exclaimed Bradley, in excitement. "It would be just like
them scamps to tie up a poor fellow like Ki Sing.--I say, Ki, did them
fellows have horses?"

"Yes," answered the Chinaman.

"I believe they're the very fellows," cried Bradley. "I hope they are,
for there's a chance of overhauling them.--Why did they tie you, Ki
Sing?"

Ki Sing explained that they had tried to induce him to guide them to
Richard Dewey's cabin, but that he was sure they wanted to steal his
gold, and he had led them astray.

"That's the sort of fellow Ki Sing is," said Bradley, nodding to Ben;
"you see, he wouldn't betray his master."

"So they tie me to tlee," continued the poor fellow. "I thought I stay
here all night."

"You didn't take us into the account, Ki Sing. When these scoundrels
left you where did they go?"

Ki Sing pointed.

"And you think they went in search of the cabin?"

"Yes--they say so."

"Did they know we were there--Ben and I?"

"No; me only say Dickee Dewey."

"Did you say that Dewey was sick?"

"Yes."

"It is clear," said Bradley, turning to Ben, "that them rascals were
bent on mischief. From what Ki Sing told them they concluded that Dewey
would be unable to resist them, and that they would have a soft thing
stealing his gold-dust."

"They may have found the cabin and be at work there now," suggested Ben.

"So they may," answered Bradley, hastily. "What a fool I am to be
chattering here when Dick may be in danger!--Stir your stumps, Ki Sing.
We're goin' back to the cabin as fast as our legs can carry us. I only
hope we'll be in time to catch the scoundrels."

Not without anxiety the three friends retraced their steps toward the
little mountain-hut which was at present their only home.

CHAPTER VIII.

TURNING THE TABLES.

When the three friends came in view of the cabin, the first sight which
attracted their attention was the two mustangs, who stood, in patient
enjoyment of the rest they so much needed, just outside. Their unlawful
owners, as we know, were engaged inside in searching for gold-dust,
without the slightest apprehension or expectation of interference.

"That's my mustang," exclaimed Bradley in a tone of suppressed
excitement. "I never looked to lay eyes on him again, but, thank the
Lord! the thief has walked into a trap which I didn't set for him. We'll
have a reckoning, and that pretty soon."

"How do you know it's your mustang?" asked Ben.

"There's a white spot on the l