id the horses were in Sneed's corral, somewhere up in
the mountain meadows. And because Cheyenne knew little about that
particular section of the mountains, he rolled a blanket and packed some
provisions to see him through. Bartley and he had returned to their camp
after their visit to the ranch, and next morning, as Cheyenne made
preparation to ride, Bartley offered to go with him.

Cheyenne dissuaded Bartley from accompanying him, arguing that he could
travel faster and more cautiously alone. "One man ridin' in to Sneed's
camp wouldn't look as suspicious as two," said Cheyenne. "And if I
thought you could help any, I'd say to come along. That's on the square.
Me and my little old carbine will make out, I guess."

So Bartley, somewhat against his inclination, stayed in camp, with the
understanding that, if Cheyenne did not return in two days, he was to
report the circumstance to the authorities in San Andreas, the principal
town of the valley.

Meanwhile, the regular routine prevailed at the Lawrence ranch. Uncle
Frank had the irrigation plant to look after; and Aunt Jane was immersed
in the endless occupation of housekeeping. Little Jim had his regular
light tasks to attend to, and that morning he made short work of them.
It was not until noon that Aunt Jane missed him. He had disappeared
completely, as had his saddle-pony.

At first, Jimmy had thought of riding over to his father's camp, but he
was afraid his father would guess his intent and send him back home. So
he tied his pony to a clump of junipers some distance from the camp,
and, crawling to a rise, he lay and watched Cheyenne saddle up and take
the trail that led into the high country. A half-hour later, Jimmy
mounted his pony and, riding wide of the camp, he cut into the hill
trail and followed it on up through the brush to the hillside timber. He
planned to ride until he got so far into the mountains that when he did
overtake his father and offer his assistance in locating the stolen
horses, it would hardly seem worth while to send him back. Jimmy
expected to be ordered back, but he had his own argument ready in that
event.

Little Jim's pony carried him swiftly up the grade. Meanwhile, Cheyenne
had traveled rather slowly, saving his horse. At a bend in the trail he
drew rein to breathe the animal. On the lookout for any moving thing, he
glanced back and down--and saw an old black hat bobbing along through
the brush below. He leaned forward and peered