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"Been going some," he heard one remark, pointing at the same time

to the sweat-stains that streaked the shoulders and flanks.

"If he had me on his back he'd still be burning the wind, me

being in his boots," returned the second, with a grating laugh,

jerking his head toward the sleeper. "Whatever led the durned

fool to stop this side of the line beats me."

"If he was hiking for Chihuahua he's been hitting a mighty

crooked trail. I don't savvy it, him knowing the country as well

as they say he does," the first speaker made answer.

The traveler's circling eye now discovered two more men, each of

them covering him with a rifle. A voice from the rear assured him

there was also a fifth member to the party.

"Look out! He's awake," it warned.

The young man's hand inadvertently moved toward his

revolver-butt. This drew a sharp imperative order from one of the

men in front.

"Throw up your hands, and damn quick!"