nd these diggings, Professor?"

"No, we haven't seen any rattler."

"We don't want to see any rattler," piped Chunky. "I'd snip his head
off with my pistol if I caught sight of him."

"Yes, you would!" grinned Tad.

"You'd have to learn to shoot first," scoffed Rector.

"Perhaps Captain McKay will give us some lessons in revolver shooting,"
suggested Tad.

"From what I hear I guess you boys are pretty handy with both rifle and
pistol as it is. However, if there are any drawing or sighting tricks
I can show you I'll be glad to do so."

"Thank you. If we are where it is safe we will ask you to make good
that promise to-morrow," declared Tad Butler.

While they were preparing the supper that night the Rangers whom the
captain had sent out on a scouting expedition rode into camp, tired
and gloomy. It was a personal and keen disappointment to every man of
them that some ruffian hadn't shot at him once during the ride. Not
once had the Rangers' weapons been out of their holsters. Whatever
their mission the men merely shook their heads in reply to a
questioning glance from their commander. That was all. No words
were wasted in explanations. The captain knew that his men had done
their work thoroughly. No explanations were necessary. This perfect
confidence and understanding between commander and men was not lost
on Tad Butler. It was an object lesson that made a deep impression
on him.

The men had returned with sharp edges on their appetites, but they ate
in silence. Stacy had little to say at dinner. He was observing the
Rangers with wide eyes, stuffing his cheeks with food and listening
while the professor, Tad Butler and Captain McKay discussed a variety
of subjects.

"I don't understand why Joe hasn't come in, boys," said the captain
finally. "He had passed Tonka Gulch at four o'clock this afternoon.
He should have arrived here a long time ago."

The men nodded.

"Perhaps he's come up with Withem," suggested Cad Morgan.

"I don't think so. The lieutenant isn't due there until some time
to-morrow. He will have to finish investigating the El Paso end before
he can come along and join up with us."

Tad wondered how the captain knew that his scout had reached a certain
point in the mountains when none had seen him or heard from him. But
there were many mysteries connected with the work of these brave men.
They worked in mysterious ways that added to the awe in which they
were held by those