CHAPTER III.
A NIGHT ALARM.
"How far distant do you imagine it is?" inquired the professor, as they rode forward with their drooping spirits considerably revived.
"Not more than fifteen miles—if it is that, 'cording ter my calcerlations," decided Pete.
"Then we should arrive there by ten o'clock to-night."
"About that time—yep. That is, if none of ther stock give out beforehand."
"Why do they call it the Haunted Mesa?" inquired Jack.
"Some fool old Injun notion 'bout ghosts er spirits hauntin' it," rejoined Pete.
"Just as well for us they have that idea," said Walt. "They'll give it a wide berth."
It flashed across Jack's mind at that moment to tell about the vague, gigantic shapes he had seen flit by in the gloom of the sand-storm. But, viewed in the present light, it seemed so absurd that the boy hesitated to do so.