At the end of the boys' story, Brenda asked: "The thieves were a
Mexican and an American?"
"Yes."
"The American had a scar on the bridge of his nose, and the Mexican
had lost his front teeth?"
"Exactly. What do you know about them, Brenda?"
"They were here, but I did not see their ponies nearer than the
stable; they were black and cream color. The Mexican traded saddles
with uncle. You'll find the one he left in the lean-to, on a peg
beside the door."
Both boys leaped to the ground and ran round the house to the lean-to,
and presently returned with Henry's neat McClellan saddle. It had been
stripped of its pouches and small straps, but was otherwise unharmed.
"Well, when I come back with Chiquita, Mr. Arnold, I'd like to trade
saddles."
"All right, youngkett, I'll trade, or you can take it now, and
welcome," replied the ranchman.
"No; I'll leave it until I return."
The saddle was taken back to the lean-to, and after a few more words
of leave-taking we started up the valley. A few miles of rapid
travelling brought us to a steep ascent into a mountainous range to
the right.
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