p his hand. "Listen!" he cried.

Four pairs of keen ears sifted the noises of the intermittent wind and
three pairs of eyes turned to regard their companion.

"What ye reckon ye heard?" curiously asked Zeb.

"I'd take my oath I heard rifle shots--a little bust o' 'em," replied
Hank. "Thar ain't no questionin' it; I _am_ gittin' old. Come along;
we'll keep ter th' water fur's we kin, anyhow."

* * * * *

Back at the encampment of the caravan dawn found the animals stampeded,
and considerable time elapsed before they were collected and before the
absence of Tom and his friends was noticed. Then, with many
maledictions, Pedro rallied his friends and set out along the wagon
road, following a trail easily seen notwithstanding the rain which had
beaten at the telltale tracks all night. Mile after mile unrolled behind
them, saturated with Spanish curses; miles covered with all the vengeful
ferocity and eagerness of Apaches. The score of Mexicans were
well-armed, having spent the winter in the Missouri settlements and
procured the best weapons to be had there. The Upper Spring came near
and was put behind in a shower of hoof-thrown mud, and without pause
they followed the tracks leading into the rough country, like hounds
unleashed. They were five to one, and these odds were deemed sufficient
in a sudden night attack. There would be satisfaction, glory, and
profits for them all. The Governor had demanded Tom Boyd's ears, on him
if possible, without him if they could be obtained in no other way; the
Governor was powerful and would reward loyal and zealous service. They
followed the trail of the _atejo_ around hills, through ravines, and
past woods, an advance guard of three men feeling the way. Then the
tracks ceased at the side of a creek; but they did not pause. Choosing
the straightest practical route to the Cimarron at the beginning of the
old Indian trail running northward to the Arkansas, they kept on. At
last they saw the muddy flood of the river and as they reached its banks
and read them at a glance they sent up an exultant shout. Holding their
weapons and powder well above the backs of their swimming horses they
reached the further side and took up the trail again.

Pedro dashed forward and flung up an arm and as his followers stopped in
answer he cheered them with a Spanish oration, in which Pedro played no
minor part. "Pedro never loses!" he boasted. "Before noon we will be on
the