ground than they sought shelter behind 
 their horses. 
 
 It was a thrilling moment with those wild riders 
 circling around, drawing closer to fire their guns 
 and then galloping off to reload. 
 
 Old Sile did not mean to remain there long to 
 serve as a target for these marksmen it was true 
 that as yet they had done no damage, but a ran- 
 dom bullet might presently cripple one of the horses 
 forming the barricade. 
 
 He spoke a few quick words to Karl, who imme- 
 diately turned to Cuthbert on the other side: 
 
 "Let me have your rifle it's the only one in the, 
 crowd, and those skip-jacks manage to keep out- 
 side pistol shot. Watch how surprised they'll be 
 when Old Sile opens on 'em." 
 
 They surely were, not having expected to be so 
 warmly received. 
 
 The man who had been with Buffalo Bill, Texas 
 Jack and Wild Bill Hickok on many a stirring trail 
 had not forgotten how to handle a rifle with good 
 results, even though he had little use for such a 
 weapon in his business as cow puncher. 
 
 His first shot tumbled over a horse, and the sur-
 
 The Indian Foray. 51 
 
 prised rider, scrambling out from under, crawled 
 away through the grass in the greatest imaginable 
 haste. 
 
 Immediately a savage shout went up from the 
 other cattle thieves, and Cuthbert imagined they 
 were about to charge headlong, but it seemed they 
 had too much discretion for that, and began to 
 draw off. 
 
 Old Sile, having gotten his hand in, and taken 
 quite a fancy to the new gun, thought he might as 
 well keep the ball going, so he selected another vic- 
 tim and brought the poor pony down with apparent 
 ease, so that there was another badly-demoralized 
 Sioux brave plunging through the grass in the ef- 
 fort to escape possible doom. 
 
 "Youngster, this is a good 'un," said the vet- 
 eran. 
 
 Cuthbert's Winchester had certainly won honors 
 enough for one day, and the boy was proud of 
 being the possessor of so reliable a shooting-iron 
 besides, Old Sile had put the stamp of approval on 
 it and this was enough for him. 
 
 This second disaster quite completed the discom- 
 fiture of the young bucks, who, giving up their at- 
 tack as a bad job, turned tail and galloped off. 
 
 Our friends immediately sprang into their sad- 
 dles and started in hot pursuit, for the Indians must 
 be driven entirely off if the prize cattle were to be 
 saved. 
 
 The two red herders had kept an anxious eye 
 upon the trend of events even while they endeavored 
 to urge their bunch of cattle to the west, frighten- 
 ing them with shouts and waving arms; and when 
 they saw their erstwhile valorous comrades in full 
 retreat with the squad of cowboys bearing in their 
 quarter as fast as horseflesh could carry them, a 
 sudden remembrance of an engagement elsewhere
 
 52 The Indian Foray. 
 
 caused them to give up the herding business and 
 flee madly over the plains. 
 
 The game was well won. 
 
 All that remained now was to gather the scattered 
 cattle in a bunch and head them in the direction of 
 the ranch, where they could be guarded until the 
 marauders had left the country. 
 
 This might appear a gigantic task in the eyes 
 of a greenhorn, but to experienced cowboys and 
 herders it presented no great difficulties. 
 
 Soon their familiar shouts rang over the prairie, 
 and the horses darted hither and thither, rounding 
 up the cattle that had been scattered, "milling" 
 them by degrees until they were in one compact, 
 bellowing herd. 
 
 The Indians had quite vanished from view, hav- 
 ing evidently come to the wise conclusion that there 
 might be other cattle far easier to run off than those 
 bearing the X bar X brand, and which were guarded 
 by so determined a posse of cowboys. 
 
 "How about that girl Old Sile told us was with 
 the Indians?" said Cuthbert. "Was that a mis- 
 take?" 
 
 "You don't know Old Sile," said Karl, simply. 
 
 "Well, where on earth is she? We saw no sign 
 of her among the cattle thieves." 
 
 "Guess she's around somewhere," said Karl. 
 "Like as not they've tied her to a tree until such 
 time as they picked out their beef." 
 
 "You're sure there is a captive girl?" 
 
 "What Old Sile says I'd swear by. But, here, 
 if you want to get on the track of that girl we might 
 try that clump of cottonwoods. What say?" 
 
 "Right. Let's lose no time." 
 
 Soon they entered among the trees with consid- 
 erable curiosity, and Karl had even another motive 
 in looking keenly about, for he could not forget the 
 two cattle thieves who had been dismounted as a
 
 The Indian Foray. 53 
 
 result of Old Sile's marksmanship, and suspected 
 they might have headed in this direction for cover. 
 
 Here they found the girl, sure enough, proving 
 the old range hustler a clever prophet, indeed she 
 was standing beside a tree, to which Cuthbert saw 
 she had been secured. 
 
 The chivalry of Virginia was aroused by the spec- 
 tacle, and, jumping from his horse, he ran eagerly 
 up to liberate her. 
 
 She was clad in homespun, evidently some set- 
 tler's child, and quite winning in appearance. 
 
 Karl had not moved he sat in his saddle, holding 
 his gun in one hand, as though expecting to use it 
 thanks to his knowledge of Indian habits, he would 
 never trust one of them more than was necessary. 
 
 And Cuthbert soon had cause to bless his com- 
 rade's foresight, since at the very moment he was 
 cutting the deerskin thongs that bound the slip of a 
 girl to the tree a sinewy pair of arms were thrown 
 about him, pinioning his own fast to his sides, while 
 a painted, exultant face stretched around to look 
 into his eyes. 
 
 The second Sioux had made for Karl, hoping no 
 doubt to overwhelm the other "kid" as easily as 
 Cuthbert had been made secure. 
 
 He reckoned without his host, however, for Karl, 
 without the slightest hesitation, shot him in the 
 shoulder, and, having quite enough of the game by 
 this time, the young brave ran off with one helpless 
 arm at his side. 
 
 It was easy enough to intimidate the other fel- 
 low, who, watching his chance darted behind a tree 
 and dodged off. 
 
 None of them had any desire to remain longer 
 among the trees, and, as the girl eagerly declared 
 her willingness to accompany them, they set off. 
 
 Cuthbert's horse being the larger and stronger, 
 she was mounted on him, though Buckskin had ere
 
 54 The Indian Foray. 
 
 now, as we have seen, proved his ability to carry 
 double in an emergency. 
 
 The cowboys had already started the cattle in 
 the direction of Kelly's ranch, and unless new and 
 unexpected difficulties arose they seemed in a fair 
 way to bring up all right. 
 
 Of course there was no chance to talk with the 
 girl during the ride, and Cuthbert was forced to re- 
 strain his curiosity until such time as she could tell 
 her story. 
 
 He felt sure Kelly's good wife would look well 
 after the waif, and see that she lacked for nothing. 
 
 So they finally neared the home ranch. 
 
 It was about noon. 
 
 Other herds had meanwhile been driven in, and, 
 surrounded with rope corrals, made the air trem- 
 ulous with their bellowing. 
 
 It looked like a round-up, for there were other 
 cattle than those belonging to the X bar X brand 
 present, and cowboys belonging to other outfits cir- 
 cled the big bunch. 
 
 Loud huzzahs greeted the appearance of Old Sile 
 with the prize lot intact the foray of the young 
 bucks had been a lamentable failure in this section 
 at least, and the cowboys had done some little ex- 
 ecution with their guns that might deter a second 
 raid. 
 
 The rescued girl was received warmly by the 
 ranchman's good wife, and taken at once into the 
 house to rest after her strange experience. 
 
 She smiled her thanks to the boys, and both of 
 them voted her a charming little thing, for whom 
 they would be willing to do much more than had 
 fallen to their lot, should the occasion ever arise. 
 
 Later on they heard how she came to fall into 
 the hands of the Sioux it was a story not strange 
 to the border in those days. 
 
 In company with her uncle, who was expecting
 
 The Indian Foray. 55 
 
 to have some connection with the new coal mines 
 recently opened, she had been making the journey 
 when their horses fell lame and they dropped be- 
 hind the rest of the freighters' wagon train. 
 
 It was while camped on the prairie the red raid- 
 ers came into camp. 
 
 The white man, realizing the folly of resistance 
 when his enemies were two-score against one, en- 
 deavored to make friends with the hot-headed, 
 young warriors, but they treated him with scant 
 courtesy, forced Polly to mount behind one of their 
 number and galloped away. 
 
 A few remained behind, and the poor girl had 
 reason to fear the worst when she heard the quick 
 detonation of guns in that quarter ere they had gone 
 half a mile. 
 
 Since that time she had ridden with her captors. 
 They treated her kindly enough, and one among 
 them, the same fellow whom Karl had wounded in 
 the arm, announced his intention of making an In- 
 dian girl out of her by staining her face and dyeing 
 her golden hair though those laughing blue eyes 
 must have always betrayed her to be of other than 
 Indian blood. 
 
 They saw no more of the Sioux raiders, but heard 
 of great damage caused by the red thieves farther 
 south, where they ran off cattle, killed several herd- 
 ers and made more or less work for the soldiers 
 sent from the post in search of them. 
 
 It would always remain a vivid recollection in 
 Cuthbert's mind. 
 
 Besides, there was Polly. 
 
 Mrs. Kelly, kind, motherly soul, had adopted the 
 waif, for there was pretty good evidence that the 
 man she called her uncle had met his fate on that 
 night his camp was invaded. 
 
 Old Sile led*a party in that direction. They dis- 
 covered the wrecked and looted wagon, and the
 
 56 The Indian Foray. 
 
 bones of the ill-starred horses which, tethered and 
 helpless, had been devoured by wolves and coyotes. 
 They also found evidence that some wretched hu- 
 man being had also met his doom in a similar man- 
 ner, and their bitterness toward the untutored sav- 
 age increased to the day of reckoning when the debt 
 might be settled. 
 
 Life on the ranch soon drifted back into the chan- 
 nel it had occupied previous to the advent of the 
 bronzed raiders. 
 
 Karl never wearied of teaching the companion 
 a strange fate had sent to him the varied duties ap- 
 pertaining to this wonderful life on the prairies. 
 
 They occasionally had a day off, when, with the 
 faithful Winchester and Karl's gun as a good sec- 
 ond, they scoured plain and coulee for such big game 
 as might not be deemed unworthy the notice of 
 such ambitious Nimrods. 
 
 Thus the boy who, previous to his Western trip, 
 had never bagged anything larger than duck or 
 rabbit, perhaps with a Canada wild goose or a Vir- 
 ginia red fox to top the pile, now found antelope, 
 wolves, coyotes, and even a bear falling before his 
 gun. 
 
 The last-named gave the boys about as severe 
 a shake-up as any one ever experienced and came 
 out alive indeed, Karl was caught unawares and, 
 as a last resort, had to take to a tree just as Cuth- 
 bert had done. 
 
 Unfortunately, neither of them was armed, Karl's 
 revolver being with his belt, hanging on a tree in 
 camp, while the Virginian had dropped the Win- 
 chester in his mad haste to clamber beyond the 
 reach of the bear, at which he had hastily fired on 
 sight ere Karl's warning shout could restrain him. 
 
 A wounded bear is usually an ugly customer, par- 
 ticularly when he belongs to the cinnamon species.
 
 The Indian Foray. 57 
 
 There they were, lodged in two trees with a sav- 
 age and determined foe beneath. 
 
 Cuthbert was dismayed. 
 
 Not so his friend perhaps he had never gone 
 through with this experience before, but others had, 
 and he could profit by their recital of how they 
 outwitted Bruin. 
 
 Accordingly Karl suggested that the other make 
 a fish-line out of some cord, fasten a fork cut from 
 the tree to one end and angle for the gun, while 
 he pretended to descend and kept the attention of 
 the shaggy monster. 
 
 All of which Cuthbert entered into with a zest 
 that came of newly-awakened hope and ambition. 
 
 It was quite a tedious job, and failure stared them 
 in the face, when a last lucky effort served to fasten 
 the wooden fork in the guard of the trigger. 
 
 After that it was very simple, and old Bruin paid 
 the debt of nature ; but he was a stubborn chap, and 
 it took all of six bullets, planted where they were 
 apt to do the most good, to bring him to time. 
 
 There was something to admire in his sturdy de- 
 fiance, refusing to cut and run even after receiving 
 such painful wounds, and Cuthbert was really glad 
 when the scene came to its inevitable conclusion. 
 
 Polly proved a little angel of the ranch, and never 
 a man but who would have laid down his life for 
 her. The sound of her sweet voice raised in song 
 was like the rippling of a cheery brook gurgling 
 over moss-covered stones in the cool shades of the 
 forest, and more than one hardened case bit his 
 tongue to repress the rough oath he had been about 
 to utter. 
 
 The boys she looked upon in the light of broth- 
 ers to them she felt she owed her escape from 
 the bad Indians, and in many ways was she enabled 
 to show the deep gratitude that lodged within her 
 gentle little breast.
 
 58 The Indian Foray. 
 
 Thus the summer waned. 
 
 Cuthbert appeared to be happy and contented. 
 The life, wild and full of movement as it was, 
 seemed to agree with him, for he no longer looked 
 in the least delicate as a result of overstudy in 
 college. 
 
 As yet he had not spoken of his past, that is 
 beyond casual mention of the sports in which as a 
 lad he had indulged. 
 
 Perhaps there was something unpleasant which 
 he did not relish confiding even to Karl, and thus 
 kept putting off the evil day. 
 
 Karl never gave it much thought it was quite 
 enough for him to know he had found a congenial 
 friend, such as he had longed to possess, and if the 
 proud Virginia lad came from a family whose im- 
 mediate ancestors had been hung as pirates it mat- 
 tered nothing. 
 
 Although the grand spring round-up had been 
 over at the time Cuthbert came to Sunset Ranch, 
 he was from time to time given opportunities to 
 assist in minor affairs, such as during the summer 
 Indian scare, and when they shipped cattle to the 
 nearest railway station. 
 
 Thus he learned all about rope-throwing, could 
 use a "snubbing post" almost as well as the next 
 one, and rode a vicious broncho in a manner that 
 even elicited warm praise from old cow punchers. 
 
 So autumn found them.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 AT THE SIOUX CAMP. 
 
 The disagreeable features of range life now be- 
 gan to manifest themselves. Cuthbert had experi- 
 enced them to a small extent from time to time, 
 but there were so many pleasant days sandwiched 
 in between that he was able to take the bad phil- 
 osophically with the good. 
 
 Now came rainy nights when he was wet through, 
 despite the yellow oilskin "sou'wester" known as 
 a "slicker" on the plains, when he would ride into 
 camp of mornings driving the saddle band of horses, 
 and would be stiff with cold, and so exhausted that 
 after a cup of hot coffee he threw himself upon the 
 ground in his tent and slept like a log while his 
 clothes dried on him. 
 
 Through it all he preserved much of the good 
 nature that seemed a part of his being. 
 
 Karl, who had been toughened by long years of 
 exposure, watched these things with no little 
 concern. 
 
 He finally decided that the erstwhile tenderfoot 
 had all the requirements to make a first-class cow- 
 boy in due process of time a little more hardening, 
 with a blizzard or two thrown in, would teach him 
 all there was to be known in the business, though 
 improvement was always possible. 
 
 Old Sile came up occasionally to see the young- 
 sters, in whom he seemed to be especially interested, 
 and Cuthbert grew quite fond of the quaint herder. 
 
 He had long since discovered that Silas Gregg 
 had been a soldier in his father's regiment during 
 those dark days when hostile armies struggled and 
 fought upon poor Virginia's sacred soil, and this fact
 
 60 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 seemed to be a bond between them which drew their 
 hearts together. 
 
 Polly was blooming out into a perfect prairie rose, 
 sunny-faced, cheery and a blessing to the old ranch- 
 man's wife. 
 
 The boys dearly loved to have her with them on 
 a gallop, and were proud when she took Cuthbert's 
 rifle and proved her accomplishments as a true 
 Western girl by incontinently bowling over a skulk- 
 ing coyote that had been hovering around in the 
 hope of securing a young and tender late lamb from 
 the sheepfold. 
 
 Those were halcyon days indeed. 
 
 No shadow of the trials which the future held in 
 store for them crossed the boys' trail. 
 
 Cuthbert had seen an Indian village on the move, 
 and learned many facts in connection with these 
 strange people. 
 
 The old medicine man aroused his keenest curi- 
 osity, and he examined with interest the odd im- 
 plements of his weird calling the dried gourds into 
 which small stones had been introduced to make a 
 furious rattling when shaken, the rattlesnake fangs 
 forming a necklace, the hideous mask which the 
 old humbug donned when endeavoring to drive 
 away the evil spirit possessing a sick Indian by his 
 incantations and herbs, and many other kindred arti- 
 cles that possessed a reverence in the eyes of the 
 simple Sioux, but excited his secret levity. 
 
 Then there was great sport horse racing, the In- 
 dians believing they possessed the finest animals on 
 earth, for modesty is unknown to their craft. 
 
 So the boys determined to take them down a peg 
 or two, and laid plans accordingly. One young 
 buck, a son of the leading chief, Afraid-of-His- 
 Horses, was especially loud in taunting the pale- 
 face lads, and particularly Karl, about the superior 
 breed of animals owned by the Sioux, and their
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 61 
 
 proficiency in riding the white boys were not in it 
 when the pace was hot and furious, however much 
 they might appear at home when chasing horned 
 cattle. 
 
 Thus it came about that a challenge resulted. 
 
 "See here," said Karl one day, "this Indian kid's 
 got a grudge against me. That right?" 
 
 "I think that's evident," said Cuthbert, with a 
 smile. 
 
 "I wonder why." 
 
 "Well, I guess we'll find out one day that Little 
 Buckshot, this big chief's arrogant son, is in reality 
 the painted cattle thief who carried Polly off." 
 
 "I kind of thought so," said Karl. 
 
 "No wonder he don't love you. A bullet in a fel- 
 low's shoulder isn't the way to gain his affections." 
 
 They both laughed over the episode. 
 
 "And didn't you see the kid in camp once or 
 twice?" went on Cuthbert. 
 
 "Yes, like as not I did but not to notice," said 
 Karl. 
 
 "Bah! Why Little Buckshot has several times 
 made some excuse to ride up to the ranch, dressed 
 in all the pomp and style of the Indian dandy and 
 I begin to think there is no more conceited fool 
 on earth evidently in the hope of making an im- 
 pression upon Polly. I guess he must have cher- 
 ished a secret admiration for her." 
 
 "Phew! You don't say!" exclaimed Karl. 
 
 "Yes, it's all straight. Take my word for it, Karl, 
 the chap who carried off Polly and wanted to make 
 her an Indian girl, and the fellow in war paint that 
 got a bullet of yours in his shoulder, and the Little 
 Buckshot that's going to make sport of your horse 
 racing they're all one and the same." 
 
 "Humph ! Going to make sport of old Buckskin ! 
 No, sirree! Not if I knows it. I'm burning to see 
 him do it. That's all."
 
 62 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 Arrangements were speedily made for the great 
 event, and Karl's popularity among the cow punch- 
 ers brought scores of the boys around on the day 
 the race was to come off. 
 
 Bets were freely made. 
 
 An Indian takes little interest in a horse race un- 
 less he has staked something on it. 
 
 Karl was therefore compelled to put up his pony 
 against the one his competitor meant to ride. 
 
 He knew he had a big task ahead, for Little Buck- 
 shot meant to leave no stone unturned in order to 
 accomplish his defeat, for it was expected that the 
 Kellys and Polly would view the race in company 
 with the head men of the tribe and some visiting 
 Eastern sportsmen in search of buffalo, then rapidly 
 disappearing from the great Western plains. 
 
 Karl knew the good points of Buckskin, and had 
 no fears as to the result, secretly believing there 
 was not a horse in the country that could outrun his 
 reliable mount when he was in the saddle and the 
 conditions favorable. 
 
 The day came. 
 
 It was a time of great excitement among the 
 dusky sons of the prairie. 
 
 The cowboys enjoyed the fun, too, and circulated 
 among the tepees making bantering wagers and jol- 
 lying their copper-colored friends in a way peculiar 
 to their class. 
 
 Fortunately there was no trader on hand with his 
 kegs of fire-water, so that the chances of clash be- 
 tween the two races was slender; such things have 
 occurred at times, with grievous results on both 
 sides. 
 
 The scene was very exhilarating at the time Karl 
 and his chum rode up. 
 
 All preliminaries for the race had been arranged 
 and the course had been laid out. 
 
 It was patterned somewhat after the regular cus-
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 63 
 
 torn of civilization, a number of circuits of a trian- 
 gular course measuring a mile around. 
 
 Usually Indian races had been straight away, but 
 by degrees they were coming to recognize the ster- 
 ling advantages of the other course, where the start 
 and conclusion would be under observation, and any 
 trickery that might be attempted discovered. 
 
 Little Buckshot certainly had hunted up a mag- 
 nificent animal, that was the envy of every cow 
 puncher present. 
 
 Cuthbert began to lose a little of the sturdy con- 
 fidence that had up to this hour dominated his whole 
 being. 
 
 Not so Karl. 
 
 The prairie lad had grimly made up his mind to 
 win that race, and he felt that with true sympathy 
 between horse and rider, Buckskin could not be 
 beaten. 
 
 Besides, Polly was an inspiration. Polly, whose 
 bright eyes so full of mischief and dancing with good 
 health, shot him encouragement as he galloped past 
 the "grand stand." 
 
 The Indians had scattered all along the line of 
 the race course, the better to encourage their rep- 
 resentative, the chief's pet son. 
 
 Here and there a sombrero announced the pres- 
 ence of a cowboy, bent upon seeing fair play; for 
 these hustlers of the prairie had a very poor opinion 
 of an Indian's honesty, and they feared lest some 
 trick might be attempted should the closing heat 
 of the race show Karl in the lead. 
 
 The terms had been carefully repeated to both 
 contestants by the august old chief, and at last the 
 critical moment arrived when the word was to be 
 given. 
 
 Intense excitement reigned everywhere, and the 
 whole Sioux village was afield to see this most in-
 
 64 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 teresting sport, in which an Indian naturally takes 
 the keenest delight. 
 
 "Ready?" cried the chief. 
 
 "Yes, yes," shouted the impatient cowboys, anx- 
 ious to see the start. 
 
 "Go!" came the command. 
 
 "Thar they go," yelled the crowd of cowboys. 
 "Give it to him, Karl. Buckskin's goin' to swipe 
 the prize. Go home, you red fool!" 
 
 "O-he-o!" followed the shriek of the Indians. 
 
 The two young competitors shot forward like twin 
 arrows from the same bow side by side they 
 crossed the line amid the thunderous shouts of the 
 spectators, in which the shrill cries of the Indians 
 could be heard above the hoarser yells of the cow- 
 boys. 
 
 Karl, whose life ha'd been almost spent in the sad- 
 dle, knew full well that in a game of this sort, cool- 
 ness and watchfulness meant half the battle. 
 
 He knew the wonderful power possessed by his 
 horse to make an unrivaled spurt, and felt certain 
 that if he could hold the Indian up to the last 
 stretch the race was his beyond any question. 
 
 It seemed as though the other were in no hurry 
 to bring out the latent qualities in his noble steed, 
 for during the first mile lap the two rivals galloped 
 side by side. 
 
 The pace was hot enough to satisfy those who 
 looked on, but the experienced easily detected the 
 fact that as yet neither horse had by long odds been 
 put to his best paces. 
 
 Karl, looking across toward his lithe competitor, 
 could see a dusky face turned in his direction, a face 
 that was lighted by a savage smile, and then he 
 knew positively that Little Buckshot was the ma- 
 rauding young buck whom he had wounded in the 
 timber, for the mask being thrown aside, he saw 
 him as he was.
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 65 
 
 Then the dusky rider plied his whip, and his horse 
 shot forward like a hawk darting upon its quarry. 
 
 One touch of Karl's quirt and Buckskin was hold- 
 ing his own, his nose just behind the big gray's 
 rump. 
 
 Such shrieks and yells as arose all along the line 
 it was like pandemonium broke loose ; but Karl paid 
 no attention to the derisive execrations of the ex- 
 cited Indians or the encouraging shouts of his cow- 
 boy adherents all he saw was that figure on the 
 big gray just ahead and the mocking sneer on Lit- 
 tle Buckshot's face whenever the latter turned to 
 look back in the hope that he had shaken his per- 
 sistent pursuer off. 
 
 A third stretch opened. 
 
 The Indian had started to belabor his mount as 
 only one of his kind, acting under stress of excite- 
 ment can, and the animal was really doing his best. 
 
 By this time the pace was terrific, and delighted 
 spectators of all shades; though deep anxiety made 
 itself manifest on many faces as they watched the 
 two boy rivals go thundering past, for heavy wagers 
 depended on the final result. 
 
 Karl knew his hand was on the prize. 
 
 He still held Buckskin close behind the big gray, 
 and as yet had had no occasion to call upon that 
 wonderful reserve it was a card he held up his 
 sleeve. 
 
 To beat the Indian was not enough he desired 
 to snatch victory away from him just when the other 
 felt sure of winning. 
 
 This required good judgment on his part, since a 
 mistake might ruin all. 
 
 The last quarter was taken up. 
 
 Now they passed the first stake of the triangle and 
 made the sharp turn without a change when the 
 second had been reached and the gap between had
 
 66 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 widened a trifle, the Indian, seeing the home stretch 
 in front, thought he had surely won. 
 
 He could not refrain from waving his hand ex- 
 ultantly to his friends and giving vent to a yell of 
 satisfaction. 
 
 There is an old saying to the effect that an In- 
 'dian should never shout until he is in the woods, 
 nor a white man until out of them. 
 
 So Little Buckshot counted without his host. 
 
 Karl knew the crisis was upon him. 
 
 It was win or lose. 
 
 All depended upon the yellow nag. 
 
 The cowboy's best friend needed no plying of the 
 stinging quirt's lash Karl and he were well ac- 
 quainted, and Buckskin knew what was required of 
 him when the rider bent low in the saddle and chir- 
 ruped in his ear. 
 
 Magnificently he responded. 
 
 Foot by foot he overtook the big gray. 
 
 Now they raced side by side and the goal just 
 ahead the young buck was frantically plying his 
 whip, shrieking in anger and digging his moccasined 
 heels into the steaming side of his noble steed. 
 
 Alas! the big gray was at his limit. 
 
 "Now, Buckskin, my beauty, show 'em what you 
 can do," whispered Karl, and Buckskin responded 
 nobly, shooting ahead and crossing the line so far 
 in advance that there was a plain streak of daylight 
 between the rival horses. 
 
 Evidently there could be no dispute as to the re- 
 sult of that race. 
 
 A roar of applause greeted Karl's victory, and the 
 cowboys thought it incumbent upon them to give a 
 volley or two from their guns into the air. 
 
 The Indians took their defeat philosophically, as 
 was their wont all but Little Buckshot, who 
 scowled the hatred that filled his soul. 
 
 Karl might have felt sorry for him, realizing the
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 67 
 
 awful bitterness of such a defeat in the presence of 
 his friends, but the memory of what this hot-headed 
 young buck had done when the cattle raid was on 
 prevented him from wasting any sympathy in that 
 quarter. 
 
 He knew Indian nature too well to attempt any 
 move looking toward reconciliation, which he was 
 sure would be spurned by the hot-head. 
 
 Leading his steaming horse he went straight to 
 where Kelly and his party laughed and joked with 
 the disappointed old chief and dejected headmen of 
 the tribe. 
 
 Evidently the charms of the medicine man had 
 failed to bring about the desired result the old 
 humbug had been a conspicuous figure among the 
 spectators during the race, garbed after a manner 
 to arouse the enthusiasm of a Bowery urchin, but 
 after the Indian's signal defeat he mysteriously van- 
 ished from the scene, having gone, no doubt, to per- 
 form some more mystic rites and discover why the 
 gods had made so great a blunder. 
 
 Polly's words of congratulation made Karl feel 
 as though he had in part avenged the indignity of 
 her kidnapping although when he came to con- 
 sider the matter closely, he could not see why he 
 should hold a grudge against the other on that ac- 
 count, since he would probably never have known 
 Polly had the young braves remained quietly on 
 their reservation instead of getting the fever to run 
 off cattle. 
 
 Mr. Kelly whispered a warning. 
 
 "Keep an eye out for trouble that fellow is not 
 taking his defeat the right way, Karl. Mark my 
 words, you'll see more of him yet," was the way 
 he put it. 
 
 Others among the experienced cow punchers were 
 of the same opinion, and some openly declared Karl 
 would have to fight for it yet.
 
 68 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 He did not seem worried, whereat Cuthbert won- 
 dered it was far from pleasant to feel that an In- 
 dian of some influence among the hot-headed 
 younger element hated him with such intense bitter- 
 ness. 
 
 Whether the old warriors knew of their partici- 
 pation in the raid or not could not be told, but 
 doubtless they winked at the indiscretion, feeling 
 that young blood could not be wholly restrained, 
 and accepted the stores of pemmican brought in as 
 buffalo meat with philosophical indifference. 
 
 The brand of the cattle had disappeared when the 
 hide was buried under the prairie turf, and no one 
 could claim his own. 
 
 Karl led his prize back to the ranch. 
 
 The big gray was a fine animal true, he had been 
 only half broken by his former Indian owner, and 
 the boy's first duty was to put him through his 
 paces, introducing him to the various phases in a 
 cowboy's career. 
 
 Cuthbert was uneasy for a time, and scrutinized 
 every clump of sage brush or cactus that lay near 
 their line of travel he had an idea that the Indians, 
 humiliated in the great race, would live only for 
 revenge, and, having the cowboy's general poor 
 opinion of the aborigines, he feared lest Little Buck- 
 shot might lie in wait behind some such cover to 
 make Karl his target, after the bushwhacker style in 
 vogue among the Tennessee mountains during the 
 Civil War. 
 
 As the days passed by, and their duties called for 
 attention, nothing occurred to cause alarm, and 
 Cuthbert gradually let the matter pass out of his 
 mind. 
 
 The Indians had moved on they were really 
 upon their annual grand hunt, for as long as buffalo 
 could be found upon the range this great event was 
 religiously observed.
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 69 
 
 The time was near at hand, however, when it 
 would be but a memory, for the great droves that 
 once blackened the prairie for miles during their 
 migration north and south had been decimated until 
 now they were only found in small herds, eagerly 
 hunted alike by red and white, even foreigners com- 
 ing over and engaging guides like "Buffalo Bill" 
 Cody to give them a last chance ere the bison ut- 
 terly vanished. 
 
 It can be readily understood how the Virginia 
 lad, having graduated in the class of wolf and ante- 
 lope shooting, now that he had actually bagged a 
 big cinnamon bear albeit it was a pot shot from a 
 tree that did the business should aspire to engage 
 in a genuine buffalo hunt. 
 
 Years hence he felt it would be with pride one 
 might recall having been instrumental in bringing 
 down such big game. 
 
 Karl was equally eager, though he had been con- 
 cerned in such a chase many times, but that magic 
 gun of the tenderfoot had especial charms for him, 
 as Winchester repeaters were at the time some- 
 thing of a novelty in that region. He wanted to 
 have a whack with it among the buffalo, to see 
 whether it was quite as capable of tumbling a mighty 
 bull to the earth as the old-time rifle. 
 
 The autumn was pretty well along before there 
 came the desired opportunity. Already they had 
 experienced a cold snap, and could expect a blizzard 
 any day that would give the herders mountains of 
 trouble endeavoring to save the cattle. 
 
 Karl came in one day with the news that he had 
 discovered a small herd of buffalo that somehow 
 had lingered longer in the north than their fellows, 
 and thus far escaped the hunting parties of Indians 
 scouring the prairie in a round-up for winter meat. 
 
 Cuthbert was delighted. 
 
 All necessary arrangements were made, and per-
 
 yo At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 mission obtained from the genial ranch-owner for 
 a day off, in the expectation of both sport and profit, 
 for the anticipated supply of buffalo meat was not 
 to be scorned. 
 
 Cuthbert had some difficulty in getting- to sleep, 
 for his nerves tingled with excitement this was 
 a treat he had long promised himself, and now that 
 his hopes seemed in a fair way of being fulfilled, 
 he could not get the subject out of his mind. 
 
 In imagination he went through the whole busi- 
 ness, just as experienced Karl had rehearsed for 
 him, and even gloried in seeing a shock-headed bull 
 bite the dust in response to his skill as a marksman. 
 
 Then some one roughly shook him he had an 
 idea it was Little Buckshot claiming the trophy of 
 the chase. 
 
 "It's time!" said a voice. 
 
 Cuthbert sat up and rubbed his eyes, astonished 
 to find it all a dream, and that he was in the home 
 shack, with Karl pulling at his sleeve. 
 
 The buffalo bull was a myth, and Little Buck- 
 shot only conspicuous by his absence. 
 
 He jumped up, ready to follow wherever Karl 
 chose to lead, and determined to make at least the 
 first part of his dream a reality. 
 
 It was dark as Egypt outside. 
 
 The stars glimmered overhead, and the air was 
 frosty and keen. 
 
 Karl had some coffee ready, and both boys took 
 a snack ere starting out upon the hunt. 
 
 The temperature had no terrors for such hardy 
 range riders in truth, it made the blood circulate, 
 and did them good. 
 
 A third animal was taken along as a pack horse, 
 upon the back of which they meant to convey any 
 meat secured, back to the ranch. 
 
 One of the men was moving as they passed? out.
 
 At the Sioux Camp. 71 
 
 He could easily guess their errand, and his "so- 
 long" had in it all the cheery elements of good 
 wishes for luck to be with them. 
 
 Karl was perfectly at home on the prairie by day 
 or night the stars were his guide, and should these 
 fail, he always had his little compass to depend 
 upon besides, there were various other methods of 
 locating the cardinal points known to those who 
 risk their lives on the boundless, swelling plains. 
 
 Straight on he rode, mile after mile, with Cuth- 
 bert galloping alongside and the gray trailing be- 
 hind, now skirting a treacherous gopher village, 
 anon avoiding a coulee that lay across their track. 
 
 They talked as they rode leisurely on, since Karl 
 had taken time by the forelock and started early 
 enough, so there was no haste. 
 
 Dawn was at hand. 
 
 There is no prettier sight than the breaking of 
 day as seen upon the prairies, where the level hori- 
 zon seems so very distant. The gray line in the east 
 widened and turned to a pale yellow, and presently 
 the sun arose, heralded by glowing red streamers 
 that, according to old plainsmen, as well as mariners 
 of the sea, promised storm ere long. 
 
 Before sunup the boys had entered the belt of 
 timber beyond which the herd of bison was supposed 
 to be feeding in fancied security. 
 
 Perhaps the tufted grass was sweeter in the lee 
 of the wooded section some such cause had op- 
 erated to detain them in their migration to the 
 warmer south land. 
 
 The three horses were led now, and finally se- 
 cured to trees, while the young hunters sought the 
 fringe of the timber, in order to ascertain whether 
 theirs had been a fools' errand or not. 
 
 Cuthbert's heart was jumping nervously as they 
 reached a point from which an observation could
 
 72 At the Sioux Camp. 
 
 be taken, and looked over the open ground beyond, 
 and then a sense of satisfaction such as only a born 
 hunter may feel swept over him, for a score of dark, 
 shaggy animals which he knew to be buffalo, came 
 within range of his eager vision.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A DAKOTA BLIZZARD. 
 
 Apparently their presence was as yet unknown 
 to the buffaloes, for they appeared to be feeding 
 Karl had made sure that the wind was right ere ad- 
 vancing to the edge of the timber. 
 
 At sight of the big game, Cuthbert felt all the 
 eager symptoms that stamp a true hunter he 
 yearned to be crawling up among them or, mounted 
 on his fleet horse, pursuing them in headlong fashion 
 over the prairie. 
 
 Karl was the one to decide upon their course of 
 action, and his will was to be as despotic as that 
 of Caesar, from which there could be no appeal. 
 
 So the young Virginia lad restrained his impa- 
 tience and waited for the word. 
 
 Meanwhile he watched the bison. 
 
 To his mind they seemed contented enough with 
 their surroundings, but Karl detected an uneasi- 
 ness that aroused his curiosity, since he was sure 
 it could not spring from their presence near by. 
 
 "There's something they don't just exactly fancy 
 around about a wolf, likely enough, but I see no 
 calf to be in danger," and Karl shook his head in 
 a puzzled way, as though the situation might be too 
 much for him. 
 
 "What is that object yonder crawling through 
 the grass?" asked his companion in a whisper, as he 
 pointed in a certain direction. 
 
 "Mr. Wolf, on your life, but I declare I don't 
 remember ever seeing one that crawled so clumsy. 
 There he goes up to that cow standing alone if 
 he tackles her I'll be more than surprised. Look 
 yonder, what in all creation does that mean?"
 
 74 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 There was little need of urging Cuthbert to look, 
 since his eyes were glued upon the big gray wolf 
 that had shambled along unsteadily until close up to 
 the buffalo cow. 
 
 Then up rose the wolf on his hind legs, and 
 seemed to go through some maneuvre as though 
 pawing the air. 
 
 Karl uttered a low ejaculation, as a sharp "twang" 
 came to their ears, borne by the breeze. 
 
 At the same time the gray wolf dropped again 
 upon all fours. 
 
 The bison had ceased feeding and trotted heav- 
 ily toward the remainder of the herd. 
 
 There was an unsteadiness in her gait that Karl's 
 quick eye detected. 
 
 "Watch her drop !" he whispered. 
 
 Sure enough, the big beast seemed overcome with 
 weariness before reaching her companions, she stag- 
 gered, sank to her knees, and then rolled over in a 
 way that was peculiar, to say the least twice she 
 essayed to rise again, but, unequal to the effort, 
 finally lay still. 
 
 "Dead," said Karl, positively. 
 
 "What?" gasped Cuthbert, wondering what it all 
 meant, and if he were under a spell. 
 
 "Watch the gay old deceiver, Mr. Wolf," was 
 what the cowboy said. 
 
 There was a distinct shade of bitterness in his 
 tone, which aroused Cuthbert's curiosity still more, 
 until it affected his nerves, and he was actually 
 trembling with eagerness to discover the explan- 
 ation of these strange things. 
 
 Nevertheless, he fastened his eyes on the beast 
 of prey, as though the wolf might after all prove 
 the key of the whole puzzle. 
 
 The wolf was repeating his remarkable actions, 
 creeping up toward a bull that in feeding had left 
 the balance of the herd.
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 75 
 
 Again did the wolf rise up, again came that vibrat- 
 ing "twang" like the snapping of a violin string, 
 and, inside of a few minutes, that bull had also 
 dropped to the earth. 
 
 Cuthbert clutched his companion's arm. 
 
 "Tell me what it means there is surely magic 
 in it somewhere?" he whispered. 
 
 "Not at all only a miserable Sioux brave," said 
 Karl, bitterly. 
 
 Cuthbert had an inspiration. 
 
 "The seeming wolf " he gasped. 
 
 "That skin hides an Indian that's how a redskin 
 brings down buffalo; and he must be a dandy with 
 bow and arrow, for I can count seven dead ones from 
 here." 
 
 "A bow then that snap was the bow-string when 
 he let fly?" 
 
 "Jest so, and now he's after another see how 
 he crawls through the grass." 
 
 "But surely he has enough now with eight on the 
 ground." 
 
 "That's where you're all off. If he could kill a. 
 thousand he'd do it for the tongues alone, and let 
 the rest go. No, you can gamble that unless some- 
 thing happens every one in the herd will fall, and 
 there are 'bout thirteen left now." 
 
 Cuthbert's heart sank. 
 
 "Can't we do something?" he suggested. 
 
 "There may be no need; they begin to grow un- 
 easy even now, and I think he'll only get one or two 
 more before they break away." 
 
 "Shall we get our horses and be ready for a 
 chase?" 
 
 Karl looked steadily around as if to decide upon 
 the course the animals would take when once they 
 started off. 
 
 "Yes, some. I reckon we'll be in the hunt yet, 
 but keep an eye out for the red thieves. They may
 
 76 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 believe we started the game, and be mad enough 
 to bother us." 
 
 When the horses had been secured, the two young 
 Nimrods turned and went south a short distance, 
 after which they again made their way to the edge 
 of the timber. 
 
 There they arrived just in time to witness the 
 stampede of the buffalo. 
 
 Doubtless, suspicion had become certainty with 
 the old war-scarred bull in charge of the herd, and 
 giving the alarm, he went plunging off over the 
 prairie, followed by the rest, at a course that would 
 presently bring them past our hunters. 
 
 Thus there was a brief time for them to wait. 
 
 Cuthbert involuntarily looked to where he had 
 last seen the mock wolf, and was just in time to dis- 
 cover the red marksman spring erect and throw 
 aside the skin that had served him so well. 
 
 Then, with loud yells, out of the timber came a 
 trio of Sioux braves, mounted on wiry ponies and 
 leading the animal of their comrade. 
 
 They only made a sorry pretense of chasing the 
 tumbling, tossing herd, and Karl's experienced eye 
 saw at once that their ponies were utterly worn out 
 with a long night ride, which doubtless accounted 
 for their adoption of the old-time wolf project. 
 
 "The game is in our hands we must ride a few 
 miles before we open the ball. Now, mount and 
 away," was what he said. 
 
 They vaulted into the saddle; one touch of the 
 quirt and the horses bounded out from the timber 
 upon the open. 
 
 Already the alarmed and demoralized buffalo had 
 commenced to string by, so that the best they could 
 do would be to fall in behind and stick close to them 
 until the time came to use firearms. 
 
 As they galloped along they plainly heard a chorus 
 of angry yells borne on the wind, and could easily
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 77 
 
 determine that the quartette of Indians had wit- 
 nessed their appearance with a consuming rage, 
 doubtless under the belief that, but for their pres- 
 ence, the entire herd might have fallen into their 
 hands as prizes. 
 
 For the time Cuthbert forgot all about these dis- 
 appointed braves; the excitement attending the 
 chase was enough to hold his attention. 
 
 Often had he read vivid descriptions of just such 
 a scene, and it was hard to realize that he was ex- 
 periencing its joys now. 
 
 Karl did not urge his broncho. 
 
 A few miles more or less between themselves and 
 that ugly quartette of red hunters would not come 
 amiss. 
 
 Destiny brings these rivals together many times in 
 the chase, and tragedies have followed. 
 
 At the proper time a little burst of speed would 
 place them alongside, and in a position to give a 
 good account of themselves. 
 
 Several times Karl turned in the saddle and 
 looked back. Doubtless even his cautious soul was 
 finally satisfied, for he gave the word that meant the 
 closing scene in the hunt was about to occur. 
 
 When Cuthbert found himself riding alongside a 
 bull with a massive head, he had considerable diffi- 
 culty in getting his gun aimed, for it takes much 
 practice to shoot with certainty on horseback when 
 careering over the prairie at full speed. 
 
 Thus his first and second shots appeared to only 
 wound the great bison, and the next thing he knew 
 his horse had shied just in time to avoid the cruel 
 black horns of the bull, that had charged with his 
 head down. 
 
 The old fellow evidently believed in turning the 
 tables, for he organized an immediate chase. 
 
 It was exciting enough, to be sure ; but, somehow,
 
 78 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 Cuthbert did not enjoy being hunted quite so much 
 as when he was doing the chasing. 
 
 To use his gun now was impossible, since all his 
 attention must be taken up with his frightened horse. 
 
 The old bull kept up the chase with a determina- 
 tion that did him credit, but Karl had sung out some 
 directions as well as he could for laughing, and, by 
 degrees, Cuthbert circled around so as to cross the 
 path of his companion, who speedily accomplished 
 the job wherein the tenderfoot had failed, by plac- 
 ing a bullet where it would do the most good. 
 
