little amusement.

"I tell you, I should like to have been there," said Hal. "I could have
shot him with my rifle as easily as any one."

"Yes, but you wouldn't have dared to," replied Ned.

"Wouldn't I?" rejoined Hal. "You just wait and see. I wasn't frightened a
bit the night the Indians got into camp; and if it hadn't been for old
Jerry, I'd a shown 'em--"

"Pshaw! Why didn't you show me, instead of crying, when we were up that
tree, yesterday? You wasn't very brave then," said Ned.

"Umph! I didn't know anything about hogs," explained Hal.

"And I reckon you don't know much 'bout painters, either, youngster.
Brag's a good dog, but Holdfast's a better one," broke in old Jerry.

"Isn't it time for a start, Jerry?" called I; "and how's your shoulder
this morning?"

"It's past time fur a start, and nigh upon noon. My shoulder's putty
sore, but I kin git along all right with it."

I sprang to my seat, and found it nearly noon; indeed, so late that Jerry
advised remaining encamped until the following morning, although
Magoffin's train had been gone some hours.

After dinner, Hal, Ned, and myself saddled up for a ride over the plain