ght to a close by the near approach of Arthur
Vane, who presently dashed up to the porch, and dismounted. Frank and
Archie made a rapid examination of the new-comer. He was dressed in a
full suit of buckskin--hunting-shirt, leggins, and moccasins, the latter
ornamented with bright-colored beads--which set off his tall, slender,
well-knit frame to good advantage. He evidently possessed a fair share
of muscle and agility, and that, according to Archie's way of thinking,
was a great recommendation. He little dreamed that his own pluck,
strength, and endurance would one day be severely tested by that boy in
buckskin.

Arthur's weapons were objects of no less curiosity to the cousins than
his dress. Instead of the short, light rifle in which the boys of that
country took so much delight, and which was so handy to be used on
horseback, he carried a double-barrel shot-gun as long as himself,
elaborately ornamented, and the boys judged, from the way he handled it,
that it must be very heavy. From his belt protruded the buckhorn handle
of a sheath-knife, and the bright, polished head of an Indian tomahawk.
The lasso was nowhere to be seen.

When the boys had noted these points, they glanced at the face of the
new-comer. It was a handsome face, and might have made a favorable
impression on them, had it not been for the haughty glances which its
owner directed toward them as he rode up.

"He looks at us as though he thought we had no business here," whispered
Archie, as Johnny went down the steps to receive the visitor.

"A second Charley Morgan," replied his cousin.

"If he is blessed with Morgan's amiable disposition," returned Archie,
"we'll see fun before we are done with him."

"Frank Nelson," said Johnny, leading his visitor upon the porch, "this
is our new neighbor, Arthur Vane."

"Colonel of the Second Kentucky Cavalry during the Florida war, and, for
a short time captain of the scouts attached to the head-quarters of the
general commanding the department of the plains," said Arthur, in
dignified tones, drawing himself up to his full height, and looking at
Frank as if to ask, What do you think of me, anyhow?

"How do you do?" said Frank, accepting Vane's proffered hand. He did not
say that he was glad to see him, or happy to make his acquaintance, for
he wasn't.

"Archie Winters, Colonel Vane," continued Johnny, "formerly commander of
the Second Kentucky--ahem!"

Johnny was going on to repeat Arthur's pompous s