ed
by many an act of injustice, he divines the object of the robber
captain's visit.

Not much does the latter make of him, question as he may. Jupe knows
nothing of any Phil Quantrell, or any Richard Darke. He is the slave of
the young gentleman who has been separated from him. He makes no
attempt to conceal his master's name, knowing that Borlasse is already
acquainted with Clancy, and must have recognised him. They were on
their way to join the colony of Colonel Armstrong, with a party from the
States. They came up from the Colorado the night before, camping in the
San Saba bottom, where he believes them to be still. Early in the
morning, his master left the camp for a hunt, and the hound had tracked
a bear up the gully. That was why they were on the upper plain; they
were trying for the track of the bear, when taken.

The mulatto has no great liking for his master, from whom he has had
many a severe flogging. In proof he tells the robber chief to turn up
his shirt, and see how his back has been scored by the cowhide.
Borlasse--does so; and sure enough there are the scars, somewhat similar
to those he carries himself.

If not pity, the sight begets a sort of coarse sympathy, such as the
convict feels for his fellow; an emotion due to the freemasonry of
crime. Jupiter takes care to strengthen it, by harping on the cruelty
of his master--more than hinting that he would like to leave him, if any
other would but buy him. Indeed he'd be willing to run away, if he saw
the chance.

"Don't trouble yerself 'bout that," says the bandit, 'as the interview
comes near its end, "maybe, I'll buy ye myself. At all events, Mister
Clancy ain't likely to flog you any more. How'd ye like _me_ for yer
master?"

"I'd be right glad, boss."

"Are ye up to takin' care of horses?"

"That's just what Masser Clancy kept me for."

"Well; he's gone on to the settlement without you. As he's left you
behind that careless way, ye can stay with us, an' look after my horse.
It's the same ye've been accustomed to. I swopped with your master
'fore we parted company."

Jupe is aware that Clancy's splendid steed is in the camp. Through a
chink in the tent he saw the horse ridden in, Borlasse on his back;
wondering why his master was not along, and what they had done with him.
He has no faith in the tale told him, but a fear it is far otherwise.
It will not do to show this, and concealing his anxiety, he rejoins:--

"All right,