As the Indians swept by us, like a whirlwind, Jerry exclaimed, "Them
ain't nothin' but a pack of thieves, tryin' to stampede our stock. If
ther boys tied them mules squar, they hain't made nothin' out 'er us,
that's sartain. You youngsters 'd better show yourselves, for there ain't
no more danger to-night."

At the sound of Jerry's voice, the boys came out from under the wagon,
both looking exceedingly foolish.

"I'll never get under a wagon again, if you do order me to," said Hal,
turning towards Jerry. "It was a shame to send me under there when I
wasn't scart a particle."

"Oh! you wasn't, hey? Wal, I'm glad to hear you say that, for mebbe you
won't object to go down and count ther stock; for I've an idee that we
shall find just about ez many mules gone ez you tied up, young man."

"I was scart, and I don't deny it," said Ned; "but I'll go down and see
about the mules, Jerry."

"Bless you! don't yer trouble yerself one mite, I'm going myself, now,"
said Jerry.

An examination of our stock showed that, notwithstanding the care taken
in securing them, seven mules were missing; and that, as Jerry surmised,
they were the ones that had been tied by the boys.

"I wonder how many Magoffin's folks hev lost," said Jerry.

"I believe I'll walk over to the camp and ascertain."