Frank in the Mountains

and Archie found themselves comfortably settled in new quarters, hundreds of miles from the scene of their recent exploits. According to arrangement, they acc

rapidly, and the only incidents that occurred to relieve the monotony of the ride were a buffalo hunt and a chase after a drove of wild horses. On these occasions the co

ad been removed, Frank and Archie could easily have imagined that they were in the midst of a thriving farming region, and that they had only to cross to the other side of the mountains to find themselves in the streets of a prosperous and growing city. The country looked civilized. There were well-filled barns, rich fields of grain waiting to be harvested, and a herd of cattle standin

ilt of sun-dried bricks, its walls were thick, and provided with loop-holes, and around it

engaged in various sports, such as running, wrestling, jumping, riding, and shooting at a mark. In a little grove between the house and the fort the trappers belonging to Captain Porter's expedition had made their camp, and the Captain himself sat on the porch, smoking his long Indian pipe, and conversing with Mr. Brent, the owner of the rancho. These gentlemen were old acquaintances and friends, having formerly been eng

amp; and, if one might judge by their looks and actions, they were not at all pleased with the state of affairs. Indeed, they had kept up a constant grumbling ever since they came into

Bill Lawson trapped in this yere valley, years ago, I never thought that I should set here, as I do now, an' let a hul tribe of screec

could have his own way, there wouldn't be an

am Brent. He was about Archie's age and size, only a little more thick-set and muscular; and with his brown, almost copper-colored complexion, dark eyes, and long black hair, m

hile in California, because it was particularly adapted to the warm climate; but now they had discarded their wi

n they visited the fort, the officers and soldiers looked at them as though they had been some curious wild animals; the trappers belonging to the expedition treated them with a great deal of respect; and their

ick raised themselves on the

e to sweep 'em out of the world by any onnateral means. I'll tell you what I'd do," he added, pointing to the grove in which the trappers were encamped. "Thar are twenty fine fellers layin' around under them trees, an' I like 'em, 'cause they're honest men, an' ha

hinned out too," said Frank. "Th

'em playin' about that ar way. When I walk through their camp, it is as hard fur me

said Archie. "I'd like

ised at the same thing more than once during their short stay at the rancho. Adam was never allowed to go anywhere, unless his father went with him. Mr. Brent kept watch of him nig

t me," said Adam, with some

the time?" asked Archie. "I'd dry up like a mummy, f

ch as my life is worth to go out of sight of this house. If I should go down to th

house. Dick and Bob accompanied them to the fort, and while on the way the boys talked over what Adam had said to them, and speculated upon the causes tha

members of the tribe, seemed to be running foot-races; and, in this, one youthful savage excelled all his companions. He was a tall, active fellow, apparently about Frank's age, as straig

liveliest feller on his legs I ever seed; an' I've met a heap of smart youngsters in my day, I

aimed the y

eat you runnin', but he can out-ride, out-shoot, an' out-jump you; a

oned to the young hunter to follow him-an invitation which Frank had no desire to accept. He would not have been at all averse to a friendly trial of speed and skill with the young warrior, if Dick had not been so lavish in his praises; but what if he should be beaten after all the co

't try it, Dick,

har an' take a banter like that, an' from an Injun, too? I haint been

some of the conceit out of that fellow. I kno

t he was believed to be a coward, he sprang to his feet, and accompanied by his cousin and the trappers, followed the Indian toward the race-course. The latter kept

ter is tellin' 'em how bad he is goin' to beat you. I recko

uaintances, whom he had good reason to remember; but as they did not make themselves very conspicuous, he did not see them. They did not seem to care much about the race, but they appeared to be greatly interested in Dick and Bob, and their young friends. They looked at Frank, then held a whispered consultation, and one of them left his companions, and, mounting a small gray horse, rode off toward the m

for it by throwing off his hat and jacket, and tying his handkerchief around his waist. At this moment the principal chief of the band appeared upon the ground, and assumed the management of affairs. He was a very dignified looking Indian, stood more than six feet in his moccasins

looks exactly as I imagined all Indians looked before I kn

ise that har of his'n. Now, youngsters, if you are all ready, I am. I see that some of the Injuns are goin'

ich they started. This the chief explained to Frank in broken English, and, after placing the rival runners side by side, and glancing up and down