ring of distant
figures.

"Our way lies yonder, along the foot of the mountains," said Frank, as
he turned his head to look toward the grim range that stood out boldly
against the skyline.

"Yes," observed his companion, as he allowed his black horse his head,
once more advancing in a Southerly direction, "and, unless all signs
fail, that's Thunder Mountain towering above the rest of the peaks."

"You're right, Bob, that's what it is; and we're going to camp at its
foot unless something goes wrong," and as he spoke Frank urged Buckskin
on again.

The yellow bronco was a true range pony. He had been taught many of
the clever tricks for which his kind are noted. A stranger would have
had a hard time keeping his seat on the back of the animal, such was
his dislike for unknown parties. He could dance almost as well as a
circus horse; and when Frank had tended the saddle herd at night, as
horse-wrangler, he was accustomed to depend on Buckskin to give ample
warning of trouble, whether in the shape of a storm, a threatened
stampede, or the presence of cattle-rustlers.

Both boys were, of course, dressed pretty much as cowboys are when on
the ranch; leather "chaps" covering their corduroy trousers; with boots
that mounted spurs; flannel shirts; red handkerchiefs knotted around
their necks; and with their heads topped by felt hats, such as the men
of the range delight in.

Slung to their saddles were a couple of up-to-date guns of the
repeating type, which both lads knew how to use at least fairly well.
Of course both carried lariats slung from the pommels of their high
Mexican saddles. Frank was accustomed to throwing a rope; while Bob,
naturally, had much to learn in this particular.

"Say," remarked the latter, who had fallen a trifle behind his comrade,
"to see the way we're just loaded down with stuff makes me think of
moving day in the old Kentucky mountains. But no use talking, if a
fellow wants to be half way comfortable, he's just got to lug all sorts
of traps along."

"That's right, Bob," assented the other, laughing. "And that applies
in an extra way when he means to be out in the Rockies for perhaps a
week."

"No telling what he may run up against there, eh?" queried Bob.

"Well, if it isn't a grizzly, it may be an avalanche, or a
cloud-burst," remarked the boy who had spent his whole life in the open.

"Not to speak of Indians, or Mexican rustlers looking for a chance to
drop down on some peace