Mr. Willett and Hank Tims were still under guard, for the promised proof of their innocence was not at hand; but Si Brill and Collins, now the most prominent men in the camp, felt that the end they hoped for was very near.

Ulna, after being refreshed with food, kept his eyes open, and he was the first to discover that Badger, Shirley and the others had left Hurley's Gulch.

He at once sought out Collins and said to him:

"I saw the four men ride away."

"But men are ridin' away and a-ridin' in all the time," said Collins, who not being at all suspicious saw no harm in the act.

"True, Collins; but I am sure these men mean harm to Sam Willett."

"Nonsense."

"It is the truth."

"But you left Sam in the hands of them onary 'Paches, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Then how can Badger get at him?"

"The Apaches say they are not at war with the whites--"

"I don't take no stock in them or their sayin's," said Collins.

"But they are at peace, else they would have killed Sam at once. As it is they will either rob him and turn him loose, or else hold him for a reward."

"Well?" said Collins reflectively.

"And if Badger and his gang meet the Apaches and pay the reward, then they will have Sam Willett in their power--"

"Hold!" cried Collins. "I see it all! Once in their power they will kill the boy and get the receipt Tom Edwards gave when he was paid for the mine. Then the dogs can come back here and defy us. We must move to the rescue, Ulna! We must move at once!"

Accompanied by Ulna, Collins went to Si Brill and others of his friends, and after warning them to say nothing to Mr. Willett, he told them of his fears for Sam and urged the necessity of getting out a rescuing party at once, which he was ready to lead "if no one else didn't offer."

At this time there were not many horses in camp, and unfortunately nearly all were owned by the men who had been so bitter against Mr.

Willett.

It was after midnight when Collins succeeded in getting three horses and a mule; they belonged to Mr. Willett and this limited the rescuing party to four, one of whom was Ulna, who went along as a guide, though all knew he could be depended on if there were serious work on hand.

About two hours before day they came face to face with the landlord and his companion.

"Where have you fellers been?" demanded Tom Collins.

"I don't know that it's any of your business," was the landlord's reply, "but I don't mind sayin' that we went out to see if thar was any Injuns in sight. For one, I didn't take any stock in that young Ute's story."

"Wa'al," said Collins, "there's plenty of better men than you-and I'm one of 'em, that do believe the Ute. Now what have you done with Badger and Shirley?"

"They left us 'bout dark; if you want them you must hunt 'em for yourself. I ain't no one's dog," growled the landlord.

"The man that had you for his dog might count on bein' bit, but I reckon we ken find out all we want without yer help. Go back to the Gulch and pack yer traps, for it's my 'pinion it'll be very hot there in a day or two for dogs of your breed," said Collins as he shook his bridle and rode on.

Meantime Sam, ignorant of the doings of friends and foe, kept watch on the summit of the rock.

He was completely "played out," and it was only by a strong effort of will and a constant change of position that he kept from sinking down and going to sleep like his companions.

As soon as the gray dawn began to make distant objects visible Sam awoke Ike and Wah Shin.

Sleep had only brought a temporary cessation from the pangs of hunger, but the brave fellows made no complaint.

Ike, always on the lookout, was the first to discover hors.e.m.e.n in the distance, coming from the direction of Hurley's Gulch.

"It 'peahs to me powahful like's ef Ulna is one ob dem yar men," said Ike.

He was not mistaken.

On came the riders at a gallop.

In the advance rode Ulna.

As soon as they caught sight of Sam they waved their hats and sent up a thrilling cheer.

[Ill.u.s.tration: _Sam and Ike discover the hors.e.m.e.n coming to their rescue._]

Even the horses caught the spirit of their riders, and plunged into a faster gallop, till they came to a halt under the towering rock which Sam had defended so gallantly.

CHAPTER XXVII.-SAM'S DEVOTION IS REWARDED.

"h.e.l.lo!" shouted Collins, as he and his companions dismounted and looked up at the three famished people on the rock. "How did you three gents and the dog git up thar?"

It was evident from this question that Collins was not acquainted with the rock.

"On the other side," said Sam.

"All right; we'll find the way and come up."

"Better save the trouble," said Sam. "We'll come down, and glad we are of the chance."

"Glad!" cried Ike; "dat word don't nigh begin foh to 'spress dis yar chile's feelin's. I'ze full, chuck full ob downright bliss, I is. Come along, Maj and Wah, foh it does seem powahful like's ef de trouble had jest 'bout come to an ind."

Down over the ruin of the wall they clambered, and at the foot stood Ulna-the faithful.

The Indian may be a stoic under suffering, but there are no people in the world so ready to give expression to joy, nor so demonstrative where the better impulses of the heart are called out.