barring a little ache in his arms and legs.

"Now, me laddy, we must emigrate, as there ain't anything to be gained by
loafing round here, as the gals used to tell the chaps when they tried to
cut me out. The first thing to larn is whether the hoss that I lift some
distance away is still there cropping the grass. If he is, then we shall
have small work in making our way back to New Boston; but if he has
emigrated ahead of us thar, we must hunt for others."

"There's no need of going that far."

"Why not?"

"Because the mustangs of the Apaches are right over yonder behind those
rocks."

"That's good; let's take a look at the same."

They hurried over to the spot where the half dozen mustangs were tethered.
They were lying upon the ground, taking their sleep, having finished a
bounteous meal. The intelligent creatures showed their training by
throwing up their heads the instant the two came in sight, and several
gave utterance to whinneys, no doubt with the purpose of apprising their
masters of the approach of strangers. None of them rose to their feet,
however, and Mickey and Fred moved about, inspecting them as best they
could in the moonlight, with the purpose of selecting the best.

"They're all a fine lot, as the neighbors used to say, after inspicting me
father's family, and it's hard to make up your mind which is the best, but
here is one that shtrikes me fancy. Get up wid ye."