ng to quit the country myself after this fall shipment, and I
want you to come down my way some time. You better stay up here till
spring."

They rode steadily till daylight, and then Delmar said: "Now I think
you're perfectly safe, for this reason: These cusses know you came into
the country with Pratt, and they'll likely ride over and search the
Cannon Ball settlement. I'll ride around that way and detain 'em awhile
and make 'em think you're hiding out, while you make tracks for upper
country. You keep this river trail. Don't ride too hard, as if you was
runnin' away, but keep a steady gait, and give your horse one hour out
o' four to feed. Here's a little snack: don't waste time, but slide
along without sleeping as long as you can.

"You'll come in sight of the mountains about noon, and you'll see a big
bunch o' snowpeaks off to the left. Make straight for that, and after
you go about one day bear sharp to the left, begin to inquire for Bob
Reynolds on the Arickaree--everybody knows Bob. Just give him this note
and tell him the whole business; he'll look out for you. Now, good-by,
boy. I'm sorry--but my intentions were good."

Mose opened his heart at last. "I don't like to desert you this way, Mr.
Delmar," he said; "it ain't right; I'd rather stay and fight it out."

"I won't have it," replied Delmar.

"You're going to have a lot of trouble."

"Don't you worry about me, and don't you feel streaked about pulling
your freight. You started wrong on the Cannon Ball. Bob will put you
right. The cattlemen will rule there for some years yet, and you keep on
their side. Now, good-by, lad, and take care of yourself."

Mose's voice trembled as he took Delmar's hand and said: "Good-by, Mr.
Delmar, I'm awfully obliged to you."

"That's all right--now git."

Mose, once more on his own horse, galloped off to the West, his heart
big with love for his stern benefactor. Delmar sat on his horse and
watched the boy till he was diminished to a minute spot on the dim
swells of the plain. Then he wiped a little moisture from his eye with
the back of his brown, small hand, and turned his horse's head to the
East.

CHAPTER X

THE YOUNG EAGLE MOUNTS

After the momentary sorrow of parting from his good friend, Delmar, the
youth's heart began to expand with joy. He lifted his arms and shook
them as the young eagle exults. He was alone on the wide swells of plain
enacting a part of the wild life of which he had read, and