e,
somewhere, but she skipped out before I could take a second look. Some
cowboy, or cattle rustler's child from beyond the Rio Grande, I reckon.
Well, come along, let's get in the saddle again, and finish our
shopping. Then we'll go out to the country along the river, and put in
a day waiting for Peg to have his chance at finding out what makes
Thunder Mountain groan and shake just so often, and scare the Injuns
out of their seven senses."

As the two chums swung themselves into their saddles, and cantered
away, a head was thrust cautiously out from behind a pile of boxes near
by; and then, finding the coast clear, the small girl who had been the
cause of all the trouble darted across the courtyard, vanishing beyond
the gate.

Frank and Bob went about making their purchases, first fastening their
horses to a rail in front of the general store, where everything they
needed could be bought.

More than one cattleman in passing would cast an envious eye toward
those two splendid mounts, for they could not fail to catch the
attention of anyone accustomed to judging horseflesh, as these Western
men were. Still, it would be a bold man indeed, white or Indian, who
would dare attempt to steal a horse in broad daylight, in a country
where such a thief was treated to a rope when caught.

Frank had had considerable experience in roughing it, while his comrade
was, in a measure, new to such a life. Consequently it was Frank whose
judgment was called into play when making a selection of the things
that would be essential to their comfort when on this new campaign.

Many articles they could do without; but a blanket apiece was
absolutely necessary, as was a frying pan and coffee pot, two cups, as
many platters, as well as common knives, forks and spoons such as
prospectors and cattlemen use.

For food they took some bacon, coffee, dried meat, hard-tack in place
of bread, a can of condensed milk, and several other things which would
carry well.

"We must make them up in two packs," Frank went on; "so that each of us
can fasten one to his horse, back of the saddle. And, as I'm an old
hand at this business, just watch me get a hustle on. Next time you'll
know how to go about it for yourself, Bob."

The Kentucky boy always studied everything his comrade showed him, for
it was his ambition to excel in the many little tricks connected with
the free life of the plains. Things were done so differently here from
what he had