p they have been all the while pursuing,
which entered the river on its left side. Now on its right they are
seen the same, up the sloping causeway of the bank. But on reaching the
bottom, a little aback from the water's edge, the trail splits into two
distinct ramifications, one continuing westward towards the Sierras, the
other turning north along the stream. The first shows the hoof-marks of
nigh forty horses, the second only ten or twelve.

Unquestionably the Mexican colonel had here divided his troop, the main
body proceeding due west, the detachment striking up stream.

The route taken by this last would be the old Spanish road for Santa Fe,
the first party proceeding on to Albuquerque.

For a time the pursuing Texans are at fault, as foxhounds by a fence,
over which Reynard has doubled back to mislead them. They have halted
at the bifurcation of the trails, and sit in their saddles, considering
which of the two they should take.

Not all remain mounted. Cully and Wilder have flung themselves to the
ground, and, in bent attitudes, with eyes close to the surface, are
scanning the hoof-marks of the Mexican horses.

The others debate which of the two troops they ought to take after, or
whether they should themselves separate and pursue both. This course is
opposed by a majority, and it is at length almost decided to continue on
after the main body, which, naturally enough, they suppose to have Uraga
at its head, with the captives in keeping.

In the midst of their deliberations a shout calls the attention of all,
concentrating it on Walt Wilder. For it is he who has uttered the cry.
The ex-Ranger is seen upon his knees, his great body bent forward, with
his chin almost touching the ground. His eyes are upon the hoof-marks
of a horse--one of those that went off with the smaller detachment along
the river's bank.

That he has identified the track is evident from the speech succeeding
his ejaculation.

"Yur hoss, Hamersley! Hyar's his futprint, sure. An', as he's rud by
Urager, the scoundrel's goed this way to a sartinty. Eqwally sartin,
he's tuk the captives along wi' him."

On hearing their old comrade declare his prognosis, the Rangers wheel
their horses and ride towards him.

Before reaching the spot where he is still prospecting, they see him
give a sudden spring forward, like a frog leaping over meadow sward,
then pause again, scrutinising a track.

A second examination, similar to the firs