CHAPTER IV.
Than Lilly, Antenat and Moravy, the three Vigilantes detailed by Maverick Joe to remain in Cut-throat for certain purposes, a trio of braver men never crossed the rushing river of the Great West.
In many places great indentations, and even caves existed, and it was into one of the latter that the three Vigilantes went after hearing their leader’s command.
This cave has been visited before, especially by Antenat, the half-Creole, for on springing from his horse, he ran to a niche in the wall, and took therefrom a little package which, in the light of the fire kindled by his companions, he unwrapped with a curious smile on his dark face.
“Parbleu! it is here yet,” he exclaimed, as the contents of the packet were exposed to view. “See, messieurs, what a pretty ring; where is the petite mademoiselle on whose finger it used to shine?”
Lilly and Moravy looked at the bauble, beyond all doubt a child’s ring, and then turned their questioning eyes upon the exhibitor.
“Where did you get it, Antenat?” they both asked, in one breath.
“One day I was sitting on my horse, under the ‘Devil’s Wing,’ when all at once something came down, from the sky, mebbe, and hit me plump on the hand. Sacre bleu! how I started and looked up. I put my hand on my pistol but there was nothing over me but the sharp, black rock and the sky, blue as my mistress’s eyes. Then I looked at the ground, and there lay something that glittered. Down from the saddle went Louis Antenat, and he held in his hand this, ma chere comrades,” and the old fellow held the little ring between thumb and forefinger, before his companion’s eyes.
“A curious find,” said Moravy. “And you hid it here?”