"
Just as we were preparing for bed Mr. Hudson arrived from La Paz. He
informed me that Texas Dick and Jumping Jack were there and in
possession of the ponies; that there was to be a horse-race the day
after to-morrow, and the ponies had been entered. At this news the boy
sergeants became much excited, and proposed a dozen impracticable ways
of going on at once and seizing their property.
Hudson said he had talked the matter over with Mr. Gray, and the
merchant had advised that we give out a report in La Paz that we were
there on the transportation and storehouse business only, and make no
immediate attempt to capture the ponies. He said the town was full of
the friends of the horse-thieves, and that our movements would be
closely watched and reported to them. If they became alarmed they
would probably run across the Mexican boundary at once.
"But why cannot we attend the race with the escort, as spectators, and
seize them?" asked Frank.
"That is a move they will be sure to be looking for. If any of you go
to the race, I believe neither of those men nor the ponies will be
there.
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