The Ranchero did not know one letter from another, and he was obliged to rely entirely upon Frank, who read: "We're all hunky-dory thus far.

Pierre don't seem to be so bad a fellow, after all; in fact, he's a brick.

He treats us like gentlemen; but, of course, we'd rather be at home, so please send on the money for Archie and me, and see that Mr.Harris and Mr.Vane do the same for Johnny and Arthur." "You're sure, now," said Pierre, as Frank handed him the letter, after addressing it to Mr.Winters, "that you haven't told your uncle where we are, or advised him to try to rescue you ?" "There's the note," replied the prisoner, "and if you think I have been trying to deceive you, read it yourself." "I guess it's all right," said the chief.

"At any rate, I'll run the risk.

I have treated you like gentlemen, and if you want me to continue to do so, you must behave yourselves, and not try to play any tricks upon me.