[CHAPTER XVIII.]
A STRANGE FUNERAL.
Frank found the saddle-bags and the belt about the dead man's waist heavy with gold. It took him some time to make preparations for transporting the precious stuff, and it was no easy task for him to quiet his horse and induce the animal to stand while he lifted the corpse and placed it where it could be tied securely on the horse's back.
He had no thought of leaving the body of Benson Clark to be devoured by wolves and vultures.
The sun was resting close down to the blue tops of the western mountains when everything was ready to start.
The dog had watched every move with eyes full of singular intelligence, but made no move or sound until Merry was ready to go.
Then Frank turned more water from the canteen, after taking a few swallows himself, placing it before Boxer in the tin plate. The dog licked it up.
"Good Boxer!" said Merry, patting the beast's head. "I'm your master now, my boy. Your other master is dead. He has told you to stick to me. Did you understand?"