nson. "They are a good distance back.
Darry discovered 'em from yonder p'int. Eat what you want, and then it
will be time enough to start."

The repast was quickly disposed of by Joe, and soon they were in the
saddle once more. The long nap had refreshed the lad greatly, and he
said he would now be able to ride as far as anybody.

On they went, the trail growing more difficult as the top of the
mountain was gained. Here there was a stiff breeze that at times was
positively cold, and both boys were glad enough to button their jackets
tightly around them.

If all went well Benson calculated that they could reach Hank Leeson's
place with ease before dark. This was the cabin of an old hunter and
trapper who was known from one end of the Territory to the other. As
mentioned at the beginning of this tale, Leeson's place was twenty miles
from the fort.

"I could ride right through," said the old scout. "But you boys couldn't
do it. If you tried it, you'd be so sore and stiff the next day you
couldn't stand up."

CHAPTER VII.

AT HANK LEESON'S CABIN.

At first the boys were inclined to think that the old scout was
mistaken--that they could ride as far as anybody. But when, shortly
after sunset, they came within sight of Hank Leeson's place both were
glad to think that they would have to ride no more for the present.

"I'm sore already," whispered Darry to his cousin.

"So am I--but I didn't want Benson to know it," was the low answer.
"That last mile of the trail was awfully rough."

Hank Leeson had seen them coming, and stood at the doorway of his cabin,
rifle in hand. He was a tall, thin man, with black eyes that were
exceedingly sharp and shrewd. When he recognized Sam Benson he dropped
his firearm into a corner and ran to meet the scout.

"Downright glad ter see ye!" he said, shaking hands. "Sam, yer a sight
fer sore eyes, thet's wot!"

"And I'm glad to see you, Hank," responded Benson, just as warmly. "How
have things been with you?"

"Putty slow, to tell the truth." Leeson looked at the boys. "Two
tenderfoots along, I see."

"Yes. This is Joe Moore, brother to the captain up at the fort, and this
is Darry Germain, his cousin. Boys, this is Hank Leeson, the best
trapper and all-around shot in these parts."

"Oh, come, don't be a-praisin' me so much!" cried Leeson, as he took the
boys' hands in a grip that made them wince. "As fer shootin', ye kin do
thet yerself as good as anybody, Sam." He look