The animal ridden by the lad showed a disposition to join them, but the
rider resisted, and managed to hold him, until at the opportune moment,
Mickey placed himself on his back, and, as he was really a good horseman,
and used vigorous means, he speedily managed to bring him under control.
Turning his head toward the ridge, they started him forward, pausing near
the mouth of the cavern long enough to gather up one of the blankets lying
there, as it was likely to be useful at no distant time.




CHAPTER XI.

THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS.


The moon was high in the sky, and it was near midnight. O'Rooney, who had
taken upon himself the task of guiding the mustang, continued him on up
the ridge, directly toward the spot where Fred had lain so long watching
the action of the Apaches gathered around the opening of the cave.

The mustang walked along quite obediently, seeming to feel the load no
more than if it was only one half as great. But those animals are like
their native masters--cunning and treacherous, ready to take advantage of
their riders whenever it happens to come in their way.

"Which is the raison I cautions ye to be riddy for a fall," said Mickey,
after referring to some of the peculiarities of these steeds of the
Southwest. "The minute he gits it into his head that we ain't paying