"Perhaps it's a horse intended for Soapy Gannon," suggested Si, and struck the truth of the matter. The steed had gotten away from one of the Mexicans and the rascal had been afraid to lose the time necessary to catch him.
"I'll use that hoss an' go after them hot-footed," declared Maybe Dixon, as he captured the animal and swung up in the saddle. "If I can't bring 'em to terms I'll keep my eye on 'em until you come up."
"But they may travel for miles," said Mark.
"I'll fix it so you can follow me," said Maybe Dixon. "Hand me one of them flowering bushes."
The bush in question was of good size and covered with bright yellow flowers. The old miner tucked it in behind him.
"I'll drop a flower now and then," he said. "That will be easy to see." And then he rode off after the evil-doers, and was soon out of sight.
It was now growing light in the east, and soon day was at hand. The whole party marched on steadily, Mark being the only one to drag behind. Fortunately one man had thought to bring some rations along, and these were divided evenly all around. They washed the food down with a drink at a spring and kept on until noon. They were now away from the big hill and traveling towards a series of rocks backed up by tall cliffs.
"Hullo, here is a mining camp!" cried Bob, as they came to a turn in the trail.
"And horses!" ejaculated Si, as he caught sight of a number of animals.
The miners in the camp were just stirring. They had not seen the gold thieves but had talked to Maybe Dixon, who had asked them for the loan of their steeds, for the benefit of his friends. The miners were willing enough to let their horses go on a mission of justice, and soon Mark, Si, Bob, and all of the others were in the saddle.