res of the Indians,
the boys were on their way to Big B ranch, where Hank Selby was
employed, and whence they had started to find the hidden savages.

But Flagstaff was the real temporary headquarters of the lads, since
there was located a theatrical company, engaged in doing some moving
picture dramas based on Western life, and Joe and Blake had been hired
to "film" those plays.

They had been given a little time off to make an attempt to get views of
the Indians at their ceremonies, and they expected to resume, for a
time, making films of more peaceful scenes among their theatrical
friends.

"Yes, we sure did have a strenuous time," remarked Blake, as they rode
along at an easy pace. "And how those Indians threw down their guns,
and gave in, when the troopers charged against them!"

"That's right," agreed Joe. "And those bugle notes, when they started to
gallop, telling us that help was on the way, was the sweetest music I
ever heard."

"Same here," came from Hank. "But say, if it's all the same to you boys,
I think we might as well camp here and have grub. This looks like good
water and there's enough grazing for the critters to-night. Then we can
push on early in the morning, and in a couple of days more we ought to
make Big B ranch."

"It seems to take us longer coming back than it did going," remarked
Blake, as he slid from his pony, and pulled the reins over the animal's
head as a signal for it not to wander. "I thought we'd sure come in
sight of the ranch to-day."

"Oh, it's farther than that," said Hank, as he looked about for wood
with which to make a fire. "I guess you were so anxious to get on the
trail of the Indians on your way out that you didn't notice how much
ground you covered. And it was quite a few miles, believe me!"

"I do!" said Joe, with half a groan. "I'm sore and stiff from so much
saddle riding. I'm not used to it."

"Oh, you'll limber up soon," said Hank, cheerfully. "Now, if you boys
will get the water, and break out the grub, I'll get supper. It'll soon
be dark."

The lads busied themselves, and soon a cheerful little blaze was going,
while the tired horses and burros, relieved of the burden of saddles and
packs, were rolling luxuriously around at the length of their tether
ropes.

"I wonder if all the Moquis and Navajos who skipped off their
reservations have been driven back?" asked Joe, as they were about ready
to eat.

"What makes you ask that?" inquired Blake quickly,