The Red Mustang

ches. It had informed them that they could not surprise Santa Lucia, and that they were known as enemies.

nt danger to him and his. Loss of horses and a possible forced return to the Reservation seem

not been for the horse from which Sam Herrick dismounted when he transferred his saddle to the dancing gray for his ride home. He was a good horse, and he had run well when the Apaches were behind him. Sam had now left him, but it seem

n. The self-appointed leader of the horses did not see fit to take a very rapid gait, but seemed able to follow the trail of Sam Herrick to the ford where the cowboy had returned to the other side. Here a half hour or so was expended in feeding, neighing, kicking up of heels, and other tokens of horse deliberation. Then one and another of the more influential members of the drove decided to try the grass nearer Santa Luc

inted braves rode onward down the branch. Even at the ford a brace of braves dashed across for a search, but they gave it up, and came back disappointed. The es

remarked the Apache commander. "Cavalry

being robbed in that way of Colonel Evans's larger horse-drove. More cattle were slaughtered and more fresh beef was prepared for transp

skets in front of the stockade gate. He knew that the garrison of Santa Lucia consisted, as yet, of infantry

with every hour, to the Mexican border, and to the point where they were, in due time, to meet their equally happy families. Their camp, that night, was as peaceful as if it had been a picnic, and at the earliest dawn of day they were stirring again, very mu

o-be and all the family part of the band had passed the pleasant summer night. It was a number of miles to the southward; it was nearer to th

ich were now transferred to the strong backs of captured mules and ponies. Walking was over and hunger was gone, and even the overworked ponies saw their packs put upon fresher carriers. It was a great relief to a poor fellow who had pant

broken. Their time for service had come now, however, and they were rapidly instructed how to go along under wild-looking riders whom they were unable to throw

h-o-be. "Pale-face

ang had pitched a young Apac

immediate wants had been provided for wonderfully, and it had great confidence in the future. There was something very hopeful to talk

ah-wah-o-be, and there was no telling w