make amends for
the absence of real merit by recounting just such impossible exploits.
The result, however, is always the exact reverse of what they wish it to
be. Instead of impressing their auditors with a sense of their great
importance, they only succeed in awakening in their minds feelings of
pity and contempt.

After Arthur had finished the history of his life, he rode along
whistling snatches of the "Hunter's Chorus," happy in the belief that
his reputation was established. Well, it was established, but how?
Archie thought: "Brag is a splendid dog, but Holdfast is better. Perhaps
we may have a chance to test the courage of this mighty man of valor."

Johnny soliloquized: "Does this fellow imagine that we are green enough
to believe that he would stand and let a lion walk up within ten paces
of him? Hump! a good-sized rabbit would scare him to death."

Frank, who had taken but little part in the conversation, told himself
that he had never become acquainted with a boy as deserving of pity as
was Arthur Vane. He was not a desirable companion, and Frank hoped that
he would not often be thrown into his society.

For a long time the boys rode in silence, keeping their horses in an
easy gallop, and presently they entered the woods that fringed the base
of the mountains, through which ran a bridle-path that led toward the
old fur-trader's ranch. Two young hounds belonging to Johnny led the
way, Johnny came next, and Frank and Archie brought up the rear. They
had ridden in this order for a short distance, when the singular
movements of the hounds attracted their attention, and caused them to
draw rein. The dogs stood in the path, snuffing the air, and gazing
intently at the bushes in advance of them, and then, suddenly uttering
a dismal howl, they ran back to the boys, and took refuge behind them.
At the same instant, the horse on which Johnny was mounted arose on his
hind feet, turned square around, and, in spite of all the efforts of his
rider to stop him, dashed by the others, and went down the path at the
top of his speed.

"Good-by, fellows," shouted Johnny; "and look out for yourselves, for
there is"--

What else Johnny said the boys could not understand, for the clatter of
his horse's hoofs drowned his voice, and in a moment he was out of sight
among the trees.

"There's something in those bushes," said Frank, with difficulty
restraining his own horse, which seemed determined to follow Johnny,
"and who k