As soon as his astonished eyes had recognized Jack Curtiss, he saw a fine chance to redeem himself as a hero in the eyes of the Boy Scouts. Tricing Jack up with his lariat, he had led him back in triumph to the rest.
"Hooray, Tubby, I didn't think you had it in you!" cried Merritt, clapping the fat boy on the back.
"Hum! I don't show all my good qualities at once," remarked Tubby, grandiloquently strutting about.
"I wonder what you'd have done if it had been a real Indian?" laughed Harry Harkness.
"Just the same—just the same," rejoined Tubby.
A roar of laughter greeted the stout youth's complacent remark, but it was suddenly checked as a horseman came dashing up to the party.
"Hullo, what's up now?" exclaimed Mr. Harkness amazedly, as the rider drew rein almost at his feet.
"It's an Indian!" exclaimed Merritt.
"Another fake," declared Tubby sagely.
But this time it was a real Indian, and he drew Mr. Harkness aside and spoke some rapid words. The rancher's face showed traces of great excitement, although his voice was calm enough as he turned to the interested group, after some moments of conversation with the red man.