was born, and have finally come to think that they
have more rights here than I have. Now, what did you want to see me for?
How can I help you? If I were going to stay at home, so that I could
stand between you and the settlers, I would give you a herdsman's berth,
if that is what you want; but I am going to Fort Lamoine as soon as I
have packed my things and disposed of my breakfast, and I may not be
back for a year. I am a United States scout."

"I wondered what you were doin' with them soldier-clothes on; an' that
explains it," said Springer, speaking with difficulty. "I don't reckon
you can help me none jest now, but mebbe I can help you by puttin' you
on your guard agin' Fletcher."

"Is he after me again?" cried George. "I was in hope I had seen and
heard the last of him."

"Them kind of fellers is always turnin' up when they isn't wanted,"
replied Springer. "He's come back to his ole hole at that there ranche,
bringin' a good many of his ole men with him, an' some new ones that
would be wusser than he is, only that ain't possible. Amongst them all,
they have laid a plan to visit you next full moon."

"Let them come," said George, snapping his fingers in the air; "they'll
not get me, or any stock either."

"He wants you more'n he wants stock," continued Springer. "That is, he
wants you first. Your uncle John put the very mischief into that there
feller's head, an' he's goin' to make a pris'ner of you, like he did
afore. He knows that you are master here now--that you've got more money
an' cattle than you know what to do with; an' he thinks you would rather
give 'em all up than lose your liberty."

"No doubt I would," answered George, "but before he can make any demands
upon me he must catch me. That he will never do, for the next time--"

He was about to say that the next time he saw Don Miguel's ranche he
would be so strongly backed up that he would stand in no fear of the
boss cattle-thief and his band. But he didn't say it, for he did not
know how far it would be safe to trust his friend Springer. He need not
have been so particular on this point, however, for the cattle-thief
knew as much about the contemplated movements of General Ord's forces as
George did himself. The Mexican authorities had been notified that if
the raids from their side of the river were not stopped our troops would
take the matter in hand and punish the thieves wherever they could be
found; and those same authorities had been acco