he Yaquis. But they felt that they were heading in the
proper direction.

It was towards the close of the afternoon, when they were beginning to
seek for a suitable camping place, with water, that Nort, who had
ridden on a little in advance, came to a halt at the top of a rise.
His halt was caused by the appearance of a solitary horseman, coming
toward him. And it needed but a second look, through that clear
atmosphere, to disclose that the rider was not an American cowboy.

"What's wrong, Nort?" called Bud, for he had sensed something unusual
in his cousin's attitude.

"An Indian!" was the answer. "A lone Indian!"

The others rode hastily up the slope. The solitary horseman was coming
rapidly on. He seemed to have no fear of thus riding into the midst of
his enemies.

"Got his nerve with him, anyhow!" mused Snake, as he looked to his gun.

"Maybe he's come to say the Yaquis will surrender and give up Rosemary
and Floyd," suggested Dick. "Maybe they know we're on their trail."

CHAPTER X

SHOTS FROM AMBUSH

The boy ranchers were very free with their surmises as to what might
portend the oncoming of the lone Indian. Youth is ever thus, eager to
guess instead of waiting for certainties. The older cowboys--Yellin'
Kid, Snake, Rolling Stone and those who made up the rescue
party--remained in silent contemplation of the approaching figure.

"He rides doggoned funny," observed Snake.

"Like a bag of oats," added Rolling Stone. "Looks like he'd fall off
any minute."

"Say!" began Bud eagerly, and then he stopped, as if he had thought
better.

"What's the matter?" asked Nort.

"Don't you know somebody who rides just like that?" Bud inquired.
"Some one we all know?"

Nort and Dick uttered exclamations. Bud's words were all that was
needed to set in motion a slumbering train of thought.

"Looks to me like he was hurt," affirmed Yellin' Kid. "Can't be one of
the Yaquis. They wouldn't be this near. And if they was they'd be too
big cowards to ride right for us this way."

"This isn't any unfriendly Indian!" declared Bud. "He knows us--and we
know him!"

"How come?" demanded Snake, half incredulously.

"Can't you see?" cried Bud. "It's our own Indian--Buck Tooth!"

"Wow!" shouted Yellin' Kid. "So it is! But I'd never have known him.
He's all togged out--got his war paint on!"

And, in very truth, Buck Tooth--for he it was--had donned a strange
garb. Wearing some of the clothing of