“Have you got the impudence—­the brass, to come to us, and ask what’s the matter, after what you have done?” asked Archie, angrily.  “We’ll soon let you know what’s”—­

“Hold on, boys!” interrupted Frank, who saw that Archie’s rage was in a fair way to get the better of him.  “Johnny, stand back!  Keep still, Archie!  Go about your business, Arthur Vane!  We know just what passed between you and Pierre, not five minutes ago, and we don’t want to listen to any excuses or explanations.”

“Explanations!” shouted Archie.  “Excuses! for being a traitor!”

“Go over there among those yellow gentlemen,” continued Frank.  “You are their friend, and there’s where you belong.  Don’t dare come near any of us again.  Start!”

“Yes, start—­mizzle—­clear out!” roared Archie, getting angrier every moment.  “Begone!  Make yourself scarce about here!”

“Well, I think this is a nice way to treat a gentleman,” growled Arthur, as he turned on his heel, and walked slowly away.

“Pick up that blanket and saddle,” said Johnny.  “Take all your plunder away from here, and remember that this side of the glade belongs to us.”

“Yes, remember it—­bear it in mind!” exclaimed Archie, who seemed to think it his duty to give emphasis to what the others said.  “Think of it continually.”

Arthur glared savagely upon Archie; but, fearing to irritate him and his friends further, by refusing to obey their commands, he shouldered his baggage, and walked sullenly toward the fire, around which the Rancheros were congregated, awaiting the summons to supper.

“Benedict Arnold!” said Johnny, as soon as the traitor was out of hearing.

Frank and Archie thought the name appropriate.  It clung to Arthur as long as he remained in that part of California.

CHAPTER XVI.

The escape.

Had the huge bowlder in the middle of the glade suddenly burst into a thousand fragments, it could scarcely have created greater consternation than that which filled our three heroes, when they stretched themselves on their blankets, to discuss the treachery of their companion.  Of course, the first question that arose was, What object could he have in view?  A dozen different opinions were advanced, but none of them were correct.  The boys were all satisfied now, that no ransom was to be demanded for Arthur, and they were quite willing to believe that he expected to share in the sixty thousand dollars which Pierre hoped to receive for them.  They never imagined that the traitor had been instigated by a desire to be revenged upon them, and that all that had happened to them during the day was the result of the incidents that had transpired during their ride to the old fur-trader’s ranch.

“I really believe that Benedict Arnold belongs to this band of outlaws,” said Frank.  “If he does, that’s all the good it will do him, as far as handling any of my uncle’s money is concerned.  It’s lucky that we have found him out.”