nth of
October, two sturdy youths left the Union Pacific train at Fort Steele,
which is situated in a broad depression between two divisions of the
Wind River Mountains, themselves forming a part of the vast Rocky
Mountain chain, which, under different names, stretches along the
western portion of the two continents from the Arctic Ocean on the north
to the extreme southern end of South America.

Like the sensible youths they were, Jack Dudley and Fred Greenwood had
made the fullest preparation possible for the experience which was
destined to prove tenfold more eventful than either anticipated. Mr.
Dudley, in accordance with his promise, had presented each with a fine
repeating Winchester rifle, an excellent revolver, an abundant supply of
cartridges, and various knick-knacks which the hunter is sure to find
are more in the nature of necessities than luxuries.

They had tough corduroy suits, a material which, as everyone knows,
wears like leather, though it is unpopular in the West because of its
unpleasant odor when wet. From the knees downward the lower part of the
legs were protected by strong leathern leggings, and the shoes were made
for wear rather than display. The coats were rather short and gathered
at the waists by a belt, while beneath the garment it was intended to
wear the cartridge-belt. The revolver rested in a sheath, instead of
being thrust into a trouser's-pocket at the hip, while their hats
suggested the sombrero pattern, so popular among cowboys and cattlemen.
The brim was broad and stiff, so that it was not liable to bother their
vision when the wind was blowing, and it could be depended upon to
protect the eyes and face from the sun and rain. Their whole outfit, in
short, was strong, comfortable and serviceable.

The two were generously furnished with money, while Mr. Dudley arranged
with a banker at Laramie City to furnish the boys with whatever funds
they might need through accident or robbery. They were going into a
region where there were many lawless characters, and everything was done
to provide against all possible contingencies.

Their extra clothing and articles were contained in a couple of valises,
which were put off the train upon the lonely platform at Fort Steele.
But while this marked the farthest distance they could travel by rail, a
long ride still confronted them before reaching the ranch, which was
almost half-way between the railroad and the Big Horn Mountains to the
northe