negade Americans,
to Fletcher's band, who were the principal foragers for Maximilian's
army; but instead of robbing the adherents of Juarez, who probably had
no stock worth stealing, they made numerous raids across the river and
ran off the cattle belonging to the Texans. Springer was one of the band
who stampeded George's herd at Catfish Falls, and during the short
skirmish that followed Zeke sent a bullet through each of his legs,
wounding him severely. He managed to keep up with the band a few miles,
but the rapid motion was too much for him, and he was finally abandoned
by his companions, who hurried the captured cattle toward the river,
leaving Springer to look out for himself.

The pain occasioned by the wounds that had been inflicted upon him by
Zeke's Winchester was so intense that the raider was forced to travel
very slowly. Arriving on the banks of a little stream that ran across
the trail he was pursuing, he rolled out of his saddle to quench his
thirst, which had became almost unbearable; but his bridle slipping from
his hand, his horse wandered away, and, as Springer was not able to
walk, he could not catch him again. He sank helplessly down beside a
tree, where he was presently discovered by George Ackerman, who was
making his way on foot toward Mr. Gilbert's ranche. The boy ministered
to his wants by bringing him water in his hat and sharing with him his
slender stock of provisions, and Springer showed his gratitude by
warning George of a plot which his uncle John and cousin Ned had laid
against him. He went into all the details, but George refused to believe
a word of it until subsequent events, which we have already described,
proved to his entire satisfaction that the thief had told him nothing
but the truth.

After spending half an hour in the man's company, George caught his
horse, assisted him into the saddle, and Springer succeeded in crossing
into Mexico without being discovered by any of the settlers whom Zeke
had gathered together to recapture George's herd. He made his way to Don
Miguel's ranche, and there our hero found him when he was captured by
Fletcher's men. The raider seemed to be sorry for his misdeeds, and
George had assured him that if he ever made up his mind to turn over a
new leaf and lead a different sort of life, he would assist him by every
means in his power.

"Springer," said George, drawing up an easy-chair for the use of his
guest, "what brought you over on this side of t