 When next Cuthbert selected a victim, he was 
 careful that it should be a youngster, and in this 
 instance he managed matters so well that Karl 
 shouted his approval. 
 
 Since the cowboy had also secured a third victim 
 in a cow, they had reached the limit previously set 
 to mark their necessities, and the chase was accord- 
 ingly abandoned. 
 
 The last they saw of the buffalo herd was a cloud 
 of dust to southward, showing that their natural in- 
 stinct turned them away from the land where bliz- 
 zards would soon lock rivers, mountains and prairie 
 in a prison of ice and snow. 
 
 Now Cuthbert had new lessons to learn in re- 
 moving the hide and securing such portions of the 
 meat as could be used. 
 
 He was no laggard, and had already become fairly 
 proficient in this hunter's accomplishment with re- 
 gard to smaller game, so that a little more ex- 
 perience increased his store of knowledge. 
 
 It took time to do it all; indeed, hours crept by 
 ere the meat was secured within the hides, made 
 into packages and securely fastened to the big gray, 
 utilized as a packhorse for this one special occasion. 
 
 Frequently Karl had raised his head to sweep the 
 prairie with his eyes, and particularly in the quarter 
 whence they had come, for well he knew that some-
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 79 
 
 where in that direction the four angry Sioux braves 
 still aired their grievance while they packed meat. 
 
 "See here, Cuthbert," he said, at last. "We've 
 like as not said good-by to them red fellers, but 
 there's worse going to happen." 
 
 "All right; I'm ready for the next item on the 
 programme," said Cuthbert, lightly, for, now that 
 the Indians were out of sight, he was inclined to 
 laugh at the episode. 
 
 "Say, haven't you noticed that it's been getting 
 colder?" asked Karl, and there was a look in his 
 face that made Cuthbert serious at once. 
 
 The atmosphere had, indeed, suddenly changed, 
 and it was several degrees colder than at sunrise; 
 indeed, while the boys were working they several 
 times mechanically paused to slap their arms vig- 
 orously about to induce circulation and restore 
 warmth to their benumbed digits. 
 
 To Karl, brought up amid the dangers of the 
 great prairie, there was a significance in this drop 
 of the temperature that it would be folly to over- 
 look. 
 
 "Sure's you're born, we're in for a blizzard," he 
 said, emphatically. 
 
 That word had no particular terror for Cuthbert 
 as yet he thought he knew what a storm meant, 
 but after he had passed through one experience of 
 this sort, it would have a new significance, and the 
 very mention of the word must ever cause an icy 
 chill to chase up and down his spinal column. 
 
 According to the cowboy's reckoning, the condi- 
 tions were all favorable for such a catastrophe, 
 though it was as yet early in the season for so grim a 
 visitant. 
 
 To his credit be it said, Karl's worry of mind was 
 mostly in connection with the cattle out upon the 
 range they must suffer more or less, though the
 
 80 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 early date gave him reason to hope they might not 
 be subjected to a severe trial. 
 
 Just as they cinched the load upon the spirited 
 gray, and were ready to jump into the saddle, the 
 first snowflakes came sailing down from the dull 
 gray sky, a small circumstance in itself, but one that 
 gave the prairie boy much uneasiness. 
 
 When one of these Western storms starts in, it 
 means business from the word go they have the 
 same "hustle" that pervades everything typical of 
 the wide horizon. 
 
 In two minutes the air was full of snow, and 
 when twice that time had elapsed they were en- 
 veloped in a white blanket. 
 
 With the snow came the keen wind, gaining force 
 as it sped across the level plain, unloosed from the 
 lair of the Northern Ice King. 
 
 Ugh! how it penetrated, despite warm garments. 
 
 Cuthbert was experiencing a revelation he had 
 never before known what a keen-edged blizzard 
 breath felt like, nor could he honestly say he was at 
 all charmed with the sample. 
 
 As usual, Karl kept his wits about him, ready to 
 observe whatever was going on and take advantage 
 of opportunities as they chanced to arise. 
 
 "We got to run for it," he cried ; "home lies 'most 
 in the teeth of the blizzard, and we'd be fools to try 
 to make Sunset Ranch till the storm shuts down." 
 
 Shelter, then, was what they sought. 
 
 His knowledge of the country would be of con- 
 siderable benefit to them. 
 
 The wind was apt to shift, so that it could not 
 be depended on for guidance. Karl kept his com- 
 pass where he could see it, though with the blind- 
 ing snow and the appalling gloom that had fallen 
 over the scene it was only by means of a determined 
 effort he could make out which way the finger 
 pointed.
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 81 
 
 Already sage brush, scattered here and there, to- 
 gether with cacti, resembled little hillocks, with the 
 snow piled up against them, such of it as was not in 
 circulation, for so wild was the howling wind that 
 the air seemed to be one mass of flying particles of 
 ice that lashed the face most pitilessly, and cut like 
 needles. 
 
 Their progress was dreadfully slow. 
 
 Indeed, the horses could not have gone at all 
 against the blizzard, and with it on one side suffered 
 severely enough. 
 
 Cuthbert's mind involuntarily went back to the 
 time when he had galloped over perhaps this same 
 ground, pursued by the flashing, leaping fire 
 quite a startling contrast when compared with his 
 present experiences, and he could hardly say which 
 of the two evils was the greater, save that the pres- 
 ent one always looms up more hugely. 
 
 The minutes dragged into hours they seemed 
 ages to the boys, who were perilously near the point 
 of perishing. 
 
 "Say, couldn't we stop for a minute or two, just to 
 let the blood get back into our veins?" suggested 
 Cuthbert. 
 
 "Do you know what it would mean?" 
 
 "Great risk, I suppose." 
 
 "More." 
 
 "What then?" 
 
 "Death. Our only hope is to push on or strike 
 some brush." 
 
 Both boys rode on in silence. 
 
 Karl could hardly see his compass to make sure 
 of their line of flight, and his fingers were too much 
 like lumps of ice to do duty in the way of feeling; 
 but he had a firm conviction they were on the right 
 road, and that the timber must surely show up soon. 
 
 If, by any ill luck, he had made a mistake, it was 
 apt to prove fatal to them.
 
 82 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 He said nothing of this, but continued to cheer his 
 companion, whose spirits had begun to droop under 
 the terrific strain. 
 
 There was no sign of a break ; these storms often 
 last three days, and have been known to hold out 
 five or six. 
 
 The only wonder is that any living thing in the 
 way of animal life survives their fury. 
 
 Cuthbert was almost benumbed; he could only 
 with the greatest difficulty maintain his seat in the 
 saddle, and was rapidly reaching that dangerous con- 
 dition when it would really become a matter of utter 
 indifference to him whether they found shelter or 
 not. 
 
 It was, therefore, just in time that timber hove 
 in sight. To the boys it promised an asylum 
 safety, warmth, life. 
 
 Even the utterly-fagged horses knew the end of 
 their trial was close at hand, for they seemed to 
 push forward with renewed zeal. 
 
 Cuthbert made an effort and aroused himself from 
 the half-stupor into which he had fallen. 
 
 So, with a shout of joy, they pushed on and pres- 
 ently found refuge under the trees. 
 
 Here, while the cold was still severe, the backbone 
 of that piercing wind was broken, and when the boys 
 crawled stiffly from the saddles, to which they had 
 actually been frozen tight, they managed, by means 
 of rough-and-tumble exercise, in which each pum- 
 meled the other most vigorously, to induce a new 
 circulation of blood that began to give internal 
 warmth. 
 
 "Caesar! How it wars!" said Cuthbert, as he 
 glanced up at the lowering clouds and heard behind 
 the furious blasts of the blizzard. 
 
 "Tain't much!" said Karl, nonchalantly. "I've 
 been through much worse ; but this ain't no time to 
 get spoutin'. Comfortable, Cuthbert?"
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 83 
 
 "You bet," said Cuthbert, and he nodded signifi- 
 cantly out to where the storm still raged. 
 
 "Guess we might start a fire a-going," suggested 
 Karl. 
 
 "Why, sure," said Cuthbert; "that's just the 
 thing."" 
 
 And, springing up, the two boys scoured the im- 
 mediate timber for fallen limbs. 
 
 Suddenly Cuthbert called out : 
 
 "Hi, Karl, here's a find!" 
 
 Karl rushed to his side. 
 
 "Gee whittaker!" he yelled. "We're playing in 
 luck. Now, jest who flung up this old log cabin 
 here, I wonder?" 
 
 It was in fairly decent condition, and while the 
 door had fallen from its leather hinges, that mat- 
 tered little, as the opening was toward the south. 
 It was a godsend to the boys, and they proceeded 
 to make themselves at home. 
 
 "Say, I remember!" suddenly exclaimed Karl. 
 "A lone trapper owned this shanty. The feller used 
 to store beaver pelts and some other skins, and I 
 reckon he's dead now. Any old way, we're here an' 
 he's not, and that's all there's to it." 
 
 "Them's my sentiments," quoth Cuthbert. 
 
 It was a most wonderful freak of fortune that they 
 should have run across this old cabin one chance 
 in a thousand, and all the more acceptable on that 
 account. 
 
 At once they took possession, and presently had a 
 cheery blaze started on the hearth that still bore 
 the blackend embers of what was possibly the poor 
 old trapper's last fire. 
 
 How good it felt ! New life seemed to come with 
 the reaction, and while Cuthbert kept accumulating 
 wood, Karl carried in the packages of buffalo meat, 
 and then secured the horses at the leeward side of
 
 84 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 the house, where they might get some advantage 
 from its shelter. 
 
 Their fright over, the boys could now afford to 
 joke about the weary march, but Cuthbert was not 
 so wholly recovered that he did not shiver when an 
 extra loud and piercing blast shook the tall cotton- 
 woods. 
 
 Still, dangers past often assume a more or less 
 humorous aspect, especially in the eyes of buoyant 
 youth, and it was not very long before the two cast- 
 aways were laughing hilariously over the figure 
 Cuthbert presented riding for dear life with a 
 wounded bison at his heels. 
 
 "Say, Karl, do you know what I feel like?" asked 
 Cuthbert, after staring dreamily into the glowing 
 logs. 
 
 "Well, I don't know jest what you feel like, but 
 you don't look over and above anything but a kid 
 anybody had oughter envy." 
 
 Cuthbert laughed. 
 
 "Well, Karl, I feel more like a shriveled up 
 mummy than a boy just now." 
 
 "And what's a mummy?" inquired Karl. 
 
 "What! never saw a mummy?" 
 
 "Not to know," said Karl. 
 
 Cuthbert almost screamed with laughter. 
 
 "Why, old chap, a mummy is a man that lived 
 thousands of years ago, and whose body's still kept 
 in a kind of coffin." 
 
 "Say, what are you giving us?" demanded Karl. 
 
 "Oh, here's something I must tell you, Karl," and 
 Cuthbert launched into a disquisition upon the won- 
 derful depositories of the dead Pharaohs. 
 
 "S'pose them fellers you've been talking 'bout 
 didn't eat buffalo !" said Karl suddenly. 
 
 "Buffalo !" exclaimed Cuthbert. 
 
 "Sure! Fried buffalo."
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 85 
 
 "I guess they didn't. That is something that I 
 haven't sampled yet myself." 
 
 Karl made a dive for one of the packages of buf- 
 falo and it was soon being broiled in a primitive way 
 over the red embers. 
 
 "Now, what d'ye think of buffalo?" said Karl, as, 
 a little later, he watched Cuthbert making deep in- 
 cisions, with evident relish, into a luscious morsel 
 he had cut off with his knife. 
 
 "Say, Karl, this is the finest bit of steak I've ever 
 eaten." 
 
 "I thought so." 
 
 "And so tender ! Why, I thought the thing would 
 be like leather." 
 
 "You'll learn," said Karl, with a wise shake of his 
 head. 
 
 "I think I've learned already," said Cuthbert, 
 laughing. "Got any more of this?" 
 
 "Yes ; but we may want it." 
 
 "Why, you don't think the blizzard is going to 
 last?" 
 
 "For days, mebbe," said Karl, decidedly. 
 
 Cuthbert looked aghast. 
 
 "But don't let that worry you," continued Karl. 
 "What's the matter with the log cabin ?" 
 
 "It's all right; but I'd rather be at the ranch." 
 
 "Course you would; but you've got to stay right 
 to here till the storm blows itself out. We've got 
 enough to last us fer a day or two, and the horses 
 can get feed among the trees." 
 
 "Well, I suppose there's nothing for it but to 
 make ourselves as comfortable as possible in the cir- 
 cumstances," said Karl, resignedly. 
 
 The day wore on. 
 
 As Karl had expected, the early storm was not 
 likely to be as severe in regard to the length of its 
 stay as others that might be expected later. 
 
 Already there were signs of its breaking, though
 
 86 A Dakota Blizzard. 
 
 it would probably hold on by fits and starts until 
 another day. 
 
 The wind still blew, but had lost much of its pierc- 
 ing vigor, though, when they went to the edge of 
 the timber the vast expanse of prairie was just as 
 thoroughly blotted out as when they struggled along 
 with the chances of escape or death about evenly 
 divided. 
 
 Gratitude surged through both their hearts as 
 they realized what they had escaped, and they went 
 back to the old cabin more thankful than they could 
 find words to express. 
 
 How cheerful it seemed there in contrast with 
 what lay beyond! Karl wondered if any herders 
 they knew would not be able to catch their cat- 
 tle and find safety in the timber; for every winter 
 more than a few herders were lost on the range, 
 frozen sometimes within three hundred feet of a 
 cabin, which could not be seen in the blinding, mad- 
 dening, freezing whirl of fine snow. 
 
 It was getting on well toward evening, and the 
 two boys began to cast wistful glances in the direc- 
 tion of the buffalo meat, for such healthy appetites 
 require a tremendous amount of feeding. 
 
 Cuthbert had stepped out to melt some snow in 
 his mouth, feeling thirsty, when he came hastily back 
 with a look on his face that told of new excitement. 
 
 "Ah! there, what's up?" asked Karl, seeing him 
 take his rifle and make for the door again. 
 
 "A wolf hanging around I heard him howl," was 
 the answer Cuthbert flung back. 
 
 "Be careful there are two-legged wolves in this 
 section, you know," laughed Karl. 
 
 Then, struck by a sudden thought, he followed his 
 companion to the edge of the prairie. 
 
 "Hark!" said the tenderfoot, eagerly. 
 
 Borne on the wind came a sound that was not un-
 
 A Dakota Blizzard. 87 
 
 like the howl of a wolf, but no sooner had Karl 
 heard it than he became strangely excited. 
 
 "Drop your gun and follow me," he exclaimed, 
 plunging into the snow, and then calling back over 
 his shoulder: "Because that's a cry fer help from 
 some poor wretch lost out yonder in the freeze !"
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE GRAND ROUND-UP. 
 
 All that was noble and manly in the young Vir- 
 ginian awakened into life when he heard his com- 
 panion thus declare that a human life was in peril 
 out yonder in the whirling, sifting snow that was 
 borne on the pitiless wind of the Arctic blizzard. 
 
 His own painful experience had been so very re- 
 cent that he could fully sympathize with the feelings 
 of any one confronted by such a dismal outlook. 
 
 At Karl's suggestion, then, he dropped the rifle 
 where he could easily find it again, and plunged into 
 the storm, intent only upon saving a human life. 
 
 The chances were decidedly in favor of the lost and 
 imperiled one being an Indian, but, to the credit of 
 the boys, be it said that neither of them gave a sec- 
 ond of time to considering whether or not it were 
 worth risking their own precious lives for a misera- 
 ble red man. 
 
 Both of them were in prime fettle now to do bat- 
 tle with the shrinking blizzard. 
 
 The long rest beside a warm fire, together with a 
 generous meal, had put new life and vigor into the 
 erstwhile half-frozen and almost despairing lads, so 
 that they buffeted the shrieking blast without diffi- 
 culty. 
 
 Karl had located the cry for help, and kept his 
 bearings as only a prairie-born lad might under such 
 confusing conditions. 
 
 Straight as a die he pushed his way out upon the 
 prairie until he believed they must be very close to 
 the spot whence had sprung that involuntary, hope- 
 less cry, such as despair wrings from a lost soul. 
 
 Cuthbert floundered to his side.
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 89 
 
 Now that the bitter edge was taken from the wind, 
 and its fierceness diminished, the snow found a 
 chance to settle in drifts, and this made it hard trav- 
 eling. 
 
 "Listen, while I give a whoop !" shouted Karl, fol- 
 lowing his words by a lusty cry that might have 
 been heard quite a distance around. 
 
 There was no answer, save the mocking laughter 
 of the keen north wind. 
 
 Could Karl have made a mistake, or had the un- 
 fortunate whose cry reached their ears already suc- 
 cumbed to the exposure? 
 
 Karl believed the latter must be the case. 
 
 When a second still more vigorous shout of en- 
 couragement failed to meet with any response, he 
 directed his companion to move about in short cir- 
 cuits in order to see whether any discovery would 
 follow. 
 
 At first there was no result. 
 
 Karl was possessed of an astonishing amount of 
 insistence, and would never give up a project so long 
 as the slightest hope remained, and, consequently, 
 kept up the search, gradually changing his base. 
 
 It was Karl who stumbled over some object cov- 
 ered with snow, and which he instantly discovered 
 to be a human being. 
 
 His cheery hail brought Cuthbert to his side, and 
 between them they raised the almost stiff form of 
 an Indian brave, and staggered along with the bur- 
 den in the direction of the timber. 
 
 Such sturdy lads were capable of exerting con- 
 siderable strength under such an inspiration as sav- 
 ing human life must always be, but when they finally 
 drew up at the old cabin, even they were nearly ex- 
 hausted. 
 
 As the light of the still glowing fire fell upon the 
 features of the half-frozen Indian, Karl started, then 
 rubbed his eyes.
 
 90 The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 "Say, that's the little chap who thought he'd lick 
 Buckskin." 
 
 "It looks like Little Buckshot all right," assented 
 Cuthbert. 
 
 "Looks like !" repeated Karl. 'That's the feller, 
 on your new saddle !" 
 
 "Well, he'll thank us for this, no matter about 
 whether he hates you or not. Hello, Karl, what are 
 you going to do !" 
 
 "Never mind, only fill your hands full of snow." 
 
 Cuthbert looked mildly astonished. 
 
 "Hadn't you better put Little Buckshot up near 
 the fire?" he suggested. 
 
 "What! do you want to kill him outright, if he 
 ain't dead already?" shouted Karl, with scorn in his 
 voice. "Here, you do as I tell you and ask no ques- 
 tions. I've seen many fellers lie down in the snow 
 and beg to be let 'sleep in peace,' and I guess I had 
 ought to know what to do in a case of this kind." 
 
 He began rubbing the young Indian with snow to 
 take out the frost, and set Cuthbert to work chafing 
 his limbs, so as to induce circulation. 
 
 As a last resort Karl even pummeled him as if he 
 were kneading bread. 
 
 If a spark of life remained in Mr. Lo's poor body 
 it was bound to be fanned into a lively flame under 
 such vigorous treatment. 
 
 Success rewarded their efforts. 
 
 By degrees the exhausted Indian boy for he was 
 hardly more, though proud to call himself a brave 
 came back to life. 
 
 In less than half an hour he sat up, and soon after 
 was on his feet, slapping his arms, and in others ways 
 causing the warm blood to tingle in his extremities. 
 
 Meawhile, once more the odor of cooking buffalo 
 meat permeated the old wreck of a cabin, which had 
 probably been the scene of many a similar feast in 
 days of yore.
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 91 
 
 Cuthbert went out to get his rifle and see how 
 the storm fared. 
 
 This time he heard the howls of wolves in the tim- 
 ber beyond a peradventure, and found the three 
 horses very uneasy, so that he had reason to believe 
 it would be necessary to keep guard all through the 
 night, lest the ferocious beasts make an assault on 
 their mounts and leave them afoot far from the 
 ranch. 
 
 When he entered the cabin, Little Buckshot was 
 gorging himself with the tender and juicy meat 
 which Karl spread before him in such liberal quanti- 
 ties. 
 
 Doubtless never before in all his life had hot food 
 tasted so good. 
 
 The others were soon satisfied, and watched his 
 remarkable exploit with wondering and admiring 
 eyes, for the capacity of a cold and hungry Indian is 
 beyond belief. 
 
 It was heaping coals of fire on his head that this 
 white boy, whom he hated because the other's su- 
 perior qualities as a rider had humiliated him in the 
 presence of his people, should be the one to snatch 
 him from death. 
 
 An Indian is far from demonstrative, and Cuth- 
 bert was anxious to know how he would act. 
 
 The dinner, no doubt, made Little Buckshot feel 
 remarkably good, as it does every human being. 
 
 He walked gravely up to the two white lads and 
 shook each of them by the hand Cuthbert thought 
 he looked as sober as though attending a funeral in 
 the bosom of his tribe. Then he spoke : 
 
 "Brothers, Little Buckshot no forget. You save 
 um life; me come back sometime, mebbe. How?" 
 
 Cuthbert managed to gather from this remarkable 
 speech that the young buck acknowledged his debt 
 and hoped some day to repay it. 
 
 Meanwhile all rancor had been swept from his
 
 92 The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 heart he would treat them as brothers, and risk his 
 life, if need be, to return the favor. 
 
 An Indian never forgets good or evil, in which he 
 differs materially from his superior white cousin. 
 
 The night had fallen. 
 
 It still stormed, though the wind had seen its best, 
 and the fall of feathery flakes grew hourly less 
 heavy. 
 
 But for the cabin being so very small, Karl would 
 have brought the nags inside, in order to make them 
 more comfortable. 
 
 As a next resort, he and Little Buckshot, who 
 was pleased to temporarily don Cuthbert's heavy 
 jacket while at work outside, made a rough shelter 
 of fallen branches that would serve in lieu of a lean- 
 to for the horses. 
 
 They, too, had heard the hungry wolves close to 
 camp doubtless scenting the store of fresh buffalo 
 meat and were of the opinion that only by means 
 of a strict vigil could the horses be saved. 
 
 It was far from a pleasant task, but Western lads 
 become early accustomed to the rigors of camp life, 
 and Cuthbert proved an apt pupil. 
 
 There were occasions when the wolves seemed on 
 the point of making a rush upon the tethered horses, 
 and it became necessary to bowl over the most im- 
 portunate in order to intimidate the rest. 
 
 Thus night passed away. 
 
 Ere morning dawned the stars shone out, proving 
 that the storm was over. Being an early visitor, it 
 had not the staying qualities that marked those of 
 midwinter. 
 
 Little Buckshot had, in his own queer way, told 
 them the story of his adventure. It did not differ 
 much from their own experience, only that it had 
 been so prolonged as to reach the dread climax from 
 which they rescued him. 
 
 Early during the storm the little party had been
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 93 
 
 scattered, one being lost here and another there, un- 
 til the chief's son found himself alone with his laden 
 horse. 
 
 Through the hours he pushed on, fighting against 
 the frost, until his exhausted pony dropped in his 
 tracks. 
 
 Little Buckshot believed he was near timber, and 
 had tried to make it, but the effort was too much 
 for him, and he sank in the drifts; the shout our 
 boys heard and thought to be a call for help was in 
 reality what he meant to be his last despairing death 
 cry. 
 
 The load was taken from the big gray and equally 
 distributed around among the others, so that a 
 mount was provided for the redskin. 
 
 Thus they set out for Kelly's ranch, where a safe 
 arrival was made, Karl having taken them as straight 
 as the crow flies. 
 
 They were warmly received, some fears as to their 
 safety having arisen. 
 
 The cowboys had managed to keep the stock to- 
 gether during the blizzard, which had lasted so short 
 a time that little, if any, damage resulted. 
 
 Little Buckshot was desirous of reaching the vil- 
 lage of his people as soon as possible in order to 
 organize a relief expedition to search for his unfortu- 
 nate companions who might not have met with the 
 rescue that had fallen to his lot. 
 
 If they could not save the young braves, it would 
 be at least some satisfaction to know their fate ; and, 
 besides Indians are nothing if not practical there 
 was all that buffalo meat that would go to feed the 
 wolves and buzzards if not found in a reasonable 
 time. 
 
 So Little Buckshot gravely shook hands with Karl 
 and Cuthbert. 
 
 "Farewell, brothers," he said. "Where go ? Find
 
 94 The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 chiefs. No find chiefs, come back. Good! Buck- 
 shot love you, and say no forget no forget." 
 
 And with a wave of his hand he was off, riding 
 away on a borrowed horse, with his head held erect 
 and the pride of his race cropping out of his every 
 movement. 
 
 He waved his hand gracefully, and Karl sang out a 
 last "so long," after which the lone Indian boy gal- 
 loped out of sight. 
 
 The young range riders once again took up their 
 duties, and Cuthbert found what a tough time might 
 be expected in following the business through the 
 rigors of winter. 
 
 Of course, the weather moderated again, and they 
 had even some pleasant days, but winter was close at 
 their threshold, and all preparations had been made 
 looking to an especially severe season. 
 
 The X bar X outfit was probably as well equipped 
 to meet the cold and storm of winter as any cattle 
 ranch in that region. 
 
 Their feeding grounds all adjoined valleys or tim- 
 ber where the cattle could take shelter during the 
 continuance of a blizzard, and from whence they 
 must be driven in time to the more exposed range 
 to avoid their starving to death. 
 
 Cuthbert did his part well. He was proud to 
 "hold up his end of the row," as the boys aptly ex- 
 pressed it, whether in herding cattle, stopping a 
 stampede or riding a bucking broncho without "pull- 
 ing leather" that is, not being compelled to grasp 
 the saddle horn or use any support beyond the 
 stanch bridle. 
 
 Karl's affection grew each day. 
 
 He believed some kindly Providence had dropped 
 this companion down there for him just such a 
 fearless, frank, easy-going and good-natured chum 
 as every bright boy longs to meet. 
 
 They were never happy long apart; each expe-
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 95 
 
 rienced a nervous restlessness until the other showed 
 up. 
 
 The long, severe winter drew near its close. 
 
 Kelly's losses had been severe, but they were small 
 when compared with others, for besides choice feed- 
 ing ranges, Sunset Ranch boasted of a company of 
 cowboys who were unsurpassed for their skill in 
 herding. 
 
 Few animals died from starvation, even though 
 the whole outfit kept on the jump the better part of 
 six days, when the most stupendous storm of the 
 whole winter roared over prairie and hills, with 
 stinging death in its teeth. 
 
 The wolves pulled down an occasional weakling, 
 but Karl and Cuthbert took ample revenge upon the 
 gray-coated pirates for their daring, and many a 
 freebooter went to earth before their guns ere the 
 warmer sun of April began to thaw out creeks, and 
 snowbanks melted away. 
 
 And still Cuthbert had not spoken. 
 
 Once or twice he had thought the time propitious, 
 but something occurred to break in upon their pri- 
 vacy; and, besides, he had a sensitiveness about 
 speaking of family matters that apparently did not 
 reflect any great lustre upon the famous Virginia 
 name of Lee. 
 
 So that Karl could only surmise what might be 
 the nature of the trouble that sent this bright young 
 scion of a noble house out into the wilderness. 
 
 He really bothered his head very little about the 
 matter. The months he had spent in Cuthbert's so- 
 ciety had taught him all he cared to know about the 
 Virginian, and he would have staked his life that 
 the other was incapable of a mean or criminal act. 
 
 So, by degrees, they drew near the end of May, 
 when the great annual "round-up" was slated to 
 come off.
 
 96 The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 Of course, it was to be a grand affair, and one that 
 carried with it severe labors. 
 
 Old Sile was master of ceremonies, as he had served 
 in this capacity with signal success on many past 
 occasions. 
 
 At this time of the year the cattle had become 
 more or less mixed, and numerous well-grown calves 
 made their advent on the scene, needing attention 
 and the mark of their mothers. 
 
 Cowboys and herders from all around came troop- 
 ing up to Sunset Ranch. 
 
 There was an exhilaration in the air that reminded 
 Cuthbert very forcibly of the days when the circus 
 came to the little Virginia town where he had spent 
 his earlier years these gayly bedecked cavaliers of 
 the plains galloping hither and yon, shouting, and 
 whirling rings of tough rope through the air to 
 check some steer that insisted on breaking away 
 from his fellows. How like knights of old they 
 appeared, centaurs of modern times, able to accom- 
 plish such startling feats when mounted that they 
 seemed to be a part of the animal themselves ! 
 
 It was a glorious spectacle, when, on the aus- 
 picious morning, General Old Sile marshaled his 
 forces for the day's great campaign. 
 
 He knew where every bunch of cattle was to be 
 found, and, dividing his forces so as to suit the re- 
 quirements of the occasion, sent this little squad 
 whirling off to the north to round up the cattle on 
 the range bordering Cranberry Run, another to the 
 east to look after the drove stretched through the 
 timber where Karl and Cuthbert had weathered the 
 first blizzard, a third almost due south in search of a 
 wandering herd last seen in the region of Timber- 
 man's Coulee, and with an unusually large number 
 of youngsters among them. 
 
 So they radiated in parties of from five to ten, like
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 97 
 
 spokes from the hub of a wheel, reaching out to 
 every quarter of the compass. 
 
 The boys were the last to get orders, and they 
 were secretly delighted when Old Sile attached him- 
 self to their squad. 
 
 "Guess ye think I had ought to be home," said the 
 veteran, with a smile, as Cuthbert looked at him in- 
 quiringly. "An old feller like me hadn't ought to 
 be out with young bucks; but I kinder like to see 
 young America work." 
 
 And he nodded approval as Karl and Cuthbert 
 ambled alongside. 
 
 They had quite a sharp gallop before they 
 reached the broken country where the cattle as- 
 signed to their care might be found. 
 
 Of course, the first duty was to ride round and 
 round the scattered herd, "milling" them in the cow- 
 boy parlance, that is grinding them closer into a 
 compact bunch, so that they could be readily driven, 
 once started, in any direction desired. 
 
 With schoolboy shouts they started the bunch to- 
 ward the ranch. 
 
 Other herds were converging that way, so that 
 the whole prairie seemed alive with bellowing cat- 
 tle, and shouting herders, wheeling to the right and 
 to the left as their practiced eye detected and antici- 
 pated some movement on the part of their charges 
 that, if left without attention, might have developed 
 seriously. 
 
 Cuthbert had never in all his life beheld so glori- 
 ous a spectacle. 
 
 While the latter were being driven in he had hur- 
 ried to the Kelly ranch building where he even 
 mounted to the ridgepole of the house, the better 
 from this apology for an eyrie to take in the whole 
 panorama around the circular horizon. Every- 
 where he saw lowing herds and rollicking cowboys, 
 bent upon making this grand work day of the year a
 
 98 The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 picnic occasion, when the results of the season might 
 become facts to be set down in cold black and white 
 it was certainly a picture to forever haunt a mind 
 delighting in scenes of excitement. 
 
 The green, flower-studded prairie and the blue 
 heavens overhead, where buzzards floated and vul- 
 tures soared, made a noble setting for the scene, and 
 Cuthbert was so captivated that he heaved a tre- 
 mendous sigh of regret when compelled to desert his 
 perch, the voice of Karl calling his name, indicat- 
 ing that his services were in demand below. 
 
 When the great herds had been gathered into 
 temporary corrals, or stockades, some made of tim- 
 ber, but the majority of rope, the main business of 
 the day began. 
 
 This was in cutting out all unbranded youngsters 
 and what few older animals had escaped the iron on 
 the previous tally. 
 
 It was lively work. 
 
 In turn each cowboy selected his quarry, man- 
 oeuvred to separate it from the balance of the bunch, 
 and when finally his object in this particular had 
 been accomplished the rope was thrown, generally 
 with unerring hand, drawn taut by a skillful move 
 on the part of the trained broncho, and the lassoed 
 beast thrown to the ground. 
 
 Then came the others to examine, perchance to 
 admire, but always to press the hot iron against hair 
 and hide there was a slight sizzling sound, a smell 
 of scorched hair, a few spasmodic kicks from the 
 helpless victim then the rope came away, and the 
 brand of X bar X, or perhaps a Lone Star, would be 
 there for life. 
 
 There was hard work in this, hour after hour, but 
 cowboys are a truly rollicking set and produce fun 
 out of business. 
 
 Some comical scenes occurred, that is, they ap- 
 peared such to those who looked on, but might have
 
 The Grand Round-Up. 99 
 
 been rather uncomfortable to the party most directly 
 interested, who, perhaps, was being chased by a vic- 
 ious old steer after the manner of Spanish bull 
 fights, or, having caught a Tartar with his rope, was 
 at a loss how to break loose. 
 
 Cuthbert tried his hand at every part of the busi- 
 ness. 
 
 He wanted to learn all about it, and Karl was 
 delighted. 
 
 "Shouldn't ha* believed it, now. Not really !" he 
 exclaimed. "For a tenderfoot chum you're coming 
 up all right." 
 
 Cuthbert laughed. 
 
 "I'm improving, Karl," he said. 
 
 "Improving! Why, you don't have any more 
 room for improvement. From to-day you're a cow- 
 boy, and there ain't anybody here as can say 'no' to 
 that." 
 
 It was a proud day for the Virginia lad. Perhaps 
 he felt more elated because Polly had been a witness 
 of his triumph that fact might have encouraged 
 him to strive with unusual zeal to reach the high 
 mark that had been placed before him, for they were 
 great friends, and Polly's commendation was some- 
 thing to be prized. 
 
 Of course, Karl was in the first class, Karl who 
 had grown up to this sort of thing, and could not 
 remember the time when he was not able to keep 
 his seat on a horse, and throw a small lasso with 
 good results. 
 
 By degrees the various herds were gradually 
 thinned out, and when night came after the grand 
 stock-taking the sadly-demoralized cattle could be 
 started back to the various ranges. 
 
 It was full moon and a glorious night when Karl, 
 Cuthbert, Old Sile and the two other herders, hav- 
 ing seen their prize bunch safely back to their old 
 anchorage, the terrors of the past day already for-
 
 ioo The Grand Round-Up. 
 
 gotten in nature's demand for food, once more 
 turned the heads of their weary ponies toward the 
 ranch. 
 
 Though all of them were dead tired, such fellows 
 can stand an incredible amount of work and live, so 
 that they laughed and joked in the merry manner 
 peculiar to their class, as the homeward trail was 
 taken up. 
 
 Old Sile had a fund of reminiscences at his fingers' 
 ends, and could relate yarns without number of the 
 days when he had trapped alongside the great Kit 
 Carson, or hunted Indians with Custer and Buffalo 
 Bill. 
 
 Such tales always sound better when related by 
 the one who actually experienced the adventure re- 
 corded, and in the eyes of Cuthbert, as well as Karl, 
 the ancient cowboy was a veritable hero others less 
 credulous thought he was only a border Munchau- 
 sen, and liked his yarns for their thrilling origi- 
 nality. 
 
 But whether he stretched these adventures simply 
 to interest the boys or told the truth, the whole 
 truth and nothing but the truth, the old boy had 
 really been concerned in more perilous scrapes than 
 any man within three States; and, through all, his 
 nerve still remained as steady and his odd chuckle as 
 predominant as in early days. 
 
 He was a type fast disappearing from the Wild 
 West, a remnant of the good old Kit Carson days, 
 when forty-niners crossed the Great Divide, braving 
 the perils by the way, and yet able, old chap that he 
 was, to hold his own with any of the young blood 
 on the cattle ranges.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 HORSE THIEVES. 
 
 After the round-up Karl and Cuthbert went back 
 to night-wrangling for a time, as the cattle needed 
 little attention. 
 
 The weather was fine, and it seemed no discom- 
 fort to pass the hours under the starry heavens, oc- 
 casionally taking a scout around the horses to see 
 that none strayed away, and to discover any hungry 
 wolf hovering nigh. 
 
 Much of the time was spent reclining upon the 
 soft earth, conversing or napping, one always re- 
 maining on guard. 
 
 There was always more or less danger from horse 
 thieves, white or red desperate, bad men roamed 
 the border in those days, to whom the sight of sad- 
 dle horses was always a spur that tempted them to 
 kidnap the whole outfit, and those who guarded the 
 animals knew full well what stern measures were 
 called for should such an emergency arise for, 
 while a man who shot another down in cold blood 
 might be pardoned according to border ethics, hav- 
 ing always the excuse of justifiable self-defense, one 
 who ran away with horses deserved the worst fate 
 possible, and if caught his crime was never con- 
 doned. 
 
 Hence it was always necessary to keep horses, 
 grazing at night after a few days' work, under the 
 watchful eye of a guard who had orders to spare not 
 in case strangers attempted to stampede the stock. 
 
 Here it was that Cuthbert finally told Karl the 
 story of his life, with pitying stars above, the gen- 
 tle night wind rustling the grasses and drawing 
 sweet perfume from myriads of flowers.
 
 102 Horse Thieves. 
 
 "Well, to begin with, I'm rich rich enough to 
 well, I needn't tell you just how rich. My people 
 sent me to college and I always had the best of 
 everything, though my life has been shadowed with 
 a sorrow which I suppose must have left its impres- 
 sion. 
 
 "My mother, whom I loved fondly, died a little 
 more than a year ago, leaving all the property to 
 me. 
 
 "Just before she died she confided to me the fam- 
 ily skeleton, and bound me with a mission to which 
 I solemnly promised to devote much of my time. 
 
 "It was an old story there had been a younger 
 sister, whose marriage brought estrangement with 
 the family a tragedy had followed and then years 
 later it was learned that a motherless child had been 
 left in the father's care. 
 
 "Every possible effort was made to discover this 
 lost one, but each trail seemed to end in dismal fail- 
 ure. 
 
 "Instead of discouraging mother this only served 
 to arouse her ambition, so that the one hope of her 
 life was to find this girl, if living, and share with her 
 the wealth that had come down from my rich, but 
 tyrannical, old Grandfather Lee. 
 
 "Thus, dying, she bequeathed her mission to me, 
 and I pledged myself to keep up the search wherever 
 I went. 
 
 "Well, after leaving college, I devoted nearly a 
 year to the task, pursuing all manner of clews, to 
 only meet with continued disappointment. 
 
 "The last glimmer of hope had brought me out 
 West in search of a man named Jasper Hosmer, to 
 whom it was said the child's father had left his girl 
 when dying of yellow fever in New Orleans. 
 
 "As I had always longed to experience the de- 
 lights of cowboy life, I took advantage of the op- 
 portunity you afforded me to kill two birds with
 
 Horse Thieves. 103 
 
 one stone, and, as all trace of Hosmer was lost in 
 an ill-fated wagon train that got into trouble with 
 hostile Indians, I allowed my love for you and for 
 the wild life of a range rider to keep me a year at 
 dear old Sunset Ranch. 
 
 "Now conscience begins to reproach me when- 
 ever I think of mother and the solemn promise I 
 gave her. 
 
 "It is time I broke away from the happy life that 
 just suits my temperament, and return once more to 
 the wild-goose chase of this ignis fatuus girl." 
 
 Cuthbert ended with a sigh, as though his heart 
 were exceedingly heavy. 
 
 And Karl was also depressed. 
 
 Somehow he had never contemplated such a thing 
 as a separation from this dear old chum who had en- 
 tered into his life so fully. 
 
 "You see," said Karl, with tears in his eyes, "I 
 ain't got no close relations or things of that sort. 
 The old man I mean father he got down under 
 in a wild stampede of skeered cattle in a 'lectric 
 storm. I must 'a bin a pretty husky kid 'bout then. 
 Anyway I guess I was old enough to look after my- 
 self. Mister Kelly says the cowboys adopted me. 
 'Spose that's 'bout the size of it. They taught me 
 how to sit a broncho and cock a gun. But, Cuth- 
 bert you're most the only chum I've ever had and if 
 you go away " 
 
 He broke off. The thought was too bitter. 
 
 "Don't take on so, Karl. I'm rich enough to buy 
 out old Mr. Kelly ten times over, and there's no 
 earthly reason why you shouldn't come East and en- 
 ter an academy. Why not? Any time you choose 
 to do that I'm ready to meet all the expense, and 
 would, moreover, consider it a great joy and privi- 
 lege." 
 
 Karl was so overwhelmed that he couldn't utter a 
 word of gratitude, though his heart was full.
 
 IO4 Horse Thieves. 
 
 They spoke of the future, and Cuthbert even laid 
 plans of how they would tour Europe on horseback 
 some summer when Karl was on his vacation from 
 college. 
 
 Youth can conjure up such brilliant and pleasant 
 fancies, stepping over years as though gifted with 
 the famous seven-league boots. 
 
 But at least this exchange of confidences brought 
 the two young friends still closer together, if such 
 a thing were possible. 
 
 They did not neglect their business, and the horses 
 were carefully guarded each night. 
 
 Karl never breathed a word of what was said, and 
 it was a mystery just how the news got abroad, but 
 about this time the word seemed to pass among the 
 boys that they had been entertaining an angel un- 
 awares that the erstwhile tenderfoot, who had 
 proudly earned his right to the title of night- 
 wrangler, herder and cowboy, was a young million- 
 aire of Virginia, able to buy up a dozen ranches with 
 all the cattle then on the ranges, if he chose. 
 
 Perhaps some lost letter of Cuthbert's, from his 
 lawyer, it might be, gave the story away. 
 
 The boys had liked him before for his frank and 
 manly character they worshiped him now as a 
 young Midas whose touch could turn everything 
 into gold such is the astonishing power of wealth, 
 even on a lonely cattle ranch. 
 
 No one could get a word from Cuthbert on the 
 subject he was annoyed to discover that it had 
 come out, fearing that the old familiar freedom of 
 the happy-go-lucky cow punchers would be dis- 
 turbed by the fact that he was wealthy. 
 
 He did not know how utterly independent a cow- 
 boy may be on his native heath, ready to hobnob 
 with prince or Russian Grand Duke, as Alexis found 
 during his buffalo hunt under the guidance of Buf- 
 falo Bill.
 
 Horse Thieves. 105 
 
 Just how unfortunate this publication of his finan- 
 cial responsibility might be Cuthbert did not realize 
 until the results made themselves evident. 
 
 It was a moonlight night, a delightful evening, 
 and duty became a pleasure when it kept one in the 
 open. 
 
 Never hacl the scene appeared more beautiful to 
 Cuthbert, whose soul was deeply grieved to reflect 
 that he would soon have to leave it for the busy 
 haunts of men and his old hopeless task, the search 
 that had baffled his mother and already exhausted 
 a year of his young life. 
 
 A heavy weight appeared to depress him. He 
 thought it was wholly occasioned by these sad re- 
 flections, not dreaming that coming events might 
 cast their shadow before. 
 
 Karl endeavored, after his fashion, to cheer his 
 friend up, but the "blues" hung heavy about Cuth- 
 bert all evening, despite his earnest effort to dissi- 
 pate the cloud. 
 
 The boys took turns at sentry duty. 
 
 It was watch and watch three hours on and three 
 off with them. 
 
 Karl woke his friend at midnight, and after an 
 exchange of a few sentences dropped among the 
 blankets just vacated, for, with the advance of the 
 night, a chill had crept into the air which made a 
 snug nest most acceptable. 
 
 "The horses are strangely uneasy," Cuthbert 
 thought, as he made his first round. 
 
 He wondered why. 
 
 The heavens were quite destitute of clouds, so that 
 it could not be a storm brewing indeed, by this 
 time he had learned to foretell the coming of such a 
 visitor as well as the most accomplished cow 
 puncher, to whom the weather means so much, and 
 the clear atmosphere had not the faintest sign of 
 trouble from this source.
 
 io6 Horse Thieves. 
 
