clinked glasses melodiously.

At the end of another fortnight there was a procession formed at Fat
Pocket Gulch; two horses, one wearing a side-saddle, were brought to the
door of Buffle's old house, and Mrs. Berryn and her husband mounted
them; they were soon joined by Buffle and Muggy.

[Illustration: "THIS BABY'S NAME IS ALLAN BUFFLE BERRYN."]

For months after there was mourning far and wide among owners of mules
and horses, for each Gulchite had been out stealing, that he might ride
with the escort which was to see the Berryns safely to the crossing. An
advance-guard was sent ahead, and the party were about to start, when
Buffle suddenly dismounted and entered his old cabin; when he
reappeared, a cloud of smoke followed him.

"Thar," said he, a moment later, as flames were seen bursting through
the roof, "no galoot uv a miner don't live in that shanty after that.
Git."

Away galloped the party, the baby in the arms of its father. The
crossing was safely reached, and the stage had room for the whole party,
and, after a hearty hand-shaking all around, the stage started. Sandytop
threw one of his only two shoes after it for luck.

As the stage was disappearing around a bend, a little way from the
crossing, the back curtain was suddenly thrown up, a baby, backed by a
white hat and yellow beard, was seen, and a familiar voice was heard to
roar, "Allan _Buffle_ Berryn."