who suggested that they go to bed.

"Got to see if my hoss is all right," said Pete. "The ole fool's like
to git tangled up in that there drag-rope I done left on him. Beckon
I'll take it off."

"Why, your dad was tellin' me you was a reg'lar buckaroo. Thought you
knew better than to leave a rope on a hoss when he's in a corral."

"I forgot," invented Pete. "Won't take a minute."

"Then I'll wait for you. Run along while I get my lantern."

The storekeeper's house was but a few doors down the street, which,
however, meant quite a distance, as Concho straggled over considerable
territory. He lighted the lantern and sat down on the steps waiting
for the boy. From the corral back of the store came the sound of
trampling hoofs and an occasional word from Young Pete, who seemed to
be a long time at the simple task of untying a drag-rope. The
store-keeper grew suspicious and finally strode back to the corral.
His first intimation of Pete's real intent was a glimpse of the boy
astride the big bay and blinking in the rays of the lantern.

"What you up to?" queried the storekeeper.

Young Pete's reply was to dig his heels into the horse's ribs. The
storekeeper caught hold of the bridle. "You git down and come home
with me. Where you goin' anyhow?"

"Take your hand off that bridle," blustered Young Pete.