 "Is it wolves?" The question occurred to him 
 without any of that old-time tremor that the very 
 sound of the word produced. 
 
 These "pesky varmints," as Old Sile always termed 
 them, had of late given more or less trouble, but 
 their audacity had been severely punished, and, be- 
 sides, the horses had never appeared so uneasy when 
 these skulkers hung around the feeding ground 
 such prairie steeds early learn how to plant a pair 
 of good hoofs just where they will do the most good, 
 and woe to the carrion-feeder that incautiously 
 comes within reach. 
 
 What then? 
 
 "I guess it must be horse thieves hanging about," 
 said Cuthbert, hesitatingly. 
 
 Cowboy ponies seem to become imbued with some 
 of the instincts that animate their masters, and 
 among other traits hatred for the red men easily 
 takes possession of their faculties. 
 
 "It might be Indians," he muttered, slowly. 
 
 This time a quiver ran through Cuthbert's frame. 
 Perhaps it was in part alarm, for the boy had only 
 once been under fire, at the time the cattle thieves 
 were stopped in their game ; but he came of sterling 
 stock, and, setting his teeth, resolved to keep con- 
 stantly on the watch, ready to take a hand in the 
 game should the thieving sons of the prairie attempt 
 to run the horses off. 
 
 With possible danger hovering near, the noises 
 of the night which had erstwhile sounded so sooth- 
 ing appeared to assume an entirely different aspect. 
 
 Even the crooning night wind, murmuring through 
 the grasses on the little rise beyond, was suggestive 
 of muttered voices, while the hoot of an owl in the 
 gopher village to the west had all the necessary 
 qualifications of just such a signal as Indians are 
 wont to exchange.
 
 Horse Thieves. 107 
 
 At least, Cuthbert was wide awake now the 
 drowsiness had departed from his eyes. 
 
 He made a second round. 
 
 The moon shone brightly, and the horses ap- 
 peared to be clustered together more closely than 
 usual. Occasionally one of them would sniff the 
 air, perhaps strike the ground with his fore foot, 
 and then whinny in a peculiar way, throwing up his 
 head and mane, and pushing into the center of the 
 feeding bunch. 
 
 Cuthbert figured out that the danger, if there was 
 any, must be to windward, else the ponies would 
 not have scented it. 
 
 As usual, they had made their temporary camp to 
 leeward of the feeding ground, and Karl lay there 
 now asleep. 
 
 It was his duty, then, to patrol the side where pos- 
 sible danger might lurk. 
 
 He knew Indian character well enough to make 
 sure that if red horse thieves were in the neighbor- 
 hood they would approach with all caution. 
 
 "Perhaps I had better stir Karl up," he muttered 
 "Two would be more able to handle the difficulty 
 than one." 
 
 Then other thoughts came possibly pride had 
 something to do with the matter, for Cuthbert was 
 a Virginian, with all the confidence that marks those 
 who claim that State for a mother, and he disliked 
 exceedingly the idea of confessing that, after all, in 
 an emergency he was not able to hold his own. 
 
 It would have been only prudent had he decided 
 to call Karl. 
 
 Cuthbert found reason to regret his course when 
 it was too late to remedy the matter. 
 
 The little rise was just to the windward of his sta- 
 tion perhaps from that point he could see better 
 what lay beyond, for the grass was as yet not long 
 enough to conceal men and horses.
 
 io8 Horse Thieves. 
 
 Of course an old campaigner like the ancient 
 ranger and cow puncher, Old Sile, would have pur- 
 sued an entirely different system of tactics his 
 course would have been governed by caution, while 
 Cuthbert felt only the impulse to see, forgetting that 
 in taking this step he was placing himself in a posi- 
 tion to be easily discovered by the Argus eyes of 
 those prowlers of the night. 
 
 Which goes to prove that there are many things 
 in the lexicon of border lore which may not be mas- 
 tered, even after a year's experience and study at 
 close range. 
 
 So Cuthbert made for the rise, stooping low amid 
 the grass, and stopping every now and then for an 
 observation. 
 
 Naturally, he believed he was carrying out his 
 part of the business after the manner of an old, ex- 
 perienced hand, though doubtless Karl might have 
 been able to give him points that would have proven 
 valuable. 
 
 If there were any enemies near by they must have 
 lain pretty close in the grass, for, while Cuthbert 
 claimed to possess keen eyes, he failed to detect 
 them. 
 
 Thus he gained the low swell from whence an ob- 
 servation might be taken as far as the power of the 
 moonlight permitted. 
 
 "Everything seems peaceful enough around here," 
 he said to himself. 
 
 Looking to the east he could see the dark mass 
 of ponies, and fancied he was able to make out the 
 spot where Karl lay sleeping dear old Karl, who 
 had filled an aching void in his heart and life that 
 should never be vacant again. 
 
 Far beyond Cuthbert looked, shading his eyes 
 with his hand, but nothing suspicious appeared to 
 come under his observation. 
 
 Then, turning on his heel, he swept the western
 
 Horse Thieves. 109 
 
 plain with his eager gaze, passing over rod after 
 rod of territory. 
 
 "My gracious!" he exclaimed. "I could have 
 sworn I saw something suggestive move out there. 
 That's the second time, too." 
 
 There was a pause of a few minutes ; then he went 
 on: 
 
 "It must be a big clump of buffalo grass, and the 
 mystic moonlight is playing with my fancy." 
 
 Once more he stared, then he gave vent to a pro- 
 longed "Ah!" 
 
 He dropped to his knees and clutched his Win- 
 chester, eagerly. 
 
 "No mistake this time," he muttered ; "I'm in for 
 it." 
 
 Far away he saw dark objects that moved, and 
 upon these he rested his attention. 
 
 He knew Karl could immediately have decided 
 their nature, and hence it was incumbent upon him 
 to figure out whether they were feeding antelope or 
 Indian ponies. 
 
 That was where knowledge of prairie lore came 
 into play. 
 
 Presently he became convinced that the animals 
 were not moving freely deer, when feeding raise 
 their heads at certain intervals to look around, con- 
 scious of the fact that danger ever lurks near for 
 such innocent quarry, but these animals never once 
 did this. 
 
 Moreover, the boy decided that they walked about 
 the limits of their circumscribed feeding ground with 
 a sort of limping gait. 
 
 He knew what that implied. 
 
 They were ponies that had been hobbled after the 
 usual manner of the Sioux. 
 
 Where were their crafty owners? 
 
 Cuthbert confessed to a cold chill as he turned his
 
 no Horse Thieves. 
 
 head again and surveyed the peaceful scene on the 
 other side of the miniature divide. 
 
 How long would this quiet of the night, this 
 peacefulness remain unbroken at any minute, the 
 hideous yells of the savage horse raiders might break 
 forth upon the air, stampeding the already alarmed 
 horses and playing all manner of mischief with their 
 charges. 
 
 Nothing now must stand in the way of his arous- 
 ing Karl, and seeking his advice even the thought 
 of his cheery presence gave the other new confi- 
 dence in the outcome. 
 
 Together, side by side, and mounted on their good 
 steeds, they might be able to circumvent the auda- 
 cious rascals who sought to secure what was so valu- 
 able in the eyes of an Indian ponies. 
 
 One last look toward the distant objects that had 
 so excited his alarm, as if to assure himself against 
 any possible mistake, and he would be off for the 
 camp. 
 
 Again he strained his vision to make positive, all 
 unconscious of the fact that even while on his knees 
 upon this swell he rendered his figure a conspicuous 
 object to several pairs of keen eyes close by. 
 
 A form, dark and lithe, with movements as 
 sinewy as those of a panther, arose silently out of 
 the grass to one side of Cuthbert and only a short 
 rope's throw away. 
 
 At the same time other heads appeared in various 
 quarters, showing that the knoll had been peopled 
 at the time of his advent on the scene, so that it 
 was a mere matter of luck that Cuthbert had failed 
 to stumble upon one of the flattened-out figures. 
 
 That might have hastened events somewhat, but 
 could hardly have made any appreciable difference 
 in the ultimate outcome. 
 
 The first Indian stood erect he seemed to whirl
 
 " The noose settled over the boy's shoulders." See page in.
 
 Horse Thieves. in 
 
 something around his head, slowly at first, but with 
 increasing momentum. 
 
 It was a rope, a lariat, and this time intended for 
 higher quarry than pony or steer. 
 
 Having acquired the proper velocity, the coils 
 were launched forth upon their mission. The cast- 
 ing of a rope is a pretty thing when done by the deft 
 hand of an accomplished lariat thrower, but there 
 may necessarily be times when one loses interest in 
 the performance. 
 
 A cowboy recognizes the peculiar hissing sound 
 made by the swift passage of the noose, and its at- 
 tendant coils through space it is a "swish" that, 
 once heard, can never be forgotten. And the first 
 intuitive action of a herder upon catching this sound 
 is to duck his head, to throw himself prone upon 
 the ground, or perhaps elevate both hands after the 
 manner of a stagecoach "hold-up," so that the en- 
 circling noose at least may not render him abso- 
 lutely helpless by fastening his arms rigidly at his 
 side, as though he were a mummy. 
 
 With Cuthbert it was a case of dropping squat 
 upon the ground instinct and not reason governs 
 the action in such a case. 
 
 He was just a little too late, or else the rope came 
 with unusual swiftness, having been cast by a mas- 
 ter hand. 
 
 However that might be the noose settled over the 
 boy's shoulders he remembered feeling a quick 
 jerk that announced its being made taut, and of try- 
 ing to run toward the spot from whence it came, his 
 only chance being to loosen the noose. 
 
 Karl was on his mind when he uttered a shrill cry 
 of alarm that must have carried far over the prairie 
 and aroused his friend, always a light sleeper. 
 
 Although his action was well taken, it failed of a 
 result, for a second loop fell over his head and from 
 quite a different quarter.
 
 H2 Horse Thieves. 
 
 These Indians appeared to be able to use the rope 
 quite as well as the best of white cowboys. 
 
 Cuthbert was no longer able to run in the direc- 
 tion he desired to go indeed, held from both sides, 
 even as he had many times helped to hold a refrac- 
 tory steer, he found it utterly out of the question to 
 move breathing was difficult, since that second 
 rope partially encircled his neck. 
 
 And as he struggled against his fate the Virginia 
 boy heard the thunder of many hoofs, as the Indians 
 who had been hidden with their ponies in the longer 
 grass below the ridge went galloping wildly toward 
 the saddle band heard the chorus of savage yells 
 that would serve to terrify and stampede the animals 
 over which he and Karl had been placed in charge, 
 and mingled with these the clamorous report of fire- 
 arms added to the racket. 
 
 His heart sank within him until it felt like a lump 
 of lead. 
 
 Strange to say, it was not of himself or his des- 
 perate position he thought Karl alone was in his 
 mind, Karl who would endeavor to defend his bunch 
 of horses, although the shrieking stampeders were 
 twenty to one. 
 
 Karl, who would perhaps go down riddled with 
 bullets, a fate that has ere now befallen many a night 
 wrangler when horse thieves were on the range. 
 
 It all happened so quickly that Cuthbert must al- 
 ways have some difficulty in remembering just what 
 occurred. 
 
 He heard the tumult sweep over the ridge, heard 
 the roar of many hoofs that announced the accom- 
 plishment of the stampede, caught the steady report 
 of Karl's gun as the prairie boy sturdily opened fire 
 upon the marauders, intent upon punishing, if he 
 could not save. 
 
 Then those who held the ropes, as if by a precon- 
 certed movement, jerked him over and dragged him
 
 Horse Thieves. 113 
 
 along the ground at the heels of an Indian pony. 
 Somewhat battered and on the verge of fainting 
 from the shock, Cuthbert felt himself snatched up by 
 a strong arm and placed before a rider then the 
 exultant yells of the successful marauders died away, 
 even the steady thumping of horses' hoofs close to 
 him became like the murmur of a fretful stream, and 
 for the first time in his life Cuthbert Lee swooned 
 fully away.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE SIOUX VILLAGE. 
 
 For the life of him, when his senses returned, 
 Cuthbert could not tell where he was. 
 
 He lay upon the ground near a small fire, be- 
 tween which and himself dark, shadowy figures 
 moved. 
 
 Perhaps he had been sick and was just now re- 
 covering in the camp but he could not remember, 
 rack his brains as he might, any of the circum- 
 stances attending the case where he was when the 
 event happened, and under what conditions. 
 
 Were these cowboys moving around him? 
 
 He could detect the presence of many horses near 
 by, for a range rider's ear becomes very acute, espe- 
 cially to all the movements of stock. 
 
 Cuthbert endeavored to raise himself to a sitting 
 position, the better to satisfy his mind, but to his in- 
 tense amazement he was unable to accomplish such 
 a thing. 
 
 Then the truth burst upon his mind he was 
 bound a prisoner. 
 
 At about the same time he made another discov- 
 ery, equally startling. 
 
 This concerned the identity of those who hovered 
 about the little fire at which they appeared to be 
 cooking some meat, 
 
 They were Indians. 
 
 So the whole truth broke in upon his mind and he 
 remembered all the uneasiness of the saddle band, 
 his prowling to windward to ascertain the cause, the 
 vigil upon the knoll, his discovery of the hobbled 
 Indian ponies, the casting of a lariat, his downfall,
 
 The Sioux Village. 115 
 
 the rush of the red raiders, their awful clamor to 
 stampede the horses, then his being dragged over 
 the prairie, jerked up on a pony, and after that un- 
 consciousness. 
 
 Now was the opportunity to try the mettle of the 
 lad would he weakly give in to despair on account 
 of the conditions surrounding him, or rise above 
 these distracting circumstances, facing the situation 
 bravely as became a son of the illustrious family? 
 At least, he was alive and his hurts trifling. Evi- 
 dently the horse thieves did not mean to take his 
 life, or they would not have gone to all this trouble. 
 
 It puzzled him quite a little to understand why 
 they had carried him off at all, since their object 
 must surely have been to seize the stock, and this 
 had evidently been accomplished. 
 
 Had it been Karl, now, he might have figured out 
 a case, for an old Sioux chief had long since taken a 
 strange and violent fancy for the prairie lad, believ- 
 ing he resembled a boy of his own who had been 
 carried off with that dread scourge, smallpox. 
 
 Several times had old Standing Elk endeavored to 
 win Karl's consent to abide with him, become an 
 Indian and succeed him later on as ruler of the 
 nomads. The inducement was not half strong 
 enough to work upon the lad, and he had flatly re- 
 fused. 
 
 Now, such was the apparent infatuation of the old 
 chief for Karl that Cuthbert would not have been 
 very much surprised had an attempt been made to 
 carry him off; but he knew no reason why they 
 should want a tenderfoot. 
 
 At any rate, he determined that come what would 
 he must never show the white feather he had 
 yearned for adventure, and here it had descended 
 upon him with a vengeance, so that his soul could 
 revel in it to the queen's taste.
 
 n6 The Sioux Village. 
 
 Accordingly he deliberately called out to the 
 figures squatting about the fire: 
 
 "Hello, there !" 
 
 One of the Indians at once shuffled toward him, 
 his figure outlined against the starry heavens. Cuth- 
 bert looked keenly at the fellow, but it would have 
 been an impossible task to have recognized even a 
 friend in such dim light, and rigged out in the tog- 
 gery a Sioux brave delights to don when on the war- 
 path or a horse-thieving expedition. 
 
 "How!" grunted the dusky child of the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 "See here, can't you let me up. I'm tired of lying 
 here, and besides, hungry, too." 
 
 Cuthbert spoke boldly enough, having resolved to 
 let these fellows who had stampeded and run away 
 with a portion of the saddle horses belonging to 
 Sunset Ranch see that he did not fear them know- 
 ing full well that this was the best way to win their 
 respect. 
 
 "Urn," grunted the Indian, "me see." 
 
 He returned to the fire and held a brief consulta- 
 tion with some one, coming back presently with a 
 clean proposition. 
 
 "White boy give um promise not to run away, me 
 untie hands and feet." 
 
 "You bet I will, and be quick about it," said Cuth- 
 bert, who ached to stretch himself. 
 
 Apparently the Indians were not quite ready to 
 fully confide in the honor of a paleface. They may 
 have had cause to regret such faith in the past, for, 
 while Cuthbert's bonds fell away, his waist was en- 
 circled with the noose of a tough rope, to the other 
 end of which, only a few yards away, the dusky 
 guard hung out. At least this was a hundred per 
 cent, better than lying there like an old log. 
 
 He stretched himself thoroughly and then walked 
 directly up to the fire.
 
 The Sioux Village. 117 
 
 It was not a great way from early dawn, and in 
 all probability his captors would not halt again for 
 hours, so that he might just as well get a little re- 
 freshment with the rest. 
 
 Acting upon the lines he had so hurriedly laid 
 out for his guidance, and under the knowledge that 
 Indians always admire boldness in a kid, Cuthbert 
 demanded some meat. 
 
 This was readily given, and he set to work chew- 
 ing at the tough morsel, while a dozen eyes watched 
 his movements. 
 
 Already he had made a discovery that gave him a 
 point or two. 
 
 The old chief, Standing Elk, was in charge of the 
 bunch of horse raiders. 
 
 As a usual thing these raids were wholly con- 
 ducted by the hot-headed younger element of the 
 tribe, the more conservative disclaiming any con- 
 nection with the affair should trouble ensue, though 
 always ready and willing to take their share of the 
 spoils after a successful fray. 
 
 Cuthbert felt sure that some motive beyond the 
 base desire to steal horses had animated the famous 
 old chief, and brought him down from his northern 
 stronghold. 
 
 He figured out that it had been the intention of 
 Standing Elk to kidnap Karl and force him to live 
 among the Sioux lodges, filling the place in his heart 
 made vacant by the death of his adored son. If so, 
 a great blunder had occurred, and they had carried 
 off the wrong party. 
 
 Still, Standing Elk did not appear discouraged, 
 and Cuthbert actually believed the old rascal was 
 watching him do battle with the tough venison with 
 a gleam of satisfaction in his crafty eyes. 
 
 "Can it be that Standing Elk has changed his 
 mind and decided that I will answer his purpose just 
 as well?" he wondered.
 
 n8 The Sioux Village. 
 
 Cuthbert winced at the prospect before him, but 
 realized that if the intentions of the chief were car- 
 ried out he was in a fair way to learn more about 
 Indian life than had ever entered into his philosophy, 
 even in his wildest dreams. 
 
 That the halt was merely a temporary one, to rest 
 the animals and get a bite of refreshment them- 
 selves, was now made manifest; for at a gruff sig- 
 nal from the leader the young bucks kicked out the 
 sunken fire at which their primitive cooking had 
 been done and scattered to attend to the stock. 
 
 All became temporary confusion hobbled ponies 
 were brought up, men sprang upon their backs and 
 some led a captured animal. 
 
 Cuthbert had already eagerly looked around, in 
 the hope of discovering his own good steed among 
 these latter, scrutinizing each in turn, but in this dis- 
 appointment met him. 
 
 He did find Buckskin, however, though it was a 
 mystery how the marauders had ever captured the 
 yellow broncho, since his hatred for anything In- 
 dian was so great that he would lay back his ears 
 and look uglyjf even approached by a copper-col- 
 ored gentleman. 
 
 Yet there he was, and apparently as 'docile as any 
 tired cayuse in the lot. 
 
 "Ah, there, Buckskin !" he cried, as he walked up 
 to pat the animal. 
 
 Buckskin gave a whinny of recognition, for he had 
 come to love Cuthbert only second to Karl. 
 
 "Poor old chap!" said Cuthbert, sadly, as he 
 stroked the velvety muzzle. "You can't think what 
 we've gotten into. Don't you know your master 
 may be out there scooting to the dear old ranch with 
 a pack of these fellows whooping in his ear or he 
 may be lying dead on the prairie?" 
 
 The last thought was too much for him and his 
 eyes filled with tears, while the prairie, steed, looked
 
 The Sioux Village. 119 
 
 darkly at him and probably tried his best to com- 
 prehend it all. 
 
 Be it said to the Virginia boy's credit that his 
 own desperate situation did not give him half the 
 anxiety he experienced for Karl. 
 
 The Indians were not averse to him riding the vic- 
 ious Buckskin nag perhaps some of them had en- 
 deavored to do so with only a rope hackamore to 
 control the little demon, and speedily found cause to 
 regret their daring. 
 
 The rope was transferred to the neck of the 
 broncho, and during the ride some of the young 
 bucks managed to keep alongside their prisoner. 
 
 However anxious Cuthbert may have been he dis- 
 guised his feelings admirably, and endeavored to en- 
 ter into conversation with one and then another of 
 the Sioux. 
 
 Weary as they were, the braves did not seem in a 
 humor to talk, and beyond an occasional "how" or 
 a guttural grunt, he extracted little information 
 from them. 
 
 The dawn came. 
 
 Cuthbert found, as he suspecte3, that their course 
 was generally due north as the crow flies. 
 
 He knew then they were aiming for the far-dis- 
 tant Sioux village by the Sweetwater. 
 
 Many mysteries would have to be explained be- 
 fore he could understand why these red men wanted 
 to run off with a white cowboy at the time they 
 raided his stock a dangerous proceeding, since he 
 would be in a position to identify the horse thieves 
 should a force of cavalry be sent in pursuit, as some- 
 times happened. 
 
 With the rising of the sun the ghostly fears and 
 phantoms of the night fledj and he was able to get 
 what enjoyment was possible out of the situation. 
 
 Among the braves around him he saw one who 
 appeared better natured than the rest, and at once
 
 120 The Sioux Village. 
 
 decided to do all in his power to cultivate his friend- 
 ship, with the idea of learning about Karl. This 
 was Red Hat, a splendid fellow, over six feet high 
 and of magnificent proportions. 
 
 Cuthbert cantered alongside him, and endeavored 
 to get this colossal brave to converse. 
 
 "Me no talk," said Red Hat, dryly. "Ask me 
 nothing. Me know nothing. So." 
 
 With which he went on calmly gazing out across 
 the expanse of desert in front, and nodding saga- 
 ciously at the youngster at his side. 
 
 "But you surely know where we are going and 
 why I am being taken." 
 
 "Know nothing," repeated Red Hat. "Boy very 
 silly. He have nice time. He eat, he sleep, he 
 drink, he laugh. Ha, ha ! You never want to leave 
 us. Look, Standing Elk tell you all. Ask him." 
 
 A chuckle close by told him they were being ob- 
 served, and turning he saw the chief's beady eyes 
 fixed full upon him, while an indescribable grin 
 marked those angular features. 
 
 "Ah !" said Standing Elk, grimly. "So white boy 
 not satisfied. You like it by'm-by." 
 
 "I shall never like it," cried Cuthbert, excitedly; 
 "and as for you, I shall never like you. I just hate 
 you." 
 
 "Ah ! We see later," said Standing Elk, with the 
 self-same smile playing about his thin lips. "Feel 
 so glad afterwards. Plenty eat. Plenty sleep. 
 Hath not the good Red Hat spoken?" 
 
 "Not good enough for me," said Cuthbert, smil- 
 ing in spite of himself. "I don't want your food. 
 I'd rather be back with Karl and the others. And 
 I tell you what, I'll be off just the first chance I get. 
 You hear that, Standing Elk?" 
 
 Cuthbert spoke harshly, and Standing Elk lis- 
 tened, his face ever wearing that peculiar grin. 
 
 The smile relaxed for a moment, and a slight
 
 The Sioux Village. 121 
 
 frown gathered over the heavy brows with Cuth- 
 bert's last word. 
 
 "White boy fool. Try run away ugh !" 
 
 And with a significant gesture, he swung his gun 
 to the "present" and peered along the barrel. 
 
 Then the eternal grin settled again over the brown 
 features, and, chuckling aloud, he sauntered to the 
 front. 
 
 They were still on the prairie. 
 
 The same great sea of grass, flower-studded and 
 waving in the morning breeze, surrounded them on 
 all sides. 
 
 There could be no doubt but that the marauders 
 desired to place many leagues between them- 
 selves and the hard riders of Sunset Ranch ere the 
 shades fell again. 
 
 Perhaps they did not exactly fear an encounter 
 with Kelly's cowboys, but common prudence and 
 a desire to save the stolen horses urged them to 
 make good use of their time. 
 
 Cuthbert never had such a ride. 
 
 Accustomed to feeling a good saddle under him, 
 this bareback business came hard after several 
 hours' hard consecutive work, so that at noon he 
 begged an old Indian blanket and strapped this on 
 Buckskin's back, after which his discomfort van- 
 ished. 
 
 The pace was no longer hot, though it was simply 
 wonderful what endurance those tough little ponies 
 were capable of showing. Steadily the miles slipped 
 away until Cuthbert could no longer give even a 
 rough guess as to the distance separating him from 
 his friends. 
 
 Far into the night, by the aid of the bright moon, 
 the Indian band pushed on. 
 
 The country was entirely unfamiliar to the pris- 
 oner, since in his longest rides with Karl when out 
 on a hunt he had never reached this section.
 
 122 The Sioux Village. 
 
 It grew more broken now, as they approached the 
 foothills. 
 
 Seen in the misty moonlight, it presented new fea- 
 tures that might have aroused his interest, only that 
 utter weariness prevented him from enjoying any- 
 thing. 
 
 Cuthbert had never been so tired in his life. 
 Every bone in his body ached perhaps more as a 
 result of his rough treatment after being roped by 
 the Indians and dragged over the prairie, than be- 
 cause of the ride, since he had long since ceased to 
 be dismayed at anything in the way of this latter. 
 
 Even the young bucks at length began to show 
 plain evidences of distress, and a halt became neces- 
 sary. 
 
 Pride caused Cuthbert to disguise his real condi- 
 tion. It was just as strong in the breast of this Vir- 
 ginia lad as with the untutored sons of the wilder- 
 ness, and he slipped from Buckskin's back with 
 forced agility, assuming a gayety he was far from 
 feeling. Some dropped down and slept, while 
 others cooked more tough venison. 
 
 Cuthbert pushed his way to the fire and toasted a 
 bit of meat for himself. Then he threw his form 
 upon the velvety turf, masticated his food, and rolled 
 over upon the Indian blanket he had taken from the 
 back of his horse. It was like all Indian blankets, 
 anything but clean, but Cuthbert had gotten over 
 many foolish notions that had accompanied him 
 West, and thought only of the comfort it gave. 
 
 He blinked up at the clouds now passing over the 
 moon for a few minutes or so, and then exhausted 
 nature carried him to dreamland. 
 
 The steady downpour of rain and the mutter of 
 voices aroused him. 
 
 At first he thought he had been asleep but a few 
 minutes, and at sight of the Indians making prepara- 
 tions to resume the flight he was sorely dismayed;
 
 The Sioux Village. 123 
 
 but upon noting the position of the moon back of 
 the clouds he decided it must be not far from dawn. 
 
 That was the shortest five hours Cuthbert ever ex- 
 perienced. 
 
 Now his apprenticeship as horse wrangler on a 
 wet night came into good play. 
 
 Rain had little terror for the Indians, accustomed 
 to taking things as they came, the evil with the 
 good, philosophically. 
 
 Cuthbert threw the old blanket over his shoulders, 
 intending to ride bareback for a while, at least. 
 
 It was a melancholy spectacle, the start they made 
 under the dripping heavens, but only by grunts did 
 these toughened riders evince any disgust white 
 men would have very probably given expression to 
 their feelings by profanity. 
 
 The morning broke gloomy enough. 
 
 Still Cuthert could see that Standing Elk was de- 
 lighted over the rain, and he figured out that the 
 braves were willing to take their ducking, since this 
 same downpour would utterly blot out their trail. 
 
 To the prisoner, however, this consciousness only 
 added to his gloom. 
 
 That he was able to restrain his natural feeling of 
 despair and imitate his captors in taciturn indiffer- 
 ence was greatly to his credit. 
 
 The rain eventually ceased, but their journey 
 seemed to have no end. 
 
 The sun came out and soon each man and horse 
 was steaming. 
 
 Cuthbert kept the course as well as the conditions 
 allowed, for he fully expected sooner or later to 
 come this way again, perhaps on faithful old Buck- 
 skin, and it would be of great advantage to him to 
 know in which direction the great cattle range lay. 
 
 From words dropped now and then he learned 
 that they would probably make the village on the
 
 124 The Sioux Village. 
 
 Sweetwater late that night if the ponies held out 
 and nothing unforeseen happened. 
 
 He felt he would be glad, for the ride was cer- 
 tainly getting to be a bit troublesome the lack of 
 saddle and bridle counted for much in a long jour- 
 ney. 
 
 One thing he had discovered; his Winchester in 
 the possession of a young buck, who seemed espe- 
 cially proud because the wizard gun had fallen into 
 his hands as a prize. 
 
 Cuthbert began to have new hopes that he might 
 yet be able to escape, since horse and rifle had not 
 deserted him. 
 
 One or two more short halts for rest or a break to 
 their fast brought them once more to nightfall and 
 darkness, for the moon was not scheduled to rise 
 until some time later. 
 
 The short interval afforded them a rest. 
 
 Then once more the cavalcade went forward on 
 what was apparently the home stretch. 
 
 The prairie lay behind and they were now travel- 
 ing a hilly country. Trees became common, and 
 excited Cuthbert's interest, since he had been so 
 long on the open plains. 
 
 Even the Indian ponies seemed to know instinc- 
 tively that they were drawing near the home cor- 
 ral, for they stretched out with a new vigor that 
 aroused Buckskin to do his prettiest, nor was the 
 old cowboy mount to be left lagging by any cayuse 
 ever ridden by a Sioux brave. 
 
 At last the terrible journey came to an end. 
 
 Cuthbert was secretly well pleased, for to himself 
 he owned up to being sorely tired. The last few 
 miles of their ride took them along the bank of the 
 river, and with the silvery moonlight on the water, 
 casting fantastic shadows where the trees overhung 
 its brink, the scene was very beautiful to one who
 
 The Sioux Village. 125 
 
 loved nature, and who had seen so little of this sort 
 of thing for a year back. 
 
 Then came the Indian village, nestled among the 
 hills. 
 
 A more romantic location could not well have 
 been chosen, though possibly there were more pro- 
 saic motives influencing the tribal leaders when they 
 planted their lodge poles in this same spot, for it 
 was admirably situated for defense, and the country 
 roundabout fairly abounded in game. 
 
 Cuthbert, who had determined to observe all the 
 curious things possible connected with these strange 
 people, was interested at once in the welcome ac- 
 corded the returning war and raiding party. 
 
 A Roman triumphal entry might have exceeded 
 it in the splendor of chariots and appointments, but 
 it could not have done so in the matter of noise and 
 rank enthusiasm. 
 
 Every warrior, squaw and papoose within the 
 confines of the village shouted and whooped and 
 shrieked in their great delight all this spoil and 
 not even one man lost it was the most remarkable 
 event of years, and Standing Elk, yes, every young 
 buck in his company, was a red hero of the hour, 
 upon whom compliments and roasted dog must be 
 lavished to show the appreciation in which their fel- 
 lows held them. 
 
 So interested was Cuthbert in these entertaining 
 sights that he even forgot his fatigue, and the de- 
 pressing fact of his being a prisoner until the curi- 
 ous squaws around pinched him to see if he were 
 really alive. 
 
 Success in their undertaking and the fact of their 
 once more being at home made the Indians of the 
 expedition relax from their usual stolid condition 
 indeed, for the nonce they painted the town red. 
 
 Cuthbert was therefore not received with blows, 
 and he had cause to congratulate himself.
 
 126 The Sioux Village. 
 
 They speedily shoved him into a tepee and left 
 him alone. 
 
 Perhaps it would have been natural for any one 
 in so desperate a condition to have lain awake and 
 worried over his grievous state, but young Lee was 
 an exceedingly practical lad and possessed of good 
 health as well as a fair share of animal spirits, so 
 that he chose rather to look at things from a busi- 
 ness standpoint. He was fairly well treated, and 
 had good friends, who would search far and wide 
 to find his whereabouts. Karl had not been injured 
 during the raid and stampede, as he had since 
 learned, though two of the braves bore wounds that 
 attested to the accuracy of the night wrangler's aim 
 at the time they rushed the saddle band. 
 
 On the whole, Cuthbert had reason to be thankful 
 matters were no worse. 
 
 So he turned over in the easiest position his cir- 
 cumstances would allow, and went to sleep almost as 
 calmly as though he had been in the little den he 
 occupied in company with dear old Karl whenever 
 their duties allowed them to be near the Kelly 
 ranch. There is nothing like having a phlegmatic 
 disposition, or a control over the bodily forces by a 
 determined will. 
 
 Doubtless the feasting and clamor in the Sioux 
 village over the success of the foray continued pretty 
 much through the night, but it did not disturb the 
 rest of the tired prisoner, who slept "like a log," as 
 he himself expressed it later. 
 
 When he awoke it was past sunup, and the in- 
 terior of the skin tepee, which he had occupied in 
 company with several bucks who must have come in 
 later, was quite light. 
 
 If Cuthbert was worried over the peculiar condi- 
 tions that confronted him, he gave no indication of 
 the fact. 
 
 Apparently this thing of being carried off in so
 
 The Sioux Village. 127 
 
 romantic a manner was a novelty that might not be 
 so very unpleasant to a young adventure-loving fel- 
 low, who could make the best of a bad bargain. 
 
 He stepped over the recumbent forms of the two 
 braves, yet light as was his tread one of them opened 
 his eyes and with only a grunt arose to follow him 
 from the lodge. 
 
 Cuthbert concluded the old chief had instituted 
 these two his guards, and doubtless had threatened 
 dire consequences in case through their neglect of 
 duty the prisoner escaped. 
 
 Ordinarily it might be expected that being con- 
 sidered a person of such importance would arouse 
 a feeling of satisfaction, yet Cuthbert believed he 
 would willingly descend from his pedestal and do 
 without his attendants could he be once more trans- 
 ported to the side of his chum in the shadows of the 
 long, low building at Sunset Ranch.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 AN INDIAN BRAVE. 
 
 Once outside the tepee and Cuthbert saw a sight 
 that was full of interest for him. 
 
 An Indian village is always picturesque, no mat- 
 ter how dirty, just as a gypsy camp charms the eye, 
 while the nose may at the same time take objections 
 to the facts. 
 
 Especially interesting is the early hour when the 
 blue smoke from many fires is curling upward into 
 the clear morning air, and the odor of cooking 
 greets the hungry observer. Doubtless the rollick- 
 ing- orgies of baked dog and its accompaniments, to- 
 gether with a celebration that lasted far into the 
 small hours of the night, had proven a little too 
 much for the usually early rising inhabitants of the 
 big Sioux village, for, although the sun was up, hav- 
 ing stolen a march upon them, they were still creep- 
 ing out of their lodges, looking the worse for their 
 frolic. 
 
 It was in truth a pretty scene, and Cuthbert found 
 himself able to admire it, forgetting his own troubles 
 for the moment. 
 
 The village was delightfully situated, with trees 
 around its borders, a bulwark of hazel bushes skirt- 
 ing one end, and the river gurgling close by. 
 
 Overhead flew the king bird buzzards sailed ma- 
 jestically in the heavens, or perched upon neighbor- 
 ing trees, scavengers of the village, while here a 
 long-legged blue crane stalked along the river bank 
 intent upon his morning meal, which he waded in 
 to secure. 
 
 Yes, the lodges, marked with rude drawings in- 
 tended to represent the prowess of their owners in
 
 An Indian Brave. 129 
 
 battle and the chase, the gypsy-like fires, the prowl- 
 ing curs, the neighing horses in their corral, the 
 lounging bucks, busy squaws and playing young- 
 sters all these things Cuthbert saw and compre- 
 hended in one picture that would never leave his 
 mind. Whether his stay with these nomads of the 
 wilderness be long or short, it had come about with- 
 out any design on his part, and he determined that 
 he might just as well learn all he could of their ways, 
 their peculiar customs descended from remote an- 
 cestors, and, in brief, give himself over wholly to the 
 enjoyment of the singular experience, rather than 
 mope about bemoaning his sad fate. 
 
 If he was to be the adopted son of so great a chief 
 as Standing Elk, there would doubtless come to him 
 certain honors that might in a measure compensate 
 him for the loss of his freedom. 
 
 So, flinging away dull care, Cuthbert endeavored 
 to enter into the spirit of the novel situation with a 
 vim that was bound to gain the good will of his 
 new, dusky brothers. 
 
 He soon discovered Standing Elk's tepee, as it 
 was of greater dimensions than most of the others 
 in fact, only the council lodge exceeded it in size. 
 
 The artistic decorations were doubtless very ele- 
 gant from an Indian point of view, and Cuthbert 
 found them interesting enough, though he believed 
 he could have improved upon the manner of their 
 execution. 
 
 They portrayed a long and eventful career, in 
 which Standing Elk had done his share of hard 
 fighting perhaps his recent successful raid might 
 be described by characters only intelligible to the 
 sign-reading red man. 
 
 In one place Cuthbert discovered some rude at- 
 tempts at describing soldiers on horses, surrounded 
 by Indians, the soldiers being cut down to the last 
 man.
 
 130 An Indian Brave. 
 
 His mind at once flew to the massacre of dash- 
 ing General Custer and his command on the Little 
 Big Horn, a horror still fresh in the minds of all 
 those upon the border, and the conviction grew 
 that Standing Elk must have participated in this 
 dreadful battle. 
 
 The old chief came out and greeted him with a 
 cheerful "How!" 
 
 That one word can be made to signify almost 
 every emotion from anger to delight, when falling 
 from an Indian's lips. 
 
 Cuthbert gravely shook hands with the chief, 
 whom contact with the whites had given advantages 
 not possessed by all his tribes. 
 
 He could even swear a little on a pinch, and loved 
 gold because it represented more tobacco and fire 
 water. 
 
 Cuthbert drew him into conversation, and instead 
 of answering his questions with grunts and shrugs, 
 as usually an Indian will, Standing Elk descended 
 from his dignity and even strung a few words to- 
 gether after his own peculiar fashion. 
 
 "Am I a prisoner?" demanded the boy. 
 
 "P'raps," said the chief, with a grin. 
 
 "You have taken me away from my people and 
 against my will. I don't understand it all. What 
 have I ever done to you, chief?" 
 
 "Nice white boy, make um big brave." 
 
 Cuthbert should have been flattered, but just at 
 the time he felt only indignant. 
 
 "But I don't want to be a big brave I prefer to 
 be with Karl you have no right to keep me here 
 against my will," he said, defiantly. 
 
 The old chief shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "Me wanted Karl he too quick with shoot. 
 Nother time, mebbe." 
 
 There was apparently little satisfaction to be got- 
 ten out of this stubborn old fellow, who had been
 
 " 'I give you warning. Chief, that 
 soon as I can.' " See page 131. 
 
 I'm going to escape as
 
 An Indian Brave. 131 
 
 brought up to believe that might made right, and 
 who could only be brought to his senses by the ap- 
 pearance of Uncle Sam's boys in blue, his old-time 
 hated and feared enemies. 
 
 "Well, I give you fair warning, chief, that I'll 
 never agree to stay here, and that I'm going to es- 
 cape just as soon as I can." 
 
 Instead of showing signs of anger at this bold 
 speech, the old rascal chuckled, as though it really 
 tickled him. 
 
 "White boy better um not heap distance, much 
 danger no good. Stay here, be happy, eat much 
 baked dog, hunt, fish, loaf, ugh !" 
 
 Evidently he had learned what his paleface broth- 
 ers called the lazy, lounging manner of living to 
 which Indian braves are accustomed, and which pos- 
 sesses charm for their souls. 
 
 To be able to loaf ought to be sufficient induce- 
 ment to any young chap. 
 
 Cuthbert gave it up. 
 
 It would be impossible to convince this thick- 
 headed aborigine that he could never be happy un- 
 der such conditions. 
 
 Better save his breath to ask questions of those 
 who might give up a little information to pay him 
 for his pains. 
 
 "Where am I to get my breakfast?" he asked, 
 as an after-thought. 
 
 The chief pointed to a fire close by, where a fat 
 squaw, evidently Mrs. Standing Elk, was engaged 
 in primitive cooking. 
 
 "All right, only be sure and have plenty, for I'm 
 a regular jim-dandy when it comes to making grub 
 disappear." 
 
 "You tell um," said the chief, leering, and Cuth- 
 bert somehow conceived the idea that perhaps this 
 renowned warrior might stand -a little in awe of his 
 better half such things are rare among the red
 
 132 An Indian Brave. 
 
 men, who usually treat their squaws like slaves, but 
 it might be possible that Standing Elk's spouse had 
 a tongue which gave him some trouble. 
 
 Cuthbert knew how to get into the good graces 
 of the other sex, and he went to considerable 
 trouble now to conciliate the buxom squaw, with 
 such success that she was presently beaming upon 
 him indulgently. 
 
 He assisted her with the fire, something no boy 
 or man had perhaps ever done before in the whole 
 course of her natural life, to judge from the ex- 
 pression of amazement that first spread over her 
 countenance. 
 
 Cuthbert soon came to the conclusion that Indian 
 life was very one-sided that to the male half fell 
 all the good times, the jolly rides, the fishing and 
 hunting trips, and the frequent spells of sweet idle- 
 ness, while the women were usually busily engaged 
 cooking, making pemmican, grinding corn or berries 
 in coffee-mills purchased from traders, sewing buck- 
 skin, bead-trimmed moccasins, or something of this 
 sort. 
 
 Still, they were able to come together and hold 
 conversation while they worked, and this he soon 
 learned was their great privilege. 
 
 The dogs of the village were both numerous and 
 ugly. They showed their teeth and growled at the 
 white boy, doubtless looking on him in the light 
 of an intruder, and this became such a nuisance 
 that Cuthbert resolved to put a stop to it. 
 
 Accordingly he possessed himself of the first 
 likely-looking cudgel and bided his time. 
 
 When a troop of the mangy curs disputed his 
 right to free passage, he bounded into their midst 
 and laid about him with such right good will that 
 a panic ensued. 
 
 Such barking and howling as ensue'd, such a scam- 
 pering of dogs with tails between their legs; every
 
 An Indian Brave. 133 
 
 inhabitant of the village came out to ascertain what 
 was the matter, and added their whoops and laughter 
 to the din. 
 
 Cuthbert had accomplished what he wanted but 
 he deemed it wise to carry a stick for some little 
 time, lest the dogs rise against him, and by a con- 
 certed movement give him trouble. 
 
 But they had received a severe lesson and learned 
 to respect his valor. 
 
 Wherever he went they snarled, but slunk out of 
 his way. 
 
 Heroic measures had accomplished what other 
 means could hardly have done, for these mixed In- 
 dian curs do not seem amenable to kindness, having 
 too much of the treacherous wolf strain in their 
 make-up. 
 
 That day Cuthbert put in after the manner of an 
 adventurous mariner on a voyage of discovery. 
 
 He roamed all about the town, and even its out- 
 skirts came under his observation. 
 
 Seeing some squaws bearing steaming bowls of 
 food along a trail, he had the curiosity to follow 
 in their wake. 
 
 He knew a lounging brave kept an eye on him, to 
 round him up in case he made a break for liberty; 
 but Cuthbert had not the slightest intention of at- 
 tempting so foolish a move until he could be in 
 better trim to meet the dangers of the prairie. 
 
 To his surprise he presently found himself in the 
 cemetery of the village. 
 
 Standing Elk's people had evidently been located 
 here for many years, or else this was one of their 
 several village sites, for the burial place of the tribe 
 indicated as much. 
 
 First of all Cuthbert saw a circle of white, glisten- 
 ing skulls. 
 
