did not draw rein till the light-coloured houses of the town were
well within sight, and then he was too much excited to do more than ease
up into a canter, for his nerves were all on the strain, his cheeks
sunken, and his eyes starting and dull from exhaustion.

But there was the town at last, looking indistinct, though, and misty.
All seemed to be like a dream now, and the crowd of swarthy, ragged
Mexicans in their blankets, sombreros, and rugs were all part of his
dream, too, as with his last effort he thrust his hand into his breast,
and took out the letter of which he was the bearer. Then it seemed to
him that, as he cantered through the crowd, with his cob throwing up the
dust of the plaza, it was some one else who waved a letter over his
head, shouting, "The governor! the governor!" to the swarthy staring
mob; and, lastly, that it was somebody else who, worn out with
exhaustion now that the task was done, felt as if everything had gone
from him, every nerve and fibre had become relaxed, and fell heavily
from the cob he rode into the dust.

CHAPTER FORTY.

BART TRIES CIVILISATION FOR A CHANGE.

For some hours all was blank to the brave young fellow, and then he
seemed to struggle back into half-consciousness sufficient to enable him
to drink from a glass held to his lips, and then once more all was blank
for many hours.

When Bart awoke from the long sleep, it was to find Maude seated by his
bedside looking very anxious and pale; and as soon as she saw his eyes
open, she rose and glided from the room, when in a few minutes the
governor and a tall quiet-looking fair-haired man, whom Bart had never
before seen, entered the apartment.

"Ah! my young friend," exclaimed the governor, "how are you now?"

"Did you get the letter?" cried Bart excitedly.

"Yes; and I have given orders for a strong relief party to be mustered
ready for going to our friend's help," replied the governor, "but we
must get you strong first."

"I am strong enough, sir," cried Bart, sitting up. "I will guide them
to the place. We must start at once."

"Really, my young friend," said the governor, "I don't think you could
manage to sit a horse just yet."

"Indeed I can, sir," cried Bart. "I was only tired out, and hungry and
sleepy. The Apaches have been hard upon my trail ever since I started a
week--ten days--I'm afraid I don't know how many days ago."

"Here! you must not get excited," said the tall pale man, taking Bart'