The hunter made no reply. He sprang upon the back of his own horse and galloped away, followed by the liberated mustangs, and leaving Leon standing beside the fire, almost overwhelmed with astonishment and terror.
CHAPTER XXVII. ALONE AND FRIENDLESS.
Leon, who was by no means dull of comprehension, had no difficulty in finding an explanation of the hunter's actions. The latter had deliberately robbed and deserted the boy who had trusted him.
This conviction came upon Leon with stunning force, and literally crushed him to the ground.
He fell down beside the fire, and for a few moments gave way to the most violent grief. Then, suddenly recovering himself, he sprang to his feet and ran swiftly down the trail, shouting the hunter's name and imploring him to come back.
But Eben was out of hearing. In a few seconds more he disappeared over a swell, and Leon was alone on the prairie.
How he managed to exist during the next few hours he never knew.