oy sprang to the ground and came forward.
"This is Sapoya," continued Manuel, "a Cherokee boy, whom I found a
captive when I joined Elarnagan's band. He is my brother, and will go
with me and share my home."

Sapoya extended his hand and clasped mine. He was a handsome Indian
boy, about the same age and height as his friend. He addressed me in
Navajo, which was interpreted by Manuel: "I am glad to meet one who
has helped to open the broad land again to my brother and me. But our
horses stand still, while those of our enemy fly to retake us."

Evidently the Mexican and Cherokee boys had no desire to again fall
into the hands of the Navajo chief. We made no further delay, but
mounted and forced our animals down the mountain defiles as rapidly as
possible. As soon as the route would permit, Henry and Manuel rode on
each side of Frank, and I heard the former ask about Vic. Frank
answered in Spanish, so that the Mexican boy might understand. Such
expressions as "La perra brava!" "La fina perrita Vic!" from time to
time showed they were hearing of Vic's adventures.

[Illustration: "'GOD HAS GIVEN ME, AMONG MANY FRIENDS, TWO THAT ARE
SOMETHING MORE'"]

Finding that Corporal Frank was not doing himself justice in his
narration, I drew alongside the boys and related what I knew of
Frank's midnight ride and rescue of Vic, an event which, had it not
occurred, would have left Henry and his friends still in captivity. At
the conclusion of my tale Manuel changed his position from the flank
to one between the brothers, and, taking a hand of Frank in his left,
and one of Henry's in his right, rode on a few moments in silence.
Then he said: "God has given me, among many friends, two that are
something more. But for your brave acts I should still be a captive.
Thank you for myself, my dear mother, and Sapoya."

Having reached the wagon-road crossing of the Carizo, we turned at a
canter over the divide between it and the Lithodendron. As we rose
above a terrace our attention was attracted to two mounted Indians
scurrying off into the broken and higher country on our right.

"Ah, look!" shouted Manuel; "they expected to stop three naked,
unarmed boys, and they are surprised to meet a troop of cavalry! Viva
los Estados Unidos! Run, you sheep-stealers, we are safely out of your
hands!"

Upon reaching the summit of the divide the whole war-party stood
revealed, far to our right, out of rifle-shot. Plainly, our presence
was a great su