 A young squaw was squatted upon the ground 
 fondling one of these relics, crooning tribal songs,
 
 134 An Indian Brave. 
 
 and in every way showing the affection which years 
 had not killed. 
 
 And yet, in all probability, her brave had, while in 
 life, treated her harshly, as is their almost universal 
 custom, and even beaten her when he felt particu- 
 larly ugly. 
 
 Perhaps, Cuthbert thought, she loved him more 
 dead than when in the flesh. 
 
 Skirting this ring of relics, at irregular intervals 
 he saw elevated platforms, some six or seven feet 
 from the ground, and upon these were lashed the 
 dead, wrapped in many deerskins until they resem- 
 bled mummies. 
 
 Safely out of reach of the wolves, they remained 
 there until time and decay tumbled the supports 
 over and scattered the bones, which were then bur- 
 ied, all save the skull, for which a place was made 
 in the magic ring. 
 
 To these platforms bearing recent victims of 
 death's terrors went the squaws whom Cuthbert had 
 followed. 
 
 The dish containing hot food was held up so that 
 the steam crept over the platform and, of course, 
 vanished. 
 
 This steam, possessing the odor of the viands, was 
 called spirit food, and the poor creatures actually 
 believed it served the soul of the departed on his 
 long journey to the Happy Hunting Grounds. 
 
 It was ludicrous in one way, and yet Cuthbert had 
 a feeling of awe creep over him, such were the grue- 
 some surroundings. 
 
 The bowls of food were left on the ground, and 
 no doubt must have been highly enjoyed by the 
 prowling coyotes and wolves always hovering 
 around an Indian burial spot. 
 
 It was late in the day, after sunset, when he left 
 the weird cemetery. 
 
 Already twilight was stealing over the land, and
 
 An Indian Brave. 135 
 
 several of the boldest wolves raised their melodious 
 voices, as if eager to get at their customary meal. 
 
 Cuthbert trod over the rattlesnake weed and wild 
 roses that grew everywhere, heading for the village, 
 where the cheery glow of fires could be seen that 
 told of another meal. 
 
 The drowsy chirp of crickets, and the shrill voices 
 of katydids sounded among the wild plum trees and 
 the hazel bushes, telling of the August night and the 
 frost in store. 
 
 One thing Cuthbert desired to investigate, and 
 this, chief of all, aroused his curiosity. 
 
 It was the weird old medicine man, that worthy 
 who assumes the office of doctor and druggist, as 
 well as oracle, for every tribe who, by his incanta- 
 tions, appeases the wrath of the Evil Spirit, prophe- 
 sies coming events, attends to those who are sick, 
 bestows magic talismans on those able to pay for 
 protection, and, in a word, holds the tribe, from the 
 big chief down, in the hollow of his skinny hand. 
 
 He is always a keen-witted, unscrupulous rascal, 
 who knows full well how best to play upon the super- 
 stitious nature of his fellows, and who can readily 
 manufacture an excuse that sounds reasonable 
 enough whenever one of his prophecies goes wrong. 
 
 Cuthbert had never been able to get on visiting 
 terms with the big medicine, when the tribe to which 
 Little Buckshot belonged had taken up temporary 
 quarters in the vicinity of Sunset Ranch. 
 
 His ambition was still unsatisfied, and he resolved 
 to make some discoveries in this quarter if the op- 
 portunity opened. 
 
 He could hear the old fellow holding forth now, 
 beating some sort of tom-tom, now slowly and anon 
 with fierce emphasis, all the while chanting what was 
 doubtless an ode to the departing day, or an invo- 
 cation to the spirits of the night. 
 
 At least the wild, barbaric music seemed just in
 
 136 An Indian Brave. 
 
 keeping with the blinking fires and the dusky fig- 
 ures seen moving among them, the conical, deco- 
 rated tepees and the strange scene he had just left 
 at the Indian graveyard. 
 
 Cuthbert was thrilled with the weirdness sur- 
 rounding him. 
 
 A little of it went a great way. 
 
 If he had ever been foolish enough to express a 
 desire to spend some time in an Indian village he 
 regretted it now, and was ready to repent. 
 
 His one wish now was to see Sunset Ranch again, 
 and dear old Karl. 
 
 He believed he would starve under such cooking 
 as prevailed among the Sioux true, they had some 
 frying pans and tin kettles, purchased from the set- 
 tlers with whom they traded pelts, buffalo heads 
 and robes, but the trouble was they failed to use 
 them a chunk of meat thrust into the fire from the 
 end of a prong of wood answered when there was 
 nothing to boil in the black pot. 
 
 So he resolved to do his own cooking in the fu- 
 ture, that is, providing the good dame of the chief's 
 household permitted. 
 
 Some more diplomacy on his part was needed in 
 order to conciliate the squaw, lest she take offense, 
 womanlike, because her guest failed to appreciate 
 her cooking, for even a poor Sioux housekeeper 
 may have her ideas upon the superiority of her corn- 
 bread over that of her dark-skinned sisters. 
 
 It was a feather in his cap that he even accom- 
 plished this delicate job. 
 
 Standing Elk viewed the whole arrangement with 
 considerable astonishment. 
 
 Perhaps he was learning for the first time in his 
 benighted life that there may be other ways to in- 
 fluence the wife of one's bosom to do one's will save 
 that time-honored one of knocking her down first. 
 
 And his admiration for the lad increased, since he
 
 An Indian Brave. 137 
 
 had bearded a Tartar in her den- and won a place 
 in her regard. 
 
 Cuthbert, intent on making the acquaintance of 
 the medicine man, sauntered over to the tepee where 
 he held forth. 
 
 It bore hideous character-drawings, done in bril- 
 liant colors, and reminded him somewhat of a cir- 
 cus tent. 
 
 The old fraud sat in his doorway, smoking. 
 
 He looked well satisfied with life, as though things 
 were coming his way and he had no occasion to 
 complain. 
 
 At close quarters, Cuthbert discovered him to be 
 a gaunt, ugly chap, who delighted in making him- 
 self more hideous even than Nature had done, 
 though, to give her credit, she had certainly at- 
 tempted her best. 
 
 His eye sparkled like that of a massasauga rat- 
 tlesnake, and his nails were talons, while the lib- 
 eral daubs of brilliant paint and the colored feath- 
 ers he carried, gave him a very killing appearance as 
 a venerable seer. 
 
 Cuthbert had his course planned. 
 
 Soft words had won with the squaw, but would 
 they have any effect upon the steel armor of this 
 suspicious mountebank? 
 
 He bowed low before the old fellow and, laying 
 one hand on his breast and with the other remov- 
 ing his cap, he said: 
 
 "May I speak with you, oh, sir?" 
 
 He found it hard to restrain his mirth as he 
 watched the expression on the medicine man's face 
 from the corner of his eye. 
 
 "Speak !" said the old man, grandly flourishing his 
 hand. 
 
 "I have hear'd of your fame," said Cuthbert, truth- 
 fully enough, for he was revered by the other In-
 
 138 An Indian Brave. 
 
 dians, "and I almost fear to come into your pres- 
 ence." 
 
 "Fear!" repeated the medicine man. "Why for 
 fear me? I no kill. I make well. You un'stand?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Cuthbert, "but you are so ter- 
 rible in appearance, doctor." 
 
 The grin on the old man's face became more hor- 
 rible. 
 
 "Ah! me one big terror. So!" 
 
 And he threw out his long talons ancl shook his 
 shaggy mane and banged his instruments. 
 
 "Altogether this medicine man is something I 
 wouldn't have missed for a good deal," said Cuth- 
 bert to himself. 
 
 "I count this," he said aloud, "a proud moment 
 when I can stand in the presence of so renowned a 
 doctor." 
 
 Flattery accomplishes wonders in this world, and 
 Cuthbert was really as able to spread it on as though 
 he had been on a trip to Limerick and Blarney 
 Castle. 
 
 By degrees he melted the reserve of the big med- 
 icine he praised his appearance, asked many ques- 
 tions that tickled the ancient humbug, and quite 
 won his heart by calling him, as if inadvertantly, 
 doctor ! 
 
 The medicine man felt the high compliment he 
 knew that among the whites a doctor must be 
 learned in his profession, and is usually looked up to 
 with reverence. 
 
 It was a clever inspiration on Cuthbert's part to 
 thus honor one whose whole life had been spent in 
 quackery. 
 
 "Ha ! White boy know somethings !" said the old 
 medicine man, at last, with a pleased grin. "Ugh! 
 Me like white boy! My little white brother very 
 young. Oh, so very young! But he very wise. 
 Good! White boy come. I show him,"
 
 An Indian Brave. 139 
 
 And so speaking, he led Cuthbert into his special 
 audience chamber, where he might, with his own 
 eyes, behold the wonderful array of curiosities he 
 had gathered during his reign, and the clever im- 
 plements with which he rattled or tooted an evil 
 spirit out of a sick man's body. 
 
 That lodge was a sacred place and a fearsome 
 abode in the eyes of all Standing Elk's people; but 
 the white boy strode carelessly in after his guide, 
 with no feeling of awe, only intense curiosity. 
 
 Well, it was worth observing. 
 
 Cuthbert certainly believed he had never before 
 looked upon so many things calculated to bring a 
 cold chill down one's back rattlesnakes, stuffed, 
 horned toads, Gila monsters, great staring beetles, 
 necklaces of grizzly bear claws that betokened a 
 great warrior, strings of odd, dried up bunches of 
 hair, which Cuthbert guessed must be hideous me- 
 mentoes of past battles or butcheries, scalps, in 
 fact these and many more similar articles formed 
 quite a museum. 
 
 It must have shaken the nerves of any brave to 
 find himself surrounded by such a medley, and no 
 doubt the arrant old humbug wondered much be- 
 cause the white boy showed not the slightest symp- 
 tom of fear. 
 
 He must possess a totem or amulet that rendered 
 him impervious to the magic influences which, from 
 long habit, the medicine man actually believed in 
 himself. 
 
 Cuthbert had him rattle the hollow gourds and 
 shake the string of rusty sleigh bells which he had 
 in some way picked up. 
 
 The cunning old necromancer had in truth been 
 bewitched by a mere lad, and seemed quite ready to 
 stand on his head, if requested. 
 
 After all it was not so much a glimpse of his tools 
 in trade Cuthbert desired, but a chance to watch
 
 140 An Indian Brave. 
 
 him drive the evil spirits from the bed of a sick 
 Indian, or execute one of his fantastic dances when 
 the time came for the propitiation of an infuriated 
 god. 
 
 Perhaps in time he would even have the good 
 luck to see all this, if he remained in the Sioux 
 village long enough and kept in the favor of the 
 medicine man. 
 
 Cuthbert was satisfied with his day's work. 
 
 He had learned much and had made friends, two 
 things bound to tell in the end. 
 
 Thus several days passed. 
 
 Life began to grow monotonous. 
 
 A palace is a prison to one who may not pass 
 beyond its portals, and the young fellow, accus- 
 tomed to liberty in its widest significance, began to 
 feel like a bird that beats its poor head against the 
 bars of its cage. 
 
 Now escape began to be ever in his mind he 
 thought of it night and day. 
 
 By slow degrees he began to shape his policy, and 
 all this had to be done without arousing the sus- 
 picions of Standing Elk and his clan. 
 
 As the evening fell Cuthbert used to repair to a 
 rock near by and gaze sadly in the direction he 
 knew Sunset Ranch must be. 
 
 At such a time he was apt to be almost over- 
 whelmed by the intensity of the emotions that swept 
 over him. 
 
 Yet, when sauntering into camp soon after, he 
 appeared just as jolly and free from care as ever. 
 
 Thus he believed he was quieting the suspicions 
 of his quondam red brothers at least, they allowed 
 him more liberties, took him bear hunting among 
 the wild passes to the north, where Cuthbert was 
 able to do excellent work with his reliable old Win- 
 chester, placed in his hands for this occasion, and 
 in many other ways tried to make him feel that he
 
 An Indian Brave. 141 
 
 was one of them, having been solemnly taken into 
 the tribe with great ceremony. 
 
 And so the days glided by, without a sign from 
 Karl and the reckless cowboys of Sunset Ranch, 
 making Cuthbert imagine that if he ever hoped to 
 be free again it must come through his own exer- 
 tions. 
 
 Thus he came face to face with the hour when, as 
 fate decreed, he should learn the true reason of his 
 strange abduction perhaps it would hurt his con- 
 ceit somewhat, but at the same time the knowledge 
 must act as a spur upon his resolution to give his 
 new Sioux comrades the slip and take French leave 
 between the setting and the rising of the sun.
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 TAKING FRENCH LEAVE. 
 
 After all there was some sort of peculiar fascina- 
 tion and charm about this wild life Cuthbert led 
 when among the Sioux. 
 
 It seemed to appeal to an element in his nature 
 that must have descended from remote ancestors. 
 
 He was fond of the picturesque, and the Indian 
 village, at the hour when the evening meal was 
 being prepared, certainly presented a peculiar scene, 
 with the sparkling fires, the curling, drifting smoke, 
 the gayly-garbed squaws bending low or flitting from 
 lodge to lodge, the gamboling papooses, lads at 
 play, warriors stalking gravely about or smoking se- 
 renely beside their tepee, curs barking or rushing 
 hither and yon in packs, and Indian ponies in the 
 stout corral. 
 
 Yes, he would remember it all during the remain- 
 der of his life. 
 
 But all this did not make him change the resolu- 
 tion he had taken. 
 
 He yearned for the society of his kind. 
 
 "This wild life may be all very well for a time," 
 he said to himself, and then he added, with a smile, 
 "but then one really gets too much of a good thing." 
 
 His mind went back to many pleasant episodes 
 in which Karl figured, wild chases over the flowery 
 prairie, the momentous night when Buckskin car- 
 ried them both to safety, and the river, with the 
 awful fire roaring behind then once more he ex- 
 perienced in imagination the chilly blast of the bliz- 
 zard that so nearly terminated Little Buckshot's life. 
 
 It was always Karl who was in his mind Karl, 
 who seemed dearer to him than a brother.
 
 Taking French Leave. 143 
 
 So the days crept on, and Cuthbert began to make 
 secret preparations for quitting the Sioux lodges. 
 
 He believed he could comprehend what a task 
 there was set before him. 
 
 It might have tried an old ranger like Silas Gregg, 
 let alone a boy who only a year back had been an 
 utter greenhorn. 
 
 When his flight should be discovered, doubtless a 
 hot pursuit would be made. 
 
 Standing Elk had especially desired Karl for adop- 
 tion, but he seemed ready to make the best of a bad 
 bargain, and to have contented himself with a lesser 
 light. 
 
 Cuthbert had all along been looked upon with 
 jealous eyes by the Indian youths of about his own 
 size and age. 
 
 They seemed to think he was a usurper that he 
 had no business among them, especially in so ex- 
 alted a position as son and possible heir to the great 
 chief, Standing Elk. 
 
 Consequently these dusky lads never lost an op- 
 portunity to challenge him to a duel of some sort. 
 
 Now it was a contest of skill with the rifle, in 
 which, of course, Cuthbert easily excelled anon he 
 was called upon to meet the champion wrestler of 
 the youthful tribe, before whom all had gone down 
 as dead grass in the teeth of the prairie fire. 
 
 By nature Cuthbert had been endowed with a pe- 
 culiarly sturdy frame, although he had never reached 
 the perfection of agility and power until he had been 
 coached by Karl, and spent these long months 
 among the cowboys. 
 
 He tackled the Indian wrestler, but the redskin's 
 style of fighting, together with his almost naked, 
 slippery figure, baffled the white lad for quite a time, 
 so that they struggled like two cottonwoods shaken 
 by the blasts of winter. 
 
 At length, however, Cuthbert managed to dis-
 
 144 Taking French Leave. 
 
 cover the weak point of his adversary, and put him 
 on his back so suddenly that the Indian brave did 
 not know how it was done. 
 
 After that he had things his own way, but in- 
 stead of lording it over his companions, he con- 
 sidered it policy to seek their friendship. 
 
 Every day saw some ambitious youngster chal- 
 lenge the intruder to a new test of endurance. 
 
 Sometimes these were of a character so utterly 
 unfamiliar to Cuthbert that he lost the first round, 
 but took it good-naturedly, and in the return bout 
 was sure to come out ahead. 
 
 Thus he finally came to the conclusion that de- 
 spite their training from infancy, the young Sioux 
 braves were not equal man for man to many tough 
 cowboys he knew, and that the Indian race was far 
 inferior as a whole to the white in physical as well 
 as mental calibre. 
 
 He began to despair of gaining their good will. 
 
 An Indian finds it hard to forgive one who has 
 humiliated him. 
 
 These successive victories cost him friends, since 
 each defeated competitor nursed the savage desire 
 for revenge. 
 
 In time Cuthbert would doubtless have had 
 trouble with these fellows, eager to bring about his 
 downfall; but the drama was hastened to a conclu- 
 sion by other events that had not been down upon 
 the programme. 
 
 The fact that he was more or less spied upon by 
 some of these disgruntled boys made the task he 
 had set for himself the more difficult. 
 
 They were apt to discover what he had in mind, 
 and disclose the whole thing to the chief. 
 
 If Standing Elk learned of his secret preparations 
 for flight, the game would be up. 
 
 His privileges would be curtailed, and they would 
 make him a prisoner in truth.
 
 Taking French Leave. 145 
 
 Accordingly, Cuthbert became very cautious in all 
 his work looking toward flight. 
 
 He knew his best hope lay in a good horse and 
 a fair start. 
 
 The river was friendly enough, and the bull boats 
 of the Sioux, made of buffalo hide, seemed inviting 
 a ready escape, but this method was too slow, and 
 the chances greatly in favor of his being intercepted 
 by fleet horsemen, who could go four miles to his 
 one, and thus patrol the lower reaches of the river. 
 
 It must be as he came on horseback. 
 
 And Buckskin was the animal he selected to 
 carry out that part of the scheme. 
 
 Had he not seen the broncho tested under the 
 most adverse circumstances, and seldom with the 
 shadow of defeat upon his proud record? 
 
 Yes, Buckskin was the first choice. 
 
 The animal had never gotten over his singular 
 animosity toward redskins in general, and was de- 
 tested as well as feared by the Sioux, toward whom 
 he showed a vicious temper. 
 
 A number had tried to tame him, but with meagre 
 success, and always with bruises and contusions ga- 
 lore among themselves. 
 
 Probably the gallant little buckskin nag would 
 have been killed ere now only that Standing Elk 
 took him under his wing. 
 
 Perhaps he really admired the tawny beast, or else 
 his stubborn grit appealed to the innate chivalry of 
 the chief. 
 
 Cuthbert was secretly inclined to believe that 
 Standing Elk still clung to the hope of some day 
 securing Karl, the lad who he fancied resembled 
 his dead son, and that he had an idea the fact of 
 this horse being in the hands of the Sioux might 
 sooner or later draw the cowboy thither in his 
 mind, it was a connecting link.
 
 146 Taking French Leave. 
 
 Matters were running along in this groove when 
 a sudden change occurred that forced Cuthbert's 
 hand, and made him adopt stern measures before 
 the time he had set for the carrying out of his plan. 
 
 The cool breath of early fall was in the air. 
 
 Already advance couriers of the frost king had 
 breathed upon certain sensitive trees and plants, 
 causing their leaves to turn crimson or a bright 
 golden. 
 
 It was a time when the heat of summer having 
 passed away, one felt strong and invigorated, capa- 
 ble of accomplishing great things. 
 
 Cuthbert, by chance, was at the corral petting 
 poor lonely Buckskin, who seemed to miss Karl, his 
 young master, so much, feeding him with some 
 choice bits of grass, and whispering to him of the 
 time soon coming when the long pent-up powers of 
 the broncho would be put to the most severe test of 
 his life, in order to carry Karl's chum to safety. 
 
 A commotion on the border of the village at- 
 tracted his attention, and looking in that direction, 
 he discovered quite a squad of Indians entering 
 camp. 
 
 At every step their numbers were augmented by 
 recruits from the village, who added their voices 
 to the clamor. 
 
 Not to be outdone, the pariah dogs barked and 
 howled, horses neighed, and, taken in all, the hub- 
 bub equaled that which greeted the party returning 
 with the horses stolen from Sunset Ranch at the 
 time he himself was made a prisoner. 
 
 There were no horses, no cattle being driven or 
 dragged now, but in the midst of the band he dis- 
 covered one who wore the well-known garb of a 
 cowboy. j 
 
 Another prisoner, Cuthbert thought, and his heart 
 beat like a trip-hammer when he remembered Karl,
 
 Taking French Leave. 147 
 
 whom the chief desired to secure. Was it his friend, 
 his more than brother? 
 
 Buckskin was forgotten. 
 
 He left the corral instantly and zigzagged across 
 the intervening space, taking advantage of several 
 tepees on the way. 
 
 All the while his heart was in his throat, so to 
 speak, while his eyes remained ^lued upon the fig- 
 ure riding amidst the returning braves. 
 
 The opportunity for which he yearned came at last, 
 and he discovered that the newcomer was not Karl 
 after all. 
 
 Cuthbert hardly knew whether joy or grief pre- 
 dominated in his heart although he would have 
 been sorry to have seen his friend a captive, still he 
 must have experienced a fierce satisfaction at being 
 thus reunited to him, even under such peculiar con- 
 ditions. 
 
 Looking again, he recognized the newcomer as 
 one of Kelly's rough riders, a man of middle age, 
 Caleb Cross by name. 
 
 Somehow Cuthbert had never fancied this man. 
 
 He was a good cowboy, valuable on the range, and 
 a man who lived within himself, moodv and taciturn. 
 
 Perhaps this disposition was what soured the boy 
 with Caleb as a general thing cowboys and herders 
 are a cheerful, social set, so that such a man makes 
 few friends among them. 
 
 To Cuthbert he seemed a man with a history, 
 whose melancholy thoughts had to deal with trage- 
 dies of the past. 
 
 At first his presence aroused keen hopes. 
 
 Surely it indicated the presence of a friendly force 
 somewhere in the neighborhood. 
 
 At last, after these weary weeks, Kelly's men had 
 struck the right trail and might soon be in substan- 
 tial evidence.
 
 148 Taking French Leave. 
 
 It was a pleasant thought, but Cuthbert Hid not 
 have much opportunity to take consolation from it. 
 
 He suddenly became aware of the fact that the 
 cowboy did not look or act dejected his manner, 
 instead of crestfallen, appeared to be jaunty, as 
 though he were glad to be there. 
 
 Cuthbert was surprised, but his feelings grew even 
 stronger when he saw Caleb Cross meet old Stand- 
 ing Elk as though they were friends of long stand- 
 ing. 
 
 One last dim hope flashed feebly up had Caleb, 
 presuming upon some past friendship between the 
 old chief and himself, entered the Sioux village with 
 the idea of negotiating for his release? 
 
 This thought died almost instantly. He did not 
 believe the man one to take any trouble or risk un- 
 less he could see a way clear to lining well his 
 pockets. 
 
 Cuthbert seemed to feel the shadow of some com- 
 ing disaster to realize that in some way not yet 
 clear this visit of Caleb Cross had to do with his 
 own detention there. 
 
 He believed portentious events hung in the air, 
 which concerned his own interests. 
 
 So he kept back and watched all that went on. 
 
 Apparently the crabbed cowboy could be genial 
 enough when he chose to let down the gates, as 
 was the case when he met Standing Elk. 
 
 They beamed on each other and talked in low 
 tones, as though business of great importance was 
 demanding their attention. 
 
 What could the Sioux chief and one of Kelly's 
 cow punchers have in common ? 
 
 Could it be Cross was a traitor and in league with 
 these notorious cattle thieves, eager to put them in 
 possession of facts that would make easier the next 
 raid that brought them swooping down from their 
 secret fastness in the north?
 
 Taking French Leave. 149 
 
 Cuthbert shook his head in dismay at the task of 
 guessing the truth. 
 
 He knew a better way. 
 
 Night was creeping on, the shades of darkness 
 had already started to cover the earth, and in a 
 short time he could carry out his little design with- 
 out fear of discovery. 
 
 This was nothing more nor less than to steal a 
 march upon his adopted father the big chief, and 
 listen to some of his interesting conversation with 
 Caleb Cross. 
 
 Cuthbert had been an apt scholar while among 
 the Indians, and was able to do himself proud upon 
 this occasion, when so much depended upon his 
 success. 
 
 The shadows were friendly and screened him from 
 observation, so that, after much squirming after the 
 manner of a snake, he was enabled to get close up 
 behind the tepee of the chief. 
 
 From within came the low murmur of conversa- 
 tion, as Standing Elk and his guest chatted to- 
 gether, while the squaw outside prepared the even- 
 ing meal. 
 
 Cuthbert's hearing was fairly good under ordi- 
 nary conditions, but it was rendered extraordinarily 
 acute by the circumstances surrounding him just 
 then. 
 
 His reward came speedily enough, and in the 
 nature of a staggering surprise. 
 
 To Caleb Cross, then, he owed the fact of his 
 being a prisoner in the Sioux camp. 
 
 That worthy, believing the stories floating about 
 among the cowboys of Kelly's ranch concerning the 
 wealth which belonged to Cuthbert in Virginia and 
 New York, had conceived the idea of making him 
 a prisoner among the Indians and holding him there 
 an indefinite time pending a healthy ransom. 
 
 It was simply disgusting a miserable money-
 
 150 Taking French Leave. 
 
 making scheme after all, and sentiment had no part 
 in it at all. 
 
 Standing Elk looked upon the white lad he had 
 adopted merely as representing so much tobacco and 
 fire water when the day of final settlement arrived. 
 
 Cuthbert was conscious of a sudden rise in his 
 temperature when he heard enough to disclose these 
 facts indeed, as he himself phrased it, he "was hot 
 under the collar." 
 
 His indignation fell principally on the cowboy. 
 
 Certainly Caleb Cross deserved the summary pun- 
 ishment he would surely receive should the truth 
 ever become known to his fellow-laborers of Sunset 
 Ranch. 
 
 It made the boy feel cheap to think he had be- 
 come the victim of such a very ancient scheme. 
 Why, it was as old as the hills, and had been played 
 with more or less success these centuries back! 
 
 One thing was sure given half a chance and he 
 would disappoint these brave chaps most grievously 
 why delay, when different measures might now 
 be taken for the safe keeping of the lad who rep- 
 resented a fortune? 
 
 Yes, circumstances over which he had no control 
 had forced his hand. 
 
 He must cut the Gordian knot, must leave the 
 quaint old Sioux village, sever his relations with 
 that prince of quacks, the medicine man, and make 
 tracks for Sunset Ranch. 
 
 The sooner the better. 
 
 Why not this night? 
 
 What a thrill the proposition gave him ; but after 
 he had carefully considered matters it became man- 
 ifest that a better opportunity would not likely arise, 
 and the chances were, his freedom being curtailed, 
 he might find it much harder in the future to accom- 
 plish the task. 
 
 That settled it.
 
 Taking French Leave. 151 
 
 To-night, then, he would, like the Arab, "fold his 
 tent and silently steal away." 
 
 Cuthbert would possibly have enjoyed hearing 
 more of the interesting conversation between the 
 two trick conspirators, but he felt that time was 
 too valuable just now to spend any more of it there. 
 
 Besides, there was always more or less chance that 
 discovery might come. 
 
 Accordingly, he moved away in much the same 
 style as he had advanced. 
 
 There was a great deal to be done if he expected 
 to quit the Sioux village in the manner he had 
 planned. 
 
 First, he must secure his Winchester rifle and 
 what cartridges remained, for Cuthbert knew the 
 perils that might beset him on the great lonely 
 wastes, and would have hesitated to accept his free- 
 dom at the expense of going over that long route 
 defenseless. 
 
 It was in the keeping of the old medicine man, 
 and Cuthbert had frequently borrowed it for hunt- 
 ing purposes, a supply of cartridges having turned 
 up among other things stowed away in that wonder- 
 ful lodge of necromancy. 
 
 He found the "doctor," as usual, at home, and 
 fancied the old fellow's beady eyes were a trifle more 
 piercing than ordinary when he placed the gun in 
 his hand. 
 
 The belt, too, was completely filled with shells, 
 a circumstance that made Cuthbert wonder if his 
 old friend half suspected the truth. 
 
 All doubt was dispelled when at parting the med- 
 icine man gripped his hand and uttered some magic 
 words, as though he would invoke success upon his 
 mission. 
 
 After all, he was a rare old fraud, and Cuthbert 
 would long remember his friendly ways what fruit 
 had sprung from his flattering designation of the
 
 152 Taking French Leave. 
 
 ancient quack as a "doctor" surely it pays to make 
 friends, even with the wizard of a Sioux village. 
 
 The gun and belt he secreted in a hollow tree, 
 which already served him as a storehouse, wherein 
 at intervals he had deposited such food as dried 
 deer and buffalo meat, to serve him on his expected 
 journey. 
 
 The task that next must engage his attention 
 .was the securing of his mount. 
 
 Buckskin must be secretly taken from the corral, 
 and hidden in the woods. 
 
 This, however, could not be accomplished until 
 the village was wrapped in slumber. 
 
 He came in late to supper, and purposely avoided 
 the chief's tepee, where the cowboy still sat, in deep 
 consultation with his willing ally. 
 
 No doubt it was intended that on the morrow the 
 true state of affairs should be broken to the boy, 
 and the first step taken looking toward the reali- 
 zation of their wonderful plans. 
 
 Cuthbert grimly determined that when that mor- 
 row came he would be many miles on the road to 
 Sunset Ranch, and hummed to himself : " 'They 
 have fleet steeds who follow/ quoth young Lochin- 
 var." 
 
 Somehow the anticipation of what lay in store 
 for him aroused Cuthbert's dormant ambition, and 
 he actually quivered with the eager thought of pit- 
 ting his boyish powers against the much-vaunted 
 prowess of these dusky sons of the wilderness. 
 
 Standing Elk came several times out of his tepee 
 and looked toward where Cuthbert wrestled with the 
 Indian lads, teaching them some of the tricks he 
 had picked up from the cow punchers and herd- 
 ers, among whom was a professional boxer. 
 
 Cuthbert dreaded lest the old chief should demand 
 his presence, and an explosion follow, after which
 
 Taking French Leave. 15) 
 
 his liberty might be abridged; but, greatly to his 
 satisfaction, this did not occur. 
 
 Hope grew stronger in his heart. 
 
 At least he would be given a chance. 
 
 If the effort turned out a dismal failure, he could 
 always feel that he had done his best. 
 
 The minutes dragged. 
 
 Really, never in all his life had a space of sixty 
 seconds seemed so long to him. 
 
 Would the village never grow quiet? 
 
 It appeared that the youngsters were in an un- 
 usually frolicsome mood, as though especially desir- 
 ous of exasperating him, while the braves sat around 
 the various fires, smoking and recounting past valor- 
 ous deeds, as if sleep had no charms for them. 
 
 Cuthbert grew uneasy. 
 
 In another hour or so the moon would be peep- 
 ing up, and he knew his difficulties in quitting the 
 village must be doubled under such circumstances. 
 
 Jealously he watched them disappear, one by one, 
 until finally only a few remained to fix the fires for 
 the night, when the encampment would be left to 
 the hosts of canines that roamed about, snarling 
 at each other and occasionally using their sharp 
 teeth to advantage, as if to prove their wolf blood. 
 
 It was time. 
 
 Cuthbert's heart beat somewhat faster than usual 
 as he arose to his feet, sauntered over to a spot 
 where the shadows lay heavily, and then threw him- 
 self again on the ground, as if to sleep, though his 
 watchful eyes were fully alive to all that was going 
 on around. 
 
 There was nothing to indicate that he had been 
 observed, and presently he made another move, this 
 time slinking out of the village on the side where 
 the corral was located. 
 
 The horse first, then his traps, the gun and food, 
 for without Buckskin these things counted naught.
 
 154 Taking French Leave. 
 
 Now he was alongside the wooden rails that 
 formed the barrier between the herd and the Indian 
 ponies and freedom. 
 
 A wild thought flashed into his mind as to what 
 a glorious thing it would prove for him to cut off 
 pursuit by stampeding the whole herd, but common 
 sense showed him what a foolhardy move this would 
 be, and how greatly it might jeopardize the success- 
 ful carrying out of his main chance, so he put away 
 the temptation as sternly as possible. 
 
 Karl had established a telegraphic communica- 
 tion with his horse, and, of course, Cuthbert had 
 made it a point to practice the signals, under the 
 belief that sooner or later they would prove of value 
 to him. 
 
 That time had come. 
 
 He knew that ordinarily one or more videttes kept 
 watch and ward over the Sioux village and precious 
 corral, while the camp was wrapped in slumber, and 
 from this source his greatest danger proceeded. 
 
 It was easy to find the gate of the stockade. 
 
 All seemed quiet the horses were moving about 
 within, the night breeze rustled through the trees, 
 but Cuthbert could not detect any sign of a vidette 
 near by. 
 
 Creeping through the bars he gave utterance to 
 a low, tremulous whistle. 
 
 Buckskin would know it instantly if he heard, and 
 his natural sagacity must bring him to the spot 
 where Cuthbert stood. 
 
 There being no immediate response, fie repeated 
 the signal, this time in a louder key, though fearful 
 lest it might reach the ear of a wakeful vidette. 
 
 Was that whinny Buckskin's recognition? 
 
 His heart seemed in his throat, so great the anx- 
 iety that nearly overwhelmed him. 
 
 Now he could catch the sound of hoof strokes ap-
 
 Taking French Leave. 155 
 
 preaching, and gave forth the same tremulous 
 whistle to guide the animal to his side. 
 
 Another moment and he was fondly stroking 
 Buckskin's velvety muzzle, and feeling the intelli- 
 gent beast's welcome. 
 
 No time was to be lost. 
 
 A rope hackamore must do duty in lieu of a bridle, 
 a blanket for a saddle these things Cuthbert had 
 brought with him, in order to meet the emergency. 
 
 Then the bars were let down. 
 
 Gently Buckskin stepped outside. 
 
 He seemed to recognize that some important busi- 
 ness was on foot which required secrecy, for by no 
 neigh or snort did he betray the satisfaction he must 
 have felt at thus securing his freedom. 
 
 The bars replaced, Cuthbert started to lead his 
 prize away. 
 
 His ambition, of course, was to reach the spot 
 where his cache lay, to secure what stores he had 
 secreted and then decamp. 
 
 So many times had he gone over this line of re- 
 treat that every foot of ground from the horse cor- 
 ral to the hollow tree was as familiar to him as 
 though it were broad midday. 
 
 Every yard increased his chances of safety. 
 
 The smouldering fires of the village began to be 
 obscured by the trees, showing that he had suc- 
 ceeded in rounding the spur that jutted out toward 
 the woods. 
 
 His heart had been beating wildly, but now it 
 began to resume its normal function, since the worst 
 had passed by. 
 
 The village fires had become like huge glow- 
 worms in the distance, and it seemed to Cuthbert's 
 sensitive soul as though his old friend, a great owl, 
 perched in a tree near by, sentinel of the night, were 
 crooning a dismal and perpetual farewell, as he mut- 
 tered his discontented notes.
 
 156 Taking French Leave. 
 
 It was a period of time fraught with intense solici- 
 tude, and which he could never forget so long as 
 he lived these halcyon memories of his brief stay 
 among the mysterious red people of the wilderness 
 would haunt him ever. 
 
 And now it was all over. He was launched upon 
 his new voyage, which must end, he fondly hoped, 
 with his restoration to Sunset Ranch, to Karl and 
 to Polly for surely the girl had been often in his 
 mind during these days of his captivity, and Cuth- 
 bert knew she had become as dear to him as a 
 sister. 
 
 He was determined that could he gain her consent 
 and that of her protectors, the genial Kellys, she 
 would occupy that position if he could not find 
 Hildegarde Gordon, his cousin, there was no reason 
 why this dainty girl should not occupy her place, and 
 share his bounty. 
 
 When finally he drew up at the gnarled tree in 
 the hollow of which his limited stores were secreted, 
 he believed every chance was within his grasp. 
 
 Quickly, then, he proceeded to secure his little 
 all to the back of the horse. As it was made up in 
 something the shape of two saddlebags, in antici- 
 pation of just such an emergency, this was not a 
 difficult task. 
 
 He was just testing the cords or thongs with 
 which this had been carried into effect, when he 
 heard a peculiar grunt close beside him, and in the 
 dim starlight beheld a human figure rise out of the 
 brush. 
 
 His first thought was that the game was up, or 
 at least in a perilous position, since this must be 
 one of the Sioux videttes, and if he escaped to start 
 on his long journey, it could only be after a success- 
 ful contest with this muscular brave, who would en- 
 deavor to hold him fast until assistance arrived from 
 the village.
 
 Taking French Leave. 157 
 
 And as he endeavored to get himself in a posi- 
 tion of defense, his trembling finger fumbling with 
 the lock of his gun, he heard his Sioux name pro- 
 nounced in caressing accents. 
 
 Why, it was the old medicine man after all ! 
 
 "White boy go away?" he said, in a crooning, 
 mournful key. " 'Doctor' he very sorry. Little 
 white brother go. Never see him more?" 
 
 "Why, doctor, you here! You're not going to 
 give the warning?" 
 
 "Ugh! Me no do that. Help you instead. See 
 here. Knife. No use, mebbe? White boy wise. 
 Will know if good to have. See! Cartridges, 
 too." 
 
 And the old fellow produced a very businesslike 
 knife and a bag of cartridges. 
 
 Warmly Cuthbert embraced the fantastically- 
 dressed old humbug there was some good in the 
 Sioux blood after all at least Little Buckshot and 
 this ancient wizard had risen above the hatred of 
 their race for the white man. 
 
 So Cuthbert, with one last warm word of farewell, 
 mounted his horse and rode slowly away to the dim 
 southland, Buckskin stepping so lightly that there 
 was no danger of hostile ears catching the sound 
 of his hoof stroke. 
 
 In long years to come the boy, grown a man, with 
 world-wide experience, would always keep a corner 
 in his heart green to the memory of the Sioux med- 
 icine man, whose weird costumes and fantastic 
 dances must fill a unique niche in his heart until time 
 should be no more.
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 UNDER THE WANING MOON. 
 
 The task that the young Virginian had set him- 
 self was no light one. 
 
 A journey lay before him of several days' duration, 
 and unknown perils might beset him on every hand. 
 
 There were his late friends, the Sioux, whom he 
 expected to make a hasty and hot pursuit. 
 
 Standing Elk's affection he had little faith in ; but 
 the white lad represented a winter's supply of to- 
 bacco, ammunition and fire water, which, in the eyes 
 of an Indian, counted for much, so that the old chief 
 might be expected to strain every nerve in the en- 
 deavor to recapture such a prize. 
 
 Then there were wild beasts with which he might 
 come in contact, or, worse still, some of those des- 
 peradoes always to be found prowling about the out- 
 skirts of civilization, to whom the newly-discovered 
 gold fields among the Black Hills would serve as a 
 lodestone, drawing them from other less-favored 
 communities. 
 
 Still, Cuthbert's heart seemed stout enough to 
 meet and overcome all these difficulties. The suc- 
 cess attending his start gave him courage. 
 
 Besides, a cowboy always feels fortified against 
 evil and disaster so long as he can press his knees 
 against the sides of a stanch and faithful broncho; 
 so often has he to depend upon this four-footed 
 friend for his safety that there seems to be magic in 
 the very contact. 
 
 Once a mile and more from the Sioux village and 
 free from timber, the runaway put his horse into the 
 broken country that lay to the south. 
 
 The moon had now arisen at midnight, a battered
 
 Under the Waning Moon. 159 
 
 specimen at the best, but, to the fleeing lad, any as- 
 sistance was welcome, and this meagre illumination 
 would allow him to see obstacles in his way more 
 clearly. 
 
 One thing gave him cause for uneasiness. 
 
 At the time of his flight a hunting party had been 
 absent from the village of the Sioux. 
 
 These braves, more than a dozen in number, had 
 gone south a week before, in the hope of striking 
 one of the few herds of bison that remained of the 
 countless numbers that had, a decade before, dotted 
 the great prairie; or, failing in that, to make way 
 with some beef on the hoof that would serve to keep 
 the village supplied with provisions during the ap- 
 proaching winter. 
 
 This party was doubtless on the way home, and 
 directly in the path he would take if he made a bee 
 line for Sunset Ranch. 
 
 It was policy, therefore, to deviate from this 
 straight course, as the crow flies, and make some- 
 thing of a detour, in the hope of avoiding these 
 braves. 
 
 Of course, should they chance upon him, the truth 
 must be immediately apparent to them, and Cuth- 
 bert's hopes receive a decided setback. 
 
 He gloried in every mile placed between himself 
 and the Indian village. 
 
 Meanwhile, he amused himself by speculating as 
 to when and under what conditions his late red 
 brothers would discover his flight. 
 
 This awoke a flood of recollections. 
 
 He was vehement in affirming his great joy at 
 leaving the scene of his late captivity; and yet, 
 strange to say, there was a little regret mingled with 
 this exuberance some associations he had formed 
 that would give him pleasure as they arose in mem- 
 ory.
 
 160 Under the Waning Moon. 
 
 As he journeyed on, Cuthbert found he must meet 
 and fight another adversary. 
 
 This was the dragon, sleep. 
 
 He had had broken slumbers of late from various 
 causes, and nature began to endeavor to overwhelm 
 him. 
 
 So he resorted to several expedients in order to 
 successfully combat this insidious enemy. 
 
 All the while Buckskin was making good head- 
 way, like the faithful old chap he was, apparently 
 realizing what game he was concerned in, and eager 
 to gain an advantage over the heathen whom he de- 
 spised so cordially. 
 
 Thus the night was slipping away. 
 
 Cuthbert did not intend resting until morning 
 came, when both himself and his steed would de- 
 serve refreshment. 
 
 Perhaps the eager Sioux were already on the 
 track, bent upon running him to earth. No mat- 
 ter, his course had been mapped out, and he did not 
 mean to be driven from it, unless the necessity be- 
 came very great. 
 
 The gray dawn came. 
 
 In the east the sky showed signs of the sun's com- 
 ing, and Cuthbert knew he had put leagues between 
 himself and the Sioux village. 
 
 He gloried in the coming of the day god. 
 
 Not alone because he was weary and hungry, both 
 of which were true enough, but, in the small hours 
 of the night, the temperature had grown exception- 
 ally chilly, especially to a mounted traveler, rather 
 scantily clothed, so that, in spite of his effort to im- 
 agine himself fairly comfortable, his chattering teeth 
 and an occasional shudder of his frame belied the 
 cheat. 
 
 The sounds of the late summer night died away; 
 long since the howl of the wolf and bark of the 
 sneaking coyote had ceased, and now the burr of the
 
 Under the Waning Moon. 161 
 
 cricket, together with the shrill complaining of katy- 
 dids in the brush, gave place to silence deep and 
 profound. 
 
 Thus the mighty king of day wheeled into view 
 above the horizon. 
 
 It was well. 
 
 Cuthbert's anxiety concerning the hunting party 
 had not abated. 
 
 The first use he made of daylight was to survey 
 the country all around him. 
 
 He had just reached that border where the rough 
 foothills gradually softened into the rolling prairie. 
 
 During the whole term of his captivity, he had 
 not once clapped eyes on this latter, and was sur- 
 prised to find how dear it had become to him since 
 his advent among the cowboys, now two seasons 
 back. 
 
 It was like welcoming an old friend again, and 
 seemed to speak in clarion tones of the proud liberty 
 he had once enjoyed. 
 
 Why, it even seemed easier to breathe here than 
 among those hills where the lodges of Standing Elk 
 kept guard beside the ever-flowing Sweetwater. 
 
