Still keenly watching the man who was steadily coming nearer, Reuben suddenly was startled by a motion that seemed to him strangely familiar. It reminded him of the companion whom he had lost among the foothills of the Rockies. But not a word had been heard from Jean Badeau. Still believing that it was impossible that anything more than a resemblance had been discovered in the man, when Reuben came close to him he halted his horse and peered intently into the face of the stranger. The face strongly resembled that of the missing French trapper. And yet it was so unlike his friend’s that Reuben was at a loss to decide whether or not his former companion was indeed now before him. The strangest part of all was that the man appeared to be entirely unaware of the presence of Reuben. He seldom glanced at him, and even when he did so Reuben felt a shiver creep along his spine, for there was something uncanny in the expression of the man’s face. Reuben somehow had a feeling that the man was not so much looking at him as looking through him. Indeed, his fear increased when he became aware that the man not only did not reply to his questions, but that he did not even seem to be aware of his presence. “Jean, Jean!” called Reuben in a low voice. “Is that you?” As no answer was given to his query, the excited boy in a trembling voice again said: “What are you doing here? How did you escape from the Indians?” Either ignoring or unaware of the questions which had been asked, the man continued his zigzag journey and soon passed out of the sight of the perplexed young trapper. Partly convinced that he had mistaken the strange man for Jean Badeau, and that it was impossible for his former companion to be among the men assembled at the San Gabriel Mission, Reuben quickly resumed his journey. His pony now was somewhat rested, and in a brief time, of its own accord, it broke into the swifter gait it had maintained most of the way since the camp of the trappers had been left. Reuben was still thinking of the two strange adventures which had befallen him on his ride when at last he drew near the walls that surrounded the old mission, and in response to his pull upon the bell-rope the gate was opened and he was admitted. CHAPTER XVII—THE COMING OF RAT The man to whom Reuben was to deliver his message was not to be found at the mission. However, the tired young traveller was warmly welcomed, and soon after he had eaten his supper he was soundly sleeping. The following morning his message was delivered to Captain White, who was in command of a schooner which had sailed from New York around Cape Horn. The captain read the letter which Reuben had brought, and then looking keenly into the face of the lad, he said: “How many skins have they?” “There are a good many,” replied Reuben, “but I don’t know just how many.” “Do you think they have got enough to fill the hold of the _Charming Nancy_?” “I’ve never seen the _Charming Nancy_!”