horses. Four of them lay dead in the
road, and several others were wounded. At sight of the mounted troop,
they stopped and held a hurried consultation, then turned their horses
and rode away.

The giant looked at Delmonte. "Want to follow?" he asked. "This is your
hand, comrade."

"I want a horse!" said Captain Jack. "Miss Montfort,"--he turned to
Rita, who had risen to her feet, and stood pale but quiet,--"these are
our own good country-men. If I leave you with them but a few moments--"

"Hold on!" said the big man. "What did you call the young lady?"

Delmonte stared. "This is Miss Montfort," he said, rather formally.

"Not Rita!" cried the giant. "Pike's Peak and Glory Gulch! Don't tell me
it's Rita!"

"Oh, yes! yes!" cried Rita, running forward with outstretched hands. "It
is--I am! and you--oh, I know, I know. You are Peggy's big brother. You
are Cousin Jim!"

"That's what they said when they christened me!" said Cousin Jim.

CHAPTER XIII.

MEETINGS AND GREETINGS.

It was no time for explanations. Jim Montfort put out a hand like a pine
knot, and gave Rita's fingers a huge shake.

"Glad to find you, cousin," he said. "I've been looking for you. Now,
what's up over there?" He nodded in the direction of the fire.

"A _candela_," said Delmonte, briefly. "I must get back; there are women
there. If one of your men will catch me that horse--"

"But you are wounded!" cried Rita. "Cousin, he is shot in the arm. Do
not let him go!"

Delmonte laughed. "It's nothing, Miss Montfort," he said; "but nothing
at all, I assure you. When we get to camp you shall put some carbolic
acid on it, and tie it up for me; that's field practice in Cuba. I shall
be proud to be your first field patient." He spoke in his usual laughing
way; but suddenly his face changed, and he leaned toward her swiftly,
his hand on the horse's mane. "I shall never forget this time--our ride
together," he said. "I hope you will not forget either--please? And now,
Miss Montfort, I have no further right over you. I would have done my
best, I think you know that; but--I must give you into your cousin's
protection. You will remain here?"

"Of course she will!" said Cousin Jim, who had heard only the last
words. "I'll go with you, comrade. Raynham, Morton, you will mount guard
by the lady."

The troopers saluted, and raised their hats civilly to Rita, inwardly
cursing their luck. Because they owned the next ranch to Jim Montfort,
was th