"They've stolen the mustangs!" he said to himself, in genuine dismay, and instantly seizing Bradley by the shoulder, shook him energetically.
"What's the matter, Ben?" demanded Bradley, in amazement. "You needn't be quite so rough."
"It's time you were awake!" said Ben hurriedly. "Those fellows have stolen our mustangs!"
"What's that you say?" ejaculated Bradley, now thoroughly awake.
"The mustangs are gone, and they are gone!" said Ben.
"When did you find it out?"
"Only just now. I was sleepy, and overslept myself."
"Half-past seven o'clock," said Bradley, referring to a cheap silver watch which he had bought for a trifle from a miner at Murphy's who was hard up. "I'm afraid they must have been gone some time. It's a bad lookout for us, Ben."
"So it is, Jake. You thought they wouldn't dare to take anything."
"No more I thought they would. That Bill Mosely bragged so much I didn't think he had enough pluck."