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by Frank Gee Patchin

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Title: The Pony Rider Boys with the Texas Rangers

Author: Frank Gee Patchin

Release Date: July 22, 2004 [EBook #12980]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PONY RIDER BOYS / TEXAS RANGERS ***




Produced by Jim Ludwig




The Pony Rider Boys with the Texas Rangers
or
On the Trail of the Border Bandits

By Frank Gee Patchin





CONTENTS

CHAPTERS
    I. Excitement on the West Fork
   II. A Mysterious Attack
  III. In a Bad Man's Power
   IV. Tad Butler Makes a Discovery
    V. When the Tables Were Turned
   VI. The Camp in an Uproar
  VII. Receiving a Late Visitor
 VIII. A Much-Wanted Desperado
   IX. Showing Good Generalship
    X. The Pony Rider Boys Initiated
   XI. Bag-Baiting the 'Possums
  XII. Insects Win the Battle
 XIII. An Inquisitive Visitor
  XIV. When the Air Grew Chill
   XV. Making a Starting Discovery
  XVI. Joining Out With the Rangers
 XVII. Fun on the Mountain Trails
XVIII. One Hiss Too Many
  XIX. Surrounding the Enemy
   XX. Learning Some Fancy Shots
  XXI. A Hole in the Mountain
 XXII. The Cave of the Bandits
XXIII. In a Perilous Position
 XXIV. Conclusion




CHAPTER I

EXCITEMENT ON THE WEST FORK


Leaving the main branch of Delaware Creek, a broad, sluggish stream that
slowly made its way toward the muddy Pecos River, a party of horsemen
turned up the west branch.

Horses and men alike were wearied, dusty, perspiring and sleepy under
the glare of a midsummer Texas sun.  Little had been said for some
time.  None felt like talking.  For hours they had been working south
by west, urged on by the green of the foliage that they could see a
short distance ahead.  At least it had seemed a short distance for the
last five hours, but the green trees now appeared to be just as far
away as when the party had first sighted them early in the morning.

At the head of the line rode a grizzled, stern-faced man, sitting on
his pony very stiff and erect.  Just behind him was a young man,
slender, fair haired and smiling, despite the discomfort his red face
showed him to be suffering.  Still back of them rode three other young
men, the last in the line being a disconsolate fat figure of a boy who
slouched from side to side in his saddle, each lurch threatening to
precipitate him to the ground.  The boy's pony was dragging along
with nose close to the earth, the bridle rein slipping lower and lower
over the animal's neck.  The fat boy was plainly asleep.  He had been
slumbering in the saddle for more than an hour, and occasional
mutterings indicated that he was dreaming.

"Professor, don't you think we had better make camp and take a rest?"
asked the first boy in the line, addressing the grizzled leader.

Professor Zepplin cast a critical glance down the line of jaded horses
and riders, a faint smile twitching the corners of his mouth.

"All tired out, eh, Tad?" he questioned.

"Yes, I'll confess that I am for once.  Of course I can stand it as
long as the next one, but there's no use in wearing out the stock,"
answered Tad Butler.  "Chunky's asleep.  Ned and Walter will be in a
few minutes more."

"Very good; call a halt.  We will ride into the bushes over there on
the other side of the stream.  The water cannot be deep.  Some hot
coffee will wake us all up."

"Hoo---oo!" cried Tad, interrupting the professor.  "Wake up, fellows,
and make camp!"

"Wha---what's up?" demanded Ned Rector, straightening in his saddle.

"Nothing's up, except ourselves, and we'll all be down in a minute.
We're going to ford the stream and make camp on the other side."

"Is this the Guadalupe range?" asked Walter Perkins sleepily.

"This is the loop all right, but not the Guadalupe," laughed Rector.
"Hullo, Chunky's in the Land of Nod."

"Wake him up, Ned," nodded Tad.

"Not much.  Let him wake himself up."

"His pony has gone to sleep, too," added Walter.

"Yes, they are a couple of sleepy heads, Tad."

As the lads turned to gaze at the fat boy, they could not repress a
shout of laughter.  Stacy Brown's pony now stood the picture of
dejection, its nose clear to the ground.  Chunky had settled in his
saddle until it seemed that the boy was less than half his natural
height.  His body had fairly telescoped itself.  The fat boy sat
leaning forward, his sombrero tipped forward until it covered his face,
leaving only the point of the chin exposed.

By this time Professor Zepplin had driven his own pony into the creek,
the others following, where the horses drank greedily.  Stacy and his
mount were still on the bank, too sound asleep to think of either water
or food.

"Stacy!" shouted the professor.

"Oh let him sleep," begged the boys.

"Too bad to disturb his infantile slumbers," jeered Ned Rector.

"But he will fall off."

"It wouldn't be the first time," laughed Tad.  "Gid-ap!"

The ponies climbed the opposite bank, the tired Pony Riders throwing
themselves off and quickly stripping the equipment from their mounts.
They then led the animals farther into the bushes, where the ponies
were tethered until they should be wanted again.

Chunky still slumbered on.

In the meantime Tad was carrying water from the creek, while the other
two boys were starting a fire on the bank, the smoke from which was
already curling up lazily into the still, hot air.  But not much of a
meal was cooked.  It was too hot to eat or to cook.  The boys sat down
to their little meal, almost choking with laughter every time they
glanced across the stream toward the sleeping pony and its sleeping
rider.

"Most remarkable," nodded the professor.  "Surely the smell of food
ought to awaken him if nothing else does."

"He's just as much of a sleeper as he is an eater, Professor," declared
Rector.

"That would be impossible," objected Tad.  "As an eater he is a
champion, as a sleeper he is just above the average.  You're the
champion sleeper of this outfit, Ned."

"It's too hot to resent your unseemly remarks, Tad.  I'll take that
matter up when we get to the mountains.  By the way, how much farther
is it to the mountains?"

"Just as far as it was this morning.  How about it, Professor?"

"We ought to reach them this afternoon.  According to my understanding,
we were a little more than forty miles from them this morning.  Since
then we have gone a good twentyfive miles."

"Then we will camp there to-night?" questioned Walter.

"Yes, I hope so."

"What are we going to do about Chunky?" demanded Walter.

All eyes were directed toward the sleeping fat boy and his slumbering
pony.  The latter was now beginning to show some signs of life.  It had
lifted one foot, then another, until it had taken two steps toward the
creek.  But the rider was as soundly asleep as before.  Nothing seemed
to disturb Chunky when he was having a nap.

"He will fall off.  Wake him up!" commanded the professor.

"Oh, please don't bother him.  We want to see what he will do," begged
Walter.

"I think you will see, all right," chuckled Tad.  "You will see what you
shall see, and---"

"There he goes!"

The pony had taken three or four more steps toward the stream.  Now its
eyes were partly open.  It saw the rest of the party on the other side
of the creek.

The cool water completed the awakening process for the horse.  It drank
freely then started for the other side, Chunky still sleeping.  All at
once the pony stepped into a deep hole in the creek.  The animal went
down on its nose with a mighty splash.  Stacy shot over the disappearing
head, then boy and pony vanished under the waters of Delaware Creek
while the others of the party bowled with delight.

"Oh, wow!" howled Stacy, coming to the surface and making for shore with
mighty splashes, coughs and chokings.  "Oh, wow!"

Walter ran down to the water's edge, lending the unfortunate fat boy a
helping hand.  The pony in the meantime had clambered up the bank and
was trotting off to join its fellows.

"What---what---who did that?" demanded Stacy belligerently.

"Did what?" replied Ned.

"Who threw me in?"

"I reckon you threw yourself in," answered Tad.

"I didn't."

"The pony did it for you.  Don't be a goose," commanded Ned.

"Yes, you went to sleep.  You've been asleep for the last ten miles or
so," nodded Butler.

"I'm all wet," wailed Stacy.

"You will be dry in a few moments in this hot sun," interposed the
professor.

"I don't want to be dry."

"Then jump in again," suggested Butler.  "Anyhow, you've missed your
dinner."

"I---I've---what?"

"Missed your dinner."

Chunky's gaze wandered from the camp fire to the dishes and provisions
that already were being packed preparatory to moving on.

"I want my dinner," he wailed.

"Dinner is finished, young man," replied the professor severely.  "You
should be on hand when meals are being served.  There is no second
table in this outfit, except for good and sufficient reasons."

"My reasons are good.  I---I fell in, I did.  And---say, why didn't you
fellows wake me up?" demanded the fat boy, a sudden suspicion entering
his mind.  He began to understand that a trick had been played upon him.
"What'd you let me sleep for?"

"Because you were sleepy," answered Ned Rector solemnly.

"That's a mean trick.  I wouldn't play that on a horse," answered Stacy
indignantly.

"But you did play it on a horse," spoke up Tad.  "The horse went to
sleep with you, out of sheer sympathy I should say."

"I should think he would have.  Anything would go to sleep with Chunky
on hand," declared Ned.

"You fellows are too funny!  I don't care what you think.  I'm going to
have something to eat.  Where's the biscuit?"

"Packed."

"Then we'll unpack them again.  I guess I've got as much right to the
grub of this outfit as the next one."

With that Stacy helped himself to such of the food as he was able to
find.  In order to get what he wanted he was obliged to undo three of
the large packs.  Once undone no one would help him lash them together
again, so grumbling and growling, the fat boy tugged with the ropes
until he had taken a secure hitch about each of the three packages.
They made him tie the three before they would allow him to eat the
biscuit and cold bacon that he had got out.

While Stacy was munching his cold lunch the others were lashing the
packs to the lazy ponies and preparing to start again, every one being
anxious to reach the mountains before night fell.  But the fat boy was
surly as well as sleepy.  He felt aggrieved.  That his companions
should sit down to a meal, leaving him asleep on his pony, filled Stacy
with resentment and a deep-rooted determination to be even with them.
He was already planning how he could repay his companions in their
own coin.

"Better not try it," suggested Tad carelessly as he passed the fat boy
on his way to get his pony.

"Try what?"

"To get even," answered Tad laughingly.

"How do you know that I was thinking of such a thing?"

"Perhaps I read your mind."

"Humph! You better learn to read your own before you go prying into mine.
I'll show you what I'm going to do."

"Cinch up," interrupted the voice of Professor Zepplin.  "We have no
time to waste."

Still grumbling, Stacy climbed into the saddle.  He promptly fell off,
having forgotten to cinch the saddle girth.  Now the pony woke up and
began to kick as the saddle slipped under its belly.  Stacy moved more
quickly than he had at any other time during the day.  Over and over
he rolled in a cloud of dust in his efforts to get out of the danger
zone, while the pony kicked and squealed, the boys shouting with
laughter.

"Whoa!" roared the fat boy, sitting up after he had reached a place
where he considered it safe to do so.  "Whoa! Catch him, somebody."

"Catch him yourself," retorted Ned.

Tad's rope wriggled through the air.  It caught one of the flying hind
feet of the pony.  Then the little animal plowed the dirt with its nose,
while Walter sprang forward, sitting down on the angry animal's head.

"Now get that saddle off," commanded Tad.  "Come, Chunky! Do you think
we are going to wait here all day for you?"

The fat boy reluctantly obeyed the command of Tad Butler.  After some
further trouble, Stacy's pony was properly saddled, but still stubborn
and ready for further trouble.  The lad got on this time without
falling off, and with much laughter and joking, the party started off
toward the blue haze in the distance, the dark ridge that marked the
Guadalupes.

It was in "_The Pony Rider Boys in the Rockies_" that our readers first
learned how this little private club of youthful horsemen came to be
organized.  The need of open-air life for the then sickly Walter
Perkins was one of the great factors in the organization of this
little band of rough-and-ready travelers.  Our readers remember the
adventures of our young friends in the fastnesses of the Rocky
Mountains.  These lads speedily fitted themselves into the stirring
life of the big game land, and had other yet more startling adventures
in which wild animals did not play so strong a part as did wild men.
The story of the discovery of Lost Claim, with its accompanying
battle with claim-jumpers, was fully told in this first volume.

It was in "_The Pony Rider Boys In Texas_" that we found the lads
learning the first rudiments of the cattle business.  The thrilling
part that the young men took in the long cattle drive, with its
stampedes, the fording of swollen rivers, the games of the cowboys
and the tricks of the cattle thieves, is related in that second
volume.  How the boys improved their shooting and mastered the details
of that fascinating sport of handling the lariat are all familiar
to our readers.

In "_The Pony Rider Boys in Montana_" is told the story of the long
and exciting ride over the old Custer Trail, famous in the tragic
annals of our earlier days of Indian fighting.  Here the boys found
themselves drawn into the life of the sheep men, on those great
ranges where the sheep men must still defend themselves from the
prejudices, and sometimes from the extreme violence, of the cattle
men.  It was in this connection that Tad Butler and his friends
discovered leading clues in the great conspiracy of certain cattle
men against the prosperity and safety of the sheep men.  This state
of affairs led finally to an angry battle, at which the boys were
present.  Then, too, our readers all recall Tad Butler's capture by
the Blackfeet Indians, and all that befell him ere he succeeded in
escaping to his friends.

The next stage of adventures took our lads somewhat further east, as
told in "_The Pony Rider Boys in the Ozarks_."  It was a thrilling,
desperate time when the boys, with their ponies stolen, found themselves
facing actual starvation in the wilds.  Tad Butler's perilous trip for
assistance is bound to bring throbs of recollection to every reader of
that volume.  The imprisonment of the youngsters in a mine, following a
big explosion, formed another interesting scene in the narrative
brought forth in that fourth volume of the series.  It was here that
Chunky, as our readers know, displayed the splendid stuff that lurked
under his odd exterior and behind his sometimes queer manners.  How,
in escaping from the mine, the Pony Rider Boys penetrated a mystery
that had disquieted the dwellers near the Ozarks for a long time, was
one of the most interesting features of the tale.