 When he had dismounted in a depression, and 
 hobbled Buckskin so the broncho might play no 
 tricks common to his class upon him, Cuthbert 
 topped the nearest rise, and took a good survey of 
 the scene in every direction. 
 
 He rejoiced to discover no signs of danger, for his 
 weariness was such that only urgent necessity would 
 have compelled him to go on. 
 
 Then came a frugal repast. 
 
 He had a supply of water in a canteen, secured 
 through diplomacy from a young buck, who had 
 taken it from one of Custer's unlucky cavalrymen 
 at the battle of the Little Big Horn. 
 
 The ride of almost six consecutive hours had been 
 wearisome, much more so because of his lack of
 
 [62 Under the Waning Moon. 
 
 proper equipments for a white man can never do 
 full justice to himself on a bareback horse, when ac- 
 customed to saddle and stirrups. 
 
 Stretching- himself at full length, the cowboy 
 munched his dried meat and took copious draughts 
 of the cooling- liquid contained in the canteen which 
 relic of the dread disaster had at length fallen into 
 hands capable of appreciating its good qualities. 
 
 Thus half an hour passed. 
 
 Cuthbert felt refreshed. 
 
 The fearful sensation of sleepiness seemed to have 
 passed away. 
 
 He knew it would not be wise to give way to such 
 a natural desire, since, once slumber took hold upon 
 him, who could say when he would awaken again, 
 and then it might only be to look into the grinning 
 countenance of Standing Elk. 
 
 Cuthbert remembered the old story of the race be- 
 tween the hare and the tortoise a nap had been fa- 
 tal to the chances of the former, and he did not want 
 the experience repeated in his case. 
 
 With a groan, therefore, he struggled to his feet, 
 and was surprised to find that his knees were quite 
 stiff, the result of digging them into Buckskin's 
 sides for hours, in lieu of the support which stirrups 
 would have given. 
 
 Never mind; once he gave his pursuers the slip, 
 and Sunset Ranch was reached, he would have plenty 
 of opportunities to recuperate, and, ere long, the 
 things that loomed up before him now as dread ob- 
 stacles would appear like trifles light as air. 
 
 Perhaps, ere mounting Buckskin again and setting 
 forth on his journey, it might be the part of wisdom 
 to once more top the rise near by, so as to take a last 
 survey. 
 
 This was a chance shot, but Cuthbert presently 
 discovered reasons for believing it to be the best 
 thing he had done in many a day.
 
 Under the Waning Moon. 163 
 
 For hardly had he commenced to cast his eyes 
 about than he discovered something that caused him 
 to fall flat on his face, while his heart beat like a trip- 
 hammer. 
 
 Not more than a quarter of a mile away a small 
 column of light smoke arose from a depression in 
 the prairie, proving that some campers must have 
 been located there during the night. 
 
 Cuthbert could guess who they were. 
 
 As a usual thing, Indians manage to build their 
 " - es without visible smoke when in an enemy's coun- 
 try, but these braves had grown reckless, being so 
 near home, and used none of the ordinary precau- 
 tions. 
 
 Greatly worried by their proximity, Cuthbert ran 
 to his horse and arranged things for an immediate 
 flight. 
 
 He could pass along the depression for a short 
 distance, when it gradually merged into the level, so 
 that further progress without discovery was out of 
 the question. 
 
 All he could do now was to wait and hope for 
 the best. 
 
 If these campers proved to be the hunting party 
 homeward bound, as he suspected, they had plenty 
 of room to make for the hills without discovering 
 either him or his horse. 
 
 Indeed, only through some direct irony of fate 
 could such an accident occur. 
 
 Cuthbert, having all arranged and his horse staked 
 close at hand, once more climbed to the top of the 
 little knoll. 
 
 Immediately he saw that he had hit the nail di- 
 rectly on the head when reaching the conclusion that 
 Indians built the fire, for they were now in sight. 
 
 A start was about to be made on the last stretch, 
 with the expectation of bringing up in the home vil- 
 lage by noon.
 
 164 Under the Waning Moon. 
 
 At last they went stringing out over the rolling 
 ground, keeping to the ridges for the best riding. 
 
 Cuthbert saw they had bundles upon their pack 
 animals; evidently the hunt had been at least fairly 
 successful, and they were now returning, laden with 
 the spoils of the chase. 
 
 He counted them as they strung out a good 
 baker's dozen in all, sturdy warriors, most of whom 
 had already won renown in war or along the hunting 
 trail. 
 
 Every second took the dangerous lot farther 
 a way, and, unless some unforeseen accident betrayed 
 his presence to them, the chances seemed bright for 
 his escaping scot free. 
 
 He had been fearful when wretched Buckskin, as 
 if scenting the presence of his kind near by, had 
 given vent to a shrill neigh, for one of the Indians 
 stopped to look around. 
 
 A second neigh would have given the whole thing 
 away, but, fortunately, Buckskin had the decency to 
 stop right there, and the warrior, as if doubting his 
 hearing, cantered on to catch up with his fellows. 
 
 Cuthbert recovered from his fright and began to 
 breathe easy again. 
 
 It had been a close shave, however, and one he 
 would not care to repeat. 
 
 Long he looked after the retreating figures of the 
 bronzed hunters, whose feathered headpieces nodded 
 and glowed in the bright light of the early sun. 
 
 In the exuberance of his delight, half raising him- 
 self from the grass, he sent mocking kisses after 
 them with his finger tips, at the same time mutter- 
 ing, joyfully: 
 
 "Good-day to you, Mr. Crow Quill Moccasin, and 
 you, also, Gray Wolf and Stick-in-His-Hand. A 
 pleasant journey to your lodges, and give my re- 
 gards to the dear old medicine man humbug, ditto 
 poor, bereft Standing Elk, a second time childless,
 
 Under the Waning Moon. 165 
 
 and not forgetting that prince of rogues, Caleb 
 Cross, whom Satan help if he ever comes back to 
 Sunset Ranch and the boys' clutches. Why, hello !" 
 
 This second exclamation was uttered in a tone of 
 voice quite different from that in which he spoke the 
 rest of his soliloquy. 
 
 It indicated surprise a sudden apprehension. 
 
 For the whole hunting party had come to an ab- 
 rupt halt about a mile away. 
 
 The first thought that entered Cuthbert's head 
 was that they were debating as to the choice of 
 routes, one being shorter, but more difficult, than the 
 other. 
 
 Then he realized it must be something of an en- 
 tirely different nature, since several of the Sioux had 
 vaulted from their ponies, and seemed to be search- 
 ing for some lost article amid the short grass. 
 
 Even as yet Cuthbert only growled at the delay 
 as serving to keep him there, when he so ardently 
 desired to push on. 
 
 What could they have lost that was of so precious 
 a nature as to cause the whole troop such a period of 
 delay ? 
 
 For the life of him, he could not guess. 
 
 Perhaps it was the last scare he might have ; after 
 this clear sailing awaited him. 
 
 Ah ! what did that fellow mean by pointing straight 
 in his direction? 
 
 Sure enough, it was the identical sharp-eared chap 
 who had looked so suspiciously in his quarter at the 
 time Buckskin relieved himself of that treacherous 
 neigh. 
 
 Then it all burst like a thunderbolt from a clear 
 sky upon Cuthbert. 
 
 They had, by a disgusting piece of ill luck, chanced 
 upon his trail he remembered he had skimmed 
 along that ridge ere making for the depression 
 where he took his rest.
 
 1 66 Under the Waning Moon. 
 
 Indians are ever suspicious, and can read signs in 
 a manner little short of miraculous. 
 
 Perhaps there may have been some peculiarity 
 about the buckskin broncho's hoofs that was known 
 to one among their number. 
 
 At any rate, suspicion was rampant, and it began 
 to look as though the fugitive from Standing Elk's 
 lodge might be compelled to mount Buckskin and 
 show a clean pair of heels to his pursuers. 
 
 Mechanically, then, Cuthbert twisted his head and 
 looked around to see in how many jumps he could 
 clear the intervening space, should the necessity 
 arrive for such action. 
 
 When he turned his head again, he found that al- 
 ready a change had taken place among the Sioux 
 braves. 
 
 Three of them one of whom was the suspicious 
 party had debouched from the rest and were urg- 
 ing their ponies straight for the spot where the 
 white lad lay, while the balance threw a leg across 
 their mounts and curiously awaited the result. 
 
 Well, there was only one thing to do fight or run 
 away. 
 
 Cuthbert was no Don Quixote, and had not the 
 remotest idea of attempting to cope with a baker's 
 dozen of experienced braves. 
 
 Why, they would overwhelm him without much 
 ado, despite the repeating gun he carried, using 
 their running ponies as shelter while they circled 
 closer and closer around, after the usual manner of 
 their wary species. 
 
 Then it was flight. 
 
 And the sooner he was off the better, since these 
 fellows were quickly shortening the distance sepa- 
 rating them. 
 
 He got over to where Buckskin stood in "two 
 shakes of a sheep's tail," as he afterward declared, 
 in relating the adventure.
 
 Under the Waning Moon. 167 
 
 One pull at the rope left the horse as free as air. 
 
 Then came a leap such as only a cowboy can give, 
 and he was astride the broncho. 
 
 "Away, old fellow, and do your prettiest if you 
 ever hope to see Karl again," he said. 
 
 Buckskin started. 
 
 The rest had renewed his zeal, and he seemed to 
 be as fresh as a daisy just plucked. 
 
 Cuthbert, with the intention of delaying the final 
 discovery as long as possible, kept to the depression ; 
 instinctively he also flattened himself out over the 
 horse's neck in order to baffle the advancing red- 
 skins, who might, for a time, think he was an old 
 prairie ranger, or, perhaps, a warrior of some other 
 tribe. 
 
 When a resonant shout burst out in his rear, taken 
 up by the rest of the band, he knew his presence was 
 no longer a mystery, and that in all probability the 
 whole outfit was in hot chase. 
 
 "Now, go it, old Buckskin, and don't ever have it 
 said an Indian pony bested you on your native heath. 
 He'll wear who wins," said the boy, as he dug both 
 heels into the broncho's ribs.
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 BRAVO! BUCKSKIN. 
 
 Cuthbert could not refrain from turning in his seat 
 and taking one backward look. 
 
 The sight that met his eyes was stirring enough 
 in all conscience ; there were the Indians strung out 
 in a series of little knots, each brave occupying a 
 position in accordance with the ability of his cayuse, 
 and belaboring the ponies with heels and fists in the 
 endeavor to force them to greater exertions. 
 
 Of course, the fleeing lad did not believe his life 
 was in peril, since these warriors, knowing the value 
 put upon him by the big chief would deem it their 
 duty to carry him in triumph back to the village. 
 
 All the same, the situation was exciting, and 
 aroused anew in Cuthbert's heart that desire for free- 
 dom he had nourished secretly from the day he 
 found himself a prisoner. 
 
 He had great hopes in Buckskin ; the faithful nag 
 had never yet failed Karl, and there was good reason 
 to believe he would exert himself quite as heartily in 
 the favor of his master's mate. 
 
 To be sure, he was weary from an all-night gallop, 
 but, while the Indian ponies were fresh, they carried 
 loads of meat that, in addition to their riders, served 
 to counteract this apparent advantage. 
 
 The question, then, was an open one. 
 
 When Cuthbert found he was holding his own 
 fairly well, his spirits became more buoyant. 
 
 There was, after all, a wild exhilaration in this mad 
 ride, a something that made his whole frame tingle 
 as if in contact with a galvanic battery the cool 
 morning air, the scented breeze blowing to his nos- 
 trils, the well-remembered odors of his beloved
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 169 
 
 prairie, the familiar scene, and, above all, the con- 
 sciousness that with every jump of his horse he was 
 shortening the distance between himself and Sunset 
 Ranch the goal of his hopes. All these things 
 combined to arouse his spirits until he found himself 
 with hand in the air, shouting a defiance to those 
 eager pursuers thundering in his rear. 
 
 It was the answer of the undismayed white man 
 to the challenge of the untutored Mr. Lo. 
 
 The buckskin horse was doing nobly, and even the 
 best of his pursuers did not seem to gain percepti- 
 bly, so that it was, after all, pretty much a question 
 of endurance. 
 
 Had the Sioux hunters thought it worth while to 
 toss aside the plunder with which their ponies were 
 fairly well laden, they might have made better 
 progress. 
 
 Doubtless they had experienced too many vicissi- 
 tudes of fortune in securing this generous supply of 
 meat to dream of sacrificing it for a miserable pale- 
 face cow puncher, who had in some mysterious man- 
 ner gained the good will of their old chief. 
 
 As he hustled along in this fashion, Cuthbert kept 
 a keen lookout ahead. 
 
 There was always a chance of his falling in with 
 some freighter caravan, bound for the new mines. 
 
 How welcome a sight to him would be the familiar 
 string of creaking white-topped wagons, drawn by 
 mules, and the rough "mule skinner" on the seat, 
 cracking his long, writhing blacksnake whip; for, 
 among these pioneers of the Black Hills trail, he 
 would assuredly find shelter and safety. 
 
 Alas! look as he might whenever an opportunity 
 presented itself, he could not catch even the faintest 
 glimpse of such a welcome sight. 
 
 One thing pleased him. 
 
 His pursuers were gradually dropping out of the 
 race as their ponies fell behind.
 
 170 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 Only seven kept it up, and they seemed to be de- 
 termined that nothing should daunt them. 
 
 Higher rose the sun. 
 
 The chill of early morning no longer remained; 
 indeed, Buckskin was bathed in sweat, such was the 
 violence of his exertions. 
 
 He was a game little Tartar, well worthy of any 
 man's regard, and Cuthbert, overwhelmed with ad- 
 miration for his staying qualities, could only express 
 his feelings by patting his outstretched neck and 
 crying in boyish enthusiasm : 
 
 "Bully, bully all around!" 
 
 That meant volumes, according to a boy's lingo. 
 
 Now he began to speculate seriously as to what 
 chances he would have should the affair terminate, 
 as seemed possible, in a battle. 
 
 Seven was not so bad as thirteen, but all the same 
 he feared his case was pretty desperate when it came 
 to such a pass. 
 
 The repeating gun was a Gibraltar of strength 
 under ordinary conditions, and with open foes to 
 contend against; but Cuthbert had not lived all this 
 time among the Sioux without observing how catlike 
 their advance upon expected quarry might be, and 
 he despaired of successfully holding such agile foes 
 at bay. 
 
 One he might have outwitted, and even two in a 
 pinch ; but the thought of seven was appalling. 
 
 Still he did not yet lose heart. 
 
 The yellow horse was putting in his best strides, 
 and, so long as he could keep up this hot pace, the 
 game was anybody's. 
 
 More than a few times the course was changed on 
 account of some advantage Cuthbert thought might 
 be gained by a sudden turn; or it was the warning 
 gopher whistle that told him to beware of the bur- 
 row city into which his animal might flounder unless 
 guided elsewhere.
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 171 
 
 Over the wild barley, leaping the tufted patches of 
 buffalo grass, through the rattlesnake weed that 
 rustled with the approach of autumn's chill breath 
 always onward with those yeJling rascals in full 
 chase, Buckskin kept up the mad pace. 
 
 Ah ! the yellow nag did himself proud on that day, 
 and Cuthbert was forcibly reminded of the time 
 when he and Karl were carried to safety and the 
 cooling waters of the river, with the prairie fire 
 raging at their backs. 
 
 As never before he realized what a blessed thing it 
 was to bestride a horse of kingly blood, capable of 
 making such extraordinary exertions when the oc- 
 casion demanded. 
 
 The excitement was still in his veins. 
 
 Even putting aside the miserable fate that awaited 
 him if overhauled and taken back to the Indian vil- 
 lage a dejected prisoner, Cuthbert burned to come 
 out victor in the race on its own merits. 
 
 He had not forgotten the sensation of pride and 
 glory that swept over him when his chum, on this 
 same little horse, won from the boasting Sioux 
 braves on the former occasion, and Cuthbert yearned 
 to have victory placed to his own credit. 
 
 The old pride of Virginia, mother of Presidents, 
 not to be outdone, was showing itself. 
 
 How indefatigable those grim pursuers seemed 
 to be. 
 
 Never before had Cuthbert realized how men 
 could partake of the nature of the wolves they 
 chased over the prairie ; these warriors had won their 
 spurs their right to wear the feathers of braves by 
 just such tactics as these, and he could not hope to 
 throw them off the scent, except by superior run- 
 ning. 
 
 Alas ! his weary horse was taken at a decided dis- 
 advantage, and had already reached his limit. 
 
 Presently his furious pace must slacken as his
 
 172 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 proud will failed to enthuse his muscles, and then, 
 yard by yard, those dusky pursuers would shorten 
 the gap. 
 
 What then? 
 
 Cuthbert was but a boy; had it been Old Sile 
 with that wonderful repeating rifle, the Sioux hunt- 
 in? party might have gone back to their lodges in 
 mourning, but the young Virginian had never mas- 
 tered the art of successfully shooting from the back 
 of a galloping horse, especially when the quarry was 
 in the rear. 
 
 He made one attempt, hoping to at least demor- 
 alize the enemy ; but, to his disgust, each and every 
 man threw himself flat along his pony's back, and 
 derisive yells greeted his random shot. 
 
 About this time the boy began to notice, to his 
 dismay, that poor Buckskin was failing to hold his 
 own. 
 
 It was no sudden spurt on the part of those hard 
 riders who whooped along in his rear, but a falling 
 off in his own animal's speed. 
 
 Well, the crisis must soon come. 
 
 How would he meet it? 
 
 He had been so occupied by this dilemma and the 
 endeavor to make some use of his gun that of late 
 he failed to search for traces of others upon the 
 swelling prairie. 
 
 It was, therefore, something in the nature of a 
 shock when to his ears was borne a faint, shouting 
 chorus. 
 
 How well he knew the cry! What familiar 
 scenes it aroused in his mind. 
 
 Eagerly he looked to windward, for the cheering 
 sound undoubtedly came from that quarter. 
 
 At first nothing met his eye but the vast expanse, 
 bounded by the horizon. 
 
 Then up from a depression came moving objects. 
 They were cowboys, waving hats and guns, and
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 173 
 
 urging their worn cayuses to the top of their speed, 
 eager to have a hand in the disturbance. 
 
 A wild joy thrilled Cuthbert. 
 
 He knew he was saved. 
 
 Even old Buckskin let out the last kink and 
 bravely held his own temporarily another five miles 
 must have killed the lion-hearted little beast. 
 
 But there was no need. 
 
 The Indians, wild with disappointment at losing 
 in the hour of their seeming triumph, made a last 
 desperate effort to overtake the plucky lad. 
 
 It was in vain. 
 
 Buckskin was too game a nag to lose the race 
 on the homestretch ; he would have broken his heart 
 sooner than allow that. 
 
 Realizing the hopelessness of their cause, and hav- 
 ing a healthy respect for the fighting qualities of the 
 cow punchers, they determined to quit the chase 
 while there was yet time. 
 
 In their sullen rage they forgot that old Standing 
 Elk desired the boy unharmed, and let fly a scatter- 
 ing volley of missiles from the various firearms in 
 their possession. 
 
 Cuthbert, however, was uninjured. 
 
 He had been quick to profit by the lesson they 
 taught when he sought to get in a shot, and no 
 sooner did the first report strike his ears than he 
 threw himself forward and hugged the flowing mane 
 of Buckskin. 
 
 Again he experienced that creepy sensation as he 
 heard the queer sounds produced by the leaden pel- 
 lets cutting the air above him, and realized that they 
 were meant for his body. 
 
 When the rattling fusillade ended, and he dared 
 look back, he saw to his satisfaction that the bold 
 Indian braves had turned tail and were in full re- 
 treat. 
 
 It was a glorious sight, and Cuthbert brought the
 
 174 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 exhausted Buckskin to a speedy halt, after which 
 he sprang to the ground. 
 
 His first emotion was gratitude toward the faith- 
 ful creature that, laboring under such serious dis- 
 advantages, had brought him through "right side up 
 with care," as he expressed it, and hence it could be 
 accounted no shame to his young manhood that in 
 the exuberance of his feelings he threw his arms' 
 about the head of his horse and fairly hugged him. 
 
 To his surprise, Buckskin broke loose, and, raising 
 his head, uttered a shrill whinny. 
 
 It was answered by a cheery yell and a rapid rush 
 of hoofs. 
 
 Cuthbert looked up, guessing what it meant. 
 
 A flying figure approached, showing all the signs 
 of insanity, a figure that waved a pair of arms and a 
 sombrero amid joyful shouts. 
 
 Of course, it was dear old Karl. 
 
 What a blessed meeting. 
 
 Cuthbert's heart was full to overflowing. 
 
 Really, it were almost worth those weeks of cap- 
 tivity and the perils he had encountered to realize 
 how much he was beloved. 
 
 Down came Karl with a jump, and, regardless of 
 everything, he clasped his friend in a pair of sturdy 
 arms, holding him back anon to gaze into his face as 
 though hardly able to believe such good luck. 
 
 Then the other cowboys rode up, having made a 
 feint of chasing the Indians, which the worn-out con- 
 dition of their mounts precluded them from doing 
 with any show of success. 
 
 Cuthbert was proud of the warm greeting he re- 
 ceived; what a sincere pleasure it was to feel that, 
 during the year he had been among them, he had 
 earned the good will of these rough, whole-hearted 
 rustlers ! 
 
 "Now, Cuthbert," began Karl, "I'm dying to hear
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 175 
 
 all about it. You've got a rare story, I bet. So jest 
 sit right down and let's hear it." 
 
 "Oh, it's too long, by a good deal," said Cuth- 
 bert, laughing. "Suppose we put it off till we get 
 home." 
 
 "No, sirree ; I can't wait above another minute for 
 you to begin." 
 
 "Well, Karl, I must have something to eat first, 
 or I'll starve." 
 
 "That's up to me," broke in one of the cowboys ; 
 "I've got the meat. Let's go into camp." 
 
 "All right," assented Karl. "Cuthbert eats first; 
 then the story." 
 
 Horses were picketed, a fire started, and the cow- 
 boy who had just spoken produced a package of fresh 
 meat that his keen eye had seen fall from the back 
 of the rearmost Indian pony at the time they made 
 out to chase the Sioux hunters. 
 
 Although the braves had declined to cut loose 
 from their plunder in order to lighten the loads of 
 their ponies when chasing the fleeing white boy, it 
 was a different thing when they themselves were be- 
 ing pursued by the reckless cow punchers. 
 
 So this rearmost fellow, in alarm lest he be cut out 
 for the first victim of those hot fighters, had relieved 
 his pony of its load, evidently acting on the belief 
 that it was better to enter the village covered with 
 shame than cling to his booty and never enter it at 
 all. 
 
 For which philosophical solving of the conundrum 
 Cuthbert was grateful when the meat began to send 
 forth appetizing odors. 
 
 With true prairie etiquette they forbore to ques- 
 tion him as to his strange adventures until he had 
 helped himself three times to meat. 
 
 Then, since the demands of nature had been ap- 
 peased, they began to bombard him right and left 
 with questions.
 
 1 76 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 Laughing at his inability to answer such a con- 
 glomeration, Cuthbert proposed that he tell the 
 whole story, and to this they one and all eagerly 
 agreed. 
 
 No Persian romancist ever had a more entranced 
 audience than surrounded the boy who had twelve 
 hours before been an almost hopeless prisoner in 
 the Sioux camp. 
 
 He neglected no details, but described all he saw 
 and had experienced from the hour when the mid- 
 night raid was made upon the wranglers and their 
 saddle band charges, up to the time the hunting 
 party gave chase. 
 
 Generally speaking, the cowboys listened in si- 
 lence, only an occasional grunt or exclamation at- 
 testing their interest in the tale. 
 
 When, however, he spoke of Caleb Cross and the 
 miserable alliance he had made with Standing Elk, 
 in order to secure a fat ransom for the prisoner, their 
 indignation manifested itself in a more violent form. 
 
 Evidently the treacherous schemer would have to 
 steer clear of the range after this, and emigrate to 
 Mexico, if he wished to avoid summary treatment at 
 the hands of those whom he had once called com- 
 rades. 
 
 Cuthbert himself was so overflowing with a great 
 joy at seeing Karl again that he could not for the 
 life of him harbor ill feelings against even so dis- 
 reputable a foe as this scheming cow puncher. 
 
 Perhaps he was not yet done with Caleb Cross, 
 since such men fight hard to carry a point that prom- 
 ises rich rewards. 
 
 On his part, Cuthbert was to learn what brought 
 his friends to this section of the country, so far away 
 from Sunset Ranch. 
 
 A pleasant surprise awaited him. 
 
 The cowboys had really been on the way to the
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 177 
 
 Sioux village on the Sweetwater with the intention 
 of effecting his escape through bold strategy. 
 
 It all came about through Little Buckshot. 
 
 Vain had been their search for the lost saddle 
 horses, and the lad who was missing. Karl had 
 scoured the country in every direction day after day 
 without discovering the first trace of the aggressors, 
 the rain having blotted out their trail. 
 
 Then came the young Indian brave, who, finding 
 his white brothers in deep sorrow, volunteered to 
 discover where Cuthbert had been hidden. 
 
 He knew the country to the north, and had his 
 suspicions of the truth. 
 
 Overcoming the many obstacles by the way and 
 traveling only at night to avoid the chances of dis- 
 covery, he had, after weeks of absence, returned with 
 great news that aroused the whole Sunset Ranch 
 outfit, and quickly started a goodly bunch of cattle 
 hustlers on the road north. 
 
 They had adopted his tactics, and, after a night 
 ride, were about to camp in a coulee when the sound 
 of whoops and yells directed their attention toward 
 the west, where the chase was in full progress. 
 
 The young Indian had gone ahead and was to 
 meet them on the following night at a rendezvous 
 appointed. 
 
 So it seemed that, after all, Cuthbert's case had 
 not been quite as hopeless as it appeared, for had he 
 remained among the lodges of the Sioux village, 
 these good friends would have shortly dropped in 
 upon the scene, and brought their boldness and 
 cunning into play with the avowed purpose of ef- 
 fecting a rescue. 
 
 Still, after all, he was well satisfied. 
 
 It was something to be proud of, a feather in his 
 cap, to have outwitted his red jailers unaided, and 
 not only to have effected his escape, but, at the same
 
 178 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 time, bring away the spoils of war, in the shape of 
 his good rifle and Karl's beloved cayuse. 
 
 From that hour no cowboy would dare again to 
 look down upon Cuthbert, or believe that he de- 
 served the name of tenderfoot ; he had cut loose from 
 his past and carved his name in imperishable letters 
 upon the column of fame, according to a prairie 
 boy's idea. 
 
 To pick up Little Buckshot and then turn their 
 horses' heads toward home was the thing that now 
 occupied their attention. 
 
 It was high noon when they leisurely galloped up 
 to the bunch of timber in which a delightful spring 
 gushed forth. 
 
 Here the dusky child of the prairie awaited them, 
 and how his coal-black eyes glittered when he dis- 
 covered Cuthbert, whom he had last watched a cap- 
 tive in the closely-guarded Sioux camp, among them. 
 
 Nor did the Virginian neglect to shower his 
 thanks upon Little Buckshot for all he had done; 
 he promised himself that the young brave should 
 have a duplicate of his repeating rifle as soon as 
 money could procure the same, and, by this sub- 
 stantial token, the Indian would understand that his 
 zealous efforts in behalf of the white prisoner had 
 been appreciated. 
 
 They concluded to rest the horses, and not make 
 a start for home until the following morning. 
 
 Cowboys enjoy a chance to recuperate; theirs is 
 such a busy, bustling existence, so full of unex- 
 pected calls upon their energy, that a lull in the 
 storm is always appreciated. 
 
 So they lay "around in soft places, and napped, 
 while the horses cropped the still sweet herbage or 
 recuperated after their long run. 
 
 Cuthbert, almost dead for sleep, soon found balm 
 in Gilead, and knew nothing for hours.
 
 Bravo! Buckskin. 179 
 
 When he awoke, the sun was not more than an 
 hour above the horizon. 
 
 His comrades still lay around some smoking, 
 others playing cards, always a favorite method of 
 killing time among cowboys. 
 
 Cuthbert felt refreshed, though still a little sore 
 from his hard ride. 
 
 While he lay there, after the manner of one who 
 quite enjoys a soft berth, he saw Karl drop into 
 camp, glance around and then pick up the rifle. 
 
 "What now?" he asked, quickly. 
 
 "Antelope; come along and knock one down. 
 We need meat for supper," came Karl's low answer. 
 
 A second invitation was not necessary. 
 
 Surely, all the sporting blood of the Lees ran in 
 the veins of young Cuthbert, for the prospect of a 
 hunt always electrified him no hardships could 
 daunt him when a chance to bag big game offered 
 itself. 
 
 Together the two boys quitted the camp. 
 
 If their actions were noticed at all, the cowboys 
 took it for granted they knew their business, and 
 had some object in view looking to the general wel- 
 fare. 
 
 So no one volunteered to accompany them. 
 
 The mote of timber was really larger than Cuth- 
 bert had imagined, for it took them all of five min- 
 utes to cut through its depth. 
 
 Once at the further side, the antelopes were dis- 
 covered out on the open. 
 
 They were really beyond certain gunshot, and, in 
 order to accomplish the result desired, it would be 
 necessary to shorten the distance. 
 
 Two ways offered to creep closer themselves, or 
 draw the feeding animals in. 
 
 Karl decided to adopt both plans. 
 
 The long grass offered them hiding up to a cer- 
 tain clump of sage brush, beyond which no shelter
 
 180 Bravo! Buckskin. 
 
 could be discovered, so that they must needs have 
 recourse to a very ancient trick, and prey upon the 
 little animals' bump of curiosity in order to secure 
 fresh meat. 
 
 Luckily the wind bore almost due from the feed- 
 ing antelope, and was considered favorable. 
 
 To creep through long prairie grass so as not to 
 wave its plume and alarm so easily startled an animal 
 as an antelope, requires considerable practice, but 
 our boys were all right, and they made a success of 
 their advance. 
 
 When finally both were snugly enconsced within 
 the clump of sage, the antelope still continued to 
 feed, and had not taken the alarm. 
 
 One of them a buck, and, apparently the boss 
 shepherd of the herd whistled once or twice and 
 stamped his hoofs as though distrustful that all was 
 not as lovely as it seemed, though evidently he did 
 not himself know from what quarter peril might be 
 expected. 
 
 Karl was now ready to open the second act in the 
 little border drama; he meant that the mountain 
 should come to Mahomet the game to the hunter. 
 
 Partly for this purpose he always made it a point 
 to carry a blood-red bandana handkerchief of gen- 
 erous proportions. 
 
 This he now took out and knotted to the end of 
 a stick which had been snatched from their path, es- 
 pecially for this purpose, as they came along. 
 
 "Watch me round 'em up," he whispered, as he 
 began waving the red banner slowly.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE GRAY-COATED PIRATE. 
 
 A sudden shrill whistle of alarm from the watchful 
 buck announced that the flag had been instantly dis- 
 covered. 
 
 Although hidden themselves by the screen of sage- 
 brush, the two boys could plainly see what occurred 
 upon the open. 
 
 The antelope had started off in hot haste, and a 
 greenhorn might have exposed himself, believing the 
 game assuredly up. 
 
 Karl only fluttered the red signal more violently, 
 knowing what the chances were. 
 
 Sure enough, the timid animals soon came to a 
 stop, and, turning, surveyed the strange thing with 
 undisguised wonder. 
 
 Then that fatal element of curiosity got the better 
 of their alarm, for, by little fits and starts, they once 
 more began to retrace the ground over which they 
 had so recently fled. 
 
 Cuthbert was aware of a peculiar sensation that 
 passed over his frame when he surveyed their trem- 
 bling limbs and startled appearance. 
 
 He felt as guilty as though he had by some occult 
 power hypnotized the beautiful creatures. 
 
 Surely the old Sioux medicine man was not in it 
 with this species of witchcraft. 
 
 As usual, the practical overcame the sentimental; 
 they needed fresh meat, and a cowboy has no busi- 
 ness giving way to such feelings, at any rate. 
 
 So he crushed them down, and prepared to do 
 slaughter; the old spirit of a hunter, handed down 
 from remote ancestors who had to live by the chase, 
 was rampant.
 
 1 82 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 Nearer still. Each little run brought them so 
 many yards closer to the fatal flag that Karl now 
 moved sedately to and fro. 
 
 They were almost within pistol shot, and gave 
 signs of such alarm that it was evident the fascina- 
 tion could not last much longer. 
 
 "Ready?" whispered Karl, changing the flag to his 
 left hand, while, with his right, he drew his heavy 
 revolver. 
 
 "Yes," came the steady response. 
 
 "Take the young buck on the left." 
 
 "Good!" 
 
 "Then let go !" 
 
 Cuthbert fired almost instantly, and at that dis- 
 tance his aim was fatal. 
 
 The young buck fell to the grass, while the bal- 
 ance of the herd sprang away as if made up of 
 springs, the old veteran covering the rear, like the 
 gallant defender he was. 
 
 Karl had opened with his battery, and the repeat- 
 ing gun was worked for a couple more shots ere the 
 antelope had passed out of range. 
 
 The boys had reason to be satisfied, since three 
 head of the game fell to their share. 
 
 "I'm glad that fine old chap got away," remarked 
 Cuthbert, as they tied the legs of their quarry to- 
 gether preparatory to "toting" them to camp, as the 
 Virginian expressed it. 
 
 "And I'm not sorry. He deserved to get off scot 
 free, and, besides, I hadn't much of a liking to try my 
 teeth on his tough flesh," laughed Karl. 
 
 "Perhaps the next time he sees a red handkerchief 
 fluttering in the breeze he may remember this sad 
 day." 
 
 "Perhaps; but I doubt it. Antelopes are funny 
 birds; they're skeery all right, but mighty curious. 
 If there's anything new around they jest got to see
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 183 
 
 what it is. Can't stop themselves. That's about 
 it." 
 
 "It is singular. No other animal on the prairie 
 has that same curiosity, I suppose." 
 
 "I reckon not so bad as antelope, anyway." 
 
 "And yet," said Cuthbert, reflectively, "I have 
 seen pretty much the same thing carried out on 
 Chesapeake Bay, with duck as the victims." 
 
 Karl looked at him curiously to see if he were 
 really in earnest. 
 
 "Ducks? Come, that's a new one on me." 
 
 "I'll tell you how it's done. We have a certain 
 kind of dog educated up to the business. When a 
 great raft of ducks persists in settling out of gun- 
 shot from the shore, the hunters hide in the bushes, 
 and then start the dog to work. He seems to enter 
 into the spirit of the thing, races down the little 
 beach, rolls and tumbles and squirms as though in a 
 fit. 
 
 "Apparently, the wild duck has about as much cu- 
 riosity in its anatomy as an antelope, for, by de- 
 grees, the whole flock keeps swimming in closer to 
 the shore, with necks outstretched and showing 
 every indication of being fascinated by the spectacle. 
 
 "Of course, when within easy gun shot, a mur- 
 derous fire is poured into the thick of them by the 
 concealed hunters, and the water is often covered 
 with the dead and dying. We call this method of 
 duck-shooting 'tolling,' as the little dog tolls or 
 draws the birds in." 
 
 "All that is new to me, and I'd like to have a shy 
 at it myself," declared Karl. 
 
 "You will, when we go East," said his chum, as if 
 that part of it were all arranged. 
 
 Between them they carried the antelope to the 
 trees and hung a couple of carcasses high above the 
 best jump a hungry wolf could make.
 
 184 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 Then the other was taken to camp to serve as the 
 evening meal. 
 
 It was a very jolly party that feasted around the 
 camp-fire that night. 
 
 Cuthbert many times looked upon the merry com- 
 pany and tears would come unbidden into his eyes 
 when he remembered the lonesome evenings spent 
 in the Sioux village, with just such a picture dancing 
 before his mental vision. 
 
 Sometimes it seemed so much like a dream that 
 ,he could hardly believe in his good fortune, and felt 
 compelled to pinch himself in order to make certain 
 that he had not imagined it all, and would awaken to 
 keen disappointment, to find himself once more 
 among the lodges of Standing Elk's village. 
 
 The boys were quite jolly. 
 
 They sang comic songs and rattled off jokes be- 
 tween Munchausen yarns. 
 
 It does not take a great deal to make your prairie 
 cowboy supremely happy; care sits lightly on his 
 brow, for he leaves all of that to his employer the 
 ranch owner. 
 
 With him, sufficient unto the day is the evil 
 thereof, and, having enough food for the present, 
 he takes little heed of the morrow, since that will be 
 to-day when it comes. 
 
 Nevertheless, they were not wholly reckless; nor 
 did they forget that, strictly speaking, they were in 
 an enemy's country. 
 
 There were certain precautions to be taken in or- 
 der to guard against a sudden surprise and a stam- 
 pede of their stock. 
 
 The horses were put in a rope corral, besides be- 
 ing watched. 
 
 A guard would be on duty from sunset to sunrise, 
 and if the pursuing Sioux managed to come upon 
 the scene and get the better of them they would de- 
 serve success.
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 185 
 
 Cuthbert and Karl picked out a soft spot on which 
 to throw their blankets. 
 
 Long they lay there, chatting in low tones. 
 
 It was a great treat to the boy who had been so 
 long isolated from his friends, to be there at ease and 
 exchange confidences with the lad who was dearer 
 to him than a brother. 
 
 The night wind stirred the leaves overhead, the 
 camp fire burned low, here and there a cowboy lay 
 in his blanket, breathing hard in slumber, and ever 
 and anon came the regular noises of the night, the 
 strident burr of the cricket, sharper notes of katy- 
 dids, the croaking of frogs, with the more distant 
 barking of prairie dogs, of coyotes and howling of 
 wolves. 
 
 Once Karl caught a sound that started him up to 
 a sitting posture. 
 
 "That was a panther?" said Cuthbert, in the form 
 of an inquiry. 
 
 "Yes, and a jim-dandy, too, I reckon." 
 
 The two boys looked at each other. 
 
 Long before, Cuthbert had expressed a hope that 
 fortune might be kind enough to permit him to se- 
 cure a good panther skin to take East when he mi- 
 grated. 
 
 The same thought came to each mind was this 
 the golden opportunity ? would they dare venture to 
 stalk the terror of the American forest in his hunting 
 grounds ? 
 
 Youth is ever impetuous reckless, if you will. 
 
 These lads would have been much wiser, no doubt, 
 had they let the gray beast alone, and, turning over 
 upon their blankets, wooed the gentle goddess of 
 slumber. 
 
 But it seemed to their minds as though the re- 
 peated scream of this old jay-hawker might be a 
 challenge to come out and meet him. 
 
 Both boys were uneasy.
 
 1 86 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 "He's in the timber," ventured Cuthbert. 
 
 "Sure." 
 
 "And not far away." 
 
 Karl jumped up. 
 
 "We forgot the antelopes. The critter smells the 
 fresh blood and he's making that way." 
 
 Cuthbert laughed. 
 
 "That settles it. No true-born American could 
 lie quiet and allow a miserable thief to rob him of 
 the fruits of his labor. We must sally forth and in- 
 terview Mr. Panther." 
 
 Although he spoke so lightly, he realized that such 
 an undertaking was not child's play -that it was full 
 of danger. 
 
 As the thing was now settled, Karl proceeded to 
 make ready for business. 
 
 He went about it very quietly, as though it were 
 a journey ahead, for which certain preparations must 
 be made. 
 
 The Winchester was handed to Cuthbert with in- 
 structions to make sure it was in perfect order, with 
 plenty of cartridges in the reservoir, since there 
 could be no telling how many shots would be needed 
 to complete the tragedy. 
 
 Meanwhile Karl found several light wood torches 
 that would serve as a means of illumination, at the 
 same time protecting the boys from an attack, since, 
 in common with other wild animals of the feline 
 species, a panther has a peculiar dread of fire. 
 
 This was the sum total of their preparations for 
 the expected battle. 
 
 Several of the cowboys who were awake watched 
 Karl, knowing what was in the wind. They made 
 a few suggestions, based upon past experience but 
 did not offer to accompany the young hunters, know- 
 ing Karl so well, and that he was well able to look 
 out for both himself and the friend in his charge. 
 
 Together the boys left camp.
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 187 
 
 Karl carried the torch, having an extra supply of 
 touchwood fastened to his back ; at the same time he 
 held his gun in the other hand, ready, like a true 
 cowboy, to meet a sudden emergency. 
 
 Cuthbert handled the Winchester. 
 
 If the Virginia lad was nervous or excited in the 
 least which would have been natural enough, con- 
 sidering the circumstances he gave no outward 
 manifestation of the fact. 
 
 Of course, he knew this was game of quite a dif- 
 ferent calibre from antelope that there was dire 
 peril in hunting a big "gray jacket," as Karl called 
 the panther, in his native woods and while the 
 shadows of night held sway. 
 
 But Cuthbert had a stanch heart, and he knew this 
 adventure was of his own seeking, so that he had 
 no cause for complaint. 
 
 How ghastly the woods looked, once the adven- 
 turous youths had left the vicinity of the fire and 
 plunged into their depths. 
 
 Why, the sudden hoot of an owl startled Cuth- 
 bert and made him turn half way around, with an 
 involuntary upward fling of the gun toward his 
 shoulder. 
 
 Karl chuckled when he saw this, evidently appre- 
 ciating how his comrade's nerves were wrought up 
 to a high tension, and that, at any rate, he did not 
 mean to be taken unawares. 
 
 When next that peculiarly blood-curdling scream 
 reached their ears it came from a quarter close by. 
 
 The panther was ahead of them, and even at that 
 moment must have reached the edge of the timber 
 where the two antelope carcasses hung. 
 
 Karl stepped up more briskly, the torch flaming 
 above his head, while, close beside him, walked Cuth- 
 bert, his gun at a ready, his eager eyes endeavoring 
 to pierce the darkness beyond as though he would
 
 1 88 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 catch a first glimpse of the terrible beast crouching 
 somewhere in their path. 
 
 No more did that cry guide them. 
 
 The panther had found his prey, and was busily 
 engaged in endeavoring to gain possession. 
 
 "Steady now!" 
 
 It was Karl who spoke, and his voice did not show 
 the least sign of nervous strain ; he had been reared 
 among such scenes, and familiarity is apt to breed 
 more or less contempt. 
 
 Evidently they were close upon the spot where the 
 game had been hung up. 
 
 Cuthbert's strained hearing now caught a sound 
 that was quite different from anything he had here- 
 tofore heard a peculiar whining, purring noise, not 
 unlike that which a house cat gives forth when sat- 
 isfied with the world. 
 
 "He's got one carcass on the ground," said Karl, 
 judging from the sounds. 
 
 So his comrade knew where to look in order to 
 catch the first glimpse of the beast. 
 
 That the panther was chewing at the game, even 
 Cuthbert was able to understand, and there was lit- 
 tle danger of his leaving his feast because of their 
 approach; rather might he be expected to vent his 
 ill humor at being thus disturbed by an attack. 
 
 Closer still. 
 
 The sounds were just beyond. 
 
 "Steady, boy!" muttered Karl. 
 
 A few more steps. 
 
 "I see him," whispered Cuthbert. 
 
 "That ain't enough too risky a shot. We must 
 go closer," said the undaunted Karl, and the Vir- 
 ginian knew he was right. 
 
 Much depended on the first shot; even the 
 bravest of prairie men would rather be excused from 
 encountering a wounded mountain lion. 
 
