"Well, I know nothing about that. I have told you the plain truth. You don't claim the horse I said was mine, do you?" "No. But wot's this tale ye tell of bein' captured?" Anxious to set himself straight with these men, who appeared to be of upright character, Tom told the larger part of his story, to which the crowd listened patiently. Then they asked him a number of questions. "I reckon you are O.K.," said the leader at last. "I know Jack Wumble, and I know he wouldn't be attached to a gang that wasn't on the level." "I don't care what becomes of those horses," went on Tom. "Only I want my own." "You shall have it, lad. But you must put us on the trail o' them thieves. It runs in my mind thet I know this Bill Noxton, 'though perhaps not by thet handle. Thar used ter be a hoss thief down hyer called Slinky Bill, with a scar on his cheek an' one tooth missin' in front--" "That's your man. The tooth is still missing and the scar is there as plain as day." "Then he's the gent as we wants to be introduced to," put in one of the other men. "I calkerlated he had left these diggin's fer good," added the third newcomer. "I can try to lead you back to their camp," said Tom, "although I am not altogether sure of the trail. They were stopping at a long, low deserted house, having a wide chimney, and with several big trees growing close by." "Dillwell's old overland hotel, I'll bet a hoss," cried the leader of the men. "It must be about ten miles from here," went on Tom. "Jest about, youngster. Come, we want ye to go with us." "I will do that willingly, if you'll promise to protect me from the rascals. I suppose they are mad enough to shoot me down on sight." "We'll see ye through--ef everything is straight," answered Hank Yates, for such was the name of the leading spirit of the party. The men had their own horses close at hand, and soon all were in the saddle, with the extra horses bringing up the rear, as before. The men had rations with them, and offered Tom some crackers and a bit of meat as they progressed. They were not a bad crowd, although very rough and stern, and it developed presently that Hank Yates had known the Kennedy who had been Anderson Rover's partner in mining operations. "He war a good man," said Yates. "A banrup, whole-souled critter. It's a pity he had to turn up his toes, with wuss men hangin' on an never dyin', at all." Half of the distance to the old hotel had been covered, when on coming out on a little hill one of the men called attention to a man and a boy riding along the top of a ridge, a short distance away. "It's my brother Sam and Jack Wumble!" ejaculated Tom. "Oh, but am I not glad to see them again!" He set up a shout and waved his cap, and soon Wumble saw him and waved his hand in return. Then the old miner and Sam came forward at top speed. "Tom!" came from Sam, and he rode up close and almost embraced his brother. "Where in the world have you been?"