SECONDLY, the stranger's
superior knowledge of the road, from the fact that the other trail
was unknown to the ordinary traveler. THIRDLY, that he was well
armed and equipped. FOURTHLY, that he was better mounted.
FIFTHLY, that any distrust or timidity arising from the
contemplation of these facts had better be kept to one's self.
All this passed rapidly through my mind as I returned his
salutation.
"Got any tobacco?" he asked.
I had, and signified the fact, holding up the pouch inquiringly.
"All right, I'll come down. Ride on, and I'll jine ye on the
slide."
"The slide!" Here was a new geographical discovery as odd as the
second trail. I had ridden over the trail a dozen times, and seen
no communication between the ledge and trail. Nevertheless, I went
on a hundred yards or so, when there was a sharp crackling in the
underbrush, a shower of stones on the trail, and my friend plunged
through the bushes to my side, down a grade that I should scarcely
have dared to lead my horse. There was no doubt he was an
accomplished rider,--another fact to be noted.
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