Further conversation on this subject was temporarily interrupted by
the arrival of the expressman. A roan bronco galloped up the slope,
bearing a youthful rider wearing a light buck-skin suit and a soft
felt hat with a narrow brim. He was armed with a breech-loading
carbine and two revolvers, and carried, attached to his saddle, a roll
of blankets, a haversack, and a mail-pouch.
Dismounting, he detached the pouch, at the same time answering
questions and giving us items of news later than any contained in his
despatches.
After handing his pouch to the quartermaster-sergeant, his eyes fell
upon the boy sergeants.
"I saw Texas Dick and Juan Brincos at Cisternas Negras," he said,
addressing them.
"My! Did you, Mr. Hudson?" exclaimed Henry, springing to his feet and
approaching the courier. "Did they have our ponies?"
"You know I never saw your ponies; but Dick was mounted on a black,
with a white star in his forehead, and Juan on a cream-color, with a
brown mane and tail."
"Sancho!" said Frank.
"Chiquita!" said Henry.
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