An unknown beast, fortunately chained, had made a spring at him, with sharp claws barely missing his leg.
"You mustn't mind a little thing like that," laughed Rollo, with the air of one to whom such incidents were of every-day occurrence.

"It's only 'Josephine,' a young mountain lion from Arizona, and our regimental mascot.

She's very playful." "So it seems," replied Ridge, "and I suppose I shall learn to like her if I join the regiment; but the introduction was a little startling." A short distance beyond the camp was gathered a confused group of officers, troopers, men in citizen's dress, some of whom were swart-faced Mexicans, and horses.

To this Rollo led the way; and, as the new-comers drew near they saw that for a moment all eyes were directed towards a man engaged in a fierce struggle with a horse.

The animal was a beautiful chestnut mare with slender limbs, glossy coat, and superb form.