Archie was confined to the house for a day or two after that; but, if his body was stiff and bruised, his tongue was all right, and it was a long time before he got through relating the incidents of his fight with the traitor.

Frank and Johnny had met with no adventures, not having seen any of the band after they left the glade.  They crossed the ledge without accident—­although they confessed that they would think twice before trying it again—­and, when they reached the end of the pass, they concealed themselves in a hollow log until morning.  When they were about to continue their flight, they discovered the mustang, which, unwilling to be left alone in the glade, had crossed the ledge, and was on his way home.  Frank easily caught him; but, knowing his favorite’s disposition as well as he did, hesitated about requiring him to carry double; however, he finally decided that Roderick was large enough and strong enough to carry them both, and that he must do it, or take the consequences.  Frank thereupon mounted the animal, Johnny climbed up behind him, and Roderick, after a few angry kicks, consented to the arrangement.  Believing the boldest course to be the safest, they put the horse to the top of his speed, trusting to his momentum to overcome any thing that might endeavor to obstruct the path.

While Archie was confined to the house, Dick and old Bob were busy, and their efforts were rewarded by the capture of three more of the band, who were sent to San Diego with the others.  Only one was left now, and that was Joaquin, who had thus far successfully eluded pursuit.  The traitor was also missing; and, although Mr. Vane kept his herdsmen in the mountains continually, nothing had been seen of him.  Arthur was paying the penalty of his treachery, and was being punished in a way he had not thought of.  After his unsuccessful attempt to capture Archie Winters, he went down the mountain to the place where he had left his horse, and there he found Joaquin, who had narrowly escaped a ball from the rifle of old Bob Kelly.  He was in ill-humor about something, but his face brightened when he discovered Arthur.

“We must be off at once,” said he.  “The mountains are full of men.”

“I believe I’ll go home,” replied Arthur.  “I am going to ask my father to give me money enough to take me back to Kentucky; for, of course, I can’t live here after what I have done.  Before I go, however, I want to tell you, that you and your friends are a set of blockheads.  If I had known that you would be so stupid as to allow those fellows to escape, I shouldn’t have had any thing to do with you.  Good-by, Joaquin.”

“Not quite so fast, my lad,” said the Ranchero, seizing Arthur’s horse by the bridle.  “You are worth as much to us as the others.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Arthur.

“I mean that you are a prisoner, and that you must stay here with us.  I hope you understand that?”