ome over those gathered about
the camp-fire. Mouse, to conceal his emotion, pretended to be asleep,
while Bradshaw made an effort to clear his throat of something that
would neither go up nor down, and failing in this, turned and walked
away without a word. Silently we unrolled the beds, and with saddles
for pillows and the dome of heaven for a roof, we fell asleep.

X

THE RANSOM OF DON RAMON MORA

On the southern slope of the main tableland which divides the waters
of the Nueces and Rio Grande rivers in Texas, lies the old Spanish
land grant of "Agua Dulce," and the rancho by that name. Twice within
the space of fifteen years was an appeal to the sword taken over the
ownership of the territory between these rivers. Sparsely settled by
the descendants of the original grantees, with an occasional American
ranchman, it is to-day much the same as when the treaty of peace gave
it to the stronger republic.

This frontier on the south has undergone few changes in the last half
century, and no improvements have been made. Here the smuggler against
both governments finds an inviting field. The bandit and the robber
feel equally at home under either flag. Revolutionists hatch their
plots against the powers that be; sedition takes on life and finds
adherents eager to bear arms and apply the torch.

Within a dozen years of the close of the century just past, this
territory was infested by a band of robbers, whose boldness has had
few equals in the history of American brigandage. The Bedouins of the
Orient justify their freebooting by accounting it a religious
duty, looking upon every one against their faith as an Infidel, and
therefore common property. These bandits could offer no such excuse,
for they plundered people of their own faith and blood. They were
Mexicans, a hybrid mixture of Spanish atrocity and Indian cruelty.
They numbered from ten to twenty, and for several months terrorized
the Mexican inhabitants on both sides of the river. On the American
side they were particular never to molest any one except those of
their own nationality. These they robbed with impunity, nor did their
victims dare to complain to the authorities, so thoroughly were they
terrified and coerced.

The last and most daring act of these marauders was the kidnapping of
Don Ramon Mora, owner of the princely grant of Agua Dulce. Thousands
of cattle and horses ranged over the vast acres of his ranch, and he
was reputed to be a wealthy