erbolt, as if
struck by a cannon ball, and, heading out on the prairie, ran with might
and main, quickly disappearing in the darkness, and was seen no more.

"Ah, my own Thunderbolt!" exclaimed the delighted Avon, patting the nose
of his beast, who was as happy as he at being restored to his young
master; "I thought I would never see you again, but here you are."

He sprang upon the bare back, and the pony started through the bush for
the cabin.

Arriving there, matters were found in a satisfactory shape. Ballyhoo
Gleeson was the only cowboy that had remained behind with Captain
Shirril. The rest had started to look after the cattle. It has been
shown that a number had been stampeded, and since all care was
necessarily withdrawn from the others, they were likely to follow suit.
Then, too, it was probable that the Comanches would see their chance of
securing some of the herd, and would make the attempt despite the rough
handling they had received.

Nothing could have attested more strikingly the fact that our friends
were accustomed to their wild, dangerous life, than the manner in which
they now acted. A half hour before, the little family within the cabin
considered themselves in such imminent peril of being burned to death
that they allowed young Burnet to run the greatest risk to secure help,
before it was too late.

But now Captain Shirril and Ballyhoo Gleeson sat before the fire, that
was burning brightly, smoking their pipes, and talking as though the
occurrence was of the most ordinary nature. The ranchman had made sure
of his supply of tobacco, and intended to ride back to camp, after
spending an hour or so within the house.

Everyone had eaten supper before the lively incidents opened, and Mrs.
Shirril now resumed her sitting in front of the fire, occasionally
taking part in the words of her husband and guests. Dinah was heard
muttering angrily to herself upstairs, as she investigated the damages
done by the visitor in her apartment.

Avon, on his return, told his uncle about his horse, explaining that he
was fortunate enough to recover Thunderbolt.

"You were luckier than I supposed you would be," said the captain, as
his nephew drew up his chair near them.

"Do you think," asked the wife, "that the Comanches will trouble us
further, husband?"

"There is no danger," he replied, calmly puffing his pipe; "is there,
Ballyhoo?"

"None at all," was the calm response.

"I thought perhaps that because