But such strenuous life proves the mettle of the right kind of young
Americans.  So, far from being discouraged, or sighing for the comforts
of home, we next find our lads in Nevada, as related in "_The Pony
Rider Boys on the Alkali_."  Here they left grass behind for the
glaring discomforts of the baked desert lands, where severe thirst
was one of the least yet most constant perils.  Roving from water hole
to water hole, finding them all gone dry, nearly drove the youngsters
mad.  Then, too, the fight with the mad hermit, who seemed a part of
the life of that bleak desert, helped to accustom the boys to the
strenuous life of daily danger.

As our readers will recall, it was in the next volume, "_The Pony Rider
Boys in New Mexico_," that the author described the events surrounding
the first real acquaintance that our lads formed with the little that
is left of the savage Indian to-day.  It was here, too, that they
beheld the fire dance of the Saboba Indians in all its ancient fury.
The adventures of the young horsemen at this point became fast and
furious.  Between prairie fire and fight they had the most exciting
time of their lives.

Later, after a rest at home, as described in "_The Pony Rider Boys
in the Grand Canyon_," the boys visited the wonderful region of the
Colorado.  Here, as our readers will recollect, the lads were cut off
from their trail by the falling of great masses of rock during a
fierce storm.  Apparently the boys were doomed to remain helpless on
a narrow shelf of rock; our readers recall how Tad Butler, at the
risk of his life, spent hours in the attempt to get them out of their
dangerous situation.  The mysterious circumstances that followed the
boys all the way along on their journey through the great canyon form
a most remarkable series of events.

Now, from Arizona, Tad and his friends had journeyed onward and into
the Lone Star State.  Here they looked forward only to a long,
healthful ride, full of pleasures, yet devoid of anything like
sensational excitement.  Yet one never knows what the day may bring
forth, and these young travelers of ours, though they did not suspect
it, were on the threshold of the most exciting experiences that had yet
befallen them.  The blue mountain ridge in the near distance was teeming
with the story that was to unfold before them.  So far the ride had
been lonely.  Of late rarely had they come in sight of a building of
any sort, for this part of the state was but sparsely settled.  To meet
a horseman was an event.  In fact they had not met one since the early
morning.  The Pony Riders had no guide with them on this journey,
believing that one would not be needed.  Nor did they carry a pack train.
One additional pony bore all their extra baggage, each mount being
loaded with all that he could carry in addition to its rider.  For tents
they had brought one large enough to accommodate the entire party.
This was in sections, carried on the different ponies.

Five o'clock had come and gone.  The sun was partly bidden by the ridge
of the Guadalupes towards which the Pony Rider Boys were slowly drawing.
Ned called up to the professor who was riding at the head.

"Where are we going to make camp, Professor?"

"Tad will decide that," answered Professor Zepplin without looking back.

"Near a stream, of course," answered Butler.

"Any mosquitoes there?" demanded Stacy.

"No odds, if there are," retorted Ned.  "They wouldn't bite you."

"Not if they had got at you first," returned Stacy solemnly.  "There's
a level place in there by the creek."

"I see it.  I'll ride on and have a closer look at it."

Butler spurred his pony ahead of the others.  Reaching the foothills
of the range he shaded his eyes, gazing up into the cool, green valley
or canyon that led into the mountains.

"I guess this will do very well, boys," he said.  "I---"

Bang!

"Wow!"

Stacy with a howl of terror slid from his pony, sending up a little
cloud of dust as he collapsed on the plain.

"Wha---what---what-----" gasped the professor.

Bang!

Professor Zepplin's sombrero was snipped from his head.  Stacy lay
groaning on the ground.

"Ride for the rocks!" shouted Tad as shot after shot began popping from
somewhere in the mountains, the bullets screaming over their heads
close to their ears or snipping up flecks of dust in the plain.

Tad drove his pony straight at Stacy Brown.  He scooped the fat boy up
by the collar and rode madly for the protection of the rocks, Chunky's
heels dragging on the ground.  The others rode madly after them, while
the shots were still being fired at them.  It was an exciting moment.
No one knew what the shooting meant, nor did they know whether Stacy
really had been hit or not.  There was no time to stop to reason the
matter out.  It was a case of getting to cover as fast as horse-flesh
would carry them.




CHAPTER II

A MYSTERIOUS ATTACK


"Pull in close!" cried Tad.

"Where is it coming from?" shouted Ned.

"I don't know.  I haven't had time to look.  Look out there!"

Professor Zepplin, somewhat slower than the others, had halted a little
distance out from the foothills.  A bullet threw up a little cloud of
dust just to one side of where he was sitting on his pony, followed by
a report somewhere up in the mountains.

"Stop that! Stop it, I tell you!" bellowed the professor, waving his
sombrero.  Almost ere the words were out of his mouth, the sombrero
was shot from his hand and went spinning out to the rear.  Professor
Zepplin did not wait for further parley.  He turned his horse, dashing
for the protection of the foothills.

In the meantime, Tad Butler had leaped from his pony, placing Stacy on
the ground.  It was observed that there was blood on the fat boy's left
cheek, but his eyes, wide and frightened, were staring up at the boys
now gathering about him.

"Are you hurt?" demanded Tad breathlessly.

"I'm killed."

"Nonsense! It's only a flesh wound---"

"Is---is he shot?" stammered Walter Perkins.

"Of course I'm shot.  Don't you see I am?" demanded Chunky with
considerable spirit for a man who had been the mark of a bullet and who
according to his own word was dead.

Tad half dragged the fat boy down to the creek where the blood was
quickly washed from his cheek.  It was then seen that a bullet had
grazed Stacy's cheek, leaving a raw streak across it.

Professor Zepplin, now mindful of his duty, had hurried up to them, and
down on his knees was examining the wound critically.

"Hm---m---m!" he muttered.  "Bad business, bad business!"

"But---what does it mean?" urged Walter.

"What does it mean?  It means that the Germans have got us," wailed
Stacy Drown.  "Oh, I knew we should be in this war sooner or later,
but I didn't think I should be the first man to get shotted up."

"It means some one has been trying to shoot us up," answered Rector.

"Trying!" exploded Chunky.  "They did more than try.  They succeeded.
Don't you see this wound on my countenance?  Wait till I get sight of
the man who put that mark on my face.  I'll bear the scar for life.
I-----"

"It is my opinion that we are in a dangerous position," declared the
professor, getting up and glancing about him apprehensively.

"We were.  We are all right here for a little while," replied Tad.
"But we shall have to seek other quarters, I am afraid, and that
without delay."

"Surely, it must be a mistake," protested the professor.  "Some one
must have been shooting at us under a misapprehension that we were
another party."

"It doesn't make any difference what their motive is, sir," answered
Tad.  "The fact remains that some one is trying to get us and we must
look lively or they will pink one or more of us.  Get up, Stacy!  You
are all right.  Lead your pony in here while I take an observation."

Tad mounted his own horse and galloped along at the base of the rocks,
well shielded from any one who might be hiding further back in the
mountains.  The Pony Rider Boy's mind was working rapidly.  He was
forming a plan of campaign.  He was inclined to agree with the theory
of Professor Zepplin.  Still, theories would not help them at this
critical moment.  They must protect themselves and at once if they
expected to get out alive.  One course was plainly open to them.  They
could mount their ponies and ride out over the plains at a gallop and
perhaps escape.  However, this plan was rather risky.  Besides, Tad
did not like the idea of running away.

"No, we've got to do something else," he declared out loud.  "I have
it!"  The boy brought his pony up standing and gazed off over the plain
to a point about a quarter of a mile beyond, where the plain rolled
into a hollow, a "hog hollow" as it was called down there.

Butler galloped back to where his companions were standing anxiously
awaiting him.

"We are wasting time, Tad," cried the professor as the lad rode up.
"It is my opinion that we had better ride into that canyon there and
make camp in some secluded spot where we shall not be easily found."

"I am afraid that won't help us any, Professor," said Tad.  "How
could we expect to hide ourselves in there so completely that a
mountaineer would not find us?  No, sir, it is my opinion that our
only safety lies out there in the open, at least for the rest of the
afternoon and the night."

"What, ride out there to be shot up again?" demanded Stacy.  "No, sir,
not for Stacy Brown!  I've been shot up once.  I don't propose to make
a bull's-eye of myself again."

"Stacy is right, boys.  It would be foolishness to follow such a
course and---"

"Wait till you hear my plan, sir," urged Butler.

"We will hear it.  Proceed."

"Out yonder about a quarter of a mile from the base of the rocks is a
depression in the plain.  If we can reach it we shall be safe---"

"Yes, if we can reach it," repeated Ned.

"In doing so we should be shot in all probability," objected Professor
Zepplin.

"I think not, sir."

"Explain what you mean?"

"From the position occupied by the man or men when they fired at us
out there, I am sure they could not see us were we to follow the
course I went out on just now.  If you will ride down to the edge of
the foothills with me and wait there, I will gallop out and prove my
theory."

"What do you mean?" questioned the professor.

"I will see if I can draw their fire," answered Tad.

Professor Zepplin shook his head.

"Too risky!"

"It certainly is risky to stay here.  Listen, sir.  If that man wants
to get us he surely will be creeping down on our position before long.
We are in greater peril here, where we can't see anything on one side
of us, than we would be out there where we have an unobstructed view on
all sides.  My plan is to make camp out in the hollow; then we will
place a guard over the camp, keeping a sharp watch all through the
night.  By morning we'll be able to find out what is in the wind."

"I won't move a step," declared Stacy stubbornly.

"You will do whatever seems best to the rest of us," answered the
professor sternly.  Then, after a moment's thought, he added, "I am
inclined, upon second thought, to agree with Tad.  We will try the plan."

"Good.  Follow me.  Get that pony, Chunky.  I told you once before to
catch him.  We'll be in a fine mess if you lose your mount."

"I'd rather lose my mount than to lose my precious life," answered the
fat boy surlily.

By this time the others were taking to their saddles.  The faces of all
wore serious expressions.  They had not looked for anything quite so
lively as this.  It was not the first time the Pony Rider Boys had
smelled powder when the powder was being expended on them, but they
liked it none the better for past experiences.

Stacy's cheek was bleeding again.  He was holding his handkerchief to
the wound and his face was a little paler than usual.

"Buck up!" commanded Ned.  "You're not going to show the white feather,
are you?"

"No, it's a red feather I'm showing," wailed the fat boy.

"Forward!" ordered Butler.  "Get up, Chunky!"

The party moved off, keeping close to the rocks, Tad now and then
casting apprehensive glances up to their tops.  He was not wholly
satisfied that they were out of range of the bullets.  The man who
had been firing at them, too, was practically a dead shot.

"Now spread out," commanded Tad after they bad reached the point where
he previously had halted.  "Don't shout, but when I wave my hand, ride
fast for the hollow.  I'll be all right; don't worry about me."

With that the lad galloped leisurely out on the plain, his back to the
mountains.  It was a bold thing to do.  Deep down in his heart the
Pony Rider Boy expected every second to bear a bullet scream over his
head, providing he was fortunate enough not to stop the bullet with
his body.  Not a shot greeted his bold act.

Tad rode on, finally disappearing in the "hog hollow."  A few moments
later he rode up the ridge, waving his hands for them to come on.
Professor Zepplin started out at once, followed by the others of his
party, Stacy this time well up toward the front of the line.  For
reasons of his own he did not care to drag behind.  If there was to
be any shooting he wanted to be as far away from it as possible.

The trip was made at a fast gallop and without incident, the party
reaching the hollow without having drawn a shot from the enemy.

"It is my opinion," declared the professor, "that, whoever our enemy
may be, he has discovered that he has made a mistake."

Tad shook his head.

"I don't think we would be safe in taking that for granted.  He did not
see us, but he will be on hand before long.  I'm going back there
before he does see us.  If he starts any more shooting you all lie low."

"Where are you going?" demanded the professor.

"On a scouting trip."

"I cannot consent to any such foolhardy business," answered Professor
Zepplin sternly.

"It is not foolhardy.  We've got to clear up this mystery.  Don't you
see, we shan't dare go any farther---we simply cannot go into the
mountains knowing there is some one there waiting to riddle us the
first time he gets a clear sight at us?"

"But what do you propose to do?"

"I don't know, beyond finding out what is up."

"Yes, let him go," urged Stacy.  "He's looking for trouble.  I'm the
only one who has had any experience thus far.  It's time some one
else made a mark of himself."

"I was thinking of taking you with me," laughed Tad.

"No, you don't!  Not if I see you coming," objected Stacy.

"Yes, take him along," urged Ned.

"No, I think I'll take you, the Professor being willing," answered Tad
nodding at Rector.

Ned stopped smiling, gazing at Tad to see whether the latter were in
earnest.  Tad was.

"All right, I'm willing, Tad."

"How about it, Professor?"

"Provided you do not go into the mountains I will agree to your plan.
But I cannot consent to your taking further desperate chances."

"I hope you will not hold me to that, Professor."

"To what?" demanded Professor Zepplin shortly.

"To not going beyond the edge of the mountains."

"Plainly, what is it you are planning to do, Tad?"

"I want to find out who it is that is shooting at us and why.  That is
all, sir."

"You don't suppose it possibly could be the Germans attacking us, do
you?" questioned Walter apprehensively.

The professor shook his head.

"If you will stop to think you will see how necessary it is for some
one to do something," urged Tad Butler.

"Yes; don't let me do it all," urged Stacy.  "I think I have done my
share already.  It is high time some one else got a move on.  First
thing we know we shan't know anything.  We'll be dead ones, and---"

"Very good.  Go on.  There will be no peace here unless you have your
way.  See to it that you are back here in an hour.  If not we shall go
after you.  Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir, I will try to get back on time.  If something should occur
to keep us longer than that please don't worry.  You know we might
not be able to get away.  If we get into trouble I will signal by
firing three shots into the air.  Are you ready, Ned?"

"Yes.  Do we take our arms?"

"Better leave the rifles here.  We don't want to be bothered with them.
We'll take our revolvers.  That will be sufficient."

"Now, Tad, be prudent," begged the professor.  "I know you have a level
head or I should not permit you to get out of my sight under the
circumstances."

"We will be prudent, sir.  Come on, Ned; we mustn't waste a moment now.
If we are seen to leave the camp we'll fail."

