wagons, drawn by mules, made an imposing showing
as it followed the dusty cattle trail. The train wound in and out of
coulees, through romantic-looking ravines, and finally out upon the flat
grass-country where the Indians came first into view of the supposedly
frightened pilgrims.

Helen and Jennie, as well as Ruth herself, in the gingham and sunbonnets
of the far West of that earlier day, added to the crowd of emigrants
riding in the wagons. When the Indians were supposed to appear the
excitement of the players was very realistic indeed, and this included
the mules! The stock was all fresh, and the excitement of the human
performers spread to it. The wagons raced over the rough trail in a way
that shook up severely the girls riding in them.

"Oh--oo!" squealed Jennie Stone, clinging to Ruth and Helen. "What _are_
they trying to do? I'll be one m-a-ass of bruises!"

"Stop, William!" commanded Ruth, trying to make the driver of their
wagon hear her. "This is too--too realistic."

The man did not seem to hear her at all. Ruth scrambled up and staggered
toward the front, although Mr. Hooley had instructed the girls to remain
at the rear of the wagons so that they could be seen from the place
where the cameras were stationed.

"Stop!" cried Ruth again. "You will tip us over--or something."

There was good reason why William did not obey. His six mules had broken
away from his control entirely.

A man must be a master driver to hold the reins over three span of
mules; and William was as good as any man in the outfit. But as he got
his team into a gallop the leaders took fright at the charging Indians
on pony-back, and tried to leave the trail.

William was alone on the driver's seat. He put all his strength into an
attempt to drag the leaders back into the trail and--the rein broke!

Under ordinary circumstances this accident would not have been of much
moment. But to have pulled the other mules around, and so throw the
runaways, would have spoiled the picture. William was too old a movie
worker to do that.

When Ruth stumbled to the front of the swaying wagon and seized his
shoulder he cast rather an embarrassed glance back at her.

"Stop them! Stop!" the girl commanded.

"I'd like mighty well to do it, Miss Fielding," said William, wagging
his head, "but these dratted mules have got their heads
and--they--ain't---no notion o' stoppin' this side of the ranch
corrals."

Ruth understood him. She stared strai