“Bad, very bad!” muttered the professor.

“I call it very good, sir.  Those fellows have had a fright that will keep them going for some hours yet.  They think it is the Rangers that’s chasing them and they’ll be hiking for cover at the rate of some miles an hour.”

“You are sure you are not badly hurt?” asked the professor anxiously.

“If I never get any worse, I’ll be satisfied.  I’m a marked man, you know.  Some day, when my gun sticks in the holster, I may get mine.”

“Come back to camp with us.  Surely you are not going on to-night?”

“Thank you, but I must be getting on.  I’ve got to be at the camp by daylight.”

“If you think there is danger of your being attacked, we will ride with you,” said Tad.

“No, pard, I’m better off alone.  I’ll know enough to dodge them now.”

“Speaking of danger, you don’t suppose these men will come back and visit our camp, do you?” asked the professor.

“No, I don’t think so.  But were I in your place I think I’d put out my fire and set a guard for the rest of the night.  It’s always a safe thing to do.  They won’t touch you in the daytime; in fact, I think those fellows will be hiding.  We’ll set a couple of men on their trail just as soon as I get to camp; now that I know where the trail starts.  They know I know, and that’s what makes me think they won’t let the grass grow under their feet.”

“I am glad to hear you say so,” answered Professor Zepplin.  “I am afraid we should not have mixed up in this affair at all, though naturally I am pleased that we have been able to be of some service to you when you might have been killed.”

“And some others with me,” answered the Ranger grimly.  “Well, so long.  I’ll talk with you to-morrow.”

“Good night and good luck!” called the boys.

“Good night, pards,” answered the Ranger heartily.  Swinging his pony about he galloped away into the darkness, while the boys turned their own mounts toward their camp in the canyon.  They had done a good night’s work and Tad’s generalship alone had won the battle for the Ranger lieutenant.  But there were other equally exciting experiences ahead of them in the near future, in which the Border Bandits would play an active part.

CHAPTER X

THE PONY RIDER BOYS INITIATED

It was rather a solemn party that took its way slowly back to the Pony Rider Boys’ Camp in the mountains.  The boys realized that they had taken a rather active part in what might prove for them a serious affair.  If, by any chance, the bandits learned who had interfered with them, it might be necessary for Professor Zepplin and his charges to make lively tracks for the border and seek other fields of adventure.

The same thought was in the minds of all except Chunky, who held his head erect, his chest swelled out.  He was full of their great achievements and was telling what he would do if any of the bandits came to visit their camp.