t's so, then it wouldn't pay you boys to waste any time
looking into these ruins of the homes of the cliff dwellers located
around Grand View; and in Walnut Canyon, some nine miles from
Flagstaff," the ranchman continued.

"I think we'd save more or less time that way, sir," Bob declared.

"And you still want to go on horseback; when you might reach the
railroad, and take a train, easily enough?" asked Colonel Haywood.

The boys exchanged glances. They were wedded to the saddle, and disliked
the idea of leaving their favorite steeds behind them when embarking on
this new venture.

"We've picked out the trail we expect to follow, dad," Frank said,
pleadingly; "and it seems to run pretty smooth, with only a few
mountains to cross, and a couple of rivers to ford. If you don't object
seriously, Bob and I would prefer to go mounted."

"Oh! as far as that goes, I don't blame you, boys," the stockman
hastened to say in reply; for he could understand the yearning one feels
for a favorite horse; and how a seat in the saddle seems to be the
finest thing in the world.

"Thank you, dad!" exclaimed Frank. "I reckoned that you'd talk that way.
Somehow or other I just don't feel more'n half myself out of the saddle.
And when we start to go down into the canyon we can find some place to
leave our mounts where they'll be 'tended decently enough."

Ah Sin, the Chinese cook of the ranch, who generally accompanied the
boys when the whole outfit went on the grand round-up, with the mess
wagon in attendance, now came outdoors, and beat his gong to announce
dinner.

The cowboys were not far away, awaiting the summons with the customary
range appetites held in check; and when they were seated at the table
they presented a merry crowd. Frank's mother happened to be visiting
East at this time. He had a maiden aunt, however, who looked after the
household duties, and sat at the end of the long table to pour the
coffee.

Of course there was more or less talk about the sudden flitting of the
half-breed, Abajo. Nobody had any regrets, for he had never been liked.
And there were several who secretly felt pleased, because they had
happened to quarrel with the dark-skinned Mexican at different times,
and did not altogether fancy the way he had of scowling, while his
finger felt the edge of the knife he carried in his gay sash, after the
manner of his countrymen.

Colonel Haywood did not see fit to explain the real cause for the going
of Ab