peech, when he saw
Archie biting his lip, and knew that it was time for him to stop.

"How are you, Colonel?" said Archie, as sober as a judge.

"I can not complain of my health," replied Arthur, still holding Frank's
hand with his right, while he extended his left to Archie, in much the
same manner that a monarch might have given his hand to a kneeling
subject. "The musket-ball that Osceola sent through my shoulder
sometimes troubles me a little; but I am so accustomed to wounds that I
scarcely mind it."

"How do you like California," inquired Frank, thinking that he ought to
say something.

"O, I like the country well enough; but belonging, as I do, to one of
the oldest and wealthiest families of the State of Kentucky, I can find
no congenial society among these backwoodsmen."

Frank had no reply to make to this declaration. That one remark had
revealed as much of the character of Arthur Vane as he cared to become
acquainted with. The latter evidently looked upon himself as something
better than the common herd of mankind, and Frank wondered why he did
not stay at home, if he could find no pleasure in the society of the
boys of that country.

"I have heard of you," continued Arthur, loftily; "and I understand that
you are looked upon as a hero in this settlement."

"I do not claim the honor," modestly replied Frank.

"I have always observed," the visitor went on to say, "that the ideas
which ignorant people entertain concerning heroes are ludicrous in the
extreme. Now, I have met with more adventures than generally fall to the
lot of mortals; but, being a modest young man, I have never allowed any
one to apply that name to me. I have been in battles--desperate battles.
I have seen the cheek of the bravest blanched with terror; but I never
flinched. Twice have I been a prisoner in the hands of the Indians, and
once I was bound to the stake. I have whipped a grizzly bear in a fair
fight, with no weapon but my knife, and I can show seven honorable
scars, made by as many bullets, which I carry in my body to-day."

Here Arthur stopped to take breath, and looked at his auditors as if
waiting for applause. Frank and Archie had nothing to say, but Johnny
observed:

"You have seen some rough times for one of your age."

"Rough!" repeated Arthur, with evident disgust. "Don't use such
words--they are so vulgar. Thrilling, or exciting, would sound much
better."

"I stand corrected," remarked Johnny, very gravely, w