The cheer was promptly answered by a succession of barks at the foot of the tree, and Vic, interpreting the boy's words to mean that she was set free, dashed off at the top of her speed for the race-course, and down its length to where the victors were now held by their dismounted riders. She bounded wildly about them for a few moments, and then, standing still, Henry saw each horse in turn place its nose to the dog's nose. One of the men struck the dog sharply with the loop of his bridle-rein, and as she fled back in the direction of the boy's outlook, he saw them separate from the crowd, and, after a brief consultation, follow her. Henry, perceiving he was discovered, let himself down from the tree. Texas Dick and Jumping Jack approached. "Ven acá, muchacho," said the Mexican. Henry did not stir, and Dick said, in Spanish: "He does not understand your lingo. I'll try him in English. Come here, boy." Henry had not disregarded Juan's summons, for any reason, but the remark of Dick gave him an idea. By pretending to be ignorant of Spanish he might learn something that would prove of advantage to him. Accordingly he came promptly forward when Dick spoke. "From Fort Whipple, ain't yer, youngster?" "I am." "D'ye know these critters?" "The black is my brother's; the light is mine." "Yer lookin' on 'em up, I s'pect?" "We shall take them, if we can." "You see, I was right," continued Dick in Spanish to his companion. "They are here to take these horses." "Then we'd better collect the prize and our stakes, and leave," replied Juan. "Where shall we go?" asked Dick. "Arizona is getting uncomfortable for me, and your people across the Mexican line don't love you." "Valgame Dios, no! Let's cross the river and go to San Diego or Los Angeles." "Estar bueno. Come with us, youngster," he added, in English; "and, mind ye, keep a still tongue in yer head, or it'll go hard with yer." Henry followed the men to the head of the race-course, where they received their prizes and the winnings, and withdrew to the river-bank. There they divided the money and held a conference. "We'd better cross the river to-night and camp at El Rincon until morning, and then strike for Dos Palmas and the coast," said Dick. "Shall we leave our monte and other stuff in town?" asked Juan. "No; you stay here and watch the boy, and I'll go back and sell out. Anastacio Barella will buy. Look sharp that the young soldier does not send a message by his dog. I have heard strange stories of her. I will bring down something for our supper."