For answer Ned swung himself into his saddle, after first having taken
the rifle from the saddle boot and fastened it to one of the packs.

"Don't pitch the tent yet.  We must be in marching order," directed
Butler, after leaping into his saddle.  "And don't worry about us, for
we'll be all right."

Nodding to Ned Tad started off at a fast gallop.  But despite Tad's
cheerfulness he realized that he had taken upon himself a serious
piece of work, one that might be the death of both.  Still, he was
nothing daunted.  He was determined to go to the bottom of the mystery,
whatever the cost might be to himself.

Tad knew also that he could depend upon Ned Rector, for Ned was brave
and resourceful, a boy who would keep his head in an emergency.

They made the trip to the mountains without incident.  There Tad pulled
up for a conference.

"Now tell me what your plan is?" said Ned.

"First we will ride on a little further along the base here.  I see a
place where I think we can hide our ponies.  I don't want to go back
to the point where we first started to make camp.  That is the place
where our enemy will be looking for us first.  But when he gets there
we'll be somewhere in the vicinity."

Ned wheeled his pony without further comment and followed Tad at a slow
trot along the base of the foothills.  The boys were engaged on a more
desperate mission than they knew.




CHAPTER III

IN A BAD MAN'S POWER


Having secreted their ponies in a dense growth of scrub oak, Tad laid
out his plan as follows:

"You, Ned, will go straight in from here until you've got about a
quarter of a mile directly inland.  When you have done so turn due west.
I don't think you can lose your way for you can see out every little
while and thus get your bearings."

"Where are you going?"

"Back to the point where we first decided to make camp.  I shall have
easier going than you will, but I shall be in more risk."

"What's the rest?" asked Ned with a short laugh.

"It is my idea to close in on the right fork of the stream there in the
foothills.  I'll come up from the west and you from the east.  In that
way we shall close in, you see, covering roughly the greater part of
the territory."

"Then you think we shall find our man there?"

"I am sure he will get there eventually, provided he has not seen our
movements out there.  He will go to the stream and from there he will
quickly locate our camp.  Understand?"

"As far as it goes, yes.  But what are we going to do if we find him?"

"Watch him.  Find out what he is up to, then from that on be guided by
circumstances.  But whatever you do, Ned, don't use your revolver
unless it be to save your own life."

"No, I'm not aching to shoot any one.  Do you know, Tad, I'm thinking
you and I are biting off a bigger mouthful than we will know how to
chew?"

"We will manage it somehow."

"What do you think this fellow is trying to do?"

"It looked very much as if he were trying to kill us," smiled Tad.

"It did.  But what for?"

"I have an idea the professor was right when he said the fellow mistook
us for some other party."

"And he's likely to do it again, if that's the case."

"He may have already discovered his mistake, Ned.  You observe he hasn't
fired a shot since?"

Rector nodded thoughtfully.

"Well, we must be on the move.  We don't want to be caught out here
after dark, you know, Ned.  Remember, the right fork, where it enters
the hills, is the point we have agreed upon meeting.  You will strike
the stream farther back, then follow it, but be very careful.  Be an
Indian, Ned.  If you are a white man you're likely to lose your
identity.  We don't want to stop any bullets.  Chunky has done quite
enough of that for one day."

"I'll watch out---never you fear, old man."

"Then here we go."

Tad crept silently away, hugging the base of the rocks so that it would
have been difficult for one at the top to have seen him at all Ned,
obeying his instructions, found a canyon up which he crawled, neither
boy making a sound.  They had agreed upon the two-shot signal to call
each other, three shots being a warning to the rest of their party
that they were in need of assistance.

Neither lad saw or heard anything of a disturbing nature on his way out.
Ned found no difficulty in making his way into the range of mountains,
but as he proceeded and found no one there he grew more bold.  Not that
he was particularly careless, but he unconsciously relaxed a little of
his former caution.

In the meantime Tad Butler had crept on past the place where the party
had first planned to go into camp.  Not a sign of a human being
greeted Tad's watchful eyes.  The lad climbed the side of the rocks,
keeping his body hidden in the foliage as much as possible.  He had
got about half way up when he paused to take a look over the plain
beneath him.  The Pony Rider Boy could faintly make out the place
where his companions were in camp awaiting the result of his mission.

"I believe there's Chunky standing on that rise," muttered Tad.  "Yes
it must be Chunky.  I'll bet the professor doesn't know the boy is out
there.  Chunky evidently is getting anxious about us."

Bang!

The shot sounded some distance to the eastward of where Tad was
secreted.  Instinctively the lad glanced toward the camp again.
Stacy Brown no longer was to be seen.  Tad Butler could not repress
a laugh.  He had a pretty clear idea as to what had caused Chunky's
sudden disappearance.  It did not occur to him that possibly Stacy
had been bit.  As a matter of fact the unknown marksman's bullet had
grazed the head of the fat boy, instilling in that young gentleman
a more thorough respect for the mountaineer's marksmanship.

But now Tad's mind turned to the object of his visit to the mountain
range.  He was there looking for the man who had fired the shot.
Ned Rector had heard the shot also.  Both boys were making their way
toward the spot whence the shot had seemed to come.  Ned had located
the sound much nearer than had Tad.  The latter struck off in a
southeasterly direction which carried him still farther into the hills.
He had reasoned that the shooter was occupying a high point of vantage
somewhere farther in, whence he was taking pot shots at the camp of
the Pony Rider Boys.  In this Tad was mistaken.  The mountaineer was
much nearer the plains than Tad thought.

Ned started on a trot immediately after having heard the shot.

"I've got him this time!" exulted Rector.  "I've got a chance to show
the fellows what sort of a trailer I am.  They don't think I'm any
good, except Tad, and he knows better."

Tad, as he skulked along, was wondering if Ned had heard the shot and
hoping that his companion would make no false moves.  Each boy was
determined to round up the man who had winged Stacy Brown and narrowly
missed killing the others of the party.

Night was coming on rapidly and it behooved the lads to make haste.
In the first place they did not know these hills, and, in the second,
the professor would become alarmed and come in search of them were
their return delayed too long.  This was not desirable.  It might mean
the undoing of the entire party unless Tad and Ned succeeded in
rounding up their enemy first.

Ned, in his excitement, had a mishap.  While creeping along the upper
rim of a galley he stepped on a round stone.  Ned fell crashing into
a heap of rotting limbs and went floundering from there to the bottom
of the incline, making a racket that must have been heard clear out on
the plain.

The lad got up, his clothing torn, his face scratched, very much
chagrined over his blundering fall.

"I guess I'm not so much of a scout as I thought I was," he muttered.
"Chunky could have done no worse and for a blundering idiot he's
always held the cup up to the present time.  I'm glad no one saw me
make such an exhibition of myself.  But what if that fellow heard me?
No, he couldn't.  He is too far away."

In this Ned was wrong.  The "man" was not so far away as the Pony Rider
Boy thought.  The fellow, while watching for another opportunity to
shoot, had caught the distant sound of crashing twigs.  It might have
been a falling tree, it might have been an animal.  At any rate it put
the fellow instantly on his guard.  Lowering his rifle he began skulking
in the direction of the racket.

By this time Ned was walking ruefully down the galley looking for a
convenient trail up the side to the ridge.  Not that he could not have
made the ascent anywhere, but that he did not wish to raise any more
disturbance than be already had done.  At last, finding what seemed
to him to be a path, Ned began climbing the side of the galley.  Had
the boy first taken a survey of the ground at the top of the rise, he
might possibly have made a discovery, and then again he might not.
Crouched behind a rock was a man.  The fellow was fingering his
rifle suggestively.  Twice he raised it to a level with his eyes and
drew a bead on the advancing form of Ned Rector, and as many times
lowered it.

The watcher observed that Ned carried no rifle, only a revolver
slapping against his thigh in its holster as the boy stumbled on up
the mountain side.  The mountaineer evidently changed his mind about
shooting, for he changed ends with the gun and sat waiting.  A few
moments later Ned stepped up beside the rock where he stood listening
and looking about him.  The Pony Rider Boy looked everywhere except
in the right place.

Suddenly there was a crackling of twigs behind him.  Ned turned just
in time to see the figure of a man leaping upon him.  The boy went
down under the crushing weight, the cry that rose to his lips smothered
by a stinging blow in the face.

Ned lost consciousness.  Everything turned suddenly black about him.




CHAPTER IV

TAD BUTLER MAKES A DISCOVERY


Dusk was already settling over the mountains when Ned Butler fell
beneath the powerful onslaught of the mountaineer.  Without an instant's
hesitation the fellow picked up the boy, starting down the side of
the galley with his burden.  The man ran along carrying the lad as
easily as if he had been a child.

Reaching a secluded spot near the west fork the fellow put his burden
down, then built a little fire under a thick growth of pines, whose
tops served to break up the smoke and scatter it, thus greatly lessening
the chances of discovery.

It was a few minutes later that Ned regained consciousness.  His captor,
watching him narrowly, had placed Ned against a tree, passed a piece
of rope about the boy's body, pinioning his arms to his sides,
securing the rope at the other side of the tree.  Then the fellow
had squatted down with rifle across his knees.

Ned saw a powerfully-built, wiry man, whose lean face and deep-sunken
eyes created a most unfavorable impression.  Even under more pleasing
circumstances this man would have caused Ned to give him a wide berth.
Discovering that he had been bound Ned's face flushed angrily.  Even
then he did not realize that his position was a perilous one.

"You untie me and let me go, or it'll be the worse for you," threatened
Rector.

"I reckon I've got you this time," grinned the mountaineer.

"I know you.  You're the fellow who has been shooting at us.  You will
get what is coming to you when my friends find out what you have done
to me.  What do you think I am anyway?"

"That's what I reckoned to find out," answered the man.  "Who be you?"

"That's what I am asking you."

"I reckon I ain't answering fool questions."

"Why did you shoot at us?"

"Did I?"

"You know you did."
z
"What's your name?" asked the mountaineer, evading the question.

"My name is Rector---Ned Rector."

"Where you from?"

"Missouri."

"What you doing here?"

"Maybe I am traveling for my health," answered Ned with a half sneer.
He was not advancing his own cause by his attitude.

"I reckon you'll answer my questions and without putting on any
trimmings either," announced the fellow, shifting his rifle around
so that the barrel lay along his right leg, the muzzle pointing
straight at Ned.  The latter was not greatly disturbed at this.
He did not think, for a moment, that the man would dare to shoot
him.  Ned did not realize what a desperate character he was facing.

"I will answer what I choose.  You can't make me answer any questions
that I don't want to," declared Rector defiantly.

"I reckon you'll change yer mind before I git done with you.  Anybody
with you?"

"No, not exactly here," answered Ned quickly, a sudden line of conduct
occurring to him.  "Unfortunately for me, and fortunately for you,
I am all alone.  But when my friends do find out what has happened
you'd better look out.  You'll be riddled so full of holes that the
wind will sigh through your body as if it were a sieve."

"How's Captain Billy?" demanded the man sharply.

"Captain Billy?" wondered Ned.

"Yes.  You needn't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about."

"I most certainly do not.  Who is Captain Billy?"

"Know Joe Withem?"

"I do not.  Some friend of yours, I suppose?"

An angry exclamation escaped the lips of the mountaineer.

"I reckon they're no friends of mine.  I reckon, too, that you'll be
answering my questions or you'll be hiking for the Happy Hunting
Grounds in about ten minutes from now.  I haven't got all night to sit
here talking with you.  I've got to git through with you; then I'm
going to finish the rest of your crowd.  You fellows thought you'd play
a sharp trick on me, eh?"

"You are mistaken.  We did not even know of your existence until you
began shooting at us.  Why did you do that?"

"If you don't know, I reckon you'll have to guess.  Bill McKay must
think we're easy down here, to try a game like that."

"I'll tell him when I see him," nodded Ned.

"I reckon you won't see him right smart.  When I git through with you
I'm going to send a bullet through your head.  Maybe they'll find you
here.  If they do they'll know what it means, I reckon."

Ned's face paled slightly.  There was that in the eyes of the man before
him which, all at once, told Ned Rector that the fellow meant what
he said.

"Who do you think we are?" demanded the boy earnestly.

"You're part of the Ranger gang."

"The what?"

"The gang known as the Texas Rangers."

Rector laughed.

"You've got it wrong this time.  We are not Texas Rangers.  We are
known as the Pony Riders and we are out for our health and as good a
time as we can have."

"Ye can't fool me.  That line of talk don't go down at all I'll tell
you what.  Bill McKay thought to trap some folks by getting in a bunch
that wasn't known down in these parts.  I had his little game sized up
the minute I set eyes on your bunch.  But I'll clip your claws.  I'll
show McKay that we ain't so easy.  Now you out with the whole story.
If you tell it straight, I may think about letting you go.  If you lie
it's the end of you.  I'd as lief shoot you full of holes as I would
a yellow dog.  Now what's your orders?"

"I haven't any orders, I tell you."

"What did Bill McKay reckon you would do down here?"

"I don't know Bill McKay, I don't know any Texas Rangers, and if they
are anything like you and your kind, I don't want to know them.  But I
do want to tell you that if you don't let me go---that if you heap any
more insults on me---it is you who will get a bullet through your
miserable hide.  I'm getting mad, Mr. Man."

"Oho! Ye be, eh?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then I reckon there's only one thing to do to put ye in a better frame
of mind," answered the mountaineer, shifting his rifle about
suggestively.  "Now I'll give ye two minutes to open up and tell all ye
know," was the stern announcement.

In the meantime Tad Butler had not been idle.  As the reader already
knows, Tad had been deceived as to the location of the shot.  He had
gone a long distance out of his course.  After a time he realized this
and at once started back toward the plain.  It was his intention to
make the opening where they had first sought to make camp, as it was
there or in that vicinity that he was to meet Ned Rector.

The lad settled down to a trot.  Every faculty was on the alert, for
Butler was a natural woodsman, added to which was an experience of
some two or three years in mountain and on plain until Tad was familiar
with many of the tricks of the mountaineer.

Suddenly the boy halted and stood with head thrown back sniffing the
air.

