g I could kick some of
those greasy Mexican Indians, and it must have been a sort of reflex
action on my part that gave Toot a tap in the ribs," and he patted his
pony, no very handsome steed, but a sticker on a long trail. Bud had
taught his pony to run out of the corral at the blowing of a horn,
hence the name "Toot."

"I don't know anything about them there reflex actions," observed
Yellin' Kid, "but I do know that this is no fishin' party! We've got
hard work cut out for us if we're to trail them sneakin' Yaquis."

"You delivered an earful that time, my friend," stated Rolling Stone,
with a grim smile. "I've had dealings with these imps and while they
don't compare in bloodthirstiness with the worst of our former American
Indians, they're bad enough. I know!"

He seemed to gaze afar, into the past, and the boy ranchers hoped he
would some day tell the details of how he had come so to hate the
Yaquis.

The trailing party, started into action by the receipt of the message
so daringly written by Rosemary, consisted of fifteen cowboys, and in
these I include our three heroes, who certainly are entitled to be
classed with the others. For though not as old, they had had
considerable experience now, and were able to rough it with the most
veteran cow puncher.

In addition to Bud, Nort and Dick, there was Snake Purdee, who was in
virtual charge, according to instructions from Bud's father. Yellin'
Kid, Rolling Stone and several other cowboys made up the remainder of
the party, which was well armed, and provisioned as fully as was
practical. They expected to replenish their packs of food at various
places, and if they passed beyond the pale of civilization they would
live off the land, or do their best in this respect.

"It can't be any worse for us than for those Indians," Snake Purdee had
said, when the talk was on the food question.

"Yes, but a white man can't live on what those heathen eat," remarked
Rolling Stone. "They'll eat lizards and snakes, and think they're
stopping at one of the best hotels, with bath an' everything. Or they
can go without eating longer than any human beings I ever saw. In fact
I don't believe they are human. They're imps, that's what they
are--plain imps! If I had my way I'd--"

Rolling Stone gave a sudden jump, and a grunt, the reason for this
action being that Snake Purdee had urged his steed to a place next to
that of the speaker and had given him a jolting punch in th