l poor Feeny could
say, as, between relief, rejoicing, and the inestimable comfort of
finding he was right in his theories after all, he dropped his
carbine, threw himself upon the soft, sandy ground, and fairly rolled
over and over in his excitement and emotion.

What wondering eyes,--what startled ears were at the wagon door-way,
as, in his ponderous manner, the major endeavored to tell of the
morning's adventure and the counterfeit presentment of the Ned Harvey
now before him! Long before he could finish, the thoughtful son begged
an instant's interruption.

"And father has gone on the trail to the Christobal?"

"Yes, an hour ago."

"After him, Leon! Ride like the devil, even if you have to ride all
night. Fetch him back here as quick as you can. Tell him Fan and Ruth
are safe here at Moreno's."

In ten minutes the Concord wagon with its fair freight, now trembling
and excited, was standing side by side with the paymaster's ambulance.
The weary mules were unhitched and, with the saddle-horses, led in to
water. The major and the sergeant, prompting each other, went on with
their recital, Harvey listening with attentive ear.

"It is one of the most perfect plants they ever put up," he burst in,
grinding his teeth in wrath. "Of course they knew of father's movements
and of mine. They know everything. They knew we were to meet here,
probably. They felt assured you knew nothing of it at all. They have
used our supposed peril to draw away your guard. They have succeeded
even better than they planned, for they have drawn off father, too, and
four of our best men into the bargain. But to think that this old
scoundrel Moreno should be in it. We've always suspected the Ceralvo
set; but father has done everything for Moreno,--practically built this
ranch for him, dug his well, set him up in business, and now he makes
this a rendezvous for thugs and assassins. By heaven! I'm glad you have
him trapped. How many has he with him, do you think?"

"I don't know. I only feel sure he must have one or two, but it's the
main gang we have to watch," answered Feeny; "they may be along any
minute, and I thought it was them when we heard you."

"And that's what is worrying me, Mr. Harvey," said the major, as he
drew the young man aside. "All they are after now, of course, is my
safe full of money. It is my business to defend it to the last, and
they can't have it without a fight. You and your sisters, ordinarily,
they would not mol