Sunset Ranch: A Story of a Boy's Adventures in the West — page 237: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Raid on the Bad Lands. 225 He realized the risk full well. These choice spirits counted a human life of lit- tle moment when it interfered with any plan or pleasure they had in view. No doubt they would even take delight in sacri- ficing such a chap as himself if caught in the act of spying upon their community. While the two strange friends jogged along over these leagues of space they had held occasional brief conversations upon the subject that was of especial moment to them. Karl found the Indian a keen reasoner. His na- tive wit, aided by severe experience, combined to make’him see matters clearly when grave peril over- shadowed the future. Of course it was taken for granted that all this while a pack of eager-eyed and reckless cowboys must be following the trail, and would, sooner or later, bring up at the outlaw rendezvous. If this were the case the two boys had better post- pone their attack, while picking up all the informa- tion possible, until a junction with the cow punch- ers could be effected. Little Buckshot was so grave and confident that he inspired Karl with some of his spirit, and the lat- ter anxiously awaited the hour when they could put their plans into operation. So the night found them, still moving on, their weary journey near its end. The Indian led his companion to a spot where they could picket their ponies. It seemed especially designed for such a purpose, being a little cul de sac on one side of the trail, sur- rounded by great bowlders, yet offering fair pas- turage. Less than a mile lay between them and the outlaw camp. “We stay here,” said the Indian. “Sleep with comiclooks C©