 It must be said, to Cuthbert's credit, that he man-
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 189 
 
 aged to control his nerves fairly well while thus de- 
 liberately walking up to the beast, which had now 
 ceased its catlike purr, and was growling savagely in 
 a way quite venomous enough to curdle one's blood. 
 
 Surely, such an experience was sufficient to acquit 
 any one of cowardice. Men who, in the heat and ex- 
 citement of battle, would rush into the jaws of death 
 and lead a forlorn charge against a smoking, blaz- 
 ing battery, might hesitate to deliberately advance 
 foot by foot close up to this bristling monster. 
 
 Thanks to the illumination afforded by the torch 
 Karl carried, they could now see the beast quite 
 plainly. 
 
 He squatted there upon the ground, evidently 
 with the slender body of the antelope under his 
 paws; his yellow eyes glared like two electric balls 
 of fire, and he continued to emit the most terrifying 
 sounds to indicate his anger at being disturbed. 
 
 Karl stopped. 
 
 The time for action had arrived. 
 
 Steadily Cuthbert brought his gun to bear, having 
 in mind a shot that would count 
 
 He must have conquered that fluttering at his 
 heart, for his hands were quite firm. 
 
 Without ceasing to regard his intended quarry, he 
 knew Karl had also raised his gun and was covering 
 the panther, determined to have a hand in the final 
 scene. 
 
 "When you are ready, give it to him," came the 
 low admonition. 
 
 It was, indeed, time, for the beast had gathered 
 for a spring, despite the fear he might supposedly 
 entertain for the blazing torch. 
 
 When Cuthbert pulled trigger he heard the report 
 of the revolver so closely blended with that of the 
 gun that they seemed as one. 
 
 Karl had coached him as to what next to do. 
 
 Even though the great beast were fatally struck
 
 190 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 the chances were he would make a flying leap, since 
 his muscles were set for such a purpose. 
 
 He must not find them in the same position when 
 he landed. 
 
 Accordingly, Cuthbert had no sooner discharged 
 his gun than he threw himself to one side. Even 
 then the body of the panther struck him a glancing 
 blow as he shot past, that well-nigh knocked the rifle 
 out of his hands, and certainly caused his heart to 
 stand still with a certain dread. 
 
 Though knocked to his knees, Cuthbert did not 
 lose his head. Another cartridge was snapped into 
 the chamber, and then he turned to face the gray- 
 coated monster once more. 
 
 The panther was floundering where he struck, 
 snapping his terrible jaws and uttering growls as be- 
 fore, yet evidently partly paralyzed from the effect 
 of the first discharge, and unable to make the leap 
 he designed. 
 
 "Whoop! you've got the critter," shouted Karl, 
 approaching with his torch; "finish him neatly now, 
 and spare his head." 
 
 The worst was past. 
 
 Cuthbert trembled with excitement, now that vic- 
 tory seemed within his grasp. 
 
 Nevertheless, he managed to draw a bead on the 
 spot where he knew he could reach the animal's 
 heart, and let fly. 
 
 That finished Mr. Panther in a jiffy, and Cuthbert 
 drew a sigh of relief when the big tiger cat rolled 
 over, clawing at space. 
 
 Reaction set in, compelling him to drop his gun 
 and sink to the ground. 
 
 Karl sprang to his side. 
 
 "Not hurt, I hope, old fellow?" he asked, solici- 
 tously. 
 
 "It's the shock and the strain ; I'll be all right pres-
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 191 
 
 ently. Take the gun and look out. This fellow 
 may have a mate near by," Cuthbert said. 
 
 But Karl was not worried over that chance; with 
 such a formidable weapon of defense it mattered 
 little as to whether, there was one or half-a-dozen 
 panthers in the timber. 
 
 Finally Cuthbert felt himself again, and, as the 
 beast had given his last kick, he went eagerly for- 
 ward to survey his quarry. 
 
 Any boy might well have been pardoned for feel- 
 ing proud over such a trophy. 
 
 Karl declared the panther to be the very largest 
 he had ever seen, and even the oldest cowboy in the 
 bunch confessed he had never, in a long experience, 
 run across a mountain lion of such huge proportions. 
 
 So that it was quite a feather in Cuthbert's cap, 
 of which he might well be proud. 
 
 Then shouts were heard, to which they sent back 
 answering whoops, and presently some of the cow- 
 boys appeared on the scene, curious to know what 
 measure of success fortune had meted out to the 
 young hunters of big game. 
 
 It was a proud moment for Cuthbert. 
 
 But he would not soon forget the harrowing 
 growls of the big cat, and the shock he received 
 when the flying beast struck him a glancing clip. 
 There was a black and blue spot on his left shoulder 
 for some weeks afterward, as a reminder of the little 
 adventure. 
 
 That skin, together with the head, he hoped to 
 take East with him later on as a memento of his life 
 on the plains. 
 
 Karl was up at daylight to skin the animal Karl, 
 who knew not what it was to spare himself when 
 he could do something for others. 
 
 If Standing Elk and his braves had come this 
 far south in their search for the runaway, they did 
 not discover themselves to the cowboy band from
 
 192 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 
 
 Sunset Ranch, much to the grief of several despe- 
 rate souls among the rough riders who would really 
 rather fight than eat, and who, having cast their for- 
 tunes in with this expedition under the positive be- 
 lief that the Indian village must be attacked and 
 much savage warfare ensue, were really disheartened 
 at the way things turned out. 
 
 Indeed, one or more of them even went so far as 
 to reproach Cuthbert for cutting loose so soon and 
 spoiling their romantic plans of rescue, which might 
 have taken Little Buckshot into the village disguised 
 as the medicine man, and ended with the stampede of 
 all the horses in the corral perhaps the acquisition 
 of their own stolen property. 
 
 Of course, Cuthbert could not feel that he was re- 
 sponsible in any sense, since he had acted in an in- 
 dependent spirit ; more than one moon had he waited 
 for the rescue that never came, so he was justified in 
 finally taking matters in his own hands. 
 
 Of course, it was all in fun. Why, the chap who 
 complained the most had been the loudest in his 
 praise of Cuthbert's gallant escape. 
 
 He knew how to take these rough spirits, and 
 joked with them after a man of their heart. 
 
 After breakfast the camp was broken up. 
 
 No sign of a disturbing element could be seen 
 upon the prairie, but these men were always ready 
 to meet a surprise, and while galloping on toward 
 the far distant range, kept on the lookout for hidden 
 'danger. 
 
 The tricky Indians would like nothing better than 
 to hide in some depression, and ambush them as they 
 rode along ; such traps had been successfully worked 
 in the past, and never became too ancient to suit the 
 dusky braves. 
 
 It was a long ride, and another camp became nec- 
 essary, in order to spare their ponies. 
 
 The range was not far away ; cattle had even been
 
 The Gray-Coated Pirate. 193 
 
 seen, and Cuthbert's heart beat high with pleasure at 
 the familiar sight. 
 
 Presently he would be mounted on his own horse, 
 with a lariat in hand, dashing hither and yon in pur- 
 suit of obstinate cattle that refused to keep with the 
 herd. 
 
 It surprised him to realize what a strange fascina- 
 tion this wild life held for him. When a prisoner 
 among the Sioux he had thought that, once more 
 free, he would start East and resume his former 
 career ; but the first sight of cattle awoke within him 
 the desire to see more of this wonderful country and 
 its strange sights. There were avenues he had not 
 yet explored, of which Karl had never ceased to 
 talk of hunting and trapping in the winter, and ex- 
 peditions to Texas and old Mexico after cattle of 
 the gold miner's wild life, seeking fortune's smiles 
 amid the rugged fastnesses of the Black Hills. 
 
 Well, all things considered, he was not yet ready 
 to give up this adventurous life and resume his 
 hopeless search in city and town for the girl cousin 
 who persisted in being a will-o'-the-wisp, continually 
 eluding his grasp. 
 
 And this determination became stronger the next 
 day when he sighted the beloved Sunset Ranch, and 
 a charming little maid named Polly galloped out on 
 her pony to meet and welcome home the long lost 
 lad who had won a place in her warm girlish heart.
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 ALL FOR POLLY. 
 
 The old life was resumed. 
 
 For a time Cuthbert enjoyed it to the full, and 
 was never so happy as when cruising about over the 
 prairie mounted on his good steed, free to go and 
 come at will. 
 
 The germ was working, however, in the seed 
 planted by Karl's stories of other scenes, and by 
 degrees a resolution was being formed not to pass 
 another winter, on a northern cattle range, where the 
 exposure was terrific at times. 
 
 He talked it over with Karl on many occasions 
 when they chummed together, roping cattle, or 
 watching horses at night. 
 
 By degrees a plan was formed which they intended 
 carrying out. 
 
 This consisted of a grand hunt for the winter 
 away up in the woods and hills of which Old Sile 
 had told them such amazing stories. 
 
 The best of it was the old veteran had been per- 
 suaded to be one of the party. 
 
 Cuthbert left matters entirely in his hands, with 
 the understanding that nothing that money could 
 purchase was to be left out if it could be conveniently 
 carried and would add to their comfort. 
 
 Meanwhile, the fall days had come those hal- 
 cyon days, full of splendid vigor and never to be for- 
 gotten, when one seemed to renew his youth like 
 the eagle, and simply rejoiced to know that he was 
 alive and could appreciate the glorious things 
 around him. 
 
 The boys had almost forgotten all about old 
 Standing Elk, and, as for Caleb Cross, he had never
 
 All for Polly. 195 
 
 been seen again on his old stamping ground which 
 was a good thing, so far as his bodily health was con- 
 cerned, for the boys of X bar X outfit stood ready to 
 make it exceedingly warm for a fellow answering his 
 description, should he show up. 
 
 It was about this time trouble came. 
 
 A bolt of lightning from a clear sky could not 
 have created more consternation. 
 
 Karl and Cuthbert were galloping leisurely home 
 after a long chase after a bunch of straying cattle 
 supposed to belong to their herds, but which, upon 
 being rounded up, proved to have the circular brand 
 of the Cody ranch, far off to the south, when they 
 saw Polly coming to meet them, mounted on her 
 pony, which she rode like an Indian princess. 
 
 Now, this in itself was nothing unusual, since she 
 often came out to ride a mile or two in company 
 with her adopted brothers ; but somehow, even at a 
 distance, they discovered that the girl was not her 
 bonnie, laughing self. 
 
 "Something wrong at the ranch," said Karl, 
 quickening his horse's gait. 
 
 Cuthbert, too, was more disturbed than his face 
 betrayed; he seemed to feel as though a great dis- 
 aster were impending. 
 
 Polly had been crying; her eyes were red and 
 did not look as beautiful as usual. 
 
 "Hello !" exclaimed brusque Karl, "what's the mat- 
 ter with you, Polly? Who's been abusing you?" 
 
 She drew herself up with dignity. 
 
 "No one; you know very well I wouldn't stand 
 abuse from anybody. It's worse than that," her 
 voice suddenly failing her, and a whimper indicating 
 great distress of mind. 
 
 Karl whistled, while Cuthbert frowned. 
 
 "Worse than that?" they cried, in chorus. 
 
 "Yes, far worse. I'm going away," she piped, 
 between her sobs.
 
 196 All for Polly. 
 
 Then the two lads looked at each other in dire 
 consternation, as they realized that in truth some 
 sort of calamity had happened. 
 
 "Going away is Mr. Kelly thinking, after all, of 
 sending you East to school?" for some such project 
 as this had been mentioned. 
 
 "Mr. Kelly hasn't anything to do with it," an- 
 swered Polly, girl-like, trying to bewilder them a 
 little. 
 
 "Then, who has, I'd like to know?" 
 
 "He's come back." 
 
 The boys looked at each other again and shook 
 their heads in despair. 
 
 "Oh, he has!" said Karl, with some sarcasm. 
 
 "He wasn't killed by the Indians at all." 
 
 "What! Do you mean that old reprobate who 
 allowed you to be captured by the Indians?" cried 
 Cuthbert, in dismay. 
 
 "My uncle," she said, reprovingly. 
 
 "I don't care if he is your uncle ten times over. 
 You've told us enough about his mean ways to make 
 any one hate and despise him. And so the Indians 
 let him live ! I don't believe I can ever forgive them 
 for that." 
 
 "Why, Cuthbert?" reproachfully. 
 
 "What business has he popping up again like an 
 old Jack-in-the-box what right has he to demand 
 that you leave the comfortable home you are in and 
 go wandering over the face of the earth again with 
 him?" 
 
 "He says he has claims that I was left in his 
 charge, and besides that I will be worth a fortune to 
 him some day." 
 
 "Well, we'll see," said Karl, grimly. 
 
 "Polly, you don't want to go ?" appealed Cuthbert. 
 
 "No, oh, no ! It will break my heart," wailed the 
 girl, with no thought now of dignity, only the great 
 sorrow that overwhelmed her, rushing to the front.
 
 All for Polly. 197 
 
 "Then, Polly; don't fret you're going to stay," 
 said Cuthbert, solemnly, while Karl nodded assent. 
 
 It might have been very amusing to any outsider 
 to have witnessed this little scene, but the boys were 
 certainly dead in earnest. 
 
 The bridle was on her pony's neck. She caught 
 a hand of each and gave them such a thankful look 
 from her tear-dimmed eyes. 
 
 You would have thought the boys were a couple 
 of mail-clad knights come to rescue a forlorn prin- 
 cess from the giant's castle ; and indeed so they were, 
 in truth, according to her way of thinking. 
 
 "What does Mr. Kelly say?" asked Cuthbert, a 
 little uneasily. 
 
 "He seems uncertain how to act. You know he 
 has a great respect for the law, and yet he really 
 cares for poor me. I think when you side with me 
 Mr. Kelly will get new backbone and refuse to give 
 me up." 
 
 "You bet he will!" said Karl, briskly. 
 
 "Come, cheer up, Polly. We'll see you through 
 all right. Now for a race to the ranch." 
 
 Cuthbert wished to get the thing over with as soon 
 as possible. When there was any disagreeable duty 
 to be performed he was always in a great hurry. 
 
 So the three started off, and Polly won, as she al- 
 ways did, for the boys knew it gave her infinite 
 pleasure; and, besides, they secretly liked to gal- 
 lop behind, admiring the little witch with the long, 
 flowing hair, who turned to laugh and mock their 
 apparently useless efforts to catch up with the pro- 
 cession. 
 
 Accordingly, when they presently drew up at the 
 door of the long, low ranch building, Polly, with 
 flushed cheeks and sparkling, saucy eyes, looked 
 quite different from the woe-begone girl who had 
 come to meet them.
 
 198 All for Polly. 
 
 They found Mr. Kelly and his wife, together with 
 several of the boys, at the door. 
 
 There was also a stranger. 
 
 Cuthbert had heartily disliked Polly's uncle from 
 the idea of the man he had formed in his mind, 
 based upon many incidents mentioned from time 
 to time by Polly. 
 
 Hence he was not at all surprised to see a sinister, 
 sleek-looking individual of middle age, who could as- 
 sume the holy countenance of a missionary or look 
 like a pirate, at pleasure. 
 
 The whole controversy was renewed. 
 
 Mr. Kelly told how dear Polly had become to 
 them, and offered the man quite a sum if he would 
 go away and renounce all claim to the girl he called 
 his niece. 
 
 Although the fellow's crafty eyes glittered at men- 
 tion of the sum, still he flatly refused to accept it, 
 giving as his reason that she had been left in his 
 charge as a sacred trust, and also that he expected 
 some day she would be worth ten times the paltry 
 sum Mr. Kelly offered him. 
 
 Then the blood of old Irish kings arose in the 
 ranch owner's veins. 
 
 He gave the fellow just ten minutes to mount his 
 horse and get away. 
 
 "Sue if you want carry it to court if it pleases 
 you. Perhaps I may have some pretty things to 
 tell, if what Mrs. Kelly has learned from the child 
 is true. Out in this country they hang a man for 
 kidnapping a child. Now, go your way the girl 
 remains with us." 
 
 When the ranchman pronounced what was his ul- 
 timatum, the cowboys, who had been anxiously 
 awaiting the turn of affairs, burst into a mighty 
 shout, in which Karl and Cuthbert joined. Polly 
 ran to Mother Kelly and threw her arms around the 
 neck of that good dame.
 
 All for Polly. 199 
 
 As for her uncle, he threw aside the mask, since a 
 sanctified face would avail no longer, and the look 
 he gave Mr. Kelly and his cowboys was that of an 
 infuriated tiger. 
 
 "Very good. You win now, but my day will 
 come, as sure as my name is Jasper Hosmer." 
 
 He was wise enough to limit his harangue to 
 these few words, for the Sunset Ranch boys were in 
 a humor to have ducked him in the mill pond; per- 
 haps even tarred and feathered him, did he go too 
 far. 
 
 He rode away, boiling with wrath, but wise 
 enough to repress it. 
 
 A mile away he turned and shook his fist at the 
 ranch, even as Marmion of old did his mail-clad hand 
 when he had cleared the drawbridge trembling on 
 the rise at Douglas Castle, after defying the proud 
 Scottish laird. 
 
 There was a yelp, as of dogs let loose from the 
 leash, and every eager cowboy sprang for his horse, 
 longing to pursue the fellow and drag him at the 
 end of a rope; but Mr. Kelly sternly forbade the 
 least effort being made to impede Jasper Hosmer's 
 withdrawal from the scene. 
 
 "Only remember, that I draw the line there. If 
 the skunk shows up again, he means evil, and I don't 
 want to know anything about it," by which he meant 
 they were to have a free hand in dealing with the 
 fellow should he come prowling about with the idea 
 of stealing Polly or doing her protectors any dam- 
 age. 
 
 This had to satisfy them. 
 
 Polly was the happiest girl in all the prairie coun- 
 try that night. 
 
 For some time she had secretly 'drea'ded lest this 
 so-styled uncle might turn up again, since he was a 
 cat with nine lives ; and, knowing his unkind treat- 
 ment of old, she shuddered at the prospect of being
 
 200 All for Polly. 
 
 compelled to accompany him once more in his wan- 
 derings. 
 
 Mrs. Kelly had a long talk with the girl, and the 
 ranch owner was also called into consultation, as 
 though matters of moment were being discussed, 
 while Polly related facts having a bearing on her 
 past history, which she had thus far kept to her- 
 self. 
 
 Apparently they had nothing to fear. This dis- 
 turber of the peace of Sunset Ranch appeared to be 
 single-handed, and would probably keep clear of the 
 range lest he run across a squad of the indignant 
 cowboys, who would not hesitate to jerk rope with 
 him. 
 
 At the same time, he might be in touch with some 
 of the tough characters, or "bad men," who for 
 various causes had been run out of the settlements, 
 so that a raid was possible. 
 
 For a time Polly haunted the vicinity of the house, 
 and all went well. 
 
 By degrees, however, the scare passed away, and 
 the beautiful weather of Indian summer enticed her 
 to resume her former free life, gathering the fall 
 flowers, chasing jack rabbits, watching the cunning 
 antics of the prairie dogs and all the various pleas- 
 ures to be found at this season of the year, when 
 the October days bring bright sunshine and crisp 
 ozone. 
 
 Even the boys, who had constituted themselves 
 into a guard of honor, gradually lost their fear of 
 trouble. 
 
 That was where they failed to give the man full 
 credit for dogged perseverance had they known 
 the full nature of the game he was playing they 
 might have expected his return. 
 
 For the inveterate uncle came back. 
 
 This time he did not ride boldly up to the door of
 
 All for Polly. 201 
 
 the ranch and insolently demand that the girl, his 
 niece, be turned over to him. 
 
 That sort of bravado would have availed him noth- 
 ing, save possibly an elegant coat of tar and feath- 
 ers and a Mazeppa ride on the back of a wild 
 broncho. 
 
 He knew this, and laid his plans accordingly. He 
 could play a game of trickery equal to the most wily 
 Indian. 
 
 There were others whose acquaintance he formed 
 men ready to undertake desperate work at the 
 toss of a hat, or perhaps who entertained a hatred 
 for the owner of Sunset Ranch on account of fan- 
 cied or real grievances. 
 
 Perhaps Caleb Cross was in the swim. It would 
 not be at all surprising. 
 
 At any rate the game was laid, and all that re- 
 mained was to find an opportunity. 
 
 It was one afternoon that Cuthbert came gallop- 
 ing like mad toward the ranch house, a look of deep 
 concern on his face. 
 
 "Where's Polly?" he shouted before drawing rein. 
 
 Mr. Kelly, smoking at his ease on the porch, had 
 jumped up on seeing that the boy appeared ex- 
 cited. 
 
 "I don't know wife, wife, where's Polly have 
 you seen her lately?" he called. 
 
 Down went the pipe, and he began buckling on 
 his well-worn belt, holding knife and gun. 
 
 Mrs. Kelly came out, white and trembling. 
 
 "An hour ago she went flying past the window 
 yonder on her pony, and sent me a merry laugh 
 and a kiss. Oh! what has happened to the child?" 
 
 "Yes, what do you know, Cuthbert?" demanded 
 the steady ranch owner, buckling his belt. 
 
 Cuthbert gave a groan. 
 
 "Simply that she's been carried off."
 
 202 All for Polly. 
 
 "That uncle of hers " 
 
 "I reckon he was with them." 
 
 "Wait; tell me when I come back. Now for the 
 boys to have a chance to stretch rope," grimly. 
 
 With that Kelly sprang to the alarm bell, upon 
 which he beat such a fierce tattoo that it could have 
 been heard for miles around. 
 
 Instantly from various directions horsemen were 
 seen in full speed; thev headed one and all toward 
 the ranch as spokes turn toward the hub of a wheel. 
 
 Perhaps in five minutes a dozen cow punchers 
 might be on the spot, eager to participate in the 
 chase that would begin. 
 
 Back again to where Cuthbert was talking with 
 the good wife, Kelly skipped. 
 
 He was as cool and clear-headed as though giv- 
 ing orders for a grand round-up, and in an emer- 
 gency such as this it were worth something to have 
 so collected a man in charge. 
 
 "Now, tell me all," he said. 
 
 Cuthbert had mastered his excitement ; he seemed 
 to find Kelly's nerve contagious. 
 
 Besides, he knew that time counted for some- 
 thing, and the occasion called for a brief and com- 
 prehensive statement upon which Mr. Kelly could 
 found his plan of action. 
 
 "It was this way: We were coming home from 
 Cutler's Creek with a few head of stock for ship- 
 ment when we caught a glimpse of a squad of horse- 
 men just passing out of sight beyond the queer ridge 
 known as the Pack Saddle. Something white flut- 
 tering among them caught my eye, and I was sure 
 I saw a woman or girl waving a pocket handker- 
 chief before they dropped out of sight. 
 
 "Karl stood ready to declare it was Polly. You 
 know his wonderful eyes, and that this uncle of hers 
 was one of the raiders.
 
 All for Polly. 203 
 
 "We consulted hastily, and while he started to fol- 
 low after the party I put for home. I reckon I made 
 the fifteen miles in less than forty minutes, with the 
 horse tired at that." 
 
 "How many did you say there were?" asked Mr. 
 Kelly, quietly. 
 
 "I didn't count, but I should say not less than five 
 in the bunch." 
 
 "H'm. We'll have some warm times yet I ex- 
 pect. And over the Pack Saddle, too ! They mean 
 to run for the hills, where some of these despera- 
 does have dens of hiding. Wife, get me another 
 handful of cartridges. My boy, pick out a fresh 
 mount. There'll be some hot riding before morn- 
 ing, I reckon." 
 
 There was a stern look on Kelly's flushed face, 
 an expression that boded ill for the rascals who had 
 kidnapped poor Polly, when the hour of reckoning 
 came. 
 
 "No mercy, remember. The border law is death 
 to a horse thief, and this critter has robbed me of 
 something more valuable than all my saddle band. 
 For, hark ye, boys! Mrs. Kelly and myself have 
 learned since he was here that after all he never 
 bore the relation of uncle to our Polly she was 
 stolen by him from her dying father, a man called 
 Gordon. That was the girl's secret; she was told 
 to guard it always, because her father had broken 
 the law, and the disgrace would attach to her. So 
 he's only a rascal and a thief after all, and deserves 
 no mercy at your hands." 
 
 "Did you say Gordon?" demanded Cuthbert, pale 
 with a sudden tremendous suspicion, as he caught 
 Mr. Kelly's arm ere he could turn away, "and was 
 her father's name Bernard ?" 
 
 "Why, yes, so Polly said," declared Mrs. Kelly, in 
 womanly wonder.
 
 204 All for Polly. 
 
 Cuthbert's face was a study; it seemed filled with 
 amazement, joy and dismay, if such a rare combina- 
 tion could exist. 
 
 "Oh! what a strange thing it all is. Why did 
 Polly guard her secret so long from me? One little 
 hint must have awakened suspicions, and I told her 
 of my search without ever mentioning names. What 
 a fool I have been. All the while she has been so 
 near me, the little cousin for whom I have searched 
 half over the world, to find whom was the last prom- 
 ise I made my dying mother." 
 
 "Cousin Polly!" ejaculated the ranchman's wife, 
 now beaming with sudden joy, for she, too, knew 
 Cuthbert's story in outline, without any of the de- 
 tails or names. 
 
 "Yes, I believe she is really Hildegarde Gordon, 
 the girl I have wanted so long to find," declared 
 Cuthbert, resolutely. 
 
 "That is her real name, sure enough, though she 
 says she has always been called Polly, and likes it 
 best. This is a wonderful thing. God grant you 
 bring her back safe and sound, so that we may have 
 double cause for rejoicing." 
 
 Cuthbert could not linger, even to discuss so re- 
 markable a thing. 
 
 If all went well there would be time enough for 
 this later on, when Polly had been snatched from 
 the hands of scheming Jasper Hosmer, who evi- 
 dently had a pretty good inkling of the truth, and 
 meant to realize upon the girl's prospects. 
 
 He sprang away to rope a new mount, not desir- 
 ous of being left in the lurch when the rescuing 
 band galloped away from Sunset Ranch, bound al- 
 most due northeast. 
 
 There was considerable bustle and confusion 
 around that region for a brief time, as cowboys 
 changed their saddles and made other hasty prep- 
 arations for a hot chase.
 
 All for Polly. 205 
 
 No class of men can get ready for action in 
 quicker time than these rough riders, and ere 
 twenty minutes had followed the clang of the alarm 
 bell they were off. 
 
 No shouts and cheers marked their departure, but 
 grim faces and set jaws told of the determination to 
 make it exceedingly warm for the desperadoes when 
 the final round-up occurred. 
 
 Cuthbert was in a fever heat. 
 
 He could hardly yet believe the wonderful good 
 fortune that had fallen to his lot. It seemed 
 too good to be true, for of all the girls he had ever 
 met Polly was the one he would have chosen for a 
 cousin had he been given the opportunity. 
 
 And Karl, who also loved the girl like a sister, 
 how delighted he would be when he learned the 
 amazing truth! 
 
 Then the dangerous nature of their mission came 
 up before him to trouble his mind and chase away 
 ^the pleasant dreams in which he had just been in- 
 dulging. 
 
 Would Karl be able to keep them in sight? He 
 was but one against many, and they might turn upon 
 him to inflict injury. 
 
 Meanwhile the pace grew hotter, as the horses 
 warmed to their work, and Pack Saddle speedily 
 loomed up ahead. 
 
 Several other cowboys had been met and given 
 the news to circulate around, so that a second party 
 might be organized to follow their trail, since there 
 could be no telling what dangers lay ahead of them, 
 once they penetrated the Bad Lands. 
 
 Cuthbert found himself entering into the spirit of 
 the thing with quite as much vim as any of the 
 old cow punchers. 
 
 His year and more on the prairie had filled him
 
 206 All for Polly. 
 
 with that love for adventure always lying dormant 
 in a natural boy's system until some accident calls 
 it into action. 
 
 Besides, he had a sufficient motive to excuse any 
 ferocity he might feel toward the miserable kid- 
 nappers. Polly had turned out to be the will-o'-the 
 wisp he had chased so long, his own cousin, a Gor- 
 don, of Virginia, bless her sweet face! And family 
 pride, as well as the affection he bore her, demanded 
 that he take a leading part in her speedy rescue. 
 
 So that he was firmly resolved to let no scruple 
 hinder him from accomplishing this thing, if so be 
 a kindly fortune gave him the opportunity. 
 
 One thing pleased him mightily. 
 
 They had by the greatest accident in the world 
 run across Old Sile, plodding along upon an ancient 
 and weary broncho, bound for the ranch with a mes- 
 sage from his employer down at the Lone Star 
 outfit. 
 
 Now, Old Sile was invaluable in an affair of this 
 kind, and Mr. Kelly, thankful for the good fortune 
 that sent him their way, immediately saw a chance 
 to give him a good mount, as there was one cow- 
 boy in the band just recovering from a severe fall 
 and really not fit for such a campaign. 
 
 So, to his disgust, he was sent back on the scare- 
 crow beast Old Sile had ridden, while the old ranger 
 threw a leg over the fresh mount. Nothing pleased 
 Sile half so much as a chance for action. He seemed 
 to grow twenty years younger at a jump; his gray 
 eyes twinkled, and that chuckle of his broke forth at 
 intervals as though he considered it a rare piece of 
 good luck to be thus waylaid and forced to join a 
 party of self-appointed Regulators. To destroy ver- 
 min he considered constituted one of the most re- 
 ligious duties of an honest man, and it mattered lit- 
 tle to him whether the destruction fell upon beast,
 
 All for Polly. 207 
 
 bird, reptile or human being, so long as they were 
 a bad lot. 
 
 And, far beyond Pack Saddle, they scoured the 
 plain, following the broad trail; thus the coming of 
 night found them still pushing grimly on, a deter- 
 mined, eager band.
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 WHERE KARL WENT. 
 
 When Karl parted from his bosom friend and 
 started to chase across the prairie after the band of 
 mounted men in whose midst there seemed good 
 reason to believe his keen eyes had discovered Polly, 
 he was not thinking to any extent of the danger he 
 ran. 
 
 Rather, it was the miserable fate of the girl that 
 gave him cause for anxiety. 
 
 He had good reason to know how thoroughly she 
 detested this man claiming to be her uncle and guar- 
 dian, and that it was only force which could in- 
 fluence her to accompany him. 
 
 Polly was completely satisfied with her life at the 
 Kelly ranch, where each day was so many hours of 
 joy, and where her sweet voice was so often uplifted 
 in notes of glad thanksgiving. 
 
 To go out again into the world, to resume a mis- 
 erable nomadic life in company with this man from 
 whom she insensibly shrank, though he had never 
 been positively cruel to her this prospect had 
 been one to fill her with horror, as Karl well knew. 
 
 Hence, he could be quite positive that she had not 
 accompanied Jasper of her own free will. 
 
 Karl had in his younger life been concerned in 
 many dangerous enterprises. 
 
 These usually had connection with hunting ad- 
 ventures and the troubles that were apt to arise 
 upon the range. 
 
 Besides, there were occasions when his skill was 
 pitted against human sagacity, and the game was a 
 serious battle of wits and endurance. 
 
 The raid of the cattle thieves and the seizure of
 
 Where Karl Went. 209 
 
 the saddle band at the time Cuthbert was taken 
 prisoner were but two instances among quite a num- 
 ber when he found himself forced to face danger at 
 the hands of unscrupulous human beings. 
 
 He believed it to be his duty to keep these riders 
 in sight as long as possible, and make as broad a 
 trail as he could for the cowboys to follow. 
 
 True, the lawless spirits ahead might turn upon 
 him, ready to visit summary punishment upon the 
 daring lad who persisted in thus dogging their flight. 
 
 All that he took into consideration, but it did not 
 change his mind an iota. 
 
 Of course, he did not expect to fight except if 
 driven into the last ditch, but there were possibili- 
 ties of effecting Polly's escape that aroused great 
 hope in his breast. 
 
 The thing that worried him most of all was the 
 late hour. 
 
 Night would soon fall upon the scene. 
 
 True, there was a moon that might be of some 
 assistance, but Karl, if given his choice, would have 
 much preferred a day chase, after which those ahead 
 might lie down, wearied with their long ride, and 
 give him an opportunity to do a little strategy. 
 
 They might escape him in the night. 
 
 With dogged perseverance he meant to hang on 
 as long as he could, risking even a bullet from some 
 one among them who might be detailed to fall be- 
 hind and make way with a pursuer who threatened 
 to become troublesome. 
 
 So the night fell. 
 
 He had occasional glimpses of the band, an3 every 
 time he counted them their number was intact. 
 
 Whether they had discovered his pursuit or not 
 he could not decide. There had been as yet no evi- 
 dence of such a thing, and he used all possible pre- 
 cautions to avoid it, sometimes hovering back of a 
 rise until they had passed from sight in another de-
 
 2io Where Karl Went. 
 
 pression, the country being wonderfully well adapted 
 for just such a system of tactics. 
 
 There was the moon, beaming above, and the 
 evening star shone softly in the west. 
 
 Another phase of the chase was opened up. 
 
 "Guess I've got to depend on my ears now," he 
 muttered ; "moonshine is always a bit muddling, and 
 even that won't hold out long." 
 
 He felt reasonably sure the desperadoes would 
 not make a halt for supper. They had but one de- 
 sire at present, and this was to place just as much 
 ground as possible between themselves and Sunset 
 Ranch, knowing what a flurry the disappearance of 
 little Polly would create, and how hot a pursuit must 
 be instituted. 
 
 All seemed to go well. 
 
 The chase led almost in the teeth of a cool zephyr 
 blowing out of the north, so that he was enabled to 
 catch an occasional thump of horses' hoofs when 
 the cavalcade happened upon a patch of dry prairie 
 harder than usual, while those he hunted being to 
 windward had no such chance of detecting his near 
 presence by sound. 
 
 Buckskin was a gallant horse, as had been proven 
 on numberless occasions, yet the pace began to tell 
 upon even him as the night drew on, with no let-up 
 in the onward flight. 
 
 He had already covered many miles the preced- 
 ing day, and was hardly in a fit condition to hold 
 his own with the fresh steeds ridden by Jasper and 
 his allies. 
 
 "Unless them fellers in front call a halt mighty 
 soon," said Karl, "I'll have to drop out of the race. 
 Buckskin's 'bout done up." 
 
 He had high hopes that they did not suspect his 
 pursuit, strange as this might seem, for he felt sure 
 they would have laid some sort of trap, by means of
 
 Where Karl Went. 211 
 
 which he would be tripped up, had they guessed his 
 presence. 
 
 As good fortune would have it, he heard the hard 
 gallop suddenly break into a walk, and knew that 
 what he had long yearned to have happen had come 
 to pass. 
 
 "Whoa, Buckskin, boy!" he called out, softly. 
 
 Then, pulling the only too willing nag in, he al- 
 lowed him to move forward slowly. 
 
 Meanwhile he strained his vision for some sign 
 of the kidnappers. 
 
 The men were cold and hungry, and took the 
 chances of discovery food and hot coffee they must 
 have after lying out all day and making this long, 
 hard run. 
 
 When Karl saw the little glow of a fire he re- 
 joiced. 
 
 "Buckskin, my boy, we're in luck," he whispered 
 in the ear of his sympathetic steed. "This delay's 
 going to give you a chance to rest and pluck up 
 see?" 
 
 Buckskin flicked his tail and rubbed his soft muz- 
 zle against the cowboy's hand. 
 
 "Then, too," said Karl, "it's going to give me a 
 chance to spy around this camp and see what these 
 fellers are, anyway." 
 
 Buckskin was too well bred to whinny when there 
 was any danger around, but he shook his head sa- 
 gaciously, and Karl was satisfied. 
 
 "Then, best of all," concluded the youngster, "it'll 
 give the lot at the camp time to catch up, and every 
 minute is precious. And now, my boy, I'll fix you 
 up, and go on a little tour." 
 
 With which he proceeded to picket Buckskin, 
 marking the spot well, so that he would have no 
 difficulty in finding it again in case he wanted the 
 broncho in a hurry. 
 
 Then he crept toward the camp.
 
 212 Where Karl Went. 
 
 Probably the fellows had posted a vidette, feel- 
 ing uneasy because of the conditions that governed 
 their actions. 
 
 And that sentry would have orders to shoot on 
 sight any suspicious moving object in the grass. 
 
 Karl knew all this, but he did not intend that the 
 keen eyes of this guardian of the camp should dis- 
 cover a fellow of his size. 
 
 His prairie training could be depended on to carry 
 him through. 
 
 "Why, even a greenhorn might crawl close 
 to the fire without being found out, if he wanted to 
 know what was doing," Karl contemptuously de- 
 clared to himself. 
 
 His tour of investigation gave him all the infor- 
 mation he desired. 
 
 Jasper was there, and Caleb Cross, together with 
 a second cowboy who had been chased off the range 
 by Mr. Kelly on account of some mean work he had 
 done, and who evidently cherished an ugly spirit to- 
 ward the ranchman ever since. The other two Karl 
 did not appear to know, but, judging from their evil 
 looks, he set them down as bad men, equal to al- 
 most any deed, from holding up a stagecoach to 
 looting a poor widow's shack in search of hidden 
 treasure. 
 
 And Polly was there! 
 
 His heart bled for the girl, she looked so utterly 
 dejected, holding her head between her hands and 
 staring painfully into the fire. 
 
 Karl would have liked very much to have given 
 her some signal to arouse her spirits, and tell her of 
 his presence, but he was fearful lest so sudden a 
 change in her appearance might arouse the suspi- 
 cions of her captors, and thus lead to a search of the 
 vicinity, ending in his discovery and capture. 
 
 From the looks of the fellows, Karl knew what 
 sort of treatment he might expect at their hands,
 
 Where Karl Went. 213 
 
 and he was grimly resolved to make a sturdy resis- 
 tance ere allowing them to overpower him. 
 
 Long he lay there in the grass watching what 
 went on. 
 
 The coffee had a pungent odor that was very tan- 
 talizing to a hungry boy, and then the meat they 
 cooked in a frying pan, bacon it seemed to be, still 
 further excited his appetite. 
 
 How long would they stay here? 
 
 The folly of delay was well-known to them, but 
 there was some recompense in the fact that their 
 horses were recuperating, nor was a rest to be 
 sneered at on their own part. 
 
 In imagination Karl could see Kelly and his eager 
 band of cowboys moving steadily along over the 
 prairie, following the trail with that wonderful skill 
 known only to those whose lives have always been 
 in close sympathy with nature. 
 
 He did not forget to watch the men closely, 
 knowing how much depended on it. 
 
 They were plainly uneasy, being aware of the fact 
 that they had taken their lives in their hands in thus 
 braving the ranch owner. 
 
 Frequently their restless eyes glanced this way 
 and that, scanning the grass about the camp, as 
 though fearful lest it might hold an enemy. 
 
 Once Karl saw a pair of rat-like orbs belonging to 
 Caleb Cross fastened intently upon the spot where 
 he lay. 
 
 "That feller's on to me," he muttered. 
 
 Perhaps some slight movement on Karl's part had 
 caught the other's attention. 
 
 Presently the man arose, stretched himself and 
 walked out of camp on the opposite side. 
 
 Karl was not deceived in the least; he knew to a 
 dead certainty the fellow intended circling around 
 and investigating matters. 
 
 It would be poor policy on his part to remain
 
 214 Where Karl Went. 
 
 there and invite 'discovery; he at once began to 
 back away, arranging the grass as he went, so as to 
 cover his tracks as much as possible. 
 
 "Guess he'll have nothing to show for his pains," 
 grinned Karl. 
 
 At a safe distance the prairie boy awaited devel- 
 opments. 
 
 It was not long before he saw the man searching 
 the grass, pistol in hand, and could chuckle with sat- 
 isfaction when Caleb gave it up as a bad job, retir- 
 ing to where the rest sat. 
 
 "Lucky I didn't wait," commented Karl. "If I 
 had Pist ! All up with me !" 
 
 An hour passed. 
 
 It was all too short for Karl, who would have de- 
 tained the five worthies where they were until dawn 
 if he were able. 
 
 He knew what was up when he saw Jasper rise 
 from the recumbent position he had taken and point 
 to the moon far overhead and reaching down the 
 western heavens. 
 
 It was once more forward toward the Bad Lands, 
 where the chances of giving any possible pursuers 
 the slip would be doubled. 
 
 Karl had reason to be downcast, for he had just 
 discovered a slight opportunity to strike a telling 
 blow for the cause, and, given half an hour, might 
 have carried it into execution. 
 
 This concerned a stampede of the stock. 
 
 Could he by any means make away with their 
 mounts, the abductors of Polly must find themselves 
 in a pretty pickle, since it would be impossible by 
 hook or crook to travel far before the avenging cow- 
 boys' arrival on the scene. 
 
 The horses had been hobbled, and for a time 
 stuck close to the fire, but by degrees wandered a 
 little further away in search of better grass. 
 
 It was exasperating that the opportunity came
 
 Where Karl Went. 
 
 just when Jasper decided it was time to mount and 
 be off. 
 
 Grumbling in an undertone at the miserable luck 
 of the thing, Karl was forced of necessity to run 
 back to where Buckskin had been left, so that he 
 might be in a condition to take up the chase. 
 
 A disappointment ten times as big as this was not 
 going to disconcert or discourage him indeed, his 
 temperament was such that it really served to 
 strengthen his resolution to keep on to the end. 
 
 Perhaps Caleb Cross would not be able to quite 
 get out of his mind the fancy that he had seen a face 
 back of the grass. 
 
 It might make him suspicious and cause him to 
 glance frequently to the rear, so that he would be in 
 a position to discover the boy should the conditions 
 favor his being outlined on a rise against the sky. 
 
 This was just what did happen. 
 
 Those in advance, of course, did not know who 
 their indefatigable pursuer was, but took immediate 
 pains to baffle his design. 
 
 There were various ways to do this, and they neg- 
 lected the easiest, which was for one of them to slip 
 down, hide in the grass, and shoot the horseman as 
 he came up. 
 
 Karl was compelled to keep so far in the rear that 
 he was unaware of the trick that was being played 
 until an opportunity came to sight those he followed. 
 
 To his intense dismay, not to say disgust, he dis- 
 covered them to be but three in number, the other 
 couple, together with the girl, had utterly vanished 
 from the scene. 
 
 Karl knew there was no necromancy about the af- 
 fair; he had simply been outwitted that was all, be- 
 ing utterly unaware as to when and where the divi- 
 sion had taken place. 
 
 Naturally, he had followed the noisy party, leav- 
 ing the others to slip away unmolested.
 
 216 Where Karl Went. 
 
 Chagrin gave him a bad five minutes of it, during 
 which he wrestled with the problem. 
 
 It was now utterly out of the question that he 
 could retrace his steps and take up the other trail, 
 since he had no knowledge whatever as to where the 
 separation had occurred. 
 
 The only thing that remained was to continue af- 
 ter the trio of rascals. 
 
 Surely they would sooner or later all come to- 
 gether again, so that if he could keep on their track 
 sufficiently long he was bound to again look upon 
 Polly's sweet face. 
 
 That determined him. 
 
 Besides, the odds were not so tremendous now, 
 and if it came to a fight he might be able to hold up 
 the honor of X bar X. 
 
 He kept poor Buckskin at it everlastingly, and the 
 game little beast stuck to his colors. 
 
 The moon went down. 
 
 Here came an interval of almost two hours ere 
 dawn, and it was now Karl feared lest he be left in 
 the lurch. 
 
 If the fellows would only draw rein anil take a 
 rest; but they seemed determined to lead him a 
 dance he would never forget, perhaps kill poor 
 Buckskin in the bargain. 
 
 The men he followed were no novices at this sort 
 of business, and with the darkness to aid them, could 
 find ample means of slipping away in a new direc- 
 tion. 
 
