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diff --git a/old/11337-h.zip b/old/11337-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7911008 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11337-h.zip diff --git a/old/11337-h/11337-h.htm b/old/11337-h/11337-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9bcc61 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11337-h/11337-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9275 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + Cowmen and Rustlers, by Edward S. Ellis + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Cowmen and Rustlers, by Edward S. Ellis + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +Title: Cowmen and Rustlers + +Author: Edward S. Ellis + +Release Date: February 27, 2004 [eBook #11337] +Last Updated: May 31, 2019 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COWMEN AND RUSTLERS*** + + +E-text prepared by Dave Morgan, Josephine Paolucci, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + COWMEN AND RUSTLERS + </h1> + <h3> + A Story of the Wyoming Cattle Ranges + </h3> + <h2> + By Edward S. Ellis + </h2> + <h4> + Author Of "Log Cabin Series," "Boone And Kenton Series," Etc. + </h4> + <h3> + MCMIV + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — A MERRY GROUP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — A WARNING FROM THE WOODS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — THE FLIGHT OVER THE ICE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — THE REPORT OF GUNS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — LOOKING SOUTHWARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — COWMEN AND RUSTLERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — THE WARNING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — GOOD-BYE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — A SUMMONS AND A REPLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — A HOT PURSUIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — A STRANGE DIVERSION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — THE BACK TRAIL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — A CONSULTATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — UNWELCOME CALLERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — THE "DOG INDIANS." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — A DELICATE SITUATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — A MISCALCULATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — THE BURNED RANCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — THE TRUCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — A MESSENGER IN HASTE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — IMPORTANT TIDINGS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — AT BAY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — THE PRIMITIVE FORT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — THE FLAG OF TRUCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — THE UNDERGROUND MISSIVE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — ON PAROLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE FINAL SUMMONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — A STRANGE OCCURRENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — THE MISSING ONE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — WHY IT WAS DONE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. — THE HOSTAGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — THE PRISONER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — OUT IN THE NIGHT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. — CONCLUSION. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — A MERRY GROUP. + </h2> + <p> + The Whitney household, in the western part of Maine, was filled with + sunshine, merriment and delight, on a certain winter evening a few years + ago. + </p> + <p> + There was the quiet, thoughtful mother, now past her prime, but with many + traces of the beauty and refinement that made her the belle of the little + country town until Hugh Whitney, the strong-bearded soldier, who had + entered the war as private and emerged therefrom with several wounds and + with the eagles of a colonel on his shoulder, carried her away from all + admirers and made her his bride. + </p> + <p> + Hugh had been absent a couple of weeks in Montana and Wyoming, whither he + was drawn by a yearning of many years' standing to engage in the cattle + business. He had received some tuition as a cowboy on the Llano Estacada, + and the taste there acquired of the free, wild life, supplemented, + doubtless, by his experience during the war, was held in restraint for a + time only by his marriage. + </p> + <p> + The absence of the father was the only element lacking to make the + household one of the happiest in that section of Maine; but the letter + just received from him was so cheerful and affectionate that it added to + the enjoyment of the family. + </p> + <p> + The two principal factors in this jollity were the twins and only + children, Fred and Jennie, seventeen on their last birthday, each the + picture of health, bounding spirits, love and devotion to their parents + and to one another. They had been the life of the sleighing-parties and + social gatherings, where the beauty of the budding Jennie attracted as + much admiration as did that of her mother a score of years before, but the + girl was too young to care for any of the ardent swains who were ready to + wrangle for the privilege of a smile or encouraging word. Like a good and + true daughter she had no secrets from her mother, and when that excellent + parent said, with a meaning smile, "Wait a few years, Jennie," the girl + willingly promised to do as she wished in that as in every other respect. + </p> + <p> + Fred was home for the Christmas holidays, and brought with him Monteith + Sterry, one year his senior. Sterry lived in Boston, where he and Fred + Whitney were classmates and warm friends. Young Whitney had spent several + Sundays with Sterry, and the latter finally accepted the invitation to + visit him at his home down in Maine. + </p> + <p> + These two young men, materially aided by Jennie, speedily turned the house + topsy-turvy. There was no resisting their overrunning spirits, though now + and then the mother ventured on a mild protest, but the smile which always + accompanied the gentle reproof betrayed the truth, that she was as happy + as they in their merriment, with which she would not have interfered for + the world. + </p> + <p> + That night the full, round moon shone from an unclouded sky, and the air + was crisp and clear. There was not much snow on the ground, and the ice on + the little river at the rear of the house was as smooth as a polished + window-pane. For nearly two score miles this current, which eventually + found its way into the Penobscot, wound through the leafless woods, past + an occasional opening, where, perhaps, the humble cabin of some + backwoodsman stood. + </p> + <p> + It was an ideal skating rink, and the particular overflow of spirits on + that evening was due to the agreement that it was to be devoted to the + exhilarating amusement. + </p> + <p> + "We will leave the house at 8 o'clock," said Fred at the supper table, + "and skate to the mouth of Wild Man's Creek and back." + </p> + <p> + "How far is that?" inquired Monteith Sterry. + </p> + <p> + "About ten miles." + </p> + <p> + Pretty Jennie's face took on a contemptuous expression. + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit more; we shall be only fairly started when we must turn back." + </p> + <p> + "Well, where do you want to go, sister?" + </p> + <p> + "We shouldn't think of stopping until we reach Wolf Glen." + </p> + <p> + "And may I inquire the distance to that spot?" asked Sterry again. + </p> + <p> + "Barely five miles beyond Wild Man's Creek," said she. + </p> + <p> + Those were not the young men to take a "dare" from a girl like her. It + will be admitted that thirty miles is a pretty good spurt for a skater, + but the conditions could not have been more favourable. + </p> + <p> + "It's agreed, then," remarked Sterry, "that we will go to Wolf Glen, and + then, and then—" + </p> + <p> + "And then what?" demanded Jennie, turning toward him. + </p> + <p> + "Why not keep on to Boston and call on my folks?" + </p> + <p> + "If you will furnish the ice we will do so." + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't guarantee ice all the way, but we can travel by other means + between the points, using our skates as the chance offers." + </p> + <p> + "Or do as that explorer who is to set out in search of the north pole—have + a combination skate and boat, so when fairly going we can keep straight + on." + </p> + <p> + "I will consent to that arrangement on one condition," interposed the + mother, so seriously that all eyes were turned wonderingly upon her. + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" + </p> + <p> + "That you return before the morrow." + </p> + <p> + The countenances became grave, and turning to Sterry, on her right, Jennie + asked, in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + "Is it safe to promise that?" + </p> + <p> + "Hardly. Let us leave the scheme until we have time in which fully to + consider it." + </p> + <p> + "You will start, as I understand, at eight," remarked the mother, speaking + now in earnest. "You can readily reach Wolf Glen within a couple of hours. + There you will rest a while and return as you choose. So I will expect you + at midnight." + </p> + <p> + "Unless something happens to prevent." + </p> + <p> + The words of Monteith Sterry were uttered jestingly, but they caused a + pang to the affectionate parent as she asked: + </p> + <p> + "What could happen, Monteith?" + </p> + <p> + Fred took it upon himself to reply promptly: + </p> + <p> + "Nothing at all." + </p> + <p> + "Is the ice firm and strong?" + </p> + <p> + "It will bear a locomotive; I never saw it finer; the winter has not been + so severe as some we have known, but it has got there all the same; Maine + can furnish the Union with all the ice she will want next summer." + </p> + <p> + "There may be air-holes." + </p> + <p> + "None that we cannot see; they are few and do not amount to anything." + </p> + <p> + Here Sterry spoke with mock