sure of that, Wild."

"Say!" said our hero, as the miners started again to go. "Didn't you say
that the outlaws consist of cowboys who have been forced to light out
from the ranches they worked upon?"

"Yes, that's what I heard over in Silver Bend."

"Well, there are three cowboys over at the saloon now. I've sized them
up pretty well, and it strikes me now that they might belong to that
gang. Anyhow, I am sure that they are no good."

"I saw them galoots, Wild. I don't know who they are. But they seemed to
be mighty respectful. Hoker, ther saloon keeper, was tryin' ter tell me
how you had some fun with 'em an' made 'em understand that they couldn't
do as they pleased. But I was so anxious ter git over here an' see yer
that I didn't pay much attention. I s'pose I'll have a chance ter talk
to yer after supper?"

"Oh, yes. We'll take a walk over to the saloon. I'll ask the cowboys
about the outlaws of Forbidden Pass, too."

The miners now left and returned to their respective homes.

"Well, Wild, I suppose you are very glad to learn all this," said
Arietta, as our hero walked back to where the girls were standing.

She, as well as the rest, had heard all that was said, and her face now
wore a smile as she looked at her dashing young lover.

"Yes, Et, I am glad to know that there is a place here that is forbidden
to travelers. You know very well that it would only make me more anxious
to do a thing if I was told that I must not do it. I am certainly going
through Forbidden Pass!"

"Well, I don't blame you, Wild."

The girl possessed a spirit of fearlessness, and she was not the one to
advise Wild to show himself afraid of any gang of outlaws.

"I reckon we've struck a blamed funny sort of camp, all right," remarked
the scout, as he pulled the ends of his long mustache. "It couldn't have
been better if we'd been lookin' up somethin' that was ter be good an'
excitin', could it?"

"Hardly," answered Jim.

"Well, never mind about it now, boys. I reckon we'll think about the
supper. Hurry up, Wing. Just get a little move on you."

"Allee light, Misler Wild," answered the cook, smilingly. "Me havee, um
supper leady allee samee pletty quickee, so be."

"Me helpee my blother," spoke up Hop, grinning. "He allee samee velly
muchee slow."

"Me no slow," retorted Wing; "me allee light."

"There!" interposed Wild. "Don't get in a wrangle over it. Hurry the
supper along, that's all."

The two Celestials said no