g one of those desperate men in there
to take a shot at him. None had the pluck to try it.

Jones was the first one out. He was manacled and searched. One by
one the bandits emerged until every man was a prisoner.

That afternoon all were on their way to El Paso. It would be many
years before they would again terrorize the Rio Grande border if at
all, for there were many charges against them. Among the charges
preferred against the bandits was that of aiding the Germans by
stirring up trouble on the border. Not a man confessed, but while
the government was unable to prove this particular charge, it was
positive that in the arrest of this desperate gang a nest of dangerous
traitors had been broken up.

The entire credit for the capture was given to the two Pony Rider Boys,
Tad Butler and Stacy Brown. The Pony Rider Boys party accompanied the
Rangers to El Paso, whence, later on, they continued their journey down
the Rio Grande. The boys were praised by every one for their bravery,
and especially were Tad and Stacy, who had so bravely risked their own
lives to save the lives of their young companions and the Rangers.

A big reward was earned by the Rangers, but at Captain McKay's
suggestion, a thousand dollars was turned over to Professor Zepplin to
be divided between Tad and Chunky later on. The professor's protests
availed him nothing. McKay said the professor might throw the money
in the gutter if he didn't want it, so the professor sent the thousand
dollars to the father of Walter Perkins. That gentleman deposited it
to the credit of the two plucky young lads, though it was some time ere
they knew the existence of this special fund, all their own.

It was the last night in camp before ending their wonderful outing, and
every one was solemn-eyed and thoughtful. Their playspell was at an
end and they were sad. Tad and Ned were speaking of the war, each
confiding his desire to the other, to get into the fight, and
expressing his intention of doing so soon.

"Professor," called Tad. "We know of course how you feel on the
subject, but this is a good time for us all to make our confessions,
on this the last night of our season's outing, and know where we stand
on the war."

"We are all patriots here," interjected Walter Perkins.

"All but one and he's a German," spoke up Stacy Brown. "I refer to
that noble man, Professor Zepplin, first cousin to the airship known
as a Zeppelin---"

Professor Zeppli