"Smoke!" breathed Tad.  "There is a fire somewhere near here.  That
means some one is in camp here.  I can't be far from the edge now.
I must find out where the fire is."

After a few moments of sniffing the lad decided that smoke lay off
obliquely to the right of him.  Having decided upon this he started
in the direction named, but proceeded with much more caution than
before as he did not wish to stumble upon strangers until he had first
determined whether they were friends or enemies.

At last he saw a faint flicker of light.

"It's there," muttered the boy.  "Now we'll see.  I hope nothing has
happened to Ned.  Still, he would have fired his revolver had he got
into trouble.  He may be waiting for me down by the creek.  But I must
find out what's going on here before I take time to look him up.  I
hope the others don't come and blunder in."

Tad paused in his reflections as the sound of voices reached his ears.
Young Butler, crouching low, crept cautiously through the bushes, each
foot being placed on the ground as softly as an animal stalking its
prey could have done.  Not a sound did the young woodsman make.  Of
course his progress was slow, but it was silent, which was much more
to be desired.

Some fifteen minutes elapsed before Tad reached a point where he could
get a view of the fire.  He was obliged to crawl some three or four
rods from that point ere he found a position where he could see the
men who were near the fire.

The first to attract Tad's attention was the mountaineer, squatting
down with head thrust forward, his rifle held across his chest, the
man's hand over the trigger-frame.  Butler knew that the first finger
of the right hand was toying with the trigger.  His glances followed
the direction indicated by the muzzle of the weapon.  Then Tad's
face flushed hot all over.  There, back to a tree, a rope twisted
twice about his body sat Ned Rector, defiance in face and eyes.  Ned
was looking straight at his captor.  The situation was strained.  To
Tad, it was maddening.

"What is it you want me to tell you?" demanded the prisoner.

"I've told you that already.  What are your orders?"

"And I have already told you, I have no orders from any one."

"How many are in your party?"

"Five, not including the horses."

"I wasn't asking about the cayuses.  Who is in charge of you?"

"You wouldn't know if I told you."

"I'm asking you!"

"His name is Zepplin, Professor Zepplin."

"One of them scientific shooters, eh?"

"I don't know about his being a shooter.  He is scientific, all right.
But what's that got to do with you and me?"

"Did this---this perfesser get his orders from Bill McKay?"

"I should say not," answered Ned with a mirthless laugh.

"Who was it you was to look up?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Yes you do.  Don't try to make a monkey of me.  You'll be willing to
answer right smart after I've fanned you with a forty-four.  Who is it
you and your bunch are after?"

"We are after no one.  Can't you understand English?" replied Rector
with some heat, "I have told you that we are here on a trip for
pleasure and nothing else."

"You said you was here for your health, a little time ago," grinned
the mountaineer.

"Well, what if we are?" snorted Ned.

"Nothing only that I'm going to drill you full of holes.  The two
minutes is about up.  You've lied to me pretty near every word you've
said.  You said you didn't know Bill McKay when I know you do.  You've
said he hadn't given you any orders.  You've---"

"You're crazy," scoffed Rector.

"I reckon if I am that you're more so if you think I am going to gulp
down all them fairy stories.  You're young.  Mebby you don't know the
kind of a game you've stacked up against, but---"

"I ought to have some idea about it by this time," returned Ned.
"Everything you have said is a lie and you know it.  I don't know you,
nor do I want to, being somewhat particular about the people I know.
And now once more, are you going to let me go?"

A sudden note of triumph had leaped into the tone of Ned Rector.  Ned
had seen something that sent the blood coursing through his veins
madly.  That something was a figure that for a few seconds had been
outlined in the faint light of the fire.

The mountaineer caught the change of tone on the instant.  His
suspicions were aroused.  His eyes narrowed.  He slowly straightened
up until he had risen to his full height.  Now the rifle came up to
position, ready for work.  It was at his chest again.  The mountaineer
had no need to bring the weapon to a level with his eyes.  He could
shoot equally well from almost any position.

Rector shot a quick glance over the mountaineer's shoulder.  He could
not resist one more look in Tad's direction.  But that look was fatal.
With a roar the fellow wheeled like a flash.

Bang, bang!

The shots were fired with such suddenness that Ned did not realize
the fellow had turned until after the rifle had spit two charges of
fire and lead.  Ned's head dropped.  Everything grew black about him
again.  The lad was in a fainting condition.  It was all up with him
now.

Ned had tried to cry out, but the words would not come.  He could not
utter a sound if his very life depended upon so doing.

Ned found his voice at last.  It rose in a mighty yell for help, a yell
that carried far beyond the spot where those exciting scenes
were being enacted.




CHAPTER V

WHEN THE TABLES WERE TURNED


At the instant when Ned had shot his quick glance at the wondering Tad,
the latter with quick instinct, realizing that Ned had made a serious
mistake, threw himself flat on the ground.

That move undoubtedly saved Tad Butler's life.  At least, two bullets
went ripping through the foliage over his head.  The move served the
further purpose of hiding him from the man who was shooting at him.
The mountaineer had not even caught a sight of Butler, quick as had
been his turn about.  The fellow swung to the right letting go two
more shots, evidently believing that he had not fired in the right
direction.

In Tad Butler's right hand was gripped a piece of rock that he had
grabbed when he threw himself to the ground.  The boy came to his feet
as if propelled by a spring.  At that second the eyes of the
mountaineer were fixed on a point several yards to the left of Tad.

Without a sound Tad let go the rock.  But the movement caught the eyes
of the ruffian.  He swung toward Butler at the same instant pulling
the trigger of his rifle.

Once more the rifle roared its savage protest.  But that was its last
roar for the time being.  Almost at the instant when he pulled the
trigger the mountaineer received Tad's rock in the pit of his stomach.
With such force had the missile been hurled that the fellow staggered
back, the rifle falling from his hands, both of which were suddenly
clasped over the part of his anatomy that had been struck.

The fellow uttered a howl of pain.  He swayed and staggered then fell
over a dead limb, landing flat on his back with a crash.

Tad, without an instant's hesitation, sprang forward.  The eyes of
the plucky Pony Rider Boy were flashing.  Tad had not even thought to
draw his revolver.  But his anger was kindled.  He was dangerous in
his present mood.  He did not pause to think what a terrible chance
he was taking in thus rushing forward.  Fortunately for Tad, however,
the mountaineer was suffering such agonies that he either gave no
thought to the revolver that was hanging at his side, or else he was
too weak to draw it.  He staggered to his feet, swaying, groaning,
shoulders hunched forward, chin on his breast.

Young Butler was upon him like a whirlwind.

Whack!

Tad's fist caught the mountaineer squarely on the point of the jaw as
the man raised his head half defiantly, one hand groping awkwardly for
his pistol.

The fellow went down in a heap.

"Whoop!" howled Ned Rector.  "That's the blow that put the finishing
touches to father.  Cut me loose!  Cut me loose!  Quick, Tad!  He'll
be up in a minute!"

Butler had no need to be told this.  He knew the first thing to be
done was to secure the prisoner.  Ned could wait.  The danger lay
with the man stretched out there on the ground.  Tad worked rapidly.
His rope was jerked free from his belt.  Three swift turns were made
about the body of the prostrate man, binding the fellow's arms firmly
to his sides.

Next Tad jerked the mountaineer's revolver from its holster and cast it
into the bushes.  Then he tied the man's ankles together, after which
he straightened up and wiped the sweat from his face and forehead.

"Whew! Warm, isn't it, Ned?"

"Rather," drawled Rector.  "Warmer for some folks than others.  It
came near being pretty warm for you.  Are you going to cut me loose,
or am I to stay tied to this tree for the rest of the night?"

"I guess we will let you up now.  We shall have to wait until our
friend there comes to his senses before going farther.  Tell me how
you got into this mess."

"The same way Chunky gets into trouble.  I blundered into it."  Ned
then went on to relate briefly how he had been jumped on by the
mountaineer and made prisoner.

"What was he trying to get you to tell him?"

"He accused me of being a Texas Ranger, a member of some fellow's band,
a fellow named McKay."

"The band or the man?" questioned Tad.

"That was the man's name.  Billy McKay.  He's a captain of Rangers, or
something of the sort, it doesn't matter much what."

"I rather think it does," answered Butler dryly.

"How so?"

"Why, don't you see, it means that if the Texas Rangers are after this
fellow he must be wanted for something very serious.  Who is he?"

"You may search me.  Stacy may be right after all.  There are plenty
of Germans in Mexico, so why not some of them up here to stir up
trouble?  He looks like pictures I have seen of some of those Hun
assassins," declared Ned Rector.

"I think I will search him.  He may have some more weapons about his
person."

Tad found a bowie knife in the mountaineer's boot, but that was the
only weapon left on his person.  Tad threw the knife away.  About this
time the prisoner began to show signs of returning consciousness.

"You must have hit him an awful wallop," wondered Ned, standing over
the man and eyeing him narrowly.

"I did.  I hit him first with a stone, then with my fist.  I skinned
my knuckles, too."

Ned grunted.

"I'd hate to have you land on me that way.  That surely was a
sockdolager.  He has his eyes open."

"Oh, hullo!" greeted Butler.  "We rather turned the tables on you,
didn't we?"

"I'll kill you for this!" growled the prisoner hoarsely.

"I don't think you will kill anybody to-night.  What I would like to
know is what you mean by trying to shoot us up."

"I'll shoot up the rest of you before I get through with you, you and
your whole gang.  You can tell Bill McKay what I say and---"

"We don't know Bill McKay.  We have nothing to do with any of you
people down here.  We are here for pleasure."

"That's what the other cayuse said.  Looks like you wuz, hey?"

"You alone are to blame for present conditions.  We were not looking
for you.  You began shooting at us before we got into the foothills.
Who were you shooting at the last time?  I mean before you tried to
pot me just now."

A growl was the only answer.

"The question is, what are we going to do with this fellow, Tad?" asked
Ned.  "Surely it won't be safe to let him go, and we can't leave him
here to starve to death."

"No.  I'll tell you what.  We will fix up a litter---by the way,
fellow, are there any more of your kind fooling about here?"

"You'll find out whether there are or not," grunted the prisoner.

"Thank you.  You have answered my question.  I now know you are alone.
Ned, can you cut down a couple of saplings?"

"Where do you want to carry him?"

"Down to the fork."

"Then let's drag him.  Dragging is good enough for that ruffian---too
good for him.  He ought to be shot, then rolled down the hill."

"Don't be bloodthirsty.  Prisoners of war should be treated with the
utmost courtesy and consideration.  I guess perhaps we had better not
take the time to make a litter.  We can carry him down to the fork.
Take hold of the feet.  I'll take the heavier end.  And you, fellow!
You will get along much better if you keep quiet.  Remember, no yells
nor struggles, else I shall be obliged to put you to sleep as I did a
short time since.  Do you understand?"

There was no reply to the question.

"All right.  Pick him up, Ned," directed Tad.

"Are you going to take his rifle?"

"Yes, I guess perhaps it would be best.  The rifle is good evidence,"
decided Butler.

Tad strapped the weapon to his own back.  He did not bother to pick up
the revolver or the bowie knife.  The rifle was the evidence that he
wanted to take with him.  Then they gathered their prisoner up.  He
proved a heavy burden, though fortunately the distance was short to
the fork where Tad had decided to carry the man.  The fellow had
nothing to say, but the expression in his eyes made up for what his
lips did not utter.  The two boys were glad enough when finally they
reached their destination and dropped their burden, though none too
gently at that.

"Now what?" demanded Ned.

"I want you to hurry over to where the ponies are tethered, then ride
to the outfit.  Tell them to pack up and move over here at once."

"Give me a signal before you come into the gulch here.  I'll answer it
if all is right.  Then you may come in without fear."

"What are you going to do?"

"I am going to stay here to keep our friend company.  He might get
lonesome if we were to leave him alone," chuckled Tad.  "Get back as
soon as you can.  I'll have a fire built, then we'll get supper.  Did
you know this fellow took another shot at Chunky?"

"No.  Was that what he shot at?"

"That was it."

"I hope he didn't hit him."

"I guess not."

"Chunky seems to be getting more than his share of lead to-day,"
answered Rector with a chuckle.  "Serves him right.  It'll teach him
to be more prudent."

"I don't think you are exactly in the position to say much yourself,"
replied Tad, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Ned flushed to the roots of his hair.

"For goodness' sake, don't tell the crowd how I got jumped on.  I am as
easy as a baby.  I'll never call myself a mountaineer again."

"Never mind.  You showed your grit at any rate.  You didn't appear to
be the least bit scared."

"I wasn't.  But honest, Tad, now that I've had time to think it all
over, I'm scared stiff right this minute.  I believe he would have
shot me."

"There is no doubt of it in my mind.  So he thinks we are Rangers?"

"Who are the Rangers, anyway?"

"The Rangers are a body of men who did much toward clearing this state
of the bad men that infested it for a long time."

"They don't seem to have got them all," replied Rector.

"No, there are some near the border still.  The Rangers are a sort of
police who range over the state wherever their services may be needed.
I understand they are paid by the state.  I guess there are not many
of them left.  The necessity for Rangers is not what it was a few
years ago."

"So I should judge from what has just happened," answered Ned somewhat
ironically.

"Come, are you going to get started tonight?" demanded Tad with a laugh.

"I'm off this very minute."

Ned hurried away laughing.  He bore evidences of his recent encounter
with the mountaineer, but all this was forgotten now that the man had
been taken and was safely tied up back there in the canyon with the
ever vigilant Tad Butler on guard over him.

A short time after that Ned was riding his pony over the plain toward
the camp at a fast gallop.  He shouted as he neared the camp, where
no fire had been lighted, uttering a subdued whoop as he rode in.
Chunky and the professor met him a few rods from the camp.

"I---I got shot again!" cried Chunky.

"Where is Tad?" called the professor.

"Over on the fork waiting for us.  You are to pack up and return with
me at once."

"But---but, the danger," protested Professor Zepplin.

"The danger is past.  I don't believe you will have to worry."

"Explain what you mean!"

"I'll leave that for Tad to do after we get over there.  Are you
all ready?"

