"What do you mean?"
"Well, both Petticoats and the other two ranch horses seem to be friendly, why couldn't we ride them?"
"The very thing, if only we could make hackamores," cried Walt.
As Ralph had remarked, the ranch horses had come closer, and were sniffing curiously. To the boy's delight, he now saw that they had halters on. As is often done in the West, when the start had been made from the ranch the bridles had been placed on over the halters, so that when the Mexicans turned the stolen ponies loose, being too lazy to remove the halters, they had left them in place.
"Coax 'em," whispered Walt, holding out his hand flat, as if he had something in it.
Ralph and the professor did the same, and, hesitatingly, and with many snorts, the ponies drew closer, including the professor's raw-boned mount. As they suddenly gathered up courage, and came right up to the boys, each seized his pony by the halter. The professor followed their example instantly.
"Now, to mount," said Walt. "By hookey, I tell you I feel better when I get a pony under me again."
But the boys' attention was suddenly diverted to the professor, who was endeavoring to mount his tall animal, which stood meekly awaiting the conclusion of his efforts. The professor had never mounted a bareback horse before, and imagined, apparently, that the correct method was to shin up the quadruped's forelegs. The boys, notwithstanding their risky situation, could not forbear roaring with laughter at his comical efforts.
"Put one hand on his withers, and the other on his back, and then spring upward," said Walt; "you'll find it easy, then."
The professor obediently doubled his long legs under him, placed his hands as directed, and gave a mighty spring.