ocated the game.

The ground was so much more favorable that the animals were forced to
a canter, though all were in need of rest. Little was said, and
Captain Dawson spurred forward beside Adams, who as usual was
leading.

Wade Ruggles and Parson Brush also rode abreast. They were far enough
to the rear to exchange a few words without being overheard.

"From the way things look," said Brush; "we shall have to leave
everything with the captain and he isn't likely to give us anything to
do."

"He's mad clean through; I don't b'leve he'll wait to say a word, but
the minute he can draw bead on the leftenant, he'll let fly."

"He is a fine marksman, but he may be in such a hurry that he'll
miss."

"No fear of that; I wonder," added Ruggles, startled by a new thought,
"whether Vose has any idee of stickin' in his oar."

"Likely enough."

"I must git a chance to warn him that we won't stand any nonsense like
that! The best that we'll do is to promise him a chance for a crack
after you and me miss."

"That won't be any chance at all," grimly remarked the parson.

"Wal, it's all he'll have and he mustn't forgit it. There's some
things I won't stand and that's one of 'em."

"We can't do anything now, but we may have a chance to notify him. If
the opportunity comes to me, he shall not remain ignorant."

They were now nearly opposite the camp and the two noticed with
surprise that Adams and the captain were riding past it.

"What's that fur?" asked the puzzled Ruggles.

"That's to prevent them from fleeing toward Sacramento. When they find
we are on the other side, they will have to turn back."

This was apparently the purpose of the men in advance, for they did
not draw rein until a hundred yards beyond the camp. Suddenly the two
halted, and half-facing around, waited until Brush and Ruggles joined
them. The explanation of the guide showed that his plan had been
rightly interpreted by Parson Brush.

CHAPTER XX

THE CAMP FIRE

The trail, as has been stated, was broad and comparatively level. The
slope of the mountain to the right was so moderate that it could be
climbed by a horse almost as readily as by a man. Its face was covered
with a growth of cedars, continuing half way to the summit, when it
terminated, only bleak masses of rock, sprinkled with snow, whose
volume increased with the elevation, being visible above and beyond.

When the four pursuers came together, their faces showed that they