CHARACTERS THAT APPEAR IN THIS STORY.
Reading edition
Matt King, concerning whom there has always been a mystery—a lad of splendid athletic abilities, and never-failing nerve, who has won for himself, among the boys of the Western town, the popular name of "Mile-a-minute Matt."
Chub McReady, sometimes called plain "Reddy," for short, on account of his fiery "thatch"—a chum of Matt, with a streak of genius for inventing things that often land the bold experimenter in trouble.
Welcome Perkins, a one-legged wanderer who lives with Chub and his sister while their father prospects for gold—Welcome is really a man of peace, yet he delights to imagine himself a "terror," and is forever boasting about being a "reformed road-agent."
McKibben, the sheriff who has both nerve and intelligence.
Juan Morisco, a Mexican of low degree, and a rascal as well.
Tom Clipperton, known generally as "Clip," a quarter-blood, who is very sensitive about his Indian ancestry.
The Governor, head of the State, and a friend of Matt.
Gregory, a rancher.
Dangerfield, the leader of the smugglers; who has another name.
Burke, another sheriff, who lands his man.
"Rags," a little girl waif whom Matt befriends, to his profit later.