“I agree,” said Grant, “if that is Zeke’s opinion.  Still when we get on the ground where our real search begins I’m of the opinion that we’ll get along better and faster if we make two parties instead of one.”

“There will be time enough to talk about that when we have to,” laughed Fred.  “Look yonder,” he abruptly added, pointing as he spoke to two men who could be seen coming down the natural approach to the camp.  “Where did they come from?  Who are they?  What do you suppose they want?  You don’t suppose it is somebody coming in with a message of bad news for us, do you?”

No one replied to the questions of the startled boy, but every member of the party at once turned and keenly watched the approaching men.  Both were walking, although Zeke explained in a low voice that doubtless they had burros somewhere not far away.

In a brief time the two strangers approached the camp and immediately made themselves known.

“I’ve seen both those men before,” whispered Fred excitedly.

“Where?” inquired John.

“They were on the train when we came.  They sat right across the aisle from us.  I’m sure they are the same men for I never shall forget the scar on the left cheek of that short one.”

The two approaching strangers were now so near that it was possible for John to confirm the statement of his friend.  A long livid scar, extending almost entirely across his left cheek, was visible on the face of the younger man.  His companion was taller, evidently at least ten years older and had a face which was not altogether prepossessing at first sight.

“Yes, sir,” repeated Fred.  “I saw both those fellows on the car the day before we left the train.”

“Evenin’,” called the man with the scar.

“Same to you,” retorted Zeke.

“We’re doin’ a bit o’ prospecting or at least we expect to do some and got caught up here in a gully which we can’t very well get across where we are.  We saw the smoke of your fire and thought we might come down and perhaps you would invite us to spend the night with you.”

“You’re entirely welcome,” said Zeke.  The guide’s manner was quiet and there was nothing to belie the apparent cordiality of the statement he had just made.

The young campers, however, were by no means convinced that their unbidden visitors were parties whom they could welcome.

Already the sun was below the western cliffs, although its beams in certain places still flashed between the mountains and tinged the sides of the adjacent canyon with myriad dancing and delicate colors.

Hospitality, however, was a part of the life on the plains and seldom was any unexpected guest turned away from a human habitation or company.  Suspicious though the boys certainly were they did not offer any protest and in response to their invitation to share in the remnants of their evening meal, the two strangers at once accepted and seated themselves not far from the camp-fire.