gait all the morning. As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer We

c, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs. In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although t

ed arms and wandered off a short distance from the camp, bent

! What a funny

looking thing! What

's si

y suddenly, "and what horrid hairy legs it

ieve it i

ody and made a deliberate spring at the two girls. Only their agility in leaping backward saved them from being landed upon by it. But

ac

xt instant the thing that had so alarmed the two young girls lay still. At the same mom

n. It is fortunate for you, young ladies, that he did not bite you or

dmitted Jess; "I can't pull the tri

ier girl rifle and revolver shot!" shouted

who had picked up the dead tarant

y looked at the dead giant spider, lying wit

t die from the effects of their bites that the tarantula c

hey all cried in an

hat is to say, that its poison will

ss. "I'm awfully fond of dancing, but I w

by the kissing bug anyhow,

and caused Miss Prescott many shudders. The poor lady was beginning to think that more

to Steer Wells began. The sun was low, bathing the desert in a crimson glow, when Mr. Bell, who was rid

lls," he

ard, with Peggy and Jess close behind.

nly persons to share the hospitality of the oasis. From amid the foliage a column of blue smoke was rising, betokening the presence of other wayfarers. In

olor of old leather. Long locks of gray hair hung lankly almost to his narrow, sloping shoulders. Above these straggly wisps was perched jauntily a big sombrero of regulation plainsman type. But the strangest feature of this strange personage lay in the remainder

mall wagon painted a bright red, whic

ake the desert of life to bloom like the Rose Gardens of M

hung an iron pot, which evidently contained the professor's supper. As for the professor himself, he clearly stood revealed in the person of the stran

the stony desert. Like the Great Indian Herb Reme

er which the professor solemnly readjusted his hat

wdy

up, and arrived just as the young folks, hardly kno

ell, and then by way of introduction, he rattled off the

e for man or beast, child or adult. Insist on the original and only. Allow me," and the speaker suddenly whisked round with unexpected agility and d

of the air. If you like the samples, make a purc

ssume, they all thanked this queer

, Professor. I should think you would find this

f The Remedy. You behold me now almost at the conclusion of my labors. In a few days I shall return to the haunts of

al ways. Evidently he was an experienced plainsman and he suggested many ways in which their equipment might be lightened and adj

eer idea into

ner was as outlandish as his choice of clothes, still there was a certain something about it which negatived the idea of its being assumed, unless the professor was a most

y had started out from Blue Creek, adding-as he deemed wisest- that the

lack of his exaggerated manner, but in crisp tones that fairly s

that they had not had the pleasur

ook this side of Pikes Peak. I'd give a good deal for a look at him myself. I-I have a professi

" inquired Mr. Bell, "you think

was the reply in qui

l gymnastics, and after supper he entertained them till bedtime with tales of hi

e professor, after bowing low to the ladies and apostrophizing the male

this, but Peggy s

ink he's quite as o

ean, my dear?"

you see how different he looked? Younger somehow, and-and oh, quit

teased Jess; "maybe he's a wandering British lord in disguise or the i

ter at Jess's raillery, but

part I had the same feeling as you. I mean that that man was not

or for some days we shall have a chanc

e the next morning the grove did not contain the professor or his red wagon. Only the ashes o

circumstances compelled. Perhap

essor. When they re-encountered him-but of the surprising circum