They gave to Provenso a burro whose pack was nearly empty, what food
and water they could spare, and he left them. They started on
dejectedly. Provenso had told them where Kut-le had camped ten days
before.

They could only find that spot and attempt to pick up the trail from
there.

"Just the same," said Billy, "it's just as well he didn't get away with
Miss Rhoda. He's a tough pill, that Provenso. She'd better be with
the Injun than him!"

"Provenso must be a bad lot," said Jack.

"He is!" replied Billy grimly.

The camp was made that night near a smooth-faced mesa. Before dawn
they had eaten breakfast and were mounting, when Carlos gave a low
whistle. Every ear was strained. On the exquisite stillness of the
dawn sounded a woman's voice which a man's voice answered.




CHAPTER X

A LONG TRAIL

Rhoda gave a cry of joy. From the horsemen rose a sudden shout.