"
It was with real regret that the friends parted from him, and more than
once they turned in their saddles and waved their hats to him, until his
sturdy figure was swallowed up in the distance.
Shortly after this they descried an approaching dust-cloud in the
distance, and the troopers, thinking it might be a new band of Indians or
some of the survivors of the dispersed one, unslung their rifles and made
preparations to give them a warm reception.
As the cloud drew nearer, however, figures began to emerge from it, and
in a few minutes the boys were able to make out the familiar faces of the
ranch cowboys, headed by Mr. Melton. They were all armed to the teeth,
and were spurring their horses along at a gallop.
Soon they were within hailing distance, and as the cowboys recognized the
three boys among the troopers they emitted joyful yells, and by way of
salute many of them fired their revolvers in the air. Mr. Melton appeared
more overjoyed than anybody else, however, and as the two parties met and
drew rein he exclaimed:
"Thank the Lord you're safe! When your horses galloped in late last night
without you I feared the worst.
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