pair of saddle-bags was fastened across the seat of each, in which the
boys carried several handy articles, such as flint, steel, and tinder
for lighting a fire; ammunition for their revolvers, which were safely
stowed away in bearskin holsters strapped in front of the saddles, and
large clasp-knives, that were useful in skinning squirrels when the boys
went hunting. Behind the saddles, neatly rolled up, and held in their
places by straps, were a couple of pouches, which they used in rainy
weather. They were pieces of India-rubber cloth, with holes in the
center for the wearers' heads. They were large enough to afford complete
protection from the rain, and could also be used as tents in case the
boys found it necessary to camp all night on the prairie.

We have spoken of Frank's dog; but were we to let the matter drop here,
it would be slighting an animal which had played a somewhat important
part in the history of Frank's life in California. His name was Marmion,
and he had been presented to Frank by Captain Porter--an old fur-trader,
who lived a few miles distant from the rancho, and with whom the cousins
were great favorites. Archie did not like the dog, and, if the truth
must be told, the dog had not the smallest particle of affection for
Archie. In fact, he cared for no one except his master, and that was the
reason the fur-trader had given him to Frank. He was as large as two
ordinary dogs--very courageous, and so savage that no one cared to
trouble him. He had seen some stirring times during his life, and his
body was covered with wounds, some of which were not entirely healed.
Frank was quite as fond of him as he was of Brave, and with good reason,
too. Marmion had received those wounds while fighting for his master,
and it was through his interference that Frank had been saved from a
long captivity. It happened before the commencement of our story, and
how it came to pass shall be told in the following chapters.