e."

"Friends," shouted one voice; "Americans," the other, as promptly the
order to halt was obeyed, the trained horses going almost on their
haunches under the cruel force of the huge Mexican bit.

"We are seeking Moreno's," continued the first voice. "The Apaches
jumped our outfit just after sunset and we had to run for it."

"How many are there of you all told?" demanded Harvey.

"Only us two. We're partners, prospecting,--been down towards the
Sonora line. For the Lord's sake, gentlemen, don't keep us out here.
We've lost everything we had,--packs, packers, and grub. We're about
dead beat for a drink and something to eat."

"What do you think of this, major?" whispered Harvey. "Those are
Americans sure."

"Well, I'd let'em in," said the major; "but where the devil's Feeny?
He's the best judge, really. Their story may be all true. They may be
alone."

"I don't know; it isn't likely. You heard that voice out there a
moment ago; that was Mexican beyond any doubt. We've got to stand
those fellows off till we hear from Feeny." Then, raising his voice,
Harvey called,--

"Just stay where you are a moment. You're all right perhaps, but our
guards have orders to be on the lookout for Morales and his gang, and
you might get shot by mistake."

"Well, for God's sake turn out your men, if you've got any, and help
us catch these murdering thieves," was the impatient reply. "How many
are you?"

"Oh, there's plenty of us here," was Harvey's cheery answer. "Most of
'C' troop; but we've other business on hand just now. You wait there
quietly for a minute or two until the sergeant comes around with the
patrol; he'll see to you."

And then, as though the whole thing had been planned beforehand, out
in the darkness to the north Feeny's voice was heard in low-toned but
sharp command,--

"Patrol, halt! Close up there, Kennedy. Where are you, Number Five?"
And so, cool and confident as though he had a dozen troopers at his
back, Feeny came striding up to the spot.

"What's the matter, sentry? Didn't I hear you parleying here with
somebody?"

"Two strangers out there, sergeant;--say they're prospectors and been
jumped by Apaches."

"Hwere away are they?" Then in low tone, "Go you out beyond the
corral," he whispered to old Plummer. "There's four of them out there.
Challenge if they try to come in." Then aloud again, "Shure, I don't
see anything, sentry."

"Right out ahead there, sergeant. Two men, mounted."

"Come d