w
Sol's got an hour's start."

"Laddy, you mean to say Sol is a faster horse than Diablo?" thundered
Belding, his face purple.

"Shore. I mean to tell you just that there," replied the ranger.

"I'll--I'll bet a--"

"We're wastin' time," curtly interrupted Ladd. "You can gamble on this
if you want to. I'll ride your Blanco Devil as he never was rid
before, 'cept once when a damn sight better hossman than I am couldn't
make him outrun Sol."

Without more words the men saddled and were off, not waiting for the
Yaqui to come in with possible information as to what trail Blanco Sol
had taken. It certainly did not show in the clear sand of the level
valley where Gale rode to and fro. When Gale returned to the house he
found Belding and Lash awaiting him. They did not mention their own
search, but stated that Yaqui had found Blanco Sol's tracks in the
Casita trail. After some consultation Belding decided to send Lash
along after Ladd.

The interminable time that followed contained for Gale about as much
suspense as he could well bear. What astonished him and helped him
greatly to fight off actual distress was the endurance of Nell's mother.

Early on the morning of the second day, Gale, who had acquired an
unbreakable habit of watching, saw three white horses and a bay come
wearily stepping down the road. He heard Blanco Sol's familiar
whistle, and he leaped up wild with joy. The horse was riderless.
Gale's sudden joy received a violent check, then resurged when he saw a
limp white form in Jim Lash's arms. Ladd was supporting a horseman who
wore a military uniform.

Gale shouted with joy and ran into the house to tell the good news. It
was the ever-thoughtful Mrs. Belding who prevented him from rushing in
to tell Mercedes. Then he hurried out into the yard, closely followed
by the Beldings.

Lash handed down a ragged, travel-stained, wan girl into Belding's arms.

"Dad! Mama!"

It was indeed a repentant Nell, but there was spirit yet in the tired
blue eyes. Then she caught sight of Gale and gave him a faint smile.

"Hello--Dick."

"Nell!" Gale reached for her hand, held it tightly, and found speech
difficult.

"You needn't worry--about your old horse," she said, as Belding carried
her toward the door. "Oh, Dick! Blanco Sol is--glorious!"

Gale turned to greet his friend. Indeed, it was but a haggard ghost of
the cavalryman. Thorne looked ill or wounded. Gale's greeting was
also a questi