The others looked in the direction indicated, and sure enough, there went the horse about a quarter of a mile away on a dead run and on its back was Billie's late acquaintance, Ab.
"By George," exclaimed Billie angrily as he snatched a rifle from Donald's holster, "I've had enough of that ape. I'll put a stop to his foolishness," and he leveled the rifle.
But ere he could press the trigger, there was a report from another quarter and the horse and its rider hit the dust.
CHAPTER V.
WHEN THE OLD WAS NEW.
A cry of astonishment went up from the quartette and then they stood silent to see what would be the next move.
They did not have long to wait, for presently a tall, gaunt figure strode out of the brambles some yards from the fallen horse and uttered a hoarse shout, upon which Ab sprang from the spot where he had fallen and ran toward the newcomer, giving vent to shrill cries as he ran.
"That must be his master," muttered Billie. "I'm glad I didn't shoot the little beggar."
"I'm more interested in the master than in the monkey," said Donald. "He is evidently not a Mexican. Who and what do you suppose he is?"