The Saddle Boys of the Rockies | Page 6

to believe I'd be frightened off by the bare chance of running
across that fellow's trail out there; do you, Frank?"

"All right, call it a bargain, then. I'm with you through thick and thin,
Bob. Let Peg have a care how he meddles with us. We're going to pay
attention to our own business, and he'd better do the same. But what
became of the little Mex? I thought I'd seen her face before, somewhere,
but she skipped out before I could take a second look. Some cowboy,
or cattle rustler's child from beyond the Rio Grande, I reckon. Well,
come along, let's get in the saddle again, and finish our shopping. Then
we'll go out to the country along the river, and put in a day waiting for
Peg to have his chance at finding out what makes Thunder Mountain
groan and shake just so often, and scare the Injuns out of their seven
senses."
As the two chums swung themselves into their saddles, and cantered
away, a head was thrust cautiously out from behind a pile of boxes near
by; and then, finding the coast clear, the small girl who had been the
cause of all the trouble darted across the courtyard, vanishing beyond
the gate.
Frank and Bob went about making their purchases, first fastening their
horses to a rail in front of the general store, where everything they
needed could be bought.
More than one cattleman in passing would cast an envious eye toward
those two splendid mounts, for they could not fail to catch the attention
of anyone accustomed to judging horseflesh, as these Western men
were. Still, it would be a bold man indeed, white or Indian, who would
dare attempt to steal a horse in broad daylight, in a country where such
a thief was treated to a rope when caught.
Frank had had considerable experience in roughing it, while his
comrade was, in a measure, new to such a life. Consequently it was
Frank whose judgment was called into play when making a selection of
the things that would be essential to their comfort when on this new
campaign.
Many articles they could do without; but a blanket apiece was
absolutely necessary, as was a frying pan and coffee pot, two cups, as
many platters, as well as common knives, forks and spoons such as

prospectors and cattlemen use.
For food they took some bacon, coffee, dried meat, hard-tack in place
of bread, a can of condensed milk, and several other things which
would carry well.
"We must make them up in two packs," Frank went on; "so that each of
us can fasten one to his horse, back of the saddle. And, as I'm an old
hand at this business, just watch me get a hustle on. Next time you'll
know how to go about it for yourself, Bob."
The Kentucky boy always studied everything his comrade showed him,
for it was his ambition to excel in the many little tricks connected with
the free life of the plains. Things were done so differently here from
what he had been accustomed to in his old Kentucky home, before his
father died, that they often puzzled him; but Bob was a persistent boy,
and would never rest content until Frank could teach him no more.
Neither of them suspected what was going on outside, while they
busied themselves in purchasing the supplies needed for the little
campaign in the neighborhood of the mysterious mountain. And yet all
was not as quiet as it might be.
The saddle boys had hardly been inside the general store ten minutes
before a slinking figure might have been observed drawing nearer and
nearer to the horses ranged along the bar. There were several besides
the animals of our two young friends; but, somehow, the handsome
black seemed to attract the entire attention of this shadowy form.
Twice he stopped, and assumed an attitude that would indicate his utter
indifference to such commonplace things as horses. Then, finding that
it must have been a false alarm, he would edge closer.
Finally he was beside the black horse, uttering low words such as
cowboys make use of to soothe a restive steed when they mean to
throw a saddle across his back, and cinch the girth.
Two men came out from the store, and drew near. The slim figure,

finding it out of the question to flit hurriedly away, without attracting
attention, which was just the thing he wished to avoid, commenced
stroking the sleek side of the big black Kentucky thoroughbred, as
though he might be a cowboy connected with the far famed Circle
ranch of Frank's father.
Casting just one casual glance toward him, the men threw themselves
into their saddles with the rapidity and grace of true