"A good reliable fellow," remarked Jim. "He looks like an Indian."
"He is an Indian," replied their host, "but of the right kind. Your horse is in good hands."
"Tell him to bring him down to the ranch," said Jim. "I'll trust Caliente with him." The Indian was called back and under his stolid demeanor was an appreciation of Jim's confidence.
Breakfast over they went out on the verandah, where they could see the horses. They were spirited looking beasts all right. One was a bay, the two front legs white stockinged, very trimly built, with a flashing eye, that he kept rolling around. The boy who was holding him had his hands full, as the bay would rise on his hind legs and strike out viciously with his forefeet.
The other animal was much heavier than the bay. A brilliant black, whose coat fairly shone with careful grooming. He had been standing comparatively quiet until the three appeared upon the verandah of the house, then, with a sudden surge backward, he dragged the Mexican boy off his feet, shaking his head viciously.
"We ought to be armed, Senor," advised Jim. "If we should overtake those men, they will put up a desperate fight."
"Certainly, Senor," he answered. "Come into this room and select your weapon."
After both Jim and Jo were armed, they went out to the horses.