tain where we were all shut in."

"Here's the place for a camp," announced Jim. "This hill is away from
the mountain slope far enough so that no enemy can crawl down under
the protection of the trees. Then it can be defended, if necessary.
For some reason, I would not like to camp out on that level meadow
to-night."

"You don't expect trouble with Indians, do you?" inquired Tom
anxiously.

"No," replied Jim, "but there are other bad men besides Indians."

"You are right, Skipper," said the shepherd, "we are liable to find
the worst kind of cutthroats and ruffians in this part of the
country."

"I guess we will be able to stand 'em off," said Jim, "without calling
in the police."

Then James swung himself off his horse at the foot of the long hill;
Tom and Jo rather stiffly, for they were not yet used to active
mountaineering after so much sea travel, while Jeems Howell stepped
off his little bay pony. Now ensued a scene of much activity making
camp. Each one had his work to do and it was done promptly.

Juarez and Jim looked after the horses; rubbed them down, looked
carefully after any strain or sore, and it was work that they loved
to do. When the horses were sufficiently rested they were watered and
fed, and from their splendid condition it was evident that they were
well cared for. Caliente, Jim's charger, was in extra fine shape. His
coat of mottled iron-gray fairly shone under Jim's brushing. When he
had time he polished his hoofs. There was a real affection between
the horse and his master. On more than one occasion his strength and
fleetness had saved Jim's life. No one else was equal to controlling
him.

Jeems' and Tom's work was to look after the mules, take off their
packs and feed and water the animals. Jeems seemed to get along with
the mules all right, much better than he did with the horses. Perhaps
the mules were philosophers. At least they were very wise animals,
canny and self-controlled. No mule you notice will overeat even when
he has a chance, but with a horse it is different.

Jo's duties were very active ones. He had to move the goods, saddles,
etc., into camp, and then get the wood for the fire. By this time one
of the other boys would be free to help rig up the tent and another
would fetch water. It was a lively, interesting scene and the boys
enjoyed it thoroughly.

Within an hour the work was all done, and the horses were grazing,
with evident enjoyment of the freedom of roaming