p still,
Archie! Go about your business, Arthur Vane! We know just what passed
between you and Pierre, not five minutes ago, and we don't want to
listen to any excuses or explanations."

"Explanations!" shouted Archie. "Excuses! for being a traitor!"

"Go over there among those yellow gentlemen," continued Frank. "You are
their friend, and there's where you belong. Don't dare come near any of
us again. Start!"

"Yes, start--mizzle--clear out!" roared Archie, getting angrier every
moment. "Begone! Make yourself scarce about here!"

"Well, I think this is a nice way to treat a gentleman," growled
Arthur, as he turned on his heel, and walked slowly away.

"Pick up that blanket and saddle," said Johnny. "Take all your plunder
away from here, and remember that this side of the glade belongs to us."

"Yes, remember it--bear it in mind!" exclaimed Archie, who seemed to
think it his duty to give emphasis to what the others said. "Think of it
continually."

Arthur glared savagely upon Archie; but, fearing to irritate him and his
friends further, by refusing to obey their commands, he shouldered his
baggage, and walked sullenly toward the fire, around which the Rancheros
were congregated, awaiting the summons to supper.

"Benedict Arnold!" said Johnny, as soon as the traitor was out of
hearing.

Frank and Archie thought the name appropriate. It clung to Arthur as
long as he remained in that part of California.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE ESCAPE.

Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a
thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation
than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves
on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion. Of
course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in
view? A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were
correct. The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be
demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he
expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to
receive for them. They never imagined that the traitor had been
instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had
happened to them during the day was the result of the incidents that
had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader's ranch.

"I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws,"
said Frank. "If