"Is Tad all right?" demanded Perkins.

"Fit as a fiddle.  You can't put Tad out of business for any length
of time.  You are to fetch everything.  We are going into camp where
we originally planned to spend the night," advised Rector.

The professor, very much relieved to learn that the boys had met with
no harm, but still somewhat nervous from the hours of fretting he had
passed when the lads failed to return, now hastened to get ready to
accompany Ned.  On the way he explained bow Stacy Brown had been
fanned by another bullet when the fat boy indiscreetly showed himself
on the rise of ground between the camping place and the foothills of
the mountains.

"Maybe you'll learn something one of these days," scoffed Ned.

"I---I've learned something to-day."

"Have you?"

"I have."

"Well, what have you learned?"

"That these fellows down here can shoot to beat the band."

"I have observed something of the same sort myself," muttered Ned, with
the memory of the mountaineer's bombardment of Tad Butler.

The party had set out at a slow trot with Ned leading the way.  Ned's
confidence assured them that all was as it should be, but the young
man turned a deaf ear to all their questions, replying only now and
then with the remark that Tad would tell them all that was to be told
when they got to the camping place.

In the meantime Tad had built up a fire, mainly for the reason that he
wanted to keep his prisoner well in sight all the time.  Butler knew
that the man was a tough customer and that were he to get free it
would be a sad night for Tad Butler, and so, too, perhaps, for the
rest of the party.

The prisoner had nothing to say, nor did Butler seek to draw the fellow
into conversation.  But the man was watching every move of the young
rider who had so cleverly outwitted and captured him.  The mountaineer
now believed more firmly than before that these two young men were
carrying out the orders of Captain Billy McKay of the Texas Rangers.
He swore to be revenged on every man of them when once he had gained
his freedom.  At present that hour of revenge was a long way off.

Suddenly a loud "Yip! Yip! Yahee!" sounded off on the plain.  Tad
smiled broadly.

"That's Stacy Brown, I'll wager my hat.  I'll bet Ned is scolding him,
too."

Ned was.  He was at that instant threatening to break Chunky's head
if he opened his mouth again before they reached the camping place.
Shortly after that Butler's keen ears caught the sound of hoofbeats.
He stepped back into the shadows, the prisoner eyeing him inquiringly.
Tad did not take the trouble to explain.  Let the prisoner think what
he might.  Then the party rode in in single file.  Tad was not in sight.
He was hiding in the bushes.

Professor Zepplin pulled up short when his glances finally came to rest
on the bound form of the mountaineer; Stacy Brown's eyes grew large
and Walter Perkins gasped.




CHAPTER VI

THE CAMP IN AN UPROAR


"Tad! Where is Tad?  What does this mean?" demanded the professor.

"Hullo, boys," cried Butler stepping out into the light.  "Did you
think that was myself tied up there?"

Chunky, in the excitement of the moment, forgot to tell Tad that he
had stopped another bullet out on the plain.

"What do you think of our prisoner, Professor?"

"Tad, will you be good enough to explain what this means?"

"Yes, sir.  To be brief that's the fellow who shot at us.  He tried to
kill us both up here in the mountains."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"I guess I ought to know," grinned Rector, "He jumped me, tied me to
a tree, then was about to blow my head off when Tad appeared just in
time to save my precious life."

By this time Stacy had slipped from his saddle and striding over to
the prisoner stood looking down at him.  "So, you're the fellow who
potted me twice to-day, are you?" demanded the fat boy sternly.  The
prisoner made no reply, but he gazed up at his tormentor so savagely
that Stacy instinctively took a step backward.

"He is the man, but we landed him," answered Rector proudly.

"Is there any objection to my giving the ruffian a good hard kick for
luck?" asked Stacy.

"There certainly is objection to your doing anything of the sort,"
returned Tad sharply.  "We have not come to the point where we treat
our prisoners of war the way the Germans do theirs.  You let the man
alone or I'll have something to say to you."

"Stacy!" rebuked Professor Zepplin sternly.

"Yes, sir?"

"You will keep away from the prisoner.  Tad, I want to hear all about
this."

"There is not much to tell, except that we got him, though he nearly
got us.  He caught Ned napping.  I should have fallen just the same
had I been in Ned's place, for this fellow is a bad man.  Ned has told
you what happened to him, else I shouldn't have said anything about
that part of the affair.  While Ned was trying to find where the shot
came from that caught Stacy last, this fellow spotted and captured him.
I was hunting for the source of the shot at the same time, but went
astray.  I was finally attracted by the smell of smoke.  I arrived on
the scene about the time that fellow was getting ready to take Ned's
life. At least, that was the way it seemed to me."

"Yes, he was," interjected Rector.

"You were an easy mark!" jeered Stacy.

"At least I didn't stop two bullets," answered Ned witheringly.

"The fellow caught Ned looking at me and knowing instantly that
something was wrong he whirled and shot at me.  He missed, then I
shied a stone into his solar plexus," said Tad.

"That sounds like astronomy," ventured Stacy.

"You're wrong; it's geography," chuckled Rector.  "I'll finish the
story.  The ruffian fired twice more after the first two shots at Tad;
then he went down as the stone landed on him.  By the time he had got
up, Tad was on the job and punched him in the jaw."

"Boys, boys!" rebuked Professor Zepplin.  "One would think this was a
prize fight you were describing."

"It's the truth," protested Ned.

"Of course it is," laughed Tad.

"That may be.  But be good enough to moderate your language.  You can
describe the scene without using questionable language."

"Yes, it's disgraceful," added Stacy, whereat Ned gave the fat boy
another withering look.

"As I was about to say," continued Rector, "this gentleman of the
mountains had got to his feet when Tad gently smote said gentleman
on the tender part of his chin.  The gentleman fell down and went to
sleep like a little child after a full meal.  When the gentleman woke
up we had him hog-tied---"

"During which time our friend Ned remained tied to a tree," chuckled
Butler.

"Pshaw! I thought so," grunted Stacy.  "Brave man is Ned Rector!  If
you were a scarred veteran like myself then you'd have a right to swell
out your chest," added the fat boy, gingerly stroking the bullet mark
on his cheek.  "Well, go on.  We're listening."

"That's all there is to tell, Professor, except that we carried the
man down here and there he is."

Professor Zepplin stroked his bristling whiskers reflectively.

"What is your name, my man?" he asked stepping up to the prisoner.
But the fellow made no reply.

"I said what is your name?" repeated Professor Zepplin.

"What's that to you, old Whiskers?"

The professor started, a faint touch of color showing under his tan,
while audible chuckles might have been heard from the boys in the
background.

"Such language will not help you.  What is your name?"

"Yours will be Mud when I git out of this, you old scarecrow!  Don't
you stand there jawing over me.  I don't like it," added the prisoner,
so savagely that the professor shrank back a little.

"It's no use to question him, professor," spoke up Tad.  "He won't
answer questions."

"I question our right to hold him," said Professor Zepplin.  "We have
no proof that he is the man who shot at us."

"I've got proof that he assaulted me," bristled Ned.

"And I that he shot at me four times," added Tad.  "I should think
that were proof enough.  What would you do, Professor?"

"I was thinking that we should let the man go with an admonition."

"No, no, no," protested Chunky.  "I don't want to be shot up again
to-day."

"Don't be afraid, little boy," urged Rector.  "We are not going to let
the man go---not if I have to fight for it."

"Professor, this fellow thought us Rangers," began Tad.

"Rangers?"

"Yes.  He admitted in his questioning of Ned that he thought we were
Rangers, or that we had been employed by the Rangers to run him down.
That is why he sought to kill us."

"But surely you assured him we were not," protested Professor Zepplin.

"Little stock did he take in our assurances," scoffed Ned.  "You might
as well talk to the wind."

"But what are we going to do with him, boys?"

"I have thought of that," replied Tad.  "It is my idea that he is a
bad man.  He must be, else the Rangers would not be looking for him.
He has proved that he is a dangerous customer to be at large---"

"Yes, he's large, all right," mumbled Stacy.  "As I was saying, it
seems to me to be our duty to turn him over to the officers of the law."

"Where?"

"I don't know.  Is there any town near here?"

"Some twenty miles to the southeast, I believe," answered the professor.

"Then that is where we must take him."

"We may find, then, that we have made a mistake," objected the professor,
still doubtful about the wisdom of the course proposed by Tad Butler.

"Then we will make a complaint against him ourselves," answered Tad
firmly.  "I don't propose to let him off after what he has done.  Why,
were we to let that man go our lives wouldn't be worth a cent.  He
would shoot us before the night was over.  No, Professor, he must be
held prisoner until we can get him to town."

"But we can't go on to-night."

"No.  The morning will be time enough.  We will give him some food."

"Let me feed the animal," urged Stacy.

"You have steady business performing that office for yourself,"
retorted Ned Rector.

"In the morning we will take him to town.  Shall we get some supper now?"

"Yes.  I will think over your proposal in the meantime.  Stacy, you
might gather some more wood for the fire.  Ahem! This has been a most
remarkable proceeding all the way through."

"You would have thought so if that fellow had jumped on you as he did
on me," growled Ned Rector.  "I thought the mountain had fallen down
on me.  He is bad medicine."

Tad by this time was getting out the things for supper.  They were late
with this meal owing to circumstances over which they had not had full
control, though matters were now pretty well in the hands of the Pony
Rider Boys.

"You had better tell us who and what you are.  You have heard what
has been said here, my man," said the professor returning to the
prisoner.

"I reckon I've heard enough.  I reckon, too, that you've made a mistake.
I ain't what you think.  I'll tell you, now that the fresh young
feller isn't listening."

"Do so," urged Professor Zepplin, preparing to listen.

"Lean over so the others won't hear."

"Surely."

"You're a right smart old party and I don't mind talking to you, for
you've got right smart sense and you'll understand what I'm getting at."

"Say what you have to say, my man.  I am listening."

"Between you and me I'm an officer.  I'm looking for some parties that
have been cutting up didoes down in these parts of late.  When I saw
your party I thought you were the lawbreakers, so I up and let go.
I saw that there were too many for me and it was the only chance I
had to---"

"But surely you didn't have to kill us."

"I didn't kill you, did I?"

"True; true."

"I was telling you, I thought you were they and I let go a few shots,
just as a tickler.  You see, I could have picked you off one at a time
just as easy as eating pie.  I'm a dead shot, I am."

"Then you only sought to drive us off?" questioned the professor.

"Yes, that's it.  You're a wise old party.  They're a bad lot,
you know."

"But what about this assault on my boys?" demanded the professor.

"Same thing.  I thought they were them."

"Your grammar is shocking, my man, but what you say is deserving of
careful consideration.  You say you took us to be bad men?"

"Sure I did."

"Who did you think we were?"

"Tuck O'Connor and his crowd."

"Who are they?"

"Well, you see, they do some smuggling over the Rio Grande.  Then
again, they are up to a few other tricks that the public hasn't got
on to yet.  What I want to do is to get away from here, quiet-like,
so the youngsters won't get wise in time to cut up.  Of course I ain't
afraid of them.  I don't want to hurt them, you see."

"I see," observed the professor dryly.

"I've got to get away to-night.  If I'm held till morning I'll have to
take you all in.  You'll all have to go back with me to State Line
and you'll be locked up for interfering with an officer."

"How comes it that you feared we were Rangers then, if this be true?"

"Aw, I was jest bluffing.  I wanted the youngsters to give theirselves
away, you see."

"I see," reflected the professor.

"Then you'll let me out?"

"I am afraid I can't do that."

"Then lean over here and I'll tell you a secret that'll make you change
your mind."

The professor leaned closer.  The man's hands, free from the wrists,
were moving cautiously.  All at once Professor Zepplin's revolver was
snipped from its holster and a bullet tore through his clothes, taking
some of the professor's skin with it.  The professor fell back,
staggering to one side out of range where he sank down to the ground
holding a hand to his side.




CHAPTER VII

RECEIVING A LATE VISITOR


So unexpected had been the shot that, for a few seconds, the boys stood
dumbfounded.

"I'm shot! I'm shot!" yelled the professor.

Bang!

A bullet whistled close to the head of Tad Butler.  Stacy Brown, who
was just coming into camp with an armful of dry wood for the campfire,
dropped his burden and with a howl made for shelter.  Tad and Ned had
sprung to one side so as to be out of range, while Walter Perkins had
flattened himself on the ground.

"Lie still!" commanded Tad sternly as the professor started to get up
from where he had sunk down.  "Are you much hurt?"

"I---I don't know."

"Drop that pistol, you!" commanded Tad, glowering at the prisoner.

The man laughed.

"I've got you children now," he sneered.  "I'll pick you off unless you
do as I tell you.  Now you come over here.  Walk straight, one hand
out.  Leave your guns behind.  Cut me loose or you're a dead one,"
commanded the prisoner.

"Oh, am I?"

Tad glanced around to make sure that all the boys were out of range.
Then with a quick leap he got entirely out of range of the revolver
in the hands of the prisoner.  Tad had thought he was out of range
before, but the man on the ground had twisted the weapon about until
its muzzle was pointing in Butler's direction.

But this time the lad got out of range without question.  But he was
no better off than before.  Reaching for his revolver he made the
discovery that he had thrown off his belt with revolver and cartridges
before beginning to get supper.  The others were in no better shape.
Not a boy had his revolver on, and the professor's weapon was in the
hands of the prisoner.

"I know a trick.  I've played it once to-day and I can play it again,"
declared Tad, searching for a stone, while the others got well out of
the way, watching T.  Butler.  In an emergency they always looked to
him to get them out of their difficulties.

"Professor, you lie still.  Don't move.  I'll fix this fellow.  You
had better get a good bit farther off," advised the lad, observing a
movement on the part of the mountaineer.

Suddenly the latter braced his head and digging his heels into the
ground ran around, pivoting on his head.  Tad anticipated the movement
by running a few seconds in advance.  For a few moments it was a race
of wits.  The lad as yet had not found a stone suited to his immediate
requirements.  He was using his eyes in this direction as well as
watching the prisoner.  Once the latter tried a shot at the boy.  The
bullet passed Butler rather too close for comfort, but the Pony Rider
Boy appeared not to have heard the shot.

