“I’m inclined to think you’re right, Jerry; the Comanche has stolen the pony without doubt,” said I.

“But how could he?” demanded Hal.  “I was sitting right here, close by him all the time.”

“Listen Hal, I’ll give you a bit of my experience with these same Comanches,” said I:  “About two years ago, I was sitting on the porch of my ranche, one afternoon, and a couple of Comanches came up and asked for food.

“Manuel, the herder, recognized one of them as a fellow named ’Creeping Serpent,’ one of the most expert horse-thieves in his tribe.  Naturally enough, I wanted to know how he got the name; and, in consideration of a bright red blanket, he consented to give an exhibition of his skill.

“The animals were all in plain sight, not a hundred yards from the ranche door.  I was bound not to lose sight of them, and I didn’t; but, in less than half an hour, I saw one of them bounding away over the plain, with an Indian on his back.

“I was so astounded that when the fellow brought the horse back, I made him show me just how it was done; and ever since then, I’m disposed to believe anything relative to the thieving abilities of the Comanches, without question.”

“But how did he do it?” persistantly questioned Hal.  “He never would have done it before my eyes.”

“Ha! ha! ha!” laughed old Jerry.  “Didn’t one of the cussid varmints, just play the same trick on you?”

“But I won’t admit he’s got my pony,” declared Hal.

“Tell us please, how he stole your horse, will you?” inquired Ned.

He laid himself flat upon the ground, and crawled through the grass towards the animal selected, using his elbows as the propelling power.  This was done so slowly as not to alarm the herd in the least.  Upon reaching the picket-pin, he loosed it so that it could be easily withdrawn; all the time taking good care that his head should not appear above the top of the grass.

“He then began to slowly coil the rope, each coil imperceptibly drawing the animal nearer to himself, until it finally stood beside him; then, getting it between him and the ranche, he gradually pulled himself up, and, clinging to its side, by skilful manipulation of the lariat, induced the animal to take an opposite direction from camp, until fairly out of sight or range; when, resuming his proper position on the creature, he galloped rapidly away.

“Having seen how the thing is done Hal, I incline to Jerry’s belief,—­ that the fellow has stolen your pony.”

“I can’t think that he’s got it,” said Hal; “and I’d like to take Ned and a couple of the Mexicans, and go out and see if we can’t find him.”

“We shall probably need everybody in camp putty soon,” said Jerry.  “Yer see thet dust down thar to the southward, don’t yer?  Wall, that ain’t no whirlwind, ef the wind duz blow; that’s Injins, and they’re headed right for our camp, too; so we’d better git reddy for ’em, and let the hoss go.  Maybe, though, they’ll bring him back to yer.  I’ve knowed sich things done afore now,” continued he, glancing at Hal.