ajo, except to his foreman, Bart Heminway. But during the evening,
when Frank and Bob were making up their packs so as to get an early
start in the morning, the ranch owner might have been seen in earnest
consultation with the foreman.

Presently Bart went out, to return with Old Hank Coombs, and another
cowman known as Chesty Lane; who had of course received this name on
account of the way he thrust out his figure, rather than from any
inclination on his part to boast of his wonderful deeds.

"Chesty tells me, Colonel," said Bart, "that he used to be a guide in
this same Grand Canyon, years ago. I never knowed it 'till right to-day.
And if so be you intend to send Old Hank up thar to keep tabs on the
doings of that ugly pair, Abajo and Warringford, thar couldn't be a
better man to pick out than Chesty. You can depend on him every time."

Then followed another conference, of which the two boys, wrapped up in
their own plans in another room, were of course entirely ignorant.

It was decided, however, that the two cowmen should wait until the boys
were well on their way. Then, supplied with ample funds, they could
ride to the nearest station, meet the first train bound north, and be
at Flagstaff before night came around.

In this way the Colonel figured that he was safeguarding the interests
of Bob and Frank. Already had he begun to regret allowing them to go,
and if it had not been for the high regard he had for his word, once
given, he might have backed down. However, perhaps the sending of Hank
and his companion might answer the purpose, and prove a valuable move.

The night passed, and with early dawn there was a stir all about Circle
Ranch.

Every cowboy on the place accompanied Frank and Bob several miles on
their long journey, every fellow wishing he had been asked to join them
for the adventure. And when Bart Hemingway gave the word to turn back,
the entire group waved their hats, and cheered as long as the two lads
remained within hearing.

CHAPTER VI

BUCKSKIN ON GUARD

"A good day's ride, all right, Bob!"

"You never said truer words, Frank. And now, with night setting in, how
far do you think we've covered since the start this morning?"

The Kentucky boy sat in his saddle with a slight show of weariness,
which was not to be wondered at, considering the steadiness with which
they had kept on the move, hour after hour, heading in a general
Westerly direction.

The satin skin of Domino was