etest runners in the country, and had,
by so doing, won the right to represent America in the Olympic Games. And
when he had carried off the honors in the Marathon race over the crack
flyers of all the world, he had made the distance of twenty-six miles, up
hill and down, in a trifle over two hours and thirty minutes, or a
sustained rate of more than ten miles an hour. To be sure, he was then
trained to the hour and at the top of his form. But even now, although
not strictly in training, his outdoor life and clean living had kept him
in fine fettle, and he was fit to "run for a man's life." A horse could
beat him in a sprint, but there were few mustangs on the ranch that he
could not have worn down and beaten in a stretch of twenty miles.

It was with no lack of confidence, therefore, that he reached his
decision.

He hurried back to his horse, tore a scrap of paper from his note-book
and hastily scribbled a note to Dick. It was in cipher, so that if it
fell into hostile hands no one else could understand its purport. He told
him of his discovery and urged him to have Melton put Pedro under guard
until his return. He adjured him not to worry, as he would probably be
back before twenty-four hours.

A word of greeting to Tom and the Meltons, and he placed the paper
securely under the saddle, with just an end protruding to attract notice.
Then he released the horse, untied his jaws, gave him a smart slap on
the back and sent him off toward home. The delighted broncho threw up
his heels and set off at a pace that promised soon to get him to his
well-filled manger. Then, with a last glance at his weapon, to see that
it was in perfect trim, Bert vanished into the woods and set out upon the
trail as silently and swiftly as an Indian.

CHAPTER XIV

The Race for Life

He could hear the crackling of the shrubbery as the horses of the outlaws
pushed their way through to the higher ground, and it was not long before
he caught sight of them, riding in single file, the captain leading the
way.

With the utmost caution he followed, taking advantage of every bush and
tree, ready to dodge behind them or fall to the ground as the case might
demand. For a time they proceeded at a walk, owing to the rough going,
but as soon as they got to more level ground they put the spurs to their
horses and galloped on at a rapid gait. Bert drifted after them like a
ghost, never letting them get more than half a mile a head, for fear th