ut sat down near at hand to smoke his
stumpy brier-root pipe, filling it with cut-plug which was as black as
coal, and puffing away with keen satisfaction.

Darry was more restless, and having put away the things used in
preparing the meal he began an inspection of the neighborhood.

"Be careful," said old Benson, as the youth moved around. "Don't get
into trouble, as Joe did."

"I'll keep my eyes open," replied Darry.

Opposite the trail was a tall spur of rocks with something of a series
of natural steps leading to the top. Up these steps went the youth. Some
of the climbing was difficult, but this he did not mind.

When the top was gained a magnificent panorama was spread out before
him. To one side were the tall mountains, hidden in a bluish mist, to
the other the vast forests and plains. Northward was the continuation of
the gap they were traveling, and southward was a series of foothills,
with here and there a stream or waterfall glinting brightly in the
sunshine.

"How grand!" he murmured. "What a vast country this is! Thousands upon
thousands of people could live here, and nobody be crowded. This would
make splendid pasture for cows and sheep, and yet there isn't a single
animal in sight."

Beyond the rocky spur was a similar elevation, and presently Darry
crossed to this. Here there was a lone pine with several low branches,
and he drew himself up and climbed to the top. He could now see much
further than formerly, and his view took in a portion of the trail
passed several hours before, as it wound, serpent-like, between the
foothills.

"Hullo!" he cried, as he caught sight of something moving on the trail.
"Three people on horseback. Can they be the desperadoes Joe met?"

He watched the riders with interest, and at last felt certain they were
three men fully armed and wearing slouch hats and light-colored coats.
This description tallied with that given by his cousin, and he hastened
down to acquaint old Benson with the news.

"Must be the gang," said the scout. "Are they moving this way?"

"Yes."

"Then we had better move on."

Joe was awakened, and leaped to his feet, looking rather bewildered.

"I--I thought I'd take a little nap," he stammered. "I suppose I've
slept a good while, haven't I?"

"About an hour and a half," answered his cousin. "Here's your dinner,"
and he passed it over. "We've got to move on. Those rascals are behind
us."

"Behind us!"

"Don't get scared," put in old Be