CHAPTER XIV.
A DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS.
Pass Christian--for that was the name of the gorge--was two miles long.
About half that distance from the entrance, was a natural recess in the mountains, comprising perhaps half an acre, which was covered with grass and stunted oaks, and watered by a spring that gushed out from under a huge bowlder, which had fallen into the glade from the mountains above.
Here the robber chief had decided to remain long enough to send a message to Mr.Winters.The horses had been unsaddled, and were cropping the grass, and the Rancheros were stretched out under the shade of the trees--all except two of their number, one of whom, having lighted a fire, was engaged in cooking the dinner, and the other was standing near the entrance to the glade, leaning on his rifle, and keeping a close watch over the prisoners.

Frank and his two friends were reposing on their blankets near the spring, and when Arthur rode up, they greeted him with a broad grin.
"Well, Colonel," said Frank, "you come near going back to India by a short route, didn't you ?" "Did you ever travel on horseback in such frightful places as this, during your wanderings in Europe ?" asked Johnny.
Arthur had, by this time, somewhat recovered from his fright, though his face was still very pale, and he drew a long breath every now and then, when he thought of the dangers he had passed through.
"No," he replied, to Johnny's question.

"I never traveled much among the mountains.

It always makes my head dizzy, to look down from a height." "How, then, did you stand it," said Archie, with a sly wink at his companions, "when you were perched upon the 'very top of the middle mast' of your ship, looking out for whales ?" "Eh ?" exclaimed Arthur.

"Why--I--you know"-- Arthur was cornered.