 my mind about the way he
was keepin' you from your folks under false pretences.'

'Steve!' cried Jack suddenly, a ray of joy crossing his face, 'I've got
a plan in my head.  You ran away from home, an' why shouldn't _I_?'

'Aye! but I was a big fellow over sixteen, an' you're but a little un,
not much more than a baby yet,' returned Steve.

'But I shouldn't be afraid to try,' declared Jack stoutly.  'I might
get lifts from folks goin' along the road.'

'You're right there,' exclaimed Steve.  'It isn't such a bad idea after
all.  You're a plucky boy, for I never thought as you had the grit to
make a bolt on it.  If you're sure you aren't frightened to go so far
alone, I do believe as I might be able to help you a bit on your way.'

'Could you, Steve?' cried Jack.  'Oh! do tell me how.'

'Well!  There's a waggon here now belongin' to some miners who are on
their way to the "Rockies" to prospect.  I know one o' them, an' it
would be a grand scheme if he would let you go along with him.  Shall I
ask him?'

'Please do,' said Jack.  'I'm ready to start any minute they want to
go, an' I promise I won't give 'em any trouble.  Oh, Steve, I must get
away from here!'

'All right!  I'll try an' fix it for you,' returned Steve.  'Wouldn't
it be a surprise for your folks if they saw you walk in one fine day?
I don't quite know where they live, except that they're somewhere on
the Cochetopa Creek, but I reckon if you do get that far as you'll find
'em.  I'll see the miner to-morrow.  He's campin' t'other side o' the
village.  I guess he won't object to takin' you, as I'll tell him
you're a handy little chap.  I believe I'd have gone an' seen you safe
there myself, but I'm goin' to look after cattle down on the Huerfano.'

'You are good to me, Steve!' cried Jack, throwing his arms round the
cowboy's neck and hugging him.  'I thought you'd save me somehow, an' I
do love you so.'

'There!  That'll do, young un,' said Steve good-naturedly.  'Go home
an' keep quiet, for if that woman gets wind o' our plans, it'll be all
up, for she