stirred.


CHAPTER IV

WHO TOOK IT


There was persistent neighing on the summit. Concho's horse wanted his
breakfast.

This protestation reached the ears of a party ascending the mountain
from its western face. To one of the party it was familiar.

"Why, blank it all, that's Chiquita. That d----d Mexican's lying drunk
somewhere," said the President of the B. M. Co.

"I don't like the look of this at all," said Dr. Guild, as they rode up
beside the indignant animal. "If it had been an American, it might have
been carelessness, but no Mexican ever forgets his beast. Drive ahead,
boys; we may be too late."

In half an hour they came in sight of the ledge below, the crumbled
furnace, and the motionless figure of Concho, wrapped in a blanket,
lying prone in the sunlight.

"I told you so,--drunk!" said the President.

The Doctor looked grave, but did not speak. They dismounted and picketed
their horses. Then crept on all fours to the ledge above the furnace.