that 'ere
broncho right along, for forty-five miles ain't any terrible big job
for him, an' canter into camp this side of midnight with considerable
time to spare."

"I thank you all, an' so will mother an' daddy when they get here," he
said in a husky tone, as he mounted; and then waving his cap by way of
adieu, he rode away, the happiest boy to be found on either side of
the Rocky Mountains.

Night had not fully come when he halted at the eastern edge of the
desert to give the broncho water and grass; and here he remained an
hour, the crackers and cheese left from breakfast affording an
appetizing supper to a lad who had known but little variation in his
bill of fare from fresh meat, broiled or stewed, more often without
salt or pepper.

The stars guided him on the course across the waste of sand, and the
pony made his way over the yielding surface at a pace which surprised
the rider.

"He can walk four miles an hour, according to this showing, and I
should be in camp before ten o'clock."

In this he was not mistaken. The broncho pushed ahead rapidly, proving
that he had traversed deserts before, and was eager to complete the
journey; and when Dick came within sight of the wagon, his mother was
standing in front of the camp-fire, so intent on broiling a slice of
venison that she was ignorant of his coming until he shouted cheerily,--

"Here I am, mother dear, coming along with a good bit of style, and so
many fine things that you'll open your eyes mighty wide when this bag
is emptied. How is my poor old man?"

He had dismounted as he ceased speaking, and was instantly clasped in
his mother's arms.

"O Dick, Dick, how sore my heart has been! Your father said you could
not get across the desert on foot, and I have pictured you lying on
the sands dying."

"You've made your pictures all wrong, dearie; for here I am in prime
condition, and loaded down with good things. The people up at Antelope
Spring have shown themselves to be mighty generous. How is daddy?"

"He is resting comfortably just now, although he has suffered
considerable pain. Did you see a doctor?"

"Yes; an' am loaded way up to the muzzle with directions as to what
must be done. Let's go in and see the poor old man, an' then I'll tell
you both the story."

Mr. Stevens's voice was heard from the inside of the wagon as he spoke
Dick's name; Margie clambered out, her big brown eyes heavy with
slumber, to greet her brother, and the boy was forc