a few words to Tim Brophy before he set out to warn the son of his danger, he resumed

did not require leading, but as his load was lighter than either of the others, he

its whole extent. The country before the husband and wife was varied. There were miles of open plain, over which they could ride at a gallop,

tle company, with the thermometer striking steadily below freezing point, would be pitiful indeed. The ranchman was resolved to save his wife and ch

idden a short time on a brisk walk; "I have followed the cattle for some miles among the

most direct, and though there may be difficulties in the

be deep, it will be no trifling matter. How do you feel, Dot?" he asked, looking fondly at the little

the bright eyes twinkled happily, as though no t

ink you can ride on

ng as she c

across from the saddle and pinching the chubby cheek; "I want t

as in my bed at home. Mamma will take care of me, won't you?" she as

d down and kisse

but we are in the keeping of God,

s in the world? Oh, look! papa and mamma!" she added, forcing her head farther out

on the highest point. With his head erect, he looked down in wonderment at the party approaching him. He made

the rancher admiringly; "

intend to

ound of the gun might be dangerous to us, when there's no

that to

ure could face. He whirled about and was off like a flash, to the keen regret of Dot, who was hoping for a closer acquaintance. The parents s

of the elevation, halting at the very spot whe

d!" exclaimed the

of water was seen, revealing a winding stream, which i

d may not be deep,"

ertained only by

ns watching, but, if so, he detected no signs of them. The little party were conspicuous objects, but i

d being a comparatively level and grassy plain, but beyond the water stretched a hil

Starr, glancing up and around at the sky, "and i

ted by the other, though the gait was so distasteful to the pack-horse that he held back until sharply spoken to

was on the bank where the fugitives halted. If it should be found necessary to make a raft with which to cr

oiled to that extent that the bottom could be seen only a few paces from shore, but the

and finally turned to

ink we had bette

water except by test," she replied; "if it

ng at a clump of bushes above them and some rods in exten

id so, naturally he gave more heed to the stream than to his footsteps, for it was the former in which his in

t in height, not very dense, and continued with straggling i

looked at the water and then at the bushes. Then he suddenly leaped back with an exclamation and came