"But say, do you fellows know anything about these dirty Mexicans who have crossed the border?" asked a third trooper, a lieutenant from his stripes, it would appear. "I won't call 'em Indians, though I reckon they are, of a sort. But where are they? We got orders to take after 'em, but we can't get sight of so much as a dirty blanket."
"Well, we think we're on their trail," Bud answered, "though maybe we are as far off as you are. Anyhow—"
But he did not complete the sentence. From the distance a single shot rang out, and as all turned they saw, standing on the sharp horizon line, a solitary figure, from near which arose a thin wisp of smoke.
CHAPTER XVI
INDIAN "SIGN"
"What's that?" cried Snake, turning from where he had been talking with
Captain Marshall. "Real Indians this time?"
"Nothing to worry about," answered the commander of the troopers with a smile. "That's one of my scouts, and he's evidently found something."
"Found something?" questioned the veteran cowboy.
"Indian sign, most likely. I sent several men out, just before we sighted your party and took you for the Yaquis. I told my men, if they discovered anything, to get within sight of us and fire one shot. Then they were to stay on the spot until we came to investigate, and that's what we'll do now."
"Do you think it's the trail of the Yaquis he has discovered?" asked
Nort, waving his hand toward the solitary horseman.