and fill their canteens, they rode forward over the well-defined
trail quite swiftly.

Toward night they could see the trail freshened, but nothing was in
sight except a distant mark when night fell, which the Texan said was
the timber where the party ahead would camp. Just as the sun was setting
smoke was seen to rise in that direction, and the Texan spoke
contemptuously of the carelessness which would thus expose a
camping-place to those who were miles distant.

"If a captain of a ranger band would do such a thing in Texas," he said,
"his men would reduce him to the ranks and put one in his place who knew
how to be cautious."

"It surely is imprudent. But they are a large party to cook for, and
must have large fires," said Pond.

The young Texan laughed scornfully.

"Let every man make his own fire, make such fires as you have seen me
make, and the smoke could not be seen a rifle-shot away," was the
answer. "That party will never reach the Hills. Mark that! If Indians
are within twenty miles they'll see a smoke like that. But what is it to
us? We're safe."

"I am not so selfish as to wish harm to reach them, even if we are
safe!" said Pond, testily.

"That is as much as to say that I am selfish. Well, I acknowledge it. I
go in for number one. If they can't take ordinary care of themselves,
let them suffer."

Willie Pond made no answer, but rode on in silence. Night was now upon
them, and all was still except the thud of the galloping hoofs upon the
plain.

Suddenly a gleam of fire was seen far ahead. The Texan noted it, and
swerved off to the left.

"There is the camp," he said. "I can easily find our resting-place now.
I was afraid we would not see their fires until we were right up to the
timber. But they are careless with their fire as they are with their
smoke. We shall have moonlight in an hour, and in less time we'll be in
camp."

He rode on now, more slowly, for the horses were tired, and he seemed to
know so well where to go that there was no haste.

The moon was just above the trees when the Texan led the way into a
narrow ravine, with heavy timber on either side. Up this, full ten
minutes they rode, and then an exclamation of pleased wonder broke from
the lips of Willie Pond. For they came out into an open circular plain
or area of several acres in extent, covered with rich grass and centered
by a bright, mirror-like lake.

"What a lovely spot!" cried Pond. "Who on earth would dream of fin