But the race was not a long one; for the old buffalo hunter, fast as he was, soon fell behind.

The gray flew over the ground, as swiftly as a bird on the wing, and, after allowing him a free rein for a short distance, to show Archie how badly he could beat him, Frank stopped, and waited for him to come up.
The four miles were quickly accomplished, and, presently, the boys drew up at the door of Mr.Harris's farm-house, where they found Johnny waiting to receive them.
"How are you, strangers ?" cried Johnny.

"Get down and make those posts fast to your horses, and come in." This was the way travelers were welcomed in that country, where every house was a hotel, and every farmer ready, at all times, to feed and shelter a stranger.
"How is the rifle-shot, this morning ?" continued Johnny, as he shook hands with the boys; "and what news has the champion horseman to communicate ?" "I didn't claim to be the champion horseman," said Archie, quickly.

"I am not conceited enough to believe that I can beat you riding wild horses, but I'll tell you what I can do, Johnny.

In a fair race from here to the mountains, I can leave you a quarter of a mile behind." "Well, come in, and wait till I saddle my horse, and we'll see about that," said Johnny.