Horatio Alger

“ I was going out to my dad's mine."
"Then perhaps we can journey together--after we get through here," said Joe.
"I'm willing. I like your looks. Shake." And the pair shook hands.
Although a westerner, Bill Badger knew no more about following a trail than did our hero, consequently they proceeded on their hunt with difficulty.
"Reckon we've missed 'em," said Bill Badger, a while later. "Don't see hide nor hair of 'em anywhere."
"It's too bad if they got away," answered Joe. "Perhaps--What was that?"
The cracking of a tree limb had reached their ears, followed by a cry of alarm. ”

“ I thought I was going to tumble, out of the tree to the ground," gasped Malone, when he could catch his breath.
"They are coming--I can see them," whispered Gaff Caven. "Be as quiet as a mouse."
In a moment more Joe and Bill Badger stood directly under the tree.
"I think the noise came from near here," said Joe.
"I agree," answered the westerner.
At that moment our hero looked up and saw a man's arm circling a tree limb far over his head.
"They are up there!" he shouted. ”

“ Everything was there, and, locking the bag, he slung the strap over his shoulder.
"Now, what's the next move?" queried Bill Badger.
"We ought to have these men locked up. How far is it to the nearest town?" ”