ain and they've raided a town and carried off some of our
friends. We're going to--"

"You can't tell me anything about the Yaquis that I don't know, young
man!" exclaimed Rolling Stone, and he seemed imbued with new life. "I
know they're Indians, of a sort, though a very rotten sort. They
killed my best friend years ago. I haven't heard anything about a raid
lately. Been too lazy to look for news, I reckon. But if it's true
that they're on the rampage, and you're on the trail after them let me,
I beg of you, have a hand in it. I asked for _work_ just now. Change
that to a _fight_ and I'm with you at the fall of the hat and until I
drop! Let me come! Let me help pay back the debt I have against these
infernal Yaquis. Will you?" he asked eagerly.

Bud looked at his cousins. Here was a new element. And with all his
light manner, and ragged clothes, there was something very satisfying
about Rolling Stone, as he asked to be called.

"We'll need all the help we can get," said Bud, slowly. "If Hank
Fowler says you're all right, that goes with us. Sure it isn't Hank
_Fisher_ who vouches for you?" he asked sharply.

"Hank _Fisher_--I don't know the man," was the answer.

"You're better off not to," spoke Bud grimly, for Fisher was a ranchman
of unsavory reputation, who was believed to have figured in more than
one affair with the half breed Del Pinzo, to the discomfort of Diamond
X.

"Hank Fowler, the sheriff, will tell you I'm straight," said Rolling
Stone. "I don't say I haven't faults," he went on. "But when I say
I'm my own worst enemy I've spilled an earful," and he laughed genially.

"We'll let it go at that," Bud answered. "If Mr. Fowler says you're on
the level that's sufficient. And you can come with us."

"Thanks," was the laconic reply. "Will one of your ponies carry
double?" and he looked over his shoulder at the corral.

"We won't ask you to ride one of those mustangs," laughed Bud. "And
it's too much to double up. I'll go back and get one of dad's ponies.
It isn't far. You stay here," he added to his cousins and Rolling
Stone. "I'll be back soon."

Riding rapidly, Bud was quickly back at Diamond X. He told the story
of the meeting with Rolling Stone. At first Mr. Merkel was a bit
suspicious, but it happened that one of the cowboys had heard of
Rolling Stone, and knew him to be what he laid claim to.

"I reckon he's all right," assented the ranchman. "Take him with you,
Bud.