ir stores; and that reminds me that not one of you has
mentioned the object of this journey of yours."

"That is really so," I replied. "You have made every minute of our
call so interesting in showing us your improvements and the fort, and
in doing the hospitable, that we have not thought of ourselves. Frank,
tell her about the ponies."

Sergeant Frank, aided by Sergeant Henry, told in full of the loss of
their animals, and said we intended to try to capture Texas Dick and
Juan Brincos and recover Sancho and Chiquita.

At the end of the boys' story, Brenda asked: "The thieves were a
Mexican and an American?"

"Yes."

"The American had a scar on the bridge of his nose, and the Mexican
had lost his front teeth?"

"Exactly. What do you know about them, Brenda?"

"They were here, but I did not see their ponies nearer than the
stable; they were black and cream color. The Mexican traded saddles
with uncle. You'll find the one he left in the lean-to, on a peg
beside the door."

Both boys leaped to the ground and ran round the house to the lean-to,
and presently returned with Henry's neat McClellan saddle. It had been
stripped of its pouches and small straps, but was otherwise unharmed.

"Well, when I come back with Chiquita, Mr. Arnold, I'd like to trade
saddles."

"All right, youngkett, I'll trade, or you can take it now, and
welcome," replied the ranchman.

"No; I'll leave it until I return."

The saddle was taken back to the lean-to, and after a few more words
of leave-taking we started up the valley. A few miles of rapid
travelling brought us to a steep ascent into a mountainous range to
the right. We had proceeded but a short distance through a narrow and
rugged roadway when we were overtaken by the military expressman whom
we had left at Fort Whipple. He had come from Prescott to Skull Valley
by a short cut.

"I have a letter for you, lieutenant," said he, approaching the
ambulance.

Unfastening the mail-pouch, he turned its contents upon the back seat.
A heap of loose letters and three well-worn books strewed themselves
over the cushion. Frank picked up the books and examined their titles.

"Xenophon's _Memorabilia_, Euripides' _Alcestis_ and _Medea_, and a
Greek grammar!" exclaimed the astonished youngster. "What are you
doing with these college text-books on the La Paz trail?"

"Making up conditions," replied the courier, a blush deepening the
brown of his face.

"What are conditions?" asked H