varied this by lodging at some tavern, for since there was money
in his pocket, Yancy was disposed to spend it. He could not
conceive that it had any other possible use.

Suddenly out of the silence carne the regular beat of hoofs.
These grew nearer and nearer, and at last when they were quite
close, Yancy faced about. He instantly recognized Murrell and
dropped his rifle into the crook of his arm. The act was
instinctive, since there was no reason to believe that the
captain had the least interest in the boy. Smilingly Murrell
reined in his horse.

"Why--Bob Yancy!" he cried, in apparent astonishment.

"Yes, sir--Bob Yancy. Does it happen you are looking fo' him,
Captain?" inquired Yancy.

"No--no, Bob. I'm on my way West. Shake hands." His manner was
frank and winning, and Yancy met it with an equal frankness.

"Well, sir, me and my nevvy are glad to meet some one we've
knowed afore. The world are a lonesome place once you get shut
of yo'r own dooryard," he said. Murrell slipped from his saddle
and fell into step at Yancy's side as they moved forward.

"They were mightily stirred up at the Cross Roads when I left,
wondering what had come of you," he observed.

"When did you quit there?" asked Yancy.