 Twice Karl's sagacity saved him from being left 
 at the post, but it was practiced once too often, and 
 the Sunset Ranch outfit went down to defeat. 
 
 At least, he felt that he had striven to the last, and 
 his ship had sunk with colors flying. 
 
 When Karl drew his weary horse up, and, sitting 
 in the saddle, strove in vain to hear some sound that
 
 Where Karl Went. 217 
 
 .would indicate the direction whence his quarry had 
 escaped, he felt exceedingly dejected. 
 W f Hope had sustained him through all the hours of 
 this terrible chase. 
 
 And now even that was gone. 
 
 'All had been in vain. 
 
 .Those he had chased would come together again 
 at some prearranged rendezvous far up in the 
 broken country, where desperadoes always found a 
 retreat, and Jasper could go where he pleased with 
 poor little Polly. 
 
 Never in all his life had defeat so galled the 
 prairie-born boy. 
 
 He had some wisdom left, however, and knew it 
 was folly to go roaming about in search of these 
 human Jack-o'-lanterns, who might be here, there or 
 anywhere. 
 
 The only thing to be done was to camp on the 
 spot until daylight allowed him to see the trail, and 
 then persistently follow on, no matter where it led. 
 
 Buckskin was glad, at least, of a respite, and Karl 
 himself needed rest. 
 
 Without a bite of food he dropped upon the 
 prairie, and, despite the worry that naturally filled 
 his mind, was quickly in the Land of Nod, reveling 
 in the slumber of exhaustion. 
 
 It was broad day when he awoke, somewhat re- 
 freshed; the eastern heavens gave token of the day 
 king's coming, and all nature seemed bright and 
 cheerful. 
 
 A slight hoar frost was on the grass blades, tell- 
 ing how keen the air had become in the last hour 
 before dawn. 
 
 Karl felt somewhat stiff from his work and the 
 exposure; but that was a mere trifle, hardly worth 
 mentioning to one who, like himself, had served his 
 time as night wrangler when the storm raged over 
 the range, and who had fought through many a
 
 218 Where Karl Went. 
 
 blizzard to save the imperiled cattle placed in his 
 charge. 
 
 His first act was to top the nearest rise and sweep 
 the surrounding prairie with eager eyes. 
 
 Disappointment followed, for, while a few ante- 
 lopes were seen here and there, not a sign of a hu- 
 man being came under his observation. 
 
 Nothing remained but the trail. 
 
 Could he ever find that? 
 
 First of all he marked the spot where he ha3 slept, 
 so that he might not wander away; then a sys- 
 tematic search was commenced, beginning in the 
 quarter he considered it most likely he would find 
 traces of the trio. 
 
 It took him all of twenty minutes to succeed, and 
 he was almost wretched with suspense and doubt 
 when finally he came upon the trail. 
 
 Without further delay he made a start. 
 
 Evidently the boy possessed all the elements that 
 go to make up a good trailer caution, dogged per- 
 severance and a quick eye. 
 
 At the same time he deplored the great start 
 gained by the fugitives, and also the fact that, try 
 as he would, the chances were they were gaining on 
 him constantly. 
 
 He was hungry enough to eat any old thing with- 
 out question, nor could he much longer stand the 
 strain. 
 
 Two hours after sunrise he sighted a single horse- 
 man ahead, riding in such a way as to cross his path. 
 
 The bold lad who had followed five determined 
 rascals mile after mile was not apt to turn aside on 
 account of a lone rider, even if he was on the border 
 of that country that had long served as a hiding 
 place and nest for the vipers who had been scourged 
 out of the border settlements. 
 
 So Karl never swerved an inch, but kept along the 
 trail of the three horses.
 
 Where Karl Went. 219 
 
 Perhaps he took a wise precaution to loosen the 
 little gun in its case, so that it might be ready for a 
 hurry call Your cowboy is always very particular 
 about speed when it counts so much to get the drop 
 on a fellow supposed to be equally expert in hand- 
 ling his firearms. 
 
 As he drew nearer he discovered that the lone 
 horseman was no outlaw or cowboy, but an Indian. 
 
 Then something familiar about his get-up caught 
 Karl's eye; he looked closer, holding his breath for 
 eagerness, and then gave a shrill yell of actual de- 
 light. 
 
 For it was no other than Little Buckshot, son of a 
 great chief, whom he had defeated in the horse race 
 and later on saved in the blizzard. 
 
 This was rare luck, indeed, that these two of all 
 boys should come together at this exact place on the 
 almost limitless prairie. 
 
 Such things have happened in most lives, as 
 though ordered by some special decree of fortune. 
 
 Karl was delighted to see the young Sioux. It 
 had been a dreary task, this tracking the three horse- 
 men all alone, and he welcomed the advent of one 
 upon whom he could place so great dependence as 
 Little Buckshot. 
 
 "How!" cried the Indian, as they drew rein. 
 
 Karl reached for his hand. 
 
 "I'm right down glad to see you, Little Buckshot. 
 Tell me, haven't you got anything to eat? I'm 'bout 
 starved and can't stop to shoot game." 
 
 "Some pemmican mebbe not much chew hard, 
 taste good, ugh," replied the other, Indian-like, 
 showing no desire to ask questions, though he must 
 have been devoured with curiosity to know why a 
 thoroughbred like Karl should go hungry on the 
 prairie with game so plentiful, and he so great a 
 Nimrod. 
 
 While he munched Karl began to explain.
 
 220 Where Karl Went. 
 
 "See that trail yonder?" 
 
 "Um, me see. Two, three horse. White men 
 ride 'em, you bet," grunted the other. 
 
 How he could jump to this conclusion on the spur 
 of the moment Karl did not ask. He knew there 
 were many signs as legible to the trained eye of an 
 Indian as print would be to an educated scholar. 
 
 "Yes, three bad white men. There were five. 
 They stole Polly, the girl who gave you that blanket 
 you have on your horse." 
 
 The Indian frowned. 
 
 Polly had quite touched his heart by her gentle 
 manner, her sunny disposition and laughing eyes. 
 
 By the way he gripped the repeating gun Cuth- 
 bert had presented him with, it was evident that Lit- 
 tle Buckshot deemed this abduction a personal af- 
 fair, and that Karl could count on his assistance. 
 
 The story was soon told. 
 
 Though still hardly more than a boy, he would be 
 a chief some day, and knew how to carry himself 
 with becoming dignity. 
 
 "Trail no good; lose um in the hills. Take too 
 much time, mebbe. Little Buckshot know where 
 find thieves. Trust all to him, and we come out 
 good. Straight as crow fly two days p'raps. You 
 go with me, Karl?" 
 
 "You bet I will, as fast as my poor tired nag can 
 carry me. But be sure you're right. A mistake 
 might ruin us all." 
 
 "No mistake you see. Bet rifle me take you 
 where girl Polly am. No fear." 
 
 The confident tone in which this was spoken in- 
 spired Karl anew. 
 
 Besides, that ancient strip of pemmican tasted 
 amazingly good, and renewed his flagging energies 
 like magic. 
 
 "Well, this is what I call luck, anyway. Two can 
 do it better than one, and besides, somewhere over
 
 Where Karl Went. 221 
 
 yonder there's a band of keen-eyed cowboys moving 
 up, eager to stretch hemp with the gang. Take 
 your bearings, then, and lead off, Indian." 
 
 The Sioux lad looked at him affectionately. 
 
 "Little Buckshot never forget that night in snow. 
 Ugh ! No fail, you see. Two days, no more, then 
 we find urn Good. You come, this time me lead." 
 
 And when once more Karl urged his bronco for- 
 ward it was with a satisfaction beyond expression, 
 for his appetite had in a measure been appeased, and 
 he was no longer single-handed in the dangerous 
 game.
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE RAID ON THE BAD LANDS. 
 
 Little Buckshot was as good as his word. 
 
 The second day they were in the midst of the 
 Bad Lands, and moving slowly forward, since they 
 must be near the headquarters of the lawless spirits 
 into whose power poor Polly had fallen. 
 
 So accurate had been the predictions of this dusky 
 ally with whom Karl was now associated that on this 
 second day they actually came upon a trail of six 
 ponies leading in the same direction whence they 
 themselves were bound; and among the confused 
 tracks the keen-eyed prairie boy immediately picked 
 out the hoof prints of Polly's little nag. 
 
 Later on they found where this animal and one 
 other had started off at right angles from the main 
 bunch. 
 
 Evidently Jasper and his charge wished to part 
 company with the choice companions who had thus 
 far been a bulwark of strength to the daring cause 
 he represented. 
 
 And yet Karl was not greatly surprised when a 
 few hundred yards further on they once more dis- 
 covered the hoofprints of the outlaws. 
 
 The young Sioux explained the seeming mystery 
 in his laconic, matter-of-fact way. 
 
 "Ugh! He think him go away with um Polly 
 bime-by others change mind, follow up and no let 
 go. How!" 
 
 Karl could guess the secret of those confused 
 tracks, and it depressed his spirits. 
 
 The lawless fellows, after taking Jasper's money 
 for lending assistance had conceived a sudden idea 
 that possibly the girl might be worth her weight in
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 223 
 
 gold to them if they kept her a prisoner. Some 
 careless boast on the part of the kidnapper must 
 have given them a clew which led to this result. 
 
 At any rate, it was a keen disappointment to our 
 Karl, who, when he found there might be only old 
 Jasper to deal with had indulged in high hopes of 
 coping with the emergency, and now saw these am- 
 bitions telescoped. This was his first trip to the 
 Bad Lands. As a usual thing honest men avoided 
 this noted section of the country. 
 
 It held forth little inducements for a visit, and 
 there must always be a certain amount of danger 
 connected with such a journey, since it afforded a 
 secure asylum for the desperate characters who had 
 been driven out of the border settlements and min- 
 ing camps, not to say occasional Indians away from 
 their reservations and looking for trouble. 
 
 Little Buckshot had been here when upon some of 
 the forays in which he had indulged previous to his 
 change of heart toward the palefaces, brought about 
 by his rescue in the blizzard by the two white boys. 
 
 He knew the wild country well. 
 
 Even Old Sile could hardly have given him points 
 in this connection. 
 
 The day was almost spent. 
 
 They were making slow progress, for several good 
 reasons. In the first place, their ponies had covered 
 many miles since early dawn, and really needed a 
 chance to recuperate; then, again, according to the 
 Indian, they had now drawn near their journey's end 
 and would have to exercise considerable caution lest 
 their presence become known in the stronghold of 
 the outcasts, a calamity that could not but work to 
 their disadvantage. 
 
 "Watch trail," said Little Buckshot, suddenly. 
 
 Karl peered down at the tracks. 
 
 "Nothing new here," he said. 
 
 "No mean that. Keep tally. Un'stand?"
 
 224 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 "Oh, yes; you want me to notice the trail as we go 
 along." 
 
 The Indian nodded. 
 
 "We come Polly p'rhaps. Shoot me you get 
 'way. Where? Not know. See?" 
 
 "That's right, Buckshot," exclaimed Karl. 
 " 'Twould be a mighty bad business for me if any- 
 thing was to happen to you; but it'd be kinder 
 harder on my luck if I was to rescue Polly and then 
 not know the way back to home." 
 
 "Watch trail," repeated the Indian, laying his 
 finger on his lips. 
 
 And together they moved on in silence. 
 
 Karl shuddered at the prospect around him; it 
 was all so vastly different from the grassy plains 
 where life abounded and where it seemed so easy to 
 breathe. Here gloomy rocks surrounded them and 
 only ghostly buzzards or skulking, piratical coyotes 
 could be seen. It was the land of death, avoided by 
 every animal worthy of the name of game, a fitting 
 abode for evil spirits who had cheated the border 
 Judge Lynch of his dues, a place of refuge whence 
 they could sally forth at intervals to pounce upon 
 some unlucky caravan and secure plunder. 
 
 Karl believed it would give him the nightmare, 
 and that it must be a long time ere he could shake 
 off the chill which these dreary surroundings cast 
 upon his usually buoyant spirits. 
 
 At the same time there was not the slightest 
 change in his determination. 
 
 He was ready to undertake any risk, however 
 great, in order to accomplish the task of rescuing 
 Polly. 
 
 Not once did he consider the romantic side of the 
 business. All he had in mind was that Polly was 
 here against her will, and her appearance indicated 
 how unhappy she felt. 
 
 Karl cared to know nothing further.
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 225 
 
 He realized the risk full well. 
 
 These choice spirits counted a human life of lit- 
 tle moment when it interfered with any plan or 
 pleasure they had in view. 
 
 No doubt they would even take delight in sacri- 
 ficing such a chap as himself if caught in the act of 
 spying upon their community. 
 
 While the two strange friends jogged along over 
 these leagues of space they had held occasional brief 
 conversations upon the subject that was of especial 
 moment to them. 
 
 Karl found the Indian a keen reasoner. His na- 
 tive wit, aided by severe experience, combined to 
 make him see matters clearly when grave peril over- 
 shadowed the future. 
 
 Of course it was taken for granted that all this 
 while a pack of eager-eyed and reckless cowboys 
 must be following the trail, and would, sooner or 
 later, bring up at the outlaw rendezvous. 
 
 If this were the case the two boys had better post- 
 pone their attack, while picking wp all the informa- 
 tion possible, until a junction with the cow punch- 
 ers could be effected. 
 
 Little Buckshot was so grave and confident that 
 he inspired Karl with some of his spirit, and the lat- 
 ter anxiously awaited the hour when they could put 
 their plans into operation. 
 
 So the night found them, still moving on, their 
 weary journey near its end. 
 
 The Indian led his companion to a spot where they 
 could picket their ponies. 
 
 It seemed especially designed for such a purpose, 
 being a little cul de sac on one side of the trail, sur- 
 rounded by great bowlders, yet offering fair pas- 
 turage. 
 
 Less than a mile lay between them and the outlaw 
 camp. 
 
 "We stay here," said the Indian. "Sleep with
 
 226 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 eyes open. Un'stand? Morning start save Polly 
 no shoot if can help." 
 
 "I don't know," commented Karl, "I'm for knock- 
 ing that old rascal, Jasper what's his name, on the 
 head." 
 
 "No wise. Too many. They kill us. Then 
 poor Polly." 
 
 And the expression on the brown face made Karl 
 stretch out his hand impulsively. 
 
 "Buckshot," he said, "you're the best Indian 't 
 ever lived. I'm not going to try to tell you what 
 I think of you for doing this. I jest couldn't do it. 
 But I'm grateful, Buckshot." 
 
 And he shook the brown hand with a sincerity that 
 left no room for doubt. 
 
 Then they flung themselves down on the sparse 
 grass, and lying there with the stars above and dead 
 silence around, save for the weird sighing of the 
 night wind among the rocks, the two boys chewed 
 pemmican and indulged in serious reflections. 
 
 When the time was up, according to the thinking 
 of the Indian, he arose to his feet with a grunt. 
 
 Karl eagerly followed his example, anxious to 
 have a first view of this queer camp or settlement of 
 castaways in the Bad Lands. 
 
 He had heard many stories about it from Old 
 Sile and others whom some freak of fortune had 
 thrown up against the evil spirits haunting this re- 
 gion, and up to now such a thought as his ever be- 
 holding the place had never entered Karl's mind. 
 
 These yarns, sometimes embellished to a great ex- 
 tent by the love for magnifying adventures, had sur- 
 rounded the place with an interest and mystery even 
 beyond what it might naturally present. 
 
 Perhaps something was due to the manner in 
 which the Indian had led through the rugged coun- 
 try, avoiding the regular trail, where a vidette might
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 227 
 
 have been run across ; but, at any rate, they experi- 
 enced no difficulty in advancing. 
 
 Once Little Buckshot came to a sudden pause, 
 with his hand on Karl's arm. 
 
 "Hist !" he whispered. "Me lead. Follow close ; 
 no lose me." 
 
 Then he began to make a little detour, with Karl 
 in his wake. 
 
 There was no mystery about the matter to Karl, 
 since his ears had also detected the sudden locust- 
 like whirr of a rattlesnake's warning. 
 
 It seemed, indeed, a fit resort for this venomous 
 reptile, enemy of man and beast, with carrion crows, 
 buzzards and coyotes for company. 
 
 Now lights gleamed ahead, coming from camp- 
 fires, a strange enough spectacle amid such bleak 
 and gloomy surroundings. 
 
 Ten minutes later the boys had crawled close 
 enough to the settlement to look down with won- 
 der and surprise on the strange scene. 
 
 There were some cabins, horses in a corral, and a 
 prairie schooner or two, possibly the fruits of for- 
 mer raids. 
 
 Women and children were to be seen, showing 
 that some of the lazy, desperate spirits of the camp 
 were men of families, but, as might have been ex- 
 pected, these females were frowsy-headed and slat- 
 ternly dressed, fit companions for the rough ele- 
 ments gathered in this strange community, bound 
 together simply by their fear and hatred of the law. 
 
 Supper was being cooked. 
 
 Karl had memories of other scenes, and had Cuth- 
 bert been present he might have been reminded of 
 the Sioux village, though this place and its denizens 
 lacked most of the picturesque effects that made that 
 other attractive. 
 
 "There's Polly!" cried Karl, at length. 
 
 The Indian was already watching her.
 
 228 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 Karl looked keenly at her for a minute, then he 
 said: 
 
 "Don't look overmuch like a prisoner, does she, 
 Buckshot?" 
 
 "Me think she wise gal," said the Indian. 
 
 "What, for making the best of it? I guess you're 
 right. She's not sitting there moping or crying, as 
 most any girl might. Reckon, Buckshot, you've 
 got the proper idea. She's too much sense to waste 
 time on that kind of thing." 
 
 "Berry wise gal," repeated the Indian, solemnly. 
 
 When Karl first discovered the little maiden she 
 was busily engaged over a fire, cooking something 
 for her uncle's supper, and the dexterous manner in 
 which she handled a frying pan over an open blaze 
 was positive proof that she had done this same thing 
 many times before when they two were nomads, 
 drifting where fortune seemed to beckon. 
 
 Karl felt easier. 
 
 She was not injured, then, and the game could 
 wait a while until reinforcements arrived. 
 
 New courage took root in his heart. 
 
 The male members of this socialistic community 
 were of various stripes and patterns, from the cow- 
 boy and miner, down to the dark-faced Mexican with 
 his fiercely-pointed mustache, his gold-braid em- 
 broidered velvet jacket, silver-button decorated 
 trousers and broad sombrero. 
 
 Fear of justice makes strange bedfellows, and 
 among these rougher elements Karl discovered a 
 couple of sleek-looking fellows, one of whom had a 
 clerical and the other a legal aspect. 
 
 The boys watched all that went on with intense 
 interest. 
 
 That they should be in such close touch with the 
 settlement that had so long been the dread of the 
 border, defying attack, and offering a ready refuge 
 to every scoundrel fleeing from the reward of his
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 229 
 
 misdeeds, was something of more than average im- 
 portance, something of which they might well boast 
 in future days, when telling, around the peaceful 
 camp-fire, the story of their adventurous quest. 
 
 It was of prime importance that they learn all 
 about the settlement, so that when the hour for 
 business arrived they might be prepared to strike 
 with telling effect. 
 
 The first and most vital point was to mark the 
 tepee, or hut, in which Polly was to find shelter. 
 
 Then the corral engaged their attention, as it con- 
 tained many horses that had, from time to time, 
 been stolen from the various ranches, and such a 
 fact necessarily appealed to the cowboy spirit that 
 predominated in Karl. 
 
 There was another reason why they should desire 
 to know the ins and outs of that stockade; should 
 no assistance arrive, and the work of rescue be 
 thrown entirely upon their young shoulders, it 
 might become necessary for them to cover their 
 flight as Cuthbert should have done when he quitted 
 the Sioux village, by a general stampede of all the 
 animals connected with the settlement, which would 
 delay pursuit and give the fugitives a better chance 
 of getting away. 
 
 This survey might be the more easily accom- 
 plished when the hour grew later, and sleep had 
 overcome the now noisy denizens of the camp. 
 
 So they quietly crept away, sought a retired nook 
 and took a much-needed nap themselves. 
 
 The Indian awoke his companion. 
 
 Karl glanced up at the moon. 
 
 "Why, it must be long after midnight!" he ex- 
 claimed, "and yet I can't believe I've slept more 
 than a few minutes." 
 
 But, according to Buckshot, it was time they were 
 on the jump if they hoped to accomplish any scout- 
 ing that night.
 
 230 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 Little Buckshot pointed to clouds that were roll- 
 ing up from the horizon. 
 
 "Mebbe heap rain; we get wet; no care if bad 
 white men keep in tepee. Good. You come, Karl ; 
 soon see how corral made. We make much 
 s'prise, when let horses go, sometime p'raps." 
 
 That was how the dusky aborigine put it directly. 
 Like all of his race he was sparing of his words, and 
 always hewed close to the line. 
 
 Karl understood it well enough. 
 
 What was a ducking to a cowboy, if the rain 
 promised to make their task easier and lessened the 
 chances of discovery? 
 
 By the time they reached the vicinity of the set- 
 tlement the moon was obscured, and a state of 
 semi-darkness fell upon the land. 
 
 Thus it was well they had made a careful survey 
 of the place while the opportunity lasted, since it 
 might prove to their advantage now. 
 
 The corral was partly natural, though human 
 hands had heaped up one line of great rocks that 
 shut the animals in. 
 
 Daily they had to be taken to pasturage in some 
 nearby oasis in this desert. 
 
 The gate was a sturdy, though rude affair, and 
 was never kept locked in any way, as not a soul ever 
 dreamed of danger menacing their live stock here. 
 
 After a thorough examination, the boys were sat- 
 isfied they could accomplish the task of turning the 
 horses out; it would only require an hour's work 
 to remove that portion of the wall most distant from 
 the settlement, through which breach the stampede 
 could be effected. 
 
 As yet the rain had not descended, and, feeling 
 that they could do no more in this quarter until the 
 coming of another night, they decided to withdraw 
 quietly. 
 
 They had no particular anxiety in connection with
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 231 
 
 their mounts, for the animals could secure enough 
 food, and there was only a remote chance of their 
 being- discovered by some stroller from the village. 
 
 There was now no necessity for their remaining 
 in the open to accept a wetting when the rain came ; 
 even such toughened characters as cowboys, if given 
 a choice, prefer a dry jacket. 
 
 "Cave. Ha, good!" whispered the Indian, pat- 
 ting his dusky body. Me 'member. Me take 
 you. Not far. Wait there to-morrow night we 
 come 'gain. Then ugh!" 
 
 "Well, then," cried Karl, joyfully, "if this cave's 
 around, by all means " 
 
 But already the Indian was leading the way to the 
 underground retreat, and Karl had his work cut out 
 to follow his long-legged companion. 
 
 It was already sprinkling, with a promise of a 
 more serious downfall shortly, so that the tramp to 
 the cave was lively enough. 
 
 Karl had spent many a night in shack and dugout, 
 so that this prospect was not of a nature to give 
 him the least concern indeed, too many times had 
 he lain with only a blanket as protection against a 
 pelting rain, so that shelter of any sort was a bo- 
 nanza in his eyes. 
 
 At last the young brave drew Karl into what 
 seemed a crack or fissure in the rocky wall. 
 
 It was none too soon, as the big drops had in- 
 creased, and now came down with a merry tune that 
 pleased Karl better because he could laugh at its fu- 
 tile efforts to reach them. 
 
 Little Buckshot had stooped 'down. 
 
 "Hole small have to crawl, Karl but we find 
 um big lodge, you see." 
 
 And Karl kept after him, quite satisfied that in 
 meeting the Indian he had struck the best bit of 
 luck imaginable. 
 
 Sure enough, the crooked passage did grow
 
 232 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 larger, an'd presently Karl was possessed of the con- 
 viction that they had entered a chamber of some 
 sort. 
 
 In anticipation of this, the Sioux had picked up 
 some bits of wood while en route, although dead 
 branches of trees were scarce enough in this deso- 
 late region, where vegetation seemed to grow only 
 under protest, and then of a stunted and gnarled va- 
 riety. 
 
 Karl had hold of the Indian's heel. 
 
 He figured that they had passed some yards into 
 the chamber, and was wondering why his companion 
 did not speak or make a move toward gaining his 
 feet, when a low growl reached his ear that sent a 
 cold chill through his heart, since he realized on the 
 instant that they had, in thus entering the hole in the 
 wall, invaded a wild beast's den. 
 
 Whether the animal were wolf, panther or big 
 grizzly bear could only be guessed, but each possi- 
 bility had lurking in it all the chances of desperate 
 adventure the boldest spirit could wish. 
 
 Little Buckshot no longer advanced. 
 
 The growl came from one side, and doubtless his 
 head was immediately turned in that quarter. 
 
 Karl heard him give a grunt. 
 
 There was no exclamation of surprise, no expres- 
 sion of alarm. These things were not suited to a 
 young warrior who had proven his right to wear 
 the war feather by means of the rigid methods of 
 his tribe, whereby his endurance and power to 
 stand acute pain had been thoroughly tested. 
 
 "What is it?" whispered Karl, fumbling for his 
 gun in true cowboy fashion ; for that weapon is the 
 prairie rover's stay in almost every time of trouble. 
 
 "Me see um eyes. Wait; can soon tell. Ugh! 
 him bear, I think," came the reply, with no quaver 
 in the voice.
 
 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 233 
 
 "A grizzly, no doubt. Shall we get out?" asked 
 Karl, not relishing the prospect. 
 
 In his mind a fight with old Ephraim at close 
 quarters was bad enough in the daytime, when there 
 were chances to operate his gun successfully; but 
 the same engagement in the darkness of an un- 
 known cavern why, it made his flesh creep to even 
 think of it. 
 
 "Mebbe can find hole out; mebbe not. Think 
 best fight," came the reply. 
 
 It was the ambitious soul of a warrior, eager to 
 win fresh laurels, that spoke. 
 
 No doubt, Little Buckshot was always ready, after 
 the manner of his kind, to accept considerable 
 chances in an affair of this sort, having as an incen- 
 tive the great glory that would be his portion could 
 he but secure a necklace of grizzly bear claws with 
 which to adorn his person. 
 
 Such a coveted trophy is worn by but few, and 
 stamps the owner as a renowned hunter, utterly 
 fearless in the chase, and worthy of all honor among 
 his fellows. 
 
 Karl was free to confess that had he been given 
 his choice he would much rather have decamped, 
 and allowed the growling beast full liberty to oc- 
 cupy his den. Even a wet jacket might not be so 
 bad when compared to torn, lacerated flesh in a des- 
 perate conflict with this most terrible "old man of 
 the mountains." 
 
 But there was the Indian, quite undaunted, and 
 actually welcoming the threatening danger as 
 though it fulfilled a dream in which he had indulged. 
 No true cowboy could allow a redskin to outdo him 
 in daring; he would never respect himself again if 
 this occurred. 
 
 So, crushing this desire to give Eph. a wide berth, 
 and leave him undisputed monarch of the cave, he
 
 234 The Raid on the Bad Lands. 
 
 drew alongside the crouching Indian and whispered 
 in his ear : 
 
 "If we have to fight, let's go at the business in a 
 common-sense way. We must have a light first of 
 all." 
 
 "Good! Karl, you know. Heap wood here; 
 take some, make fire mebbe. Me watch." 
 
 And the only weapon he held in his hand while 
 thus ready to invite the desperate onslaught of a 
 monster grizzly was a naked hunting knife ! 
 
 Karl was staggered by such a reckless spirit; he 
 never could fully understand Indian character it 
 had so many contradictory elements. 
 
 It was, however, no time for juggling with the 
 question, for there was old Eph. growing more fu- 
 rious every second over this unwarranted intrusion, 
 and ready to launch himself upon those who had dis- 
 turbed his solitude. 
 
 Karl's fingers trembled a little as he arranged the 
 handful of fat pine splinters so that they would im- 
 mediately flame up when he applied the lighted 
 match. 
 
 His heart was almost in his throat as he could in 
 imagination see the slight figure of the Indian lad 
 between himself and the beast, awaiting on one knee 
 and with uplifted knife the expected attack. 
 
 Then came the crisis, when he drew the match 
 along the stone, and, as the flame sprang up, applied 
 it to the resinous pine. There was a flash of fire, 
 and the inky darkness of the cave was almost in- 
 stantaneously dispersed.
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE STAMPEDE. 
 
 The savage growls ceased when the fat pine 
 splinters burst into a blaze. It was as though 
 the sudden illumination had somewhat startled old 
 Ephraim. 
 
 Karl did not dare take his attention away from 
 the new-born fire until his deft fingers had ar- 
 ranged a supply of small sticks which would be apt 
 to keep the blaze going. 
 
 Although this only consumed some seconds of 
 time, it seemed ages to the boy, wild to turn his at- 
 tention toward that spot from whence had come 
 those blood-curdling growls. 
 
 When he did look finally, the sight was quite suf- 
 ficient to fill him with awe. 
 
 Such a grizzly monster he had never set eyes on 
 before; indeed, it seemed impossible that he could 
 have entered by the same channel they had em- 
 ployed, so great was his bulk. 
 
 This ungainly beast was only momentarily awed 
 by the fire. Then his ferocious temper once more 
 asserted its dominion over his fears. 
 
 In the presence of man he recognized his dead- 
 liest foe. 
 
 Growls again awoke the echoes of the queer hole 
 in the wall, and the monster's front was fierce be- 
 yond expression. 
 
 Meanwhile Karl had been saying nothing and 
 sawing wood. With him every second counted, and 
 a false move might prove destructive, so he fed the 
 fat pine splinters to the little fire until it was robust 
 enough to seize upon heavier material and consume 
 it.
 
 236 The Stampede. 
 
 So it chanced that this delay ami hesitation on 
 Bruin's part was of tremendous value to the cause of 
 the allies. 
 
 The very second Karl believed his fire was in a 
 condition to feed itself he ceased his delicate manip- 
 ulation, and turned his attention toward the quarter 
 where danger lurked. 
 
 It was high time. 
 
 Old Eph. had finally worked himself up into a 
 rousing temper, and decided to make a rush, be- 
 side which any college cane contest or football game 
 must appear trifling. 
 
 He gave plain warning of his intention by a roar 
 that sounded like a burst of thunder. 
 
 "You, Karl, look out !" shouted the Indian lad, in 
 a piercing tone of voice. 
 
 Karl felt that his hour had come. 
 
 If ever his gun was to do him good service, that 
 time was now. 
 
 Considering the nature of the danger that men- 
 aced him, his hand was remarkably steady as he 
 threw the revolver up on a line with the advancing 
 form of his bulky adversary, and began firing. 
 
 It seemed as though pandemonium had broken 
 loose, what with the sharp detonations of the gun, 
 the hoarse roars of rage and pain to which Bruin 
 gave vent, and the shrill cries uttered by the excited 
 Indian. 
 
 Through it all that blessed fire crackled and 
 burned most cheerily, giving the illumination that 
 allowed Karl to send his lead where it was apt to do 
 the most good. 
 
 The bear seemed staggered, as though hard hit. 
 
 Karl knew better than to cease firing, for had he 
 not seen such a monster fight like a demon with 
 all of twenty bullets in him ? 
 
 Bruin had come to a stop ; he pawed the air much
 
 The Stampede. 237 
 
 like a prize fighter who has been somewhat dazed 
 by a hard blow. 
 
 . "All up. Me finish urn!" cried the Indian. 
 "Spoils for me. He no harm now. Watch." 
 
 "Look out !" yelled Karl. "The feller's not dead 
 by a long way, and if you get within reach of him 
 he'll Ah! you'll be careful next time!" 
 
 Little Buckshot made the mistake of believing 
 the monster had received his death wound, and, 
 filled with the desire to have a hand in the game, 
 so that he might wear the honors in the shape of a 
 bear's claws necklace, he swooped down upon Bruin, 
 knife in hand. 
 
 Once, twice, thrice, did he thrust his steel blade 
 into the hairy side of the grizzly, and then received 
 a blow that sent him spinning like a teetotum or a 
 Dancing Dervish to the other side of the cavern. 
 
 "Now, it's my turn again, I suppose," said Karl. 
 
 Two shots more and he would be done. 
 
 If they failed to finish the game, it threatened to 
 be a most serious business indeed. 
 
 The bear was once more advancing. Not so rap- 
 idly as at first, since these various wounds appeared 
 to have weakened him considerably. 
 
 Once, twice, the gun was discharged. 
 
 At the same time, Little Buckshot, recovering 
 from the shock and astonishment caused by his sud- 
 den, dizzy fling, rushed forward once more to the 
 attack, burning to give old Bruin as good as he sent. 
 
 As luck would have it the bear, in making his 
 groggy advance, floundered through the midst of 
 the cheery little fire, sending its elements in every 
 direction, and a state of semi-darkness added its 
 horrors to the situation. 
 
 Karl had dropped his now useless gun and fallen 
 back upon that last defense of the prairie man at 
 bay his hunting knife. 
 
 He knew the bear was upon him, with terrible
 
 238 The Stampede. 
 
 claws that could rend garments and flesh into rib- 
 bons, once they got to work. 
 
 "It's all up with me!" he cried. 
 
 It was in desperation that Karl began to ply his 
 knife as soon as his hand came in contact with a 
 hairy side. Then he, too, received a stunning blow 
 from one of the swinging forepaws of the beast, and 
 measured his length upon the hard stone floor. 
 
 Half dazed by the concussion, Karl lay there, ex- 
 pecting to feel the fierce embrace of his ferocious 
 enemy. 
 
 To his surprise, the sounds of conflict appeared to 
 drift to the other side of the cavern. He could hear 
 the feeble growls of Bruin, coupled with fierce, ex- 
 ultant whoops of Little Buckshot, who seemed to be 
 dancing around his exhausted and almost helpless 
 enemy, inflicting a new wound whenever able to do 
 so without coming within dangerous reach of those 
 terrible claws. 
 
 Karl drew himself together. 
 
 His first thought was gratitude that he Wad es- 
 caped so lightly. 
 
 Then he felt around for his knife, that had been 
 knocked from his hand in the tumble, eager to go 
 to the assistance of his ally. 
 
 Ere he could discover the weapon, however, a 
 dreadful stillness had come upon the cavern. Karl 
 was horrified. 
 
 "Guess that bear's dead," he muttered; "but is it 
 all up with Little Buckshot, too?" 
 
 Eagerly the boy crept around, gathering the still- 
 glowing embers of the late fire together. 
 
 Then he bent down and blew his breath upon 
 them until at length they burst into a sudden flame 
 that dissipated the darkness and rendered the 
 cavern almost as light as day. 
 
 With awe and a great fear tugging at his heart,
 
 The Stampede. 239 
 
 our Karl looked toward that quarter whence had 
 come the last sounds of conflict. 
 
 What he saw was a shaggy mass of bear seated 
 astride of which was the panting and triumphant 
 Little Buckshot, who could only grin and gasp the 
 one expressive word: 
 
 "How!" 
 
 It was well ! 
 
 Victory had, indeed, perched upon their banner, 
 and to these lads had fallen an adventure that might 
 make them envied by old hunters. 
 
 When Karl viewed the mighty bulk of their fallen 
 foe, and felt the cruel points of his long claws, he 
 could not but feel that the fortunes of war had fa- 
 vored them highly. 
 
 Of course, the first thing in order was to call the 
 roll, and ascertain what the cost of victory had been. 
 
 A few bruises fell to Karl's share, and he consid- 
 ered that he had escaped very luckily, considering 
 what might have occurred. 
 
 The Indian was also bruised, and had received 
 numerous scratches that bled, and looked ugly to 
 Karl ; but Little Buckshot seemed to take the great- 
 est pride in his wounds, as though they cemented 
 his claim to the coveted claws. 
 
 And he had well earned the trophies. 
 
 Karl proceeded to put his gun in serviceable con- 
 dition, as there was no knowing when it might be 
 again called upon for service. 
 
 When, out of curiosity, he later on examined the 
 defunct bear to discover where he had planted his 
 lead, he found every bullet had lodged in Bruin's 
 body, and that, given a little time, they must have 
 brought about his death, which fact was honor 
 enough for Karl. 
 
 Exhausted, he made preparations for sleep, hav- 
 ing his blanket on his back. 
 
 "Me no sleep not yet," said the Indian.
 
 240 The Stampede. 
 
 "And why not?" demanded Karl. 
 
 "Good reason," said Little Buckshot, with a 
 glance at the bear. 
 
 "What! You're not afraid of a dead bear, are 
 you?" 
 
 "No; urn dead, all right." 
 
 "Of course he is." 
 
 "Me get his claws. Show big chief. Ugh! 
 Wear um beautiful necklace fall down, worship 
 me." 
 
 Karl laughed boisterously. 
 
 "Another case of 'alone I did it,' I suppose, as 
 Cuthbert would say. Ah, well, let him have the 
 glory, I guess I want a rest more'n anything else." 
 
 And the last glimpse Karl had of the Indian he 
 was industriously at work severing the toes of the 
 once mighty monarch of American beasts. 
 
 The hole in the wall afforded the two young allies 
 a secure refuge through the following day. 
 
 Once Little Buckshot crept out to take the stiff- 
 ness from his wounded limbs, but he did not ven- 
 ture near the retreat of the desperate characters 
 who had made their stronghold in this wild, for- 
 saken land, contenting himself with a trip to the in- 
 closure where Buckskin and the Indian pony had 
 been left picketed. 
 
 They were still there, and had apparently not been 
 discovered by any roving outlaw. 
 
 The hours dragged to Karl. 
 
 He was utterly weary of tough old pemmican, 
 and endeavored to make a dish that would be some- 
 what more palatable by cooking the last of the In- 
 dian's scanty allowance. 
 
 After this they would have to look elsewhere for 
 their meals. 
 
 The coming of night was eagerly welcomed, as 
 both of them were anxious to get to work. 
 
 It had been decided that if the chances appeared
 
 The Stampede. 241 
 
 good they would make a bold bid for fortune ere 
 the turn of another day. 
 
 By following the back trail they had hopes of run- 
 ning into the arms of Mr. Kelly and his cowboy 
 band, if so be those worthies were coming to Polly's 
 relief. 
 
 Karl was heartily glad to quit the pocket in the 
 wall, and once more breathe the fresh air, to hear 
 the breeze rustle the coloring leaves overhead, and 
 see the bright stars hung high in the heavens. 
 
 He realized what a desperate piece of business lay 
 before them, but the spirit of enterprise and de- 
 termination that had tided him over numerous diffi- 
 culties in the past again came to the fore, and bol- 
 stered up his courage. 
 
 It was Polly whom he risked all for; Polly, who 
 seemed as dear to him as a young sister, and whose 
 cruel fate, if left in the midst of these rough ele- 
 ments, was enough to arouse compassion in even a 
 less sympathetic breast than Karl's. 
 
 They approached the settlement with great cau- 
 tion. 
 
 As on the preceding night, it was a scene of con- 
 siderable confusion, for the hour of feeding was on. 
 
 Karl speedily caught sight of Polly, busily en- 
 gaged in her culinary labors. 
 
 He watched her every move with an eagerness 
 that sprung from genuine concern. 
 
 "See here, Buckshot," said Karl, softly; "we 
 got to find a way of letting Polly know we're here 
 and that we're going to get her out of the hands 
 of these fellers." 
 
 "How!" ejaculated the Indian. 
 
 "Yes, that's just it how? Set your dusky brains 
 to work and try to figure how we're to reach Polly." 
 
 "Me tink one way." 
 
 "Well, let's hear it." 
 
 "Polly, she woman."
 
 242 The Stampede. 
 
 "Yes; what Cuthbert 'd call the hypothesis is cor- 
 rect." 
 
 "Woman take bucket go to spring get water." 
 
 "I see ; the spring is on the outskirts of the settle- 
 ment and you think Polly might be down there get- 
 ting water." 
 
 "Karl he got idee. She come some time 
 mebbe no know. We wait; rocks good shelter 
 no seen; by'm-by Polly come. Still wait. She 
 alone. No one 'bout. We speak. Polly hear. 
 She un'stand." 
 
 "Bully!" cried Karl. "You're a trump card, 
 Buckshot, and the world ain't big enough for us to 
 find gifts for you after we're all out of this mess." 
 
 "Um paid already," said the Indian, simply. 
 
 And the shudder that shook the brown body 
 showed Karl that Little Buckshot had still with him 
 a lively picture of that night in the snow. 
 
 "Let's be off to the spring, then," said Karl. 
 
 "You go ; me keep watch me no far 'way. Want 
 me, Little Buckshot there. So?" 
 
 "All right," said Karl, and with a nod he was off. 
 
 By crawling on hands and knees after the man- 
 ner of a lynx creeping close to its expected prey he 
 was finally enabled to reach a point not more than 
 ten feet from the spring. 
 
 The water gurgled at his feet, and he lay down 
 eagerly enough to quench his thirst. 
 
 Then he waited, hoping for the best. 
 
 A woman came, bucket in hand, but he made no 
 sound to attract her attention. She seemed a 
 wretched, weary-looking creature, evidently at the 
 beck and nod of a good-for-nothing husband, and 
 dragged with him into his exile. 
 
 Later on, a second shuffled up, filled her pail, and, 
 with weary steps, returned to the thankless task of 
 attending to the appetites of the men belonging to 
 her mess.
 
 The Stampede. 243 
 
 Polly came at last. 
 
 It was evidently hard to crush the little maid's 
 spirits, for she was humming a tune as she bent over 
 to dip her bucket in the clear water of the spring, 
 and Karl was strangely thrilled when he recognized 
 the familiar strain of a song he and Cuthbert had 
 sung in company with her sweet, birdlike voice on 
 many a starry evening, with a tinkling Mexican 
 mandolin for accompaniment. 
 
 'Tolly!" 
 
 The girl ceased humming; she started and raised 
 her head. Karl could see by the firelight that her 
 face was white with an eager apprehension, as 
 though she feared lest hope might have sung falsely 
 to her. 
 
 "It's me, Polly Karl, you know. Don't let on 
 you're listening, for some one might be looking and 
 see what was up. But listen to what I say. Can 
 you hear plainly?" 
 
 "Oh, yes, Karl, and I'm so glad. Is Mr. Kelly 
 with you, and Cuthbert?" said the girl, with an ea- 
 gerness that could not be wholly concealed. 
 
 "I'm sorry to say not ; but I reckon they're on the 
 road here, all of 'em. You remember the Sioux 
 boy, Little Buckshot? Well, he's here, and we 
 mean to get you out of this fix." 
 
 "How good and brave of you, Karl." 
 
 "Never mind. That'll do to tell me after we've 
 got you back. We know your hut. Keep awake, 
 and when you hear an owl cry three times, come 
 down here with your bucket. You catch what I 
 mean, Polly?" 
 
 He spoke quickly, because there was always a 
 chance of their being interrupted. Indeed, even 
 then he saw a woman, bucket in hand, stop to gos- 
 sip with another poor slave at a fire, as though 
 about to come for water. 
 
 Polly eagerly gave an affirmative reply. She was
 
 244 The Stampede. 
 
 quick to grasp the essential details of a situation, 
 thanks to her ready wit. 
 
 "We hope to stampede the stock, and so cut off 
 a chase for a time that will give us at least a start." 
 
 How her bright eyes beamed when she heard this ! 
 Why, a veteran like Old Sile could not have planned 
 a more effective arrangement. She was proud of 
 Karl proud of the fact that he was her friend, her 
 adopted brother, and that he braved these dangers 
 for her sake. 
 
 There was no opportunity to say anything further, 
 for the woman with the pail was coming toward the 
 spring; so, taking up her burden, Polly went back to 
 the fire where her duties demanded attention. 
 
