At first Dan did not hear the call, for the hoof-strokes of the mustang made considerable noise on the rocks over which he was clattering. But then the youth caught sight of the old frontiersman and his face beamed with joy.
"Poke Stover! and is it really you?" he exclaimed.
"Yes. What are you doing here?"
"I just escaped from four Mexican soldiers, who are hiding in a cave up the ravine."
"The greasers we are after!"
"Are you after them? They said something about being followed."
"Yes, I am after them, and so is your father, who is in command of our party."
"Father! Where is he?"
"At the top of the ravine—in that direction," and Poke Stover pointed it out. "He jest sent me out to do a bit o' scoutin'."
"To locate the greasers?"