he had been following.

The boys were eager to learn the _modus operandi_ of catching wild
mustangs; and at once began to ask so many questions, that Antonio was
obliged to tell them he could not explain very well; but, if they would
ride with him for a couple of hours, he thought he could show them how it
was done.

Of course they became eager to accompany him; and, nothing loth myself to
see the sport, I assented to their request; and, joining the "mustanger,"
rode towards the south-west, and in less than an hour he pointed out a
small "gang" quietly feeding some three or four miles away.

As we drew near, Antonio declared that he knew the "gang," which was too
wild to approach with the lasso, but he might possibly get one by
"creasing."

"How do you do that?" inquired Ned.

"With my rifle," answered Antonio.

"What! shoot one of those horses?" exclaimed Hal.

"If you'll wait awhile, youngster, mebbe you'll better understand it,"
said Antonio. "Now you watch me; and, when you meet a 'gang' of mustangs
again, you'll know just what to do."

It became evident that the herd was aware of our approach, for they
started; and, in an incredibly short time, had approached so near, that
we could plainly see their elegant forms and color, as they proudly