He sat his horse easily, but there was a certain air of readiness in his poise, as though he anticipated sudden action, while his eyes searched the mountain sides with eager expectancy.
They had nearly reached the upper end of the long slope when Phil abruptly reined his horse to the left and rode straight up that rugged, rock-strewn mountain wall.

To Patches it seemed impossible that a horse could climb such a place; but he said nothing, and wisely gave Snip his head.

They were nearly at the top--so near, in fact, that Phil could see over the narrow crest--when the cowboy suddenly checked his horse and slipped from the saddle.

With a gesture he bade his companion follow his example, and in a moment Patches stood beside him.

Leaving their horses, they crept the few remaining feet to the summit.