Not a word was being said by the lad's companions.  The professor lay
where he had fallen, the perspiration streaming from his face and body
up the side of the canyon the big eyes of Chunky might have been seen
peering through between the bushes at the exciting  scene below.  All
at once Tad stooped over.  When he straightened up with a bound that
carried him several feet to one side, he held a good-sized stone in
his right hand.

"Now will you drop that pistol?" demanded the Pony Rider Boy.

"I'll drop you!" roared the enraged enemy.

No sooner had he uttered the words than Tad, with a well-directed toss,
dropped the stone fairly on the stomach of the man on the ground.

The prisoner uttered a yell that might have been heard a quarter of a
mile away.  Ere the yell had died out another stone landed nearly in
the same place.  The weapon dropped from the hands of the fellow,
falling between his legs where he could not reach it without changing
his position materially.  This he tried to do in a series of quick
twists and wriggles, though the boys knew from the expression on his
face that he was suffering great pain.  It was not surprising, in view
of the fact that two rocks, each weighing from eight to ten pounds,
had been dropped on his stomach.

The fellow found no opportunity to recover the lost weapon.  Tad was
upon him with a rush.  Grabbing the mountaineer's feet he dragged the
man roughly to one side.

"I guess that will be about all for you, my man.  You may push us too
far.  I shan't promise to let you off so easily if you try any more
tricks.  Professor, are you much hurt?"

"I---I don't know.  I'm bleeding."

"Let's see what he did to you."

A quick examination developed the fact that the professor had sustained
merely a flesh wound.  It was bleeding very little now.  Tad, at the
professor's direction, washed and dressed the wound, binding a piece
of cloth firmly about the waist.

"There, I guess you will be all right now.  You may come down, Chunky.
The fun is all over for the present.  How did he happen to get you
that way, Professor?"

Professor Zepplin explained how the prisoner had tricked him, declaring
his belief in Tad Butler's statement that the prisoner was a bad man.
The professor no longer urged the release of their prisoner.  Tad
smiled mirthlessly.  Perhaps it was better that the professor should
have had an object lesson.  He would take no further chances with the
fellow after that.  As for the prisoner, he was fairly frothing at the
mouth with rage.

Now that the excitement had come to an end for the moment Stacy Brown
went about his task of gathering more wood for the fire.  This time
he went quite a distance down the canyon, carrying a torch that he
might the better find that for which he was in search.

Stacy was busy gathering wood, muttering to himself as was his habit,
when all of a sudden he straightened up, conscious that some one was
standing beside him.  As he rose the fat boy's nose nearly bumped into
the muzzle of a revolver.  The revolver was backed by a not unpleasant,
but stern face.

"Wha---wha-----what---" stammered the fat boy.  "Wh---wh---who---"

"Not a sound, young man, if you value your life.  Who and what are you?"

"I---I'm a Pu---Pu---Pony Rider Boy."

"A what?"

"A Pu---Pony Rider Boy."

"What are you doing here?"

"Ga---gathering firewood."

"Who is your party?"

"Pro---professor Ze---Zep---Zepplin and the boys," stammered the fat
boy, trembling at the knees.  "I haven't done anything, but I'm a
bu---bu---bad man when I get ma---mad."

The stern-faced stranger grinned appreciatively.

"You are not the fellows who came in at State Line the other day,
are you?"

"Ye---yes, we're the bu---bu---bunch."

"Oh, fudge!" groaned the stranger.  "And to think I've been to all this
trouble to round up a bunch of tenderfeet."  The man thrust his
revolver into its holster with a grunt of disgust.

"I'm Withem," he snapped.

"So am I," answered Chunky.

"I said, 'I'm Withem,'" repeated the stranger.

"I said I was too," reiterated the fat boy.

"Look here, what are you trying to get at, young man?" demanded the
newcomer with a slight show of irritation.  "Are you trying to make
sport of me?"

"N---n----no.  You said you were with them---with us---with the crowd,
you know.  And I said I was too."

The stranger tilted back his head and laughed softly.

"You little cayuse, my name is Withem.  W---I---T---H---E----M!" he
spelled.

"Oh!"

A broad smile grew on the face of the Pony Rider Boy as he asked:

"What do you reckon you want here?"

"I'm just looking around a bit.  I think I'll go to your camp with you."

Stacy surveyed his companion critically from head to foot.

"All right," he said.  "If you want to take the chance, I'm willing."

"What chance?" demanded the stranger.

"Tad Butler might take it into his head to throw you out, or something,
if he doesn't like your looks."

"I'll take the chance."

"All right; come on.  But mind you, it'll be the worse for you if you try
to start anything.  We're a bad lot, we are, and don't you forget it."

A moment or so later the Pony Rider Boys were amazed to see Stacy
strutting in with a stranger in tow.

"He's with us fellows," was the fat boy's announcement.

"Withem's my name," corrected the stranger.

"Yes, he's with 'em.  But he hasn't said who it is he is with.  I
thought I was with him when he shoved a pistol under my nose."

"Good evening, sir," said Tad stepping up, directing a quick, keen
glance of inquiry into the eyes of the newcomer.  In that one glance
Butler decided that the man was all right.  It was a relief to see a
face like that after their experience with the mountaineer.

As for the prisoner himself, who lay back in a shadow now, he started
violently the instant he beheld the man who had just come into the
camp of the Pony Rider Boys.  The prisoner looked as if he had a severe
case of ague for he fairly shrank within himself.

"You are just in time to join us for a bite, Mr. Withem.  That is your
name, is it not?"

"That's my name."

"Mine is Tad Butler.  This is Professor Zepplin.  The young man with
whom you came in is Stacy Brown, otherwise Chunky, and here are Mr.
Rector and Mr. Perkins.  If you will gather around the fire I'll serve
the chuck."

"Thanks, young man.  You certainly know how to do the honors, as well
as how to fry bacon.  I could smell that across a county and I'd ride
to it as fast as horseflesh could carry me."

"Are you from these parts?" asked the professor after they had seated
themselves on the ground.

"Yes, I'm from everywhere," laughed Withem.  "By the way, young man,
that looks like the mark of a bullet on your cheek," he continued,
bending a keen glance on Stacy.

"Then it looks like what it is," muttered the fat boy.

"I don't want to be inquisitive, but---"

"No, it isn't considered good manners to be too curious down in this
country, I've heard."

"Right you are, yonnker," laughed Withem, in which the others joined
heartily.  "Men have been known to get into trouble by being too
curious, especially down on the Rio Grande.  The-----"

The visitor's conversation was interrupted by something falling over
from beside the tree against which he was sitting.  That something
was the rifle the boys had taken from the prisoner.

Withem picked up the gun with the purpose of replacing it.  He was
just standing it against the tree when suddenly he stopped, bringing
the gun around in front of him where he could get a better view of it.

The Pony Rider Boys were regarding him questioningly, Tad almost
suspiciously.  Chunky was wondering if their visitor was going to
shoot.  The fat boy was ready to run at the first sign of trouble.
He had stopped enough bullets for one day.  As for the prisoner, his
bloodshot eyes were taking in every movement of the man Withem.

"You seem to be much interested," suggested Tad.

Withem flashed a keen, searching look into Butler's face.

"I am."

"Why that's-----" began Walter, then subsided at a warning look from Tad.

"Pardon me, but will you be good enough to tell me where you got
this rifle?  I have good and sufficient reasons for asking the
question," said Withem almost sternly.

"We took it from a man who had set out to shoot us up, sir," replied
Butler.

"Tried to shoot you up?  When?  Where?" demanded the visitor with a
trace of excitement in his tone.

"This afternoon and to-night.  Stacy Brown's cheek bears evidence of
the fellow's marksmanship.  It seems the man took us to be
officers---Rangers, he said."

"Then you---you talked with him?"

"We did," answered Tad with a twinkle in his eyes.  "In fact we held
quite a lengthy conversation with the gentleman."

"Explain what you are getting at."  Withem was deeply interested in the
scant information that had been given to him.  They saw that he was
containing himself with difficulty.

"Tell, Mr. Withem.  Don't beat about the bush," advised the professor.

"Yes; tell me what became of the fellow who shot you up," urged the
visitor.

"What became of him, sir?"

"Yes, yes!"

"Why we caught and made him prisoner."

"What!"

"Yes, sir, and we have him now," smiled Tad Butler.

"You've got him now?  Where is he?" roared the visitor springing to
his feet, permitting the captured weapon to fall to the ground.

"He is over there in the bushes," said Tad.  "However, I think you
had better wait until I get over there before you pay him a visit.
I have a sort of proprietary interest in that fellow and I don't
propose to have any monkey business.  He nearly killed Professor
Zepplin, bound though he is.  Wait one moment, please.  Why do you
wish to see the man?"

"Because I think I know him.  Gentlemen, I am a Ranger.  I am Lieutenant
Joe Withem, and I have good reasons to believe your prisoner is a man
whom I have been anxious to meet for some time.  I am ready to be shown."

Tad wonderingly led the way over to their captive, the lieutenant
following in quick, nervous strides, the others of the party bringing
up the rear, Chunky lugging a rifle which he kept in position for
instant use in case the stranger should seek to liberate their prisoner.
But there was little danger of Lieutenant Joe Withem doing anything
of the sort,




CHAPTER VIII

A MUCH-WANTED DESPERADO


Tad had snatched a burning brand from the fire, carrying it along with
him so that Withem might get a good look at the prisoner.  The lad
considered it a fortunate coincidence that the Ranger lieutenant should
have visited their camp at that particular time.

The instant Withem set eyes on the prisoner he uttered an exclamation
under his breath, while the prisoner glared up at him with menacing eyes.

"Hullo, Dunk," greeted the Ranger.  "You seem to be in limbo.  I reckon
you bit off more'n you could chew, for once in your life. Thought you
were shooting up Rangers, did you?  Instead you barked up against
some tenderfeet who were too much for you.  I guess you ain't quite
so smart as you thought you were."

"I reckon you've made a mistake," growled the prisoner.  "I don't know
what you're chewing about."

"That's all right, Dunk.  I don't reckon it makes any difference what
you think about it.  We've got you hard and fast, and you're done for.
I reckon, too, that the captain will be glad to see you.  He'll have a
warm welcome for you, you bet.  They certainly have you tied up for
keeps," laughed the lieutenant, bending over to examine the prisoner's
bonds.  "They certainly have.  Come on, let's finish that bacon," added
the Ranger straightening up.

The party took its way back to the campfire, Stacy disgustedly throwing
his gun on the ground at the foot of the tree where lay the prisoner's
rifle.

"Now, sir, perhaps you will explain who and what this man is?  You
appear to be well acquainted with him," said the professor.

"I am that.  But how did you get him?"

"Master Tad there will answer that question.  He and Rector made the
capture."

"You two younkers caught that man?" wondered the lieutenant.

"Yes, sir," replied Tad modestly.  "But I'll admit that it was a
pretty tough job.  He nearly got us."

"Tell me about it."

Tad did so briefly, making as little of his own achievement as possible.
He related also, how the prisoner had gained possession of Professor
Zepplin's revolver and of the latter's narrow escape from death.

"Boys, you've done a big thing.  The captain will be interested in
you," said Mr. Withem.  "He's been wanting this man for a long time."

"You haven't told us who the fellow is, yet," reminded Professor
Zepplin.

"He is Dunk Tucker, sir, one of the most dangerous customers infesting
the border.  We have been on his trail for weeks, but he's managed to
give us the slip every time.  We never expected to capture him alive.
We expected to have to shoot him on sight, which we probably would
have done."

"Is it possible?" murmured the professor.  "I did not suppose such
conditions existed on the border at this late day."

"They do not, ordinarily."

"What has the man Tucker done?"

"Done?  It would be easier to tell you what he hasn't done.  He's
committed pretty nearly every crime in the calendar and some that
aren't in the almanac.  He is one of a band of thieves that has been
operating on the border for months.  They are smugglers and thieves.
They have even gone back to the old style of stock stealing.  Up to
date it is estimated that they have run across the border into Mexico
several hundred head of stock.  The ranchers are up in arms.  The
Rangers have been called in to put the Border Bandits out of business.
This is the first one of the gang that we have captured.  And, after
all, we didn't capture him.  That was left for a bunch of plucky
young tenderfeet---two of them, to be exact.

"Furthermore, it is suspected that Dunk and some of the other bad men
of his crowd are in the pay of German agents in Mexico.  The Germans
are trying to stir up trouble on this side of the line, and these
border ruffians are ready to do anything for the sake of easy money,
even at the expense of being traitors to their country.  It is
believed that German money is finding its way into their pockets.
The hounds!" raged the Ranger.

"Surely these men have not resorted to force---committed murder or
anything of that sort?" interposed the professor.

"Not that we know of, though some of them did have a pitched battle
with a rancher over on the western border of the state.  A few stopped
bullets, but so far as we know no one was killed.  I am telling you
all this in confidence.  There are a good many in this thing whose
names we do not know."

"You can make the prisoner confess, can you not?" asked Professor
Zepplin.

"Confess?" the lieutenant laughed.  "You don't know these Border
Bandits.  No, they never confess.  There will always be more or less
trouble down on the Rio Grande.  It is so close to Mexico, so easy to
get across the border that bad men cannot resist taking advantage of
it.  That is why the Rangers are still in business.  If it were not
for the border we all should be looking for other jobs.  As it is
there aren't many of us left."

"How many?" asked the professor.

"Some thirty in the state, that is all.  We are subject to the orders
of the governor, though we're left pretty much to ourselves."

"Who is your commander?"

"Captain Billy McKay."

"That's the man Dunk named.  He accused us of belonging to McKay's band
of Rangers," said Rector.

"He did, eh?"

"Yes."

"I thought so.  Still, he might have shot you up just the same, even if
he had known you hadn't anything to do with us."

"Where is the rest of your party, Mr. Withem?" asked Tad.

"They're out on the trail," was the somewhat evasive answer.  "I'll
get in touch with them sometime to-night or to-morrow."

