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"Si, senor," agreed Rozales; "I, too, find it so. Let us go together--I know where the

shooting is best."

I don't doubt it," thought Bridge; "probably in the back;" but aloud he said:

Certainly, that will be fine," for he guessed that Rozales had been set to watch

his movements and prevent his escape, and, perchance, to be the sole witness of

some unhappy event which should carry Senor Bridge to the arms of his fathers.

Rozales called a soldier to saddle and bridle their horses and shortly after the two

were riding abreast down the trail out of the hills. Where it was necessary that

they ride in single file Bridge was careful to see that Rozales rode ahead, and the

Mexican graciously permitted the American to fall behind.

If he was inspired by any other motive than simple espionage he was evidently

content to bide his time until chance gave him the opening he desired, and it was

equally evident that he felt as safe in front of the American as behind him.

At a point where a ravine down which they had ridden debauched upon a mesa

Rozales suggested that they ride to the north, which was not at all the direction

in which Bridge intended going. The American demurred.

But there is no shooting down in the valley," urged Rozales.

I think there will be," was Bridge's enigmatical reply, and then, with a sudden

exclamation of surprise he pointed over Rozales' shoulder. "What's that?" he cried

in a voice tense with excitement.

The Mexican turned his head quickly in the direction Bridge's index finger

indicated.

"I see nothing," said Rozales, after a moment.

"You do now, though," replied Bridge, and as the Mexican's eyes returned in the

direction of his companion he was forced to admit that he did see something--the

dismal, hollow eye of a six-shooter looking him straight in the face.

"Senor Bridge!" exclaimed Rozales. "What are you doing? What do you mean?"

"I mean," said Bridge, "that if you are at all solicitous of your health you'll climb

down off that pony, not forgetting to keep your hands above your head when you

reach the ground. Now climb!"

Rozales dismounted.

Turn your back toward me," commanded the American, and when the other had

obeyed him, Bridge dismounted and removed the man's weapons from his belt.

The Mucker