 Strangely enough, she sang no more, which 
 might seem singular on the face of it, since her heart 
 must have rejoiced over the fact that the chance of 
 liberty was so bright. 
 
 Perhaps the fact that Karl was to risk so much in 
 her behalf gave her uneasiness. 
 
 When the opportunity came, Karl once more 
 crawled over to where the Indian lay concealed be- 
 hind the rocks. 
 
 Watching all that took place in the settlement of 
 the bad men, they were able to confer regarding 
 their plans, and make arrangements looking toward 
 their carrying out. 
 
 Time crept along heavily enough. 
 
 Once the Indian left Karl, and was gone a long 
 while. When he returned he said he had been 
 working on the back of the corral, arranging mat- 
 ters so that the balance of the wall could be easily 
 removed, making a gap through which the horses, 
 if thoroughly alarmed, would push and crowd in 
 wild disorder, scattering through the country be- 
 yond, so that it would be a matter of hours ere the 
 first of them could be retaken, while the last might 
 be wandering for days in an alkali desert.
 
 The Stampede. 245 
 
 By degrees the village was quieting down. 
 
 Karl hoped midnight would find the conditions 
 favorable for their adventure. 
 
 The longer time that was to elapse between the 
 stampede and daylight the better chances they would 
 have for escape. 
 
 Besides, a spirit of eagerness beset these young 
 crusaders that might have been absent had they 
 been veterans in such work, for youth is ever ar- 
 dent, and impatient of restraint. 
 
 Karl remembered that Cuthbert had suffered the 
 same symptoms of distress when waiting for the 
 Sioux village to lapse into silence. 
 
 They killed a little time by crawling around to the 
 corral, where the Indian entered to select a pony for 
 Polly. 
 
 This he succeeded in securing, leading the animal 
 out through the breach he had made in the outer 
 wall, and fastening him with a bit of rope to a tree 
 where they could readily find him when the crisis ar- 
 rived. 
 
 All of which, being smartly done, reflected consid- 
 erable credit upon Little Buckshot, the son of a 
 chief. 
 
 And now the time had come when they must put 
 the plan into operation. 
 
 Up to this hour no hitch had occurred, but the 
 most serious part of the business was yet to be gone 
 through with, for once the alarm had been given, 
 they knew full well furious men would rush this way 
 and that, only desirous of an opportunity to shoot 
 with deadly aim men who mocked at the law, and 
 thought it no sin to take human life, if, by so doing, 
 they could at any time advance their own interests. 
 
 To the Indian was given the task of sending the 
 signal arranged upon with Polly, and accustomed to 
 mimicry, he would experience no difficulty in imi- 
 tating the owl that haunted this lonely region so
 
 246 The Stampede. 
 
 perfectly that even a suspicious ear might find trou- 
 ble in discovering the cheat. 
 
 This he did ere entering the corral, for he knew 
 his appearance among the ponies, carrying the 
 freshly-taken hide of the grizzly bear, carried for this 
 very purpose, would send the animals, frenzied with 
 fear, to the other end of the rocky stockade, where 
 they must find the breach in the wall and go flying 
 madly over the country beyond. 
 
 Karl's heart was almost in his throat as he heard 
 the thrice-told hoot of the owl sound clearly upon 
 the still night air. 
 
 "Wonder if Polly'll reply to that?" he questioned. 
 " 'Tain't likely, as Polly, tired out, will have fallen 
 asleep." 
 
 In that case, as it occurred to Karl, the golden 
 opportunity would be lost, unless one of the boys 
 visited the hut and aroused Polly, for daylight would 
 reveal to the denizens of the desert settlement what 
 material damage had been done to their stockade, 
 and their watchfulness would prevent a successful 
 venture in a similar channel on the succeeding night. 
 
 Crouching there, Karl kept his eyes glued upon 
 the cabin in which he knew the girl belonged. 
 
 He never knew until then how long even seconds 
 of time might be. 
 
 "Polly," he murmured. "Bless her sweet heart !" 
 
 Just as he had instructed her, the girl went to the 
 bucket and with the dipper endeavored to secure a 
 drink, as though seized with a thirst that would not 
 be denied. 
 
 Since there was not a drop in the pail to satisfy 
 her demands, she took it up and made for the spring. 
 
 Karl was trembling with excitement now so 
 much depended upon whether Polly were allowed to 
 follow out her apparently natural and innocent 
 whim; but, so far as he could discover, no one else
 
 The Stampede. 247 
 
 appeared to be moving about the settlement, and 
 hope took an upward bound. 
 
 Nearer she came, swinging the pail in the most 
 careless manner possible. 
 
 He yearned to step out and meet her, yet realized 
 that such an action might ruin all, or, at least, lessen 
 the chances of success. 
 
 Once at the spring, Polly bent over as if to fill 
 her bucket. 
 
 The moon showed her figure and face plainly, as 
 there was no covering overhead here. 
 
 "Karl!" she said, softly almost in a whisper. 
 
 "I'm here," came the reply. 
 
 "What shall I do next?" anxiously. 
 
 "Leave your bucket, and come in among the 
 rocks. It's time for the show to begin, I guess." 
 
 She was quick to obey; the prospect of leaving 
 this camp of refugees and reprobates, to again take 
 up her happy life at dear old Sunset Ranch was 
 quite enough to thrill Polly to the very heart and 
 hasten her footsteps. 
 
 Karl caught her trembling hand in his sturdy 
 grasp, as though he would by the mere contact in- 
 spire her with new courage. 
 
 "Don't be afraid; everything's going hunky-dory, 
 and the goose hangs high. Now come with me, 
 Polly, dear," he whispered in her ear the boy ele- 
 ment cropping up, in spite of the fact that he had 
 been showing such manly attributes in his work of 
 late. 
 
 She was only too delighted to obey, and Karl, still 
 stooping low, led her in the direction where the 
 animal captured from the corral by Little Buckshot 
 was secured. 
 
 As yet the stampede had not begun, for it was 
 good policy to delay this last and finishing stroke 
 until some restless movement in the camp made it 
 necessary to act.
 
 248 The Stampede. 
 
 Fortune seemed kind, for, while they covered the 
 ground between the camp and the tree to which 
 the horse was fastened there was no sign of an 
 alarm. 
 
 All of which pleased the young rescuer more than 
 words could tell. If they escaped the videttes 
 posted by the inhabitants of this lone village in the 
 Bad Lands, all might be well, and their safety as- 
 sured. 
 
 It had been arranged that when he reached the 
 horse the waiting Indian should be notified of the 
 fact, in order that he might begin his dangerous part 
 of the bold enterprise. 
 
 That time had arrived, and if success followed 
 Little Buckshot's exertions there would presently 
 be a decided scarcity of stock in that section of the 
 country, since a horse, frightened by the appearance 
 of a dreadful grizzly in its corral, is not likely to stop 
 running short of five miles, once it breaks forth from 
 confinement. 
 
 Karl discharged his gun, taking care to hide the 
 flash as much as possible, so that their location 
 might not be discovered. 
 
 Immediately there broke out shouts and cries 
 from many throats in the awakened village; but,, 
 above all sounded the yells of the young Indian 
 brave in the corral as he swung the freshly-taken 
 bear skin about and sought to arouse in the horses 
 the greatest alarm possible, for this was not Little 
 Buckshot's first stampede. 
 
 In this he was successful, for their keen scent dis- 
 covered the presence of what was to them their 
 most dreadful foe the grizzly bear. 
 
 Karl laughed when he heard the snorts and neighs 
 of wild alarm, mingled with the trampling of hoofs 
 in quickly-accumulating force until it assumed a 
 thunderous roar. 
 
 "They're off; it has worked like a charm. Now
 
 The Stampede. 249 
 
 let the rascals guess what struck 'em. They'll think 
 the Indians have made a sweep on their live stock, I 
 reckon. Let me lead the horse, Polly, and you 
 walk beside me, for the danger ain't all past yet," 
 said he.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 SUNSET RANCH. 
 
 The noise and confusion increased as the aroused 
 refugees, believing old Standing Elk and a party of 
 his braves had descended upon their live stock as 
 hawks pitch upon a dovecot, and were stampeding 
 the horses, endeavored to outdo one another in 
 shouts and directions that only served to make the 
 hubbub more furious. 
 
 Karl was conscious of a wild thrill of exultation as 
 he considered that this tremendous explosion in the 
 camp of the outlaws had been wholly and solely the 
 work of himself and the young Indian buck. 
 
 For two boys, they were certainly making their 
 mark in the world at an early stage. 
 
 No doubt the aroused desperadoes would have 
 been more angry than alarmed, had they been given 
 an inkling of the truth, since a couple of tender kids 
 were not apt to inspire a great deal of respect in the 
 minds of such toughened and case-hardened char- 
 acters; but they had heard Little Buckshot whoop 
 like a whole swarm of Sioux braves, and jumped to 
 the conclusion that a dozen, at least, were con- 
 cerned in the bold raid. 
 
 If the excited horses could manage to push and 
 crowd through the opening in the stockade all 
 would be well; there would not be a single nag left 
 for pursuit. 
 
 Karl had the utmost faith in his comrade, but, of 
 course, the young Sioux was not beyond making a 
 mistake. 
 
 Perhaps he crowded the horses, in his eagerness 
 to rush them through. At any rate, no one could 
 blame him for wishing to make haste, since the set-
 
 Sunset Ranch. 251 
 
 tlement was boiling and a lot of furious rustlers 
 would speedily be surrounding the corral, prevent- 
 ing his escape. 
 
 Be that as it may, a few horses managed to turn 
 and gallop back toward the gate, though the main 
 body pushed through the fracture in the wall and 
 went careering madly over the alkali desert beyond. 
 
 When the Sioux boy darted after the last of them, 
 he was observed by several running men, who took 
 snap-shots at the shadowy figure; but it is no easy 
 task to hit such a flitting, bounding target, seen in 
 the fitful glow of the moonlight, and the dusky 
 stampeder escaped scot free. 
 
 He was not immediately pursued, because the idea 
 prevailed that a big force of Indians might be in the 
 vicinity, and these cautious outcasts from society 
 knew enough of the Sioux character to suspect an 
 ambush might await such a hazardous rush. 
 
 Karl had believed he knew the way to where the 
 horses had been left most thoroughly, but somehow 
 conditions seemed to change the appearance of the 
 country, and several times he was within an ace of 
 losing himself. 
 
 . This sort of a thing would never do. It meant 
 ruin to all their plans, the recapture of Polly, and 
 a worse fate for himself, if, through ill luck, he fell 
 into the outcasts' hands. 
 
 He must brace up, take a new hold and not get 
 off has base again. 
 
 By degrees he had been leaving the still stormy 
 settlement far in the lurch, and had reason to be- 
 lieve he must be near the secret little inclosure 
 where Buckskin and the Indian pony had been pock- 
 eted. 
 
 There was one thing Karl forgot. 
 
 The videttes. 
 
 Little Buckshot had declared that the members of 
 this outlaw community always kept at least one sen-
 
 252 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 try on duty day and night, to report the coming of 
 any force that might be sent into the Bad Lands by 
 the Government, or, possibly, the settlers and 
 ranchmen, irritated beyond endurance by the fre- 
 quent raids of these lawless characters. 
 
 Where this guardian of the camp was posted the 
 Indian had not been able to declare, but believed it 
 must be some place along the trail, which was the 
 main reason he had wished to cache their horses, 
 even when a mile or more away from the village. 
 
 So it happened that Karl was fated to make the 
 acquaintance of this fellow in a manner not at all 
 calculated to please him. 
 
 Without the least warning, he suddenly found 
 himself face to face with a strapping, big-bearded 
 chap, who surveyed him with astonishment. 
 
 The row from the village had, of course, excited 
 his curiosity, and he was debating as to whether he 
 had better remain on deck where he was, or hasten 
 back to the assistance of his allies, when he thus 
 came upon the cowboy, leading a horse, on which 
 was seated a midget of a little woman. 
 
 "Halt, thar! What's all this ruction about?" 
 was the way the hairy giant saluted him. 
 
 Karl had received a shock at sight of the other, 
 but, with true cowboy instinct, his hand had in- 
 stantly gone in search of his gun. 
 
 "The Indians have stampeded the stock, and I 
 reckon they're cleaning out the whole place. It 
 ain't safe, nohow, and I've concluded to levant 
 that's all." 
 
 He was surprised at himself for the coolness with 
 which he made this reply. 
 
 "Injuns, hey? and cleanin' out the stock, be they? 
 Well, the boys hev been jest spilin' fur a scrimmage 
 this long time back, and I've an idee they kin wallop 
 any pesky red varmints as may drop down on 'em.
 
 Sunset Ranch. 253 
 
 An' now, who in tarnation be you, and who allowed 
 ye to be running' off with the capten's gal?" 
 
 This seemed a poser, but Karl was not in a humor 
 to dally longer. He knew that the suspicions of the 
 giant had been aroused, and that sooner or later it 
 must reach a question of supremacy between them. 
 
 As minutes were precious to the fugitives, he be- 
 lieved the sooner he grappled the bull by the horns 
 and met the crisis the better. 
 
 "I've got a message for you," he said, to arouse 
 the fellow's curiosity. 
 
 "Oh, you be? Well, out with it, kid, afore I tie 
 yer hands together and tote ye back to camp; what's 
 the message?" 
 
 "Drop that gun!" 
 
 Karl had covered him like a flash. His hand may 
 have trembled a little, but such a thing would not 
 count at close quarters. 
 
 In the moonlight, his face looked set and white, 
 and there was an air of determination about his 
 whole person that could not but sensibly affect the 
 one who was threatened. 
 
 The giant may have had only contempt for such a 
 little whipper-snapper chap as Karl appeared in his 
 Goliath eyes, but he entertained a healthy respect 
 for a gun in the hands of a range rider. 
 
 Consequently, he dared not attempt to make use 
 of the weapon he held, but, realizing that the other 
 meant strictly business, he allowed it to slip from 
 his hands until it landed with a thump on the 
 ground. 
 
 At the same time, he growled like a hyena at 
 bay, furious to be thus humiliated by a mere strip- 
 ling whom he could easily down with one hand tied 
 behind his back. 
 
 "Now, turn around not that way, but headed 
 toward camp. Can you run?" demanded Karl. 
 
 "Summat, I reckon, kid?" surlily.
 
 254 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 "Then go it at your best pace, for, when I've 
 counted ten, I'm going to shoot, and, if you're within 
 range, down you go. One!" 
 
 "See hyar, young feller " 
 
 "Two!" 
 
 "But I give ye my word " 
 
 "Three !" 
 
 Then the giant lurched forward and began to 
 cover ground as though he were a prize sprinter in 
 a college athletic contest. 
 
 When Karl said "ten" he sent a bullet after the 
 roaring vidette, just as he promised. Doubtless, it 
 sung close to his ears, for he bellowed louder than 
 ever. 
 
 Since the thing was done, and the camp must 
 presently learn the truth, Karl knew there was no 
 longer any virtue in trying to steal along. 
 
 Haste was of prime importance now. 
 
 So he urged Polly's pony on, keeping a close 
 lookout for the dead tree that marked the entrance 
 to the little valley. 
 
 Perhaps he had been wiser had he made a pris- 
 oner of the vidette, and left the fellow bound and 
 gagged upon the spot; but a lack of cord and the 
 time to accomplish such a task had deterred him. 
 
 Besides, the giant was hardly the man with whom 
 a stripling like Karl cared to dally any length of 
 time. By a quick movement, he might knock the 
 gun from the cowboy's hand, and then it would be 
 all up with the youngster. 
 
 Surely, the place where the horses had been left 
 must be somewhere near. 
 
 Karl's heart began to grow cold with serious ap- 
 prehension. After all he had done, could it be pos- 
 sible he would slip up now? 
 
 Soon the enraged bush rangers would be scour- 
 ing the vicinity in search of him, posted by the 
 giant vidette's report.
 
 Sunset Ranch. 255 
 
 Perhaps it would be best for Polly to make off to- 
 ward the south. She would stand a chance of es- 
 cape, though the dangers of desert and plain were 
 not pleasant to consider. 
 
 It chanced, however, that Polly had a mind of 
 her own, and was able to assert it, for when she 
 heard what Karl was considering, she settled the 
 whole matter by flatly refusing to leave him. 
 
 "Besides," she said, as a clinching argument, "I 
 should surely die of fright if night caught me alone 
 on the prairie. No, Karl, the dangers that threaten 
 you must be shared by me. We'll stick together 
 through thick and thin." 
 
 And Karl, deep down in his boyish heart, was 
 ready to bless her for those words "through thick 
 and thin." 
 
 Fortunately, at about this time, a shrill whistle 
 sounded near by that startled Polly, but gave Karl 
 the liveliest satisfaction. 
 
 "That's the signal of Little Buckshot; bully for 
 him ! We're all right, now, Polly. Here's the dead 
 tree, after all, and there he comes with the horses." 
 
 Again the situation began to look hopeful, and 
 Karl felt like tossing his hat into the air with one 
 of his old-time cow-puncher yells. 
 
 But discretion caused him to refrain, for they 
 were not yet out of the woods. 
 
 Buckskin was, of course, delighted to see his be- 
 loved master again. He had been giving the Indian 
 boy a little trouble, for it seemed as though the 
 yellow broncho never would get over his antipathy 
 to the race. 
 
 How good it seemed to be on his back again! 
 Karl felt as though he could defy any danger, now 
 that he once more bestrode a horse the old cowboy 
 instinct over again. 
 
 "Listen, Karl!" said the young brave, as he fin-
 
 256 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 ished fastening the bearskin on the back of his un- 
 willing, dancing pony. 
 
 They all bent their ears to catch the sound to 
 which Little Buckshot referred. 
 
 "Horses !" said Karl, quickly. 
 
 "Come from above. Too bad, not all get clear of 
 corral. Now chase us," grunted the Sioux, guess- 
 ing, with wonderful instinct, that those of the men 
 who could find mounts were swooping down to as- 
 certain the meaning of the vidette's mad bellowing, 
 and must, therefore, soon learn the truth and be 
 after them, post haste. 
 
 Karl knew what this meant a hot pursuit, per- 
 haps a running battle, and in the end their being 
 brought to bay. 
 
 They must take advantage of every second of 
 time, since the outlaws naturally knew the ground 
 much better than the young Indian, and were thus 
 in a position to take advantage of many a crook 
 and turn that would save a few furlongs. 
 
 They urged their ponies on as fast as the dan- 
 gerous nature of the ground would permit, and 
 seemed to be making good time, so that Karl was 
 quite encouraged, until the Indian, with his native 
 sagacity, called a halt in order to determine whether 
 the pursuit were still kept up, as their own steeds 
 made so much noise it was impossible to discover 
 this fact while on the full jump. 
 
 Judging from the increased clearness of the noises 
 in their rear the foe was bearing down with a venge- 
 ance. Not only had they kept up the pursuit, but 
 were perceptibly gaining. 
 
 Then Karl knew the game was up. 
 
 By degrees they would be overhauled, simply be- 
 cause they knew less about the trail than those who 
 thundered in their rear. 
 
 And, if overhauled, .what then? 
 
 He shut his teeth hard together, after the manner
 
 Sunset Ranch. 257 
 
 of one who refuses to consider the idea of giving 
 up the ship, no matter how dark and dreary the 
 prospect may appear. 
 
 One alternative remained, such as a prairie man 
 always keeps in reserve. They must, at the last, 
 drop into the best harbor that came handy and turn 
 upon their hot-footed pursuers. 
 
 Perhaps when a little lead came rattling in their 
 midst, the eager desparadoes might change their 
 minds about a sudden assault, and haul off for rer 
 pairs. 
 
 Thus the two boys would be in a position to hold 
 them at bay, in the hope of the arrival of Mr. 
 Kelly's men on the scene. 
 
 The flight was resumed. 
 
 Little Buckshot had also guessed the true state 
 of affairs by this time, and yet he gave no evidence 
 of such a thing as alarm; Indians have always in- 
 herited stoicism that glories in danger and even 
 physical suffering, so that they go to the stake with 
 a song on their lips and defiant words for their ene- 
 mies. 
 
 And he was the son of a chief ! 
 
 The horses were urged on as swiftly as the na- 
 ture of the ground permitted. 
 
 Again and again the Sioux boy glanced back over 
 his shoulder, since Karl was too busily occupied in 
 looking ahead in order that they might avoid the 
 roughest route. 
 
 Little Buckshot was a picture, though he knew it 
 not, clinging to the back of a flying pony, his long, 
 coarse, black hair plucked from its confinement and 
 streaming wildly in the breeze created by his own 
 rapid passage, his bronzed arms and clear-cut feat- 
 ures looking as though cut out of brown marble. 
 
 In terse sentences he reported what he saw to his 
 companion, but it brought little encouragement, for
 
 258 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 the steady-riding pursuers were slowly but surely 
 gaining. 
 
 The Indian had made an unhappy choice in a 
 pony for Polly. 
 
 Their own animals could have almost made rings 
 about the other beast, under a stress of circum- 
 stances, and, as a chain is only as strong as its 
 weakest link, they could not go faster than the ani- 
 mal that dragged. 
 
 Polly even begged Karl to leave her and seek 
 safety himself, so that he might come again another 
 day with the cowboy band and effect her rescue. 
 
 Of course, he scoffed at the idea indignantly, and, 
 with a mocking laugh, cried: 
 
 "Through thick and thin, Polly, you said. We 
 sink or swim together." 
 
 And Polly endeavored to persuade him no more. 
 
 Perhaps she realized what a blessed thing it was 
 to have so sincere and faithful a friend, even if he 
 were only a cowboy. He risked all he had on earth 
 in her behalf his life and a prince of the royal 
 blood could do no more. 
 
 The pursuers were now drawing so close that 
 Karl knew the chase was near its finish. 
 
 He no longer busied himself in endeavoring to 
 find the easiest passage. That were a matter that 
 would presently concern them but little. 
 
 What he most desired was to discover some spot 
 where the rocks would form a natural fort, behind 
 which they might take refuge and hold off the eager 
 foe. 
 
 That was one advantage possessed by this wild 
 country over the open prairie it offered a much 
 better chance of defense, for there were places 
 Karl had seen many of them where two well- 
 armed and determined men could keep a score at 
 bay. 
 
 One thing he could not understand was the utter
 
 Sunset Ranch. 259 
 
 silence with which their enemies followed at their 
 heels. 
 
 They must know they were gaining all this while, 
 and such a triumph ought to fill them with a wild 
 exultation that would seek an outlet in vociferous 
 shouts. 
 
 Could it be they were conscious of the fact that 
 such an outburst would only whip the fugitives into 
 greater exertions? 
 
 At any rate, Karl thought it very odd. 
 
 Just when a retreat, in which they could find 
 refuge, was most needed, it persisted in remaining 
 out of sight at least, Karl began to feel something 
 like despair creep over him, as the miles flew by 
 without such a discovery. 
 
 He knew the pursuers would not fire upon them 
 unless provoked beyond all endurance, for the pres- 
 ence of Polly granted them this insurance Polly, 
 who represented something of value in the eyes of 
 their leaders, though Karl himself did not pretend to 
 understand what it meant. 
 
 After all, it was the keen hawklike eyes of the 
 Indian boy that lighted upon a promising place of 
 refuge. 
 
 A few quick sentences, and he had drawn Karl's 
 attention to the spot. 
 
 It offered a promising asylum to the weary fugi- 
 tives, and could apparently withstand a most vig- 
 orous assault. 
 
 So their course swerved to the right a little, and 
 they bore down upon the fort. 
 
 Upon their arrival they found the place even bet- 
 ter situated than they had dreamed of in their 
 most sanguine moments. 
 
 Nature had perfected a freak, piling the rocks 
 in a rampart around a little basin not more than 
 thirty feet across, and leaving just one opening 
 through which the horses could press.
 
 260 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 They took the place by storm. 
 
 Hardly had they gained the inclosure than Little 
 Buckshot landed lightly on his feet. 
 
 Karl was hardly a whit behind him ; and Polly did 
 not wait to be assisted down, since she had long ago 
 learned to be independent in all matters pertaining 
 to horses at least. 
 
 All seemed working as well as they had any rea- 
 son to expect. 
 
 But there was no time now to more than cast one 
 quick glance around. 
 
 That look gave Karl renewed confidence, for it 
 showed him the natural strength of this oasis in the 
 desert, apparently destined to become their little 
 Gibraltar. 
 
 Seconds counted for much. 
 
 The thunder of approaching horses' hoofs was in 
 the air; but a brief interval, and the foe would be 
 upon them. 
 
 Could he and the Indian hurl them back? 
 
 It seemed to the boy as though the supreme mo- 
 ment of his life had arrived, and that he must arouse 
 himself to the utmost in order to meet the emer- 
 gency. 
 
 With a cry to the dusky offspring of a chief he 
 sprang to the stockade. 
 
 As he looked over, he could see a confused med- 
 ley approaching. 
 
 The capricious moon took occasion at this par- 
 ticular moment, when her light was most valuable to 
 our young friends, to hide her face behind a pass- 
 ing cloud. 
 
 This seemed a bad omen, since it must, of neces- 
 sity, injure their aim. 
 
 Beggars must not be choosers, however, and, 
 under the circumstances, they would have to do the 
 best they could. 
 
 Closer still swept the cavalcade.
 
 Sunset Ranch. 261 
 
 "Make every shot tell," said Karl, witfi a strange 
 tremor in his voice, for which he could hardly be 
 blamed under the circumstances. 
 
 "Me wait moon come soon mebbe. You, Karl, 
 tell me when shoot," replied the Sioux, by which he 
 meant he would hold his fire until the cowboy gave 
 the signal. 
 
 Karl swept a glance aloft; it was even as Little 
 Buckshot declared the moon was already trem- 
 bling on the edge of the cloud, ready to smile upon 
 the silent earth once more. 
 
 But the onrushing horsemen were perilously near, 
 so that when the illumination came it must be the 
 signal for their opening fire. 
 
 That moment was a supreme one in Karl's young 
 life. It seemed as though he lived ages in a very 
 few seconds of time, and his shoulders had to bear 
 the world's burden, as did those of Atlas of old. 
 
 Now the light began to come. 
 
 He meant to call out again to Little Buckshot to 
 steady him, though such a thing were hardly needed 
 with the Indian, but, just at this juncture something 
 brushed Karl's elbow, something that was more in 
 his mind than his own safety. 
 
 It was Polly! 
 
 The girl had, in some manner, secured a pistol 
 while among the cabins of the outlaw settlement; 
 perhaps Jasper Hosmer had placed it in her pos- 
 session in order that she could defend herself from 
 insult. Be that as it might, she was full of pluck, 
 and quite determined to share Karl's danger, no 
 matter what followed. 
 
 He could not deny her the privilege, knowing 
 what grave issues were at stake. Indeed, there was 
 no time to speak, for the moment had arrived when 
 action became a paramount issue. 
 
 And now the oncoming posse of horsemen gave 
 tongue, just as Karl expected; but he was almost
 
 262 Sunset Ranch. 
 
 paralyzed when, instead of the fierce shouts of the 
 lawless desperadoes, he heard the well-remembered 
 cowboy yell, saw a dozen hands swinging hats high in 
 air, and even caught a voice he recognized as Cuth- 
 bert's shrieking: 
 
 "Karl, Karl, don't shoot! we're the boys from 
 Sunset Ranch! Karl! oh, Karl!"
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 THE I<AST ROUND-UP. 
 
 It seemed almost too good to be true. 
 
 Karl dug his knuckles into his eyes and looked 
 again, to see the wild riders swinging up with vo- 
 ciferous shouts of hearty welcome and congratula- 
 tion. He could even distinguish Mr. Kelly and Old 
 Sile, together with the shrieking Virginia boy in 
 the van, and all were waving sombreros like people 
 possessed. 
 
 Into Karl's heart there crept a peace such as he 
 had never known before a spirit of gratitude that 
 brought tears to his eyes, so great was the revul- 
 sion of feeling. A minute before he had been al- 
 most at the point of despair, and nerved to take hu- 
 man life if need be in order to defend Polly, while 
 now the spirit of war fled to give place to the gentle 
 dove of peace. 
 
 He turned to Polly. Their hands met in a fervent 
 clasp ; not a word was exchanged, but the tears that 
 glistened in her eyes, as well as the glow of satis- 
 faction illuminating his face, spoke eloquently 
 enough. 
 
 Already the Indian was on top of the stockade, 
 brandishing his arms and giving vent to whoops 
 that voiced his sentiments. Little Buckshot could 
 meet death without a tremor, but life had charms 
 for the son of a chief with a future before him, and 
 he flung aside his stoical ways for once to allow his 
 natural feelings full swing. 
 
 There Karl joined him as soon as he could com- 
 mand his limbs ; and there he swung his old weather- 
 beaten felt hat with right good will to welcome the 
 coming of the boys.
 
 264 The Last Round-Up. 
 
 Their startling appearance on the scene was a 
 deep mystery to him. He still believed they had 
 been chased by the furious spirits of the settlement, 
 and how these worthies came to be changed into 
 his old comrades of ranch and range life was beyond 
 his comprehension. 
 
 So they came pouring in, leaping from their 
 horses as they drew up. 
 
 Cuthbert was the first to seize upon Karl, and 
 he hugged him like a bear, such was the intensity of 
 his emotions. 
 
 "Old fellow, I'm awful glad to see you again. 
 And you've done yourself proud. There isn't a 
 man on the range, Old Sile says, could have made 
 a neater job of it. I'm proud of you, I am. And 
 where's Polly, dear little Polly. She's my cousin, 
 Karl, the very cousin I've been chasing around after 
 for a year. What d'ye think? It's all come out, 
 and is almost too wonderful for belief." 
 
 Another minute and he found Polly, who was 
 crying in Mr. Kelly's arms Polly, who had borne 
 up so bravely through all the perils of the last few 
 days, now asserting her right to the woman's refuge 
 in tears. 
 
 They were a happy crowd, indeed. 
 
 The boys had only one regret, and this that they 
 might not have a touch-and-go bit of warfare with 
 the evil spirits who made their abiding place in the 
 fastness of the Bad Lands. But Mr. Kelly knew 
 his little band would be greatly outnumbered by the 
 bad men, and also that these choice characters were 
 desperate fighters who would play havoc in the 
 ranks of his range riders should they be attacked at 
 home. Accordingly, he gave orders that the jour- 
 ney toward the ranch should be immediately re- 
 sumed. 
 
 Cuthbert hovered around Karl and Polly like an
 
 The Last Round-Up. 265 
 
 "old hen brooding over her chicks," as he himself 
 laughingly expressed it. 
 
 They were doubly dear to him after having gone 
 through such peril. 
 
 By degrees, Karl learned from Mr. Kelly just 
 how it came about that the cowboys were near the 
 village at the time of the stampede, and guessed 
 so well how affairs lay that they followed the fugi- 
 tives in post haste. 
 
 Old Sile had taken his party into the place by 
 means of a roundabout way, so that when they 
 finally came upon the outcasts' settlement it was 
 from the north, exactly opposite to that point 
 where the boys' advance was made. 
 
 When the stampede occurred, Old Sile was in the 
 village scouting about. He had seen Polly go to 
 the spring, swinging her pail ; had watched her van- 
 ish beyond, and even detected the presence of some- 
 one who met her. 
 
 The old ranger was capable of grasping things 
 that were in his line, and he started back to join his 
 comrades with the information that some one, pre- 
 sumably Karl, had been before them, and that the 
 girl was already in full flight. 
 
 Then came the wild stampede that caused Old 
 Sile to chuckle. Well did he know what meaning 
 could be attached to such a confused uproar. 
 
 The Indian whoops puzzled him a little, but he 
 never once lost faith in the notion that Karl was 
 the leading spirit in the game. 
 
 Although they had seen the three flying figures 
 ahead, they had not been able to make sure of their 
 identity, which was the chief reason why they main- 
 tained silence up to the time our boys took to the 
 stone fort. 
 
 It had all ended well. 
 
 Looking back and seeing how many chances there 
 were for a slip in the programme, Karl was satisfied
 
 266 The Last Round-Up. 
 
 that a good fortune had surely attended their actions. 
 They had mapped out their plan and carried it 
 through as well as they were able, but much of 
 their success was due to a favoring Providence. 
 
 They had nothing to fear longer. 
 
 The desperadoes would think well before setting 
 out to pursue a posse of Sunset Ranch cowboys, and 
 even did they possess such a desire for open war- 
 fare, it was doubtful whether they could collect a 
 dozen mounts all told inside of six hours, so well 
 had Little Buckshot accomplished his work in the 
 corral. There is nothing more effective than the 
 freshly-taken skin of a grizzly bear to excite lasting 
 terror in a Western broncho. 
 
 They took it easy on the way home. 
 
 Only a few days had elapsed since Karl, Cuthbert 
 and Polly were together, and yet it seemed an age 
 so much had happened since. 
 
 Their tongues wagged almost incessantly all day, 
 and there seemed a never-ending succession of sub- 
 jects to be discussed. 
 
 All were in a merry mood, and at evening, seated 
 by the camp-fire, the three entertained their cowboy 
 friends with many a song, some of the range riders 
 joining in a chorus when it struck the popular fancy. 
 
 Karl did not realize how thoroughly worn out he 
 had been by the expedition until he at length rolled 
 himself in his blanket and sought rest in slumber. 
 
 He knew nothing more until aroused by the cow- 
 boy reveille, the beating of a frying pan, to summon 
 the party to breakfast. 
 
 It may be safely assumed that the young son of a 
 chief was not neglected when congratulations were 
 going around. 
 
 Mr. Kelly had in mind a suitable present which 
 he meant to give Little Buckshot and which would 
 doubtless make him happy. 
 
 But nothing could ever equal the pride with which
 
 The Last Round-Up. 267 
 
 the young buck exhibited his healing wounds, and 
 pointed to his neck, where hung the newly-made 
 necklace of grizzly bear claws. 
 
 From that hour he was fitted to wear the moc- 
 casins of his famous old father, the chief, since none 
 might question his valor. 
 
 At last they sighted the long, low building of Sun- 
 set Ranch. 
 
 What a homecoming it was! 
 
 Every one appeared wild with joy, shouting and 
 firing guns in the air, careering over the prairie and 
 showing such satisfaction as only cowboys may. 
 
 The alarm bell added its wild clang to the gen- 
 eral confusion; cattle, catching the excitement, bel- 
 lowed most lustily; sheep dogs barked, horses 
 neighed as they pranced hither and thither, and, 
 taken in all, it was a scene of exhilaration such as 
 the boys had never participated in before. 
 
 There stood good Mrs. Kelly at the horse block 
 in front of the door, waving her white apron in one 
 hand and ringing a big dinner bell with the other, 
 bent upon doing her share to make the wanderers' 
 return a jubilee. 
 
 And little Polly was soon gathered to her ma- 
 tronly bosom, where she once more allowed her 
 tears to flow, only they were of greatest joy, not 
 woe. 
 
 Karl was well pleased with the way things had 
 turned out. 
 
 No one had been injured, and their plan of ef- 
 fecting the release of Polly had been a complete suc- 
 cess. 
 
 He knew Jasper Hosmer would never have an- 
 other opportunity to steal the girl away. Indeed, 
 his life was not worth the snap of one's fingers if 
 ever seen around Sunset Ranch again, for each and 
 every cowboy had registered a solemn vow to end 
 his loping on sight.
 
 268 The Last Round-Up. 
 
 Karl and Cuthbert did not resume the old life. 
 Their plans were arranged for the future, though 
 this wonderful discovery concerning Polly came 
 near changing matters. 
 
 It was finally agreed, however, that, for the win- 
 ter, the young girl should remain with the Kellys, 
 who meant to go to Southern California. 
 
 Karl and Cuthbert enjoyed the last few weeks on 
 the range hugely. 
 
 There was a mournful pleasure in doing every- 
 thing for the last time. 
 
 Even a soaking rain, when taking a turn at 
 night wrangling the saddle horses, was accepted in 
 the light of a joke, for it makes all the difference in 
 the world whether one undertakes a hardship as a 
 duty or a species of sport. 
 
 They scoured the country, visiting every familiar 
 bit of territory, while Old Sile was making prepa- 
 rations for their winter campaign. Here Cuthbert 
 had caught his prize fish in the cool waters of the 
 river where they gurgled over the old logs and 
 other obstructions that formed the Riffles; there 
 Karl had had his encounter with a steer that had 
 gone mad in the August sun, and caught him afoot ; 
 in this place the stampede had taken them by sur- 
 prise when an awful thunderstorm broke over the 
 range at midnight. 
 
 So it went. 
 
 There were hosts of reminiscences that flooded 
 their minds and made them feel sad, even while they 
 gloried in the prospect that awaited them in the near 
 future. 
 
 What fun it was to hunt the lurking wolf; to 
 chase the bounding jack rabbit; to smell all the fa- 
 miliar sweet odors of their beloved prairie. 
 
 They enjoyed it all to the full. 
 
 Each day brought its pleasures; the weather was 
 crisp and clear, and it seemed as though nature were
 
 The Last Round-Up. 269 
 
 exerting herself to the utmost in order to make 
 amends for the past. 
 
 Little Buckshot, loaded with honors and presents, 
 had departed to his people; a prouder young buck 
 certainly never bestrode a pony than he seemed to 
 be on the morning he left the ranch, turning several 
 times to wave a dignified and graceful farewell to his 
 paleface friends. 
 
 They would never forget him, and the boys, re- 
 membering the circumstances when they first made 
 his acquaintance and the opinion they had then 
 formed, were prone to believe that even the best 
 judges of human nature may sometimes be mis- 
 taken. 
 
 Mr. Kelly brought great news one night on his 
 return from Helena, whither he had gone on busi- 
 ness connected with making a heavy shipment of 
 cattle East. 
 
 At last the Government had been aroused to the 
 fact that the Bad Lands harbored a nest of vipers in 
 the shape of every refugee driven from mining camp, 
 border settlement and cattle ranch within hundreds 
 of miles. 
 
 A force of cavalrymen had been sent out to break 
 up the gang, and bring a few of the most noted des- 
 peradoes to judgment. 
 
 The result had been something of a pitched bat- 
 tle, in which the troopers lost several men, but in- 
 flicted terrible damage upon the outcast horde, scat- 
 tering them to the four winds, capturing a few, and 
 leaving others for the coyotes. 
 
 It was a great day for the cattle rangers when this 
 settlement was utterly wiped out by fire and the 
 sword. 
 
 Perhaps less damage would be done among the 
 horses and cattle during the winter months, with 
 these thieves scattered through the country. 
 
 And Mr. Kelly privately told the boys he had
 
 2jo The Last Round-Up. 
 
 good reason to believe Jasper Hosmer had this time 
 really paid nature's debt, for he was reckoned 
 among those who fell in the stormy scenes attend- 
 ing the cavalry charge on the outlaws' den. 
 
 Of course this news gave satisfaction, for in the 
 eyes of the boys Hosmer was something of an ogre, 
 who had carried the princess off to his enchanted 
 castle, where he meant to detain her until the 
 showers of golden coin rained down from her lips, as 
 in the fairy story; and now that he was under the 
 daisies, they could go off upon their winter hunt 
 with more confidence that all would be well with 
 Polly. 
 
 Old Sile entered into the business with much en- 
 thusiasm. 
 
 It stirred up memories of days long since num- 
 bered with the past, days when he had been a trap- 
 per by profession, daring the perils of the almost un- 
 known Northwest, to collect precious pelts under 
 the very noses of Blackfeet and Crows, who hated 
 his kind most bitterly, and never neglected an op- 
 portunity to wipe a trapper from the face of the 
 earth. 
 
 With unlimited means and such judgment as long 
 experience had given him, the veteran was very apt 
 to collect such material as would most conduce to 
 their comfort while in the wilderness. 
 
 At the same time he knew all about the difficulties 
 of transportation, and did not mean to take along 
 more than they could conveniently "tote" over a 
 carry, when such a thing became necessary. 
 
 With good guns, plenty of ammunition, and a sup- 
 ply of modern steel traps of the best make, he reck- 
 oned they ought to pull along until spring, and 
 get fat in the bargain all of which the future alone 
 could decide. 
 
 Sunset Ranch days were almost over, so far as 
 the boys were concerned, for it was not their inten-
 
 The Last Round-Up. 271 
 
 tion to return to the X bar X outfit, for any length of 
 time, at least, even in the spring. 
 
 Other plans awaited their attention, Cuthbert hav- 
 ing long desired to see the Land of the Montezumas, 
 where a cousin operated a curious ranch and had 
 lately insisted on a visit from the young Virginian, 
 throwing out mysterious remarks about some long 
 forgotten mine once worked by the Dons when 
 Spain was at the height of her glory and ruled the 
 world. 
 
 Before the time came for the final breaking up, 
 the young range riders were given an opportunity 
 to indulge in a last round-up, when the cattle were 
 selected for shipment, it being Mr. Kelly's desire to 
 thin out his vast herds in order that he might carry 
 as little worry with him to sunny California as pos- 
 sible. 
 
 They entered into the game with more zest than 
 ever before. 
 
 Somehow there is always a peculiar charm about 
 what might once have seemed an onerous duty, 
 when doing it for the last time. 
 
 Cuthbert fairly outdid himself in "milling" his 
 bunch of cattle and heading off stragglers. His 
 shout was as strong as the war whoop of a Sioux 
 brave out for loot, and his rope fell true every time 
 with marvelous precision, so that Karl was more 
 than proud of the expert cowboy, who had so re- 
 cently graduated from the tenderfoot class. 
 
 And, as on that former occasion, when he wit- 
 nesed his first round-up, Cuthbert climbed to the 
 roof of Sunset Ranch to cast his eyes around upon 
 the stirring scene, to gaze upon the galloping herds 
 heading from every quarter toward the grand cor- 
 ral, with cowboys circling around, shouting, waving 
 their hats, slapping their chaps with quirts, in order 
 to startle a sluggish steer, or darting out like ar- 
 rows from the bow, so as to head off a straggler
 
 272 The Last Round-Up. 
 
 what a stirring spectacle and how it must thrill the 
 veins of the lad, who, during his apprenticeship on 
 the range, had grown to love ranch life charms! 
 
 Then came the hot work of separating the herds, 
 picking out those intended for shipment, and confin- 
 ing them in a separate corral, from whence, in the 
 morning, they would be started on the long journey 
 to the shipping station on the railroad. 
 
 Altogether, it had been a glorious day, and would 
 live long in the memories of the two lads, now pre- 
 paring for a change of base. 
 
 When the sun hung low in the west, like a great 
 red globe, and slanting rays fell athwart the pecu- 
 liar old long ranch buildings, Cuthbert, together 
 with Karl and Polly, stood there looking around 
 upon the scene that had become so precious. 
 
 Their eager eyes took in every detail, from the 
 lowing cattle to the weary knots of cowboys at- 
 tending to their horses, as if they could thus carry 
 with them for evermore the picture thus presented. 
 
 Now the sun had reached the horizon, the shad- 
 ows lengthened, and night drew near. How peace- 
 ful it all looked in the weird glow of that last slant- 
 ing illumination. In the heart of each the wish 
 arose that thus might it ever be with the beloved 
 ranch in the days that were to come. 
 
 And now, with a sigh, they saw the cheery orb of 
 day vanish from view, and each realized, with some- 
 thing of pain, that, for a long time to come, they 
 might not again witness his farewell to Kelly's 
 ranch. 
 
 So, with clasped hands and hearts that were a lit- 
 tle heavy, in spite of the glorious future awaiting 
 them, they passed from the gloaming into the more 
 cheerful-lighted interior of Sunset Ranch. 
 
 THE END.
 
 26766