He was near the further boundary, thus being considerably removed from the boys, who grasped their Winchesters and rose to their feet.
"It's Hank's horse," said Jack, in an undertone; "the others do not seem to be interested in what disturbs him." "And there comes Hank himself!" was the delighted exclamation of Fred, as they saw their old friend step into view from behind the rocks and walk with his peculiar silent stride toward them.
The movement of the beard under the broad sombrero showed that the guide was smiling, and doubtless he was as pleased as the boys over the meeting.

He advanced with the same lengthy step and extended his hand with his hearty "Howdy ?" to each in turn.
"Glad to see you, younkers; you seem to have got along as well without me as if I'd been with you." "Nothing has come amiss; but, Hank, we're glad indeed to see you." "Where did you git your breakfast ?" he asked, glancing at the signs of the meal of which they had partaken.
"Oh, I thought it best yesterday afternoon to shoot a buck," said Fred, airily; "for the main thing for us to do in this part of the world is to look out that we don't starve to death." "You shot a buck, eh?
How was it ?" Thereupon the younger lad gave the particulars of the incident.

Hank listened attentively, and when he learned of the part played by Motoza, the vagrant Sioux, his interest deepened.
"So that scamp is in the mountains?
I s'pected it; he claimed to have shot the buck and wouldn't divide till Jack took a hand.

Why did you let him have any of it ?" "Because he had the right.

I thought it was my shot that killed the game, but the bullet only grazed one of his antlers; it was Motoza who killed the buck, and he was entitled to him.