ossing the mountains until next
spring, as it is so dangerous at this time of year--very few people
care to attempt it.'

Jack's face flushed with pleasure as he thanked the Englishman, and,
although he could not but feel sorry at the thought of saying good-bye
to Pedro and Senor, yet it was satisfactory to make a fresh start
towards home, after the long delay.

He made his little collection of curiosities into a small parcel, and
soon had all ready. It was quite touching to see the parting between
the boy and his two friends. Over and over again Jack thanked the
Mexican for his kindness to him, and a few tears fell on Senor's rough
head.

'We'll remember you for many a long day,' said Pedro, 'and don't you
forget Senor and me.'

'I'll come and see you again, when I'm bigger,' said little Jack, half
crying. 'Good-bye, Pedro; good-bye, Senor.' And the waggon rolled
slowly away.

'Adios!' cried poor Pedro huskily, and turned away with a tear in his
eye. He had got so fond of his bright little visitor, and for the
first time he felt really lonely in his tent, as he sat down to his
supper the evening after Jack's departure. For some days he kept
looking around at times, half expecting to see the well-known little
figure playing about. Senor, too, seemed very disconsolate, and
wandered about uneasily, coming from time to time to look up in Pedro's
face in an inquiring way, as if to ask--'Where is he gone to? I can't
find him.'

It was a long drive to the ranch, but Mr. Stuart was very kind in
talking to Jack, and he enjoyed himself very much. It was a nice
change to be borne so fast over the prairie, and when his new friend
let him take the reins for a short time, he was exceedingly pleased.

Once he saw a flock of big birds a short distance off, feasting on the
carcase of a dead beast. He got very excited, and exclaimed: 'Look
there, sir! Ain't them eagles?'

'No, no, Jack!' replied Mr. Stuart. 'Those are not eagles; they are
buzzards, or prairie scavengers, and are more like vultures than
eagles. They are nasty creatures, but so useful in carrying away and
devouring all carrion, that the State authorities won't allow them to
be shot.'

The birds rose slowly in a great cloud as the waggon approached. There
were about thirty of them, and they had picked nearly every particle of
flesh off the animal's bones, which already looked white.

'The buzzards do their work quickly,' remarked Mr. Stuart. 'T