"But you will take Tucker with you, will you not?" asked Ned.

"I reckon I will," laughed the Ranger.

"Shall we take him along for you?  You have no horse?" asked Tad.

"My nag isn't far from here," smiled the lieutenant.  "I'll load him
on like a sack of meal.  He'll get a good shaking up, but it won't
hurt Dunk.  He's too tough to be bothered by a little thing like that.
We'll land him in the calaboose in El Paso by the day after to-morrow.
Where are you folks going?"

"We planned to do the Guadalupes, then go on down to the Rio Grande,"
answered Professor Zepplin.

Withem reflected.

"I reckon the captain will be wanting to see you.  There's a reward
out for Dunk.  Captain Bill is on the square.  He'll 'divvy' with you
fairly."

"We are not looking for any rewards," spoke up Tad quickly.  "You may
tell him that whatever reward is paid, belongs to the Rangers.  We are
glad to have served you, but remember, we did so to save our own skins."

Withem extended his hand, grasping Tad's hand within it.

"You're the right sort, young man.  I wish we had you with us."

"In the Rangers?"

"Yes, of course."

"I am afraid that would not be possible," smiled the Pony Rider Boy.

"Wholly impossible," affirmed Professor Zepplin with emphasis.

"I suppose so.  However, I want you to see the captain.  I'll tell
you what to do."  The lieutenant lowered his voice.  "We will be in
camp to-morrow night about twenty-five miles to the southwest of here.
Know where Doble's Spring is?"

"No, sir."

"You can find it.  The water gushes out of the rocks pretty high up,
falling in a sort of spray.  You can't miss the place.  You'll hear it
if it's after dark when you get there."

"And, further, you'll probably see a campfire, but sing out before you
come in too close.  Some of our boys are rather sudden when they're
interrupted at night," grinned the Ranger.

"I should call it violent," declared Stacy.  "The way you poked that
pistol in my face back there was a caution.  You nearly scared me out
of a week's growth."

No one paid any attention to Chunky's interruption.

"Will your captain be there?" asked the professor.

"I reckon he will But I can't tell for sure.  McKay is a pretty busy
man.  You don't know where to find him.  He may be here to-night.
and to-morrow morning he may be sixty or seventy miles away.  You
can't tell about Billy McKay."

"Is there any danger of our having difficulties with any of this
fellow's companions?" asked the professor apprehensively.

"I reckon not.  At least there won't be after you have come up with
our party.  We'll see to that."

"Where are their headquarters---in these mountains?" questioned Tad.

"We don't know.  That's what we're trying to find out.  We have
reckoned they had their hang-out here, but we haven't found it yet"

"How many are in this band of Border Bandits?" asked Butler.

"There are some that we don't know.  We do know a few of them, however.
For instance, there's the Mexican, Espinoso, known as the 'Yellow Kid.'
Then there's Greg.  Gonzales, a half-breed Mex bandit, and Willie Jones."

"Willie Jones! That's a funny name," laughed Stacy.  "That doesn't
sound very savage.  I shouldn't be afraid of a fellow with a name
like that."

"You would if you knew him.  Willie is a dude.  He dresses like a city
fellow with all the frills he can pile on, and he has the manners of
a city chap too.  But you look out for Willie.  There isn't a colder
blooded man in the state than Willie Jones.  He's quick as lightning
on the gun and can hit a bull's-eye with his own eyes shut."

"If he is any worse than our prisoner over there, I don't think I care
to make his acquaintance," replied Butler with a laugh.

"He is, young man.  You'd know Dunk to be a bad man the first time
you saw him.  You wouldn't think it of Willie and by the time you get
him sized up, it's too late to do you any good.  I hope you don't meet
with Willie and try to land him.  If you do you'll be carried out on
a litter, reduced to a pulp."

"Br---r----r---r!" shivered Chunky.

"Where---where is this bad man supposed to hide himself?" asked the
professor.

"I wish I knew," sighed the Ranger.  "It would be worth a cold thousand
dollars to me and perhaps some more.  There's a price on Willie's head.
But what's the use speculating about it?  We'll get him some day, but
he'll be a dead one when we do.  I'd a sight rather capture him alive."

The boys listened to all this with deep interest.  They had never
come in contact with such cold-blooded discussion over human lives.
They began to understand something of the things they had read
concerning conditions in the Lone Star State in the early days when
men's passions ran riot; when practically the only law of the land
was the law of the gun.  Now, conditions had changed.  It was only
in certain localities that lawlessness reigned in Texas, but these
were bad spots, as evidenced by the presence of the Rangers, that
intrepid body of men that for thirty years had been the terror of
evildoers.  The Rangers were pitted against a worthy foe in this
instance, though it was a certainty that in time the Rangers would
get their men, either dead or alive.

"And now I reckon I'll be going," decided the lieutenant, after having
partaken heartily of the appetizing meal.  "I'll be expecting you at
the Spring when we get there to-morrow."

"Thank you; we will endeavor to be there.  It will be a pleasure to
meet your commander.  We may get some useful advice from him."

"We'll bring up your horse if you will tell us where he is," offered
Tad.

"Thanks, pard.  He's on the other side of the creek about fifteen rods
from here."

Accompanied by Ned, Tad hurried down, but found some difficulty in
locating the horse, so carefully had the animal been secreted.  Withem
smiled when he saw them coming back.

"I guess you boys are all right," he nodded.

They helped him load the prisoner over the horse's back, after which,
giving each of the party a cordial shake of the hand, Lieutenant
Withem rode away.  They observed that his rifle was resting across the
body of the prisoner, as if the lieutenant were looking for trouble.
The trouble came sooner than they expected.  The Ranger had been gone
less than twenty minutes when a volley of rifle shots crashed out.

"He's attacked!" cried Tad.

"Quick!  Put out the fire!" shouted the professor.

"Don't wait for the fire.  We must go to his assistance!" answered
Tad, snatching up his rifle and making a bolt for his pony.  "Come
on, boys, we've got something to do this time."

"Stop!" commanded the professor.

"What, sit here while a band of bandits are perhaps murdering Lieutenant
Withem?  I can't do that.  You stay here, Professor.  We will take care
of ourselves.  Don't worry about us.  Chunky, you'd better stay here
with the professor.  You haven't got sand enough to---"

"What, me stay here?" shouted the fat boy, starting for his own mount.
"I guess you don't know what kind of a man I am.  Come on, fellows.
Whoop!"

Stacy leaped into his saddle.  Ned Rector and Walter Perkins already
had taken to their saddles.  The professor saw that it was useless to
try to stop the boys.  He groaned aloud.  But Professor Zepplin was
very active for his years.  Ere the enthusiastic Pony Riders had
started to gallop away the professor had made a flying leap into his
saddle and a few seconds later was pounding down the canyon, along
the West Fork, in the wake of the racing Pony Rider Boys.

"There they are!" cried Tad, as bursting out on the plain they saw
vicious flashes of light, accompanied by the crashing of guns.




CHAPTER IX

SHOWING GOOD GENERALSHIP


Rifles had been jerked from saddle boots as the boys swung to the left,
sweeping down over the plain.  Tad assumed the leadership of the party,
as he usually did in emergencies.

"All hold your fire until I give the word.  Keep your heads.  Don't get
excited!" wanted the lad.

"That is good judgment.  But try to keep out of the fire," shouted the
professor.

Ned Rector laughed.

"We might better have stayed at the camp if that is all we are going to
do," he answered.

Tad saw that several men were riding around in a circle shooting at a
fleeing horseman whose rifle spoke often and spitefully.  The lad
knew that the solitary horseman was the Ranger lieutenant.

"The cowards---to attack one man that way!" gritted the boy.  "Now,
fellows," he called, slacking up slightly, "I want you, when I say go,
to yell like mad.  Whoop it up for all you're worth.  Then when I say
fire, every man shake out his rifle, but shoot high.  We don't want to
hit anybody unless we have to.  We'll make those fellows think the
whole troop of Rangers is turned loose on them.  Understand?"

"Good! Excellent head work, Tad.  I'm proud of you.  But I do hope none
of you gets hit."

"If you are afraid, drop back to the rear, Professor," suggested Stacy,
whereat chuckles were heard from the others.

The bandits had not discovered the advancing horsemen in the darkness,
though had they been less interested in seeking to kill Lieutenant
Withem they might have observed the little band that was now sweeping
down on them.

"Now! Whoop it up, fellows!" Tad raised his voice to an exultant shout.

Chunky's piercing voice punctured the atmosphere in a blood-curdling
shout, a wild warwhoop.

"Yip! Yip! Hiyi! Hiyi! Kyaw! Kyeeaw! Yip! Yip!"

Despite the seriousness of the situation and the real desperateness of
their position the Pony Rider Boys laughed so that they were unable to
yell for a full minute.  Then they let go their voices, to which the
professor added his own.  But his voice was almost wholly lost in the
blood-curdling shouts of his young charges.

"Ready---Chunky, aim at the moon or you'll be puncturing some of us.
Now fire!"

A volley of shots followed Tad's command.  Five rifles crashed out,
but their leaden missiles went high, followed by another series of
wild yells, whoops and scattering shots.

About this time the Border Bandits discovered the oncoming party of
horsemen.  All at once they turned their rifles on the Pony Rider Boys.
At the first shot in the direction of the boys Tad turned in his saddle.

"Lie low!" he yelled.  "Keep whooping and keep shooting.  Look out that
you don't hit any one.  Ride straight at them.  They'll give ground."

"I hope to goodness they do," shouted Ned Rector.

"If they don't it's me for the tall timber," cried Stacy, who had
overheard Rector's remark.

The bullets sang so close to the boys that the lads could hear them
plainly.  Had the light been more certain some of them must have been
hit, for those men out there knew how to handle rifles much better
than did any of the Pony Rider Boys.

With wild whoops and yells, keeping up a continuous fusillade, the
plucky band kept straight on.

"It's the Rangers!" They heard the words plainly, uttered by one of
the bandits.

"Yip! Yip! Kyeeaw!" screamed the fat boy.

"Yip! Yip! Hiyi!" chorused the others.

"We've got 'em on the run!" yelled Tad, as the circling horsemen swung
out into a straight line and began racing across the plains, turning
in their saddles to shoot at their assailants.

"Can you see to let them have a few shots into the ground to hurry them
along?" called Butler.

"Yes, yes," yelled the boys.

"Be careful," warned the professor.  Bang, bang, bang, bang! answered
the rifles of the Pony Rider Boys.  The horses of the bandits fairly
leaped into the air.  Soon after that they faded into dark, uncertain
streaks on the white of the plain.  Now the rifle of the solitary
horseman began to speak again.  Joe Withem was not afflicted with any
scruples against shooting to hit.  He tumbled one man out of his
saddle, but the fellow's companions scooped up the wounded bandit,
carrying him away with them.  Withem thought he saw a man go down,
but he could not be sure.

The boys swept past him some distance to the left of the Ranger, still
shooting, their purpose being to keep the bandits going until the
latter should have been driven so far away that they would not be
back that night.

"Swing back!" commanded Tad.  The boys pulled their horses down, and
wheeling began trotting back.  A little beyond they saw Withem
galloping toward them.

"You were just in time, fellows.  They had me on the hip for sure."

"I'm glad of it," called Tad, "for---"

"What's that?  Who are you?" interrupted the lieutenant.  Then he
pulled his horse up sharply.  "Well, I'll be jiggered, if it isn't
you."

"That's who it is," laughed Tad.  "Are you hit?"

"I stopped a couple, but it doesn't amount to anything.  Just flesh
wounds, that's all.  And you boys put the bandits on the run, eh?"
wondered the Ranger lieutenant.  "That's another one I owe you.  That's
another one the Cap'n owes you too."

"Don't mention it."

"How did they happen to discover you?" asked the professor riding
up beside the Ranger.

"That's what gets me.  I don't understand it at all.  They must have
caught sight of me as I was riding out.  They surely didn't know I
had Dunk with me or they wouldn't have begun shooting at me.  They'd
have tried to pot the pony in the legs and get me afterwards, though
I might have stood them off till daylight."

"Bad, very bad!" muttered the professor.

"I call it very good, sir.  Those fellows have had a fright that will
keep them going for some hours yet.  They think it is the Rangers that's
chasing them and they'll be hiking for cover at the rate of some miles
an hour."

"You are sure you are not badly hurt?" asked the professor anxiously.

"If I never get any worse, I'll be satisfied.  I'm a marked man, you
know.  Some day, when my gun sticks in the holster, I may get mine."

"Come back to camp with us.  Surely you are not going on to-night?"

"Thank you, but I must be getting on.  I've got to be at the camp by
daylight."

"If you think there is danger of your being attacked, we will ride with
you," said Tad.

"No, pard, I'm better off alone.  I'll know enough to dodge them now."

"Speaking of danger, you don't suppose these men will come back and
visit our camp, do you?" asked the professor.

"No, I don't think so.  But were I in your place I think I'd put out
my fire and set a guard for the rest of the night.  It's always a safe
thing to do.  They won't touch you in the daytime; in fact, I think
those fellows will be hiding.  We'll set a couple of men on their trail
just as soon as I get to camp; now that I know where the trail starts.
They know I know, and that's what makes me think they won't let the
grass grow under their feet."

"I am glad to hear you say so," answered Professor Zepplin.  "I am
afraid we should not have mixed up in this affair at all, though
naturally I am pleased that we have been able to be of some service
to you when you might have been killed."

"And some others with me," answered the Ranger grimly.  "Well, so long.
I'll talk with you to-morrow."

"Good night and good luck!" called the boys.

"Good night, pards," answered the Ranger heartily.  Swinging his pony
about he galloped away into the darkness, while the boys turned their
own mounts toward their camp in the canyon.  They had done a good
night's work and Tad's generalship alone had won the battle for the
Ranger lieutenant.  But there were other equally exciting experiences
ahead of them in the near future, in which the Border Bandits would
play an active part.




CHAPTER X

THE PONY RIDER BOYS INITIATED


It was rather a solemn party that took its way slowly back to the Pony
Rider Boys' Camp in the mountains.  The boys realized that they had
taken a rather active part in what might prove for them a serious
affair.  If, by any chance, the bandits learned who had interfered
with them, it might be necessary for Professor Zepplin and his
charges to make lively tracks for the border and seek other fields
of adventure.

The same thought was in the minds of all except Chunky, who held his
head erect, his chest swelled out.  He was full of their great
achievements and was telling what he would do if any of the bandits
came to visit their camp.

"I think we will put you on guard to-night, seeing that you are such a
brave young man," said the professor with a twinkle.

"On guard?"

"Yes."

"Yes, that's the idea.  Let him take the watch," approved Rector.

"You forget that I'm a wounded man.  You forget I've been shot twice
to-day.  Huh!  Some of you children take the trick.  I've got to take
care of my health."

"I guess if we expect to get any sleep we had better let some one else
do it," agreed Tad.  "Chunky will have us out on false alarms all
night long."

They were agreed upon this, and by common consent Butler was given the
watch for the night.  The boys slept with their rifles beside them
that night.

The night passed without incident, Tad Butler keeping a vigilant watch
all during the dark hours of the night.  He had plenty of time to think
matters over.  He realized that Dunk Tucker, the prisoner, had
overheard all that had been said during their talk with Withem out on
the plain.  Tad knew that if Dunk ever got into communication with his
fellows it would go hard with the Pony Rider Boys.

Soon after daybreak, Tad awakened his fellows.  He already had a brisk
fire going, but before lighting it, the lad had walked down to the
edge of the canyon for a survey of the plain.  He saw a solitary
horseman far out over the rolling plain.  After some study he made up
his mind that the man was going away instead of coming toward them.

Breakfast finished the party packed their belongings and started out
for their long ride to join the Rangers sometime late in the day.

About noon they made camp for dinner and a rest, not taking up their
journey until about four o'clock in the afternoon.  Darkness overtook
them, finding them still without sight or sound of the Spring where
Withem said they would find the Rangers' camp.  A consultation was held
and it was decided to continue on until they picked up the party.

About half an hour after night had fallen, they were riding along when
suddenly they were stopped by a stern command.

"Halt! Hands up! Every man of you is covered!"

"Oh, wow!" gasped Chunky.  "They've got us again."

"Who are you?" demanded the voice.

"Who are you?" returned Tad boldly.

"I reckon my question gits the first answer, seeing as I've got the
drop on you."

Tad all at once realized that the sound of falling water was in the
air.  With it came the thought that these must be the Rangers.

"We're the Pony Rider Boys," he said, speaking confidently.

"The which?"

He repeated his answer.

"Wait a minute.  Send for Joe," said the man in a lower tone.  "You
fellows stay just as you are if you don't want some daylight let
through you."

"I---I wish we did have a little daylight," stammered Chunky, which
elicited a short laugh from his companions.  "Yeow!" bowled the fat
boy as a figure appeared beside him and a pair of iron arms grasped
his hands pulling him down, nearly unseating him.  "Yeow! Let go!"

"It's all right, boys," spoke up the familiar voice of Lieutenant
Withem.  "I'd know this fellow in the dark as well as in the light.
I'm Withem."

At the lieutenant's reassuring words the Rangers---for the boys had
stumbled upon the camp of the men of Captain McKay's command---crowded
forward, talking and laughing, three of them taking the horses as the
party dismounted, then leading the way into the bushes and in among
the rocks where the lads came upon a campfire, around which were
seated five or six other Rangers.

Withem introduced the professor and his charges.  There were, besides
the Lieutenant, Pete Quash, "Dippy" Orell, Cad Morgan, Bucky Moore,
"Polly" Perkins and several others, all of whom were introduced in
turn, the Rangers solemn as owls, making low bows, sweeping the ground
with their sombreros, causing Stacy to open his eyes in wonderment.
Lieutenant Withem made the party feel at home at once.

"Just in time to have chuck with us.  You see we have our chuck wagon
here.  Of course we don't carry it wherever we go.  We usually have
some central point where we make headquarters.  But we have to keep
changing these headquarters for reasons you understand."

All hands sat down to the evening meal after the men had washed up, in
most instances without removing their hats.  This attracted the
attention of the fat boy.

"Say, do you fellows sleep in your hats as well as wash and eat in
them?" he demanded.

"Do you sleep in your skin?" retorted Dippy.

"Yes, unless it has been all skinned off from me.  When I was fighting
Indians up in the Grand Canyon---"

"Chop it!" commanded a Ranger.  "Men have been known to meet their death
for less in this country."

"Can't I say what I've got to say?" demanded the fat boy indignantly.

"Are you going to brag about yourself?" demanded Polly.

"I'm telling you, and---"

"Well, don't tell us.  We don't want to have to take you out and tie
you to a tree.  Say, will you get wise to the dude with the red
necktie?" scoffed the Ranger, pointing to Ned, who, in the place of the
bandanna handkerchief, had put on a flowing tie of brilliant red,
tying it about his neck, with the ends carelessly thrown over the left
shoulder.

"Don't you like it?" asked Ned, flushing.

"Like it?  Why, it's the hottest thing that ever crossed the Staked
Plains since the Apaches came down in---"

"Why don't you look the other way then?" interjected Stacy.

"Oho! Listen to the human monstrosity---the monstrosity as wide as he
is long and as fresh as he is stale.  What you got to say about it,
young man?" demanded Dippy, glancing at Tad Butler, who was smiling.

"I haven't said anything yet."

"But you're going to?"

"I may."

"Can we stand for any more remarks, boys?" asked Dippy.

"No, we can't stand for any more," chorused the men, the professor and
the lieutenant being too busy with a discussion to pay any heed to what
was going on about them.

"Then he shall be washed clean so that he may take a fresh start?"

"That's the idea!"

"Will you go peaceably or must we drag you?"

"I reckon you'd better drag me.  If you're going to have fun with me
you'll have to earn it.  I don't propose to help you out."

"Do you hear?" demanded Dippy in a deep, hoarse voice.

"We hear."

"Then do your duty!"

Two men grabbed the Pony Rider boy up, Tad making no resistance
whatever, a little to the surprise of the men who had taken hold of
him.  They expected the boy to resist, which would have given them
still further excuse to handle him roughly.  But Tad was used to
dealing with the rough and ready characters of plain and mountain.
He didn't care particularly what they did.  The other boys were
delighted that Tad was to be made the mark this time.  They followed
along laughing and jeering at their companion.

The Rangers fell in behind the two who were carrying Butler, in solemn
procession.  To look at their faces one would have thought they were
performing a solemn duty.  The boys wondered where it was going to end.
They discovered a few minutes later.  Tad was taken out where the
gentle murmur of the Spring falling over the rocks could be heard when
the Pony Rider Boys were not making too much noise.

"Do you withdraw the flippant words you used to a member of this august
body?" demanded a deep voice.

"No!" cried Tad Butler.  "Never! I'll die first!"

"Then take your punishment!"

With that they gave the boy a swing, one holding to the feet the other
the shoulders of the lad.  When they let go, Tad sailed several feet
through the air.  Quick as a cat in his movements Tad turned over
before he landed, going down on all fours.  He thought he was going to
strike on the hard ground.  Instead he landed at the bottom of a deep
pool of water cold as ice it seemed to him.  He went in all over.  Not
expecting anything of this sort the boy was not holding his breath.
The result was that he got a mouthful of water.  He came up choking,
then pretended to go down again.  Instead he crawled up to the bank,
under which he hid.

A moment passed and the Rangers began to be alarmed.  Dippy stepped
to the edge of the pool and leaning over peered down somewhat anxiously.

Quick as a flash a pair of arms encircled his neck.  Dippy plunged
in head first.  He did not even have time to cry out.  The others,
discovering that Dippy had fallen in, rushed to the edge shouting and
laughing.  Two of them went the way of their companion, Tad having
jerked their feet from under them.  Within sixty seconds from that time
half of the crowd were threshing about in the cold waters of the pool,
while Tad, who had crawled out, sat on the bank dripping, watching
their struggles.

Stacy Brown was rolling on the ground, howling with delight.  All at
once he was picked up in a pair of strong arms and tossed in bodily.
Stacy howled lustily.  Clambering out he squared off for fight, but the
only fight he got was another ducking in the pool.

"You---you----you fellows ought to be ashamed to pick on a wounded man
that way.  Don't you know I've been shot?"

"Shot?"

"Yes, shot."

"He's been shot," chorused the boys and the Rangers together.

"Any of the rest of you kiddies been wounded in the fracas?" demanded
Folly.

"No, but you've overlooked two of us," announced Ned stepping out.  "We
haven't had our baths yet and I reckon we need them."

Without a word, two of the Rangers got up and threw the two remaining
boys into the pool.  Ned went in with a mighty splash, Walter Perkins
landing on top of him, nearly taking away the breath of Rector.  They
had a rough and tumble scrimmage in the cold water, coming out choking,
dripping and laughing.

All this made a favorable impression on the Rangers.  Boys who could
take rough handling such as this, without losing their tempers or even
offering any objection, surely must be worth while.  Then, too, there
was the story about Tad and Ned having captured the desperado, Dunk
Tucker, who was now well on his way to the calaboose in El Paso.

"I reckon you kin go back and dry off now," drawled Dippy.  "Anything
else you cayuses reckon you want?"

"Yes, you might fetch me a piece of soap," answered Butler laughingly.

"I reckon you'll use sand, young man," answered Orell witheringly.

The Pony Rider Boys made their way back to the camp, wet but happy, the
only dissatisfied one in the crowd being Stacy Brown.  But their
troubles for the night were not wholly over yet.  Their initiation was
not yet complete.  The Rangers had still other plans for their visitors.




CHAPTER XI

BAG-BAITING THE 'POSSUMS


"Guess you fellows are forgetting about that 'possum hunt?" drawled Cad
Morgan as the boys came noisily into camp.

"'Possum hunt?" cried Stacy, brightening at once.

"I wasn't talking to you," answered Morgan witheringly.  "Don't break
in when men are talking."

"Men?  Where are your men?  I want to go 'possum hunting, too."

"So do I," chorused Ned and Walter.  Tad did not speak.  He was
watching the Rangers to see if they meant it.  Evidently they did.

"That's so," answered Dippy.  "We had plumb forgotten all about it.
We better get a move on or we won't have that 'possum for breakfast.
Ever go bag-baiting for 'possum?" he demanded wheeling on Tad.

"I never did."

"Neither did I," interjected Stacy crowding in between Tad and the
Ranger.  "I want to bag a 'possum."

"Better look sharp or the 'possum will bag you," warned Pete Quash.

"I guess I'm not afraid of any 'possum that ever climbed a tree.
Haven't I killed lions and bob cats and fought Indians, and---"

"Stop it!" roared Dippy.  "I'll be worse'n my name if you keep filling
me up with that line of talk."

"What's bag-baiting 'possum?" asked Walter.

"What! You never heard of bag-baiting?" demanded Cad.

"I never did."

"Well, you fellows are tenderfeet!"

"May we go along and help?" asked Chunky.

"What do you say, fellows?"

"We might let them on a pinch.  I suppose they've got to learn some
time."

"All right, you fellows may go out and help us, but it's a job, mind
you!  You'll get sick of it before you've finished."

"No we won't," cried the boys.

"Well, I reckon we'd better be getting the stuff together," said Cad
getting up wearily.  "Though I'm afraid the roly-poly will plumb scare
every 'possum out of the community."

"If they don't run at sight of you, they'll stand for anything short of
a ghost," retorted Stacy sarcastically.

Cad did not reply to this fling.  He merely grinned.  Tad saw more in
that grin than did his companions, but he held his peace.  He wanted
to see the fun, even if it were still further at his own expense.

Preparations for the 'possum hunt were at once begun.  Two burlap sacks
were procured from somewhere in the camp.  These, with several candles
and some stout sticks, made up the outfit for the 'possum hunt.

"Where are you fellows going?" called Withem as he saw the outfit
starting away.

"Hunting 'possums," answered Dippy.

Lieutenant Withem smiled.

"I hope you bring back some for breakfast," called the professor.  "I am
fond of 'possum."

"You won't be of the 'possum they catch," warned the lieutenant, in a
low tone.

With pistol holsters slapping against their thighs, Rangers and Pony
Rider Boys strode from the camp, circling to the left after leaving
the rocky pass where they had their resting place.  They followed
around the base of the mountains for a half mile.  The ground was
thickly wooded with second growth and mesquite bush.

Cad finally called a halt.

"I reckon we'll go in here," he said.

"Going to leave a bag here?" asked Polly.

"Sure.  Here you, Perkins, catch bold of the bag."

"What do I do?" asked Walter.

"Wait; I'll show you."

Morgan very carefully lighted a candle and stuck it into the ground,
packing the dirt about it with his knife.

"Now you hold the bag open.  Don't move.  Don't jump if you see a
'possum light into the bag.  You see the light draws them.  It
hypnotizes them and they jump right into the light.  That means they
jump into the bag.  The minute one hops in all you have to do is to
close the bag, sling it over your shoulder and hike back to camp
with it."

"That's easy.  I could catch 'possums myself if that's all a fellow has
to do," declared Stacy.

"It'll be your turn next, Fatty."

It was.  After floundering through the bushes for some distance the
Rangers stopped.

"Now, Fatty, it's your turn," announced Cad.  "You may have to wait
around here for an hour or two while we beat up the bushes and drive
the 'possum in, but you won't care.  You'll be glad you stayed when you
get a nice fat 'possum for your breakfast."

"I'll catch him if he comes this way," replied the fat boy.

"You bet you'll catch it," chuckled Dippy.

"How long do I stay here?"

"Till you git a 'possum," answered Polly.  "Mebby that'll be in two
minutes and mebby not in two hours, but you've got to stand very still.
If you move you'll scare the whole pack of them back into their holes."

Stacy squared himself, holding the opening of the bag close up to the
burning candle.

"That's right.  A little more to the left with the opening," directed
Cad, who had constituted himself the master of the hunt.  "Now hold
it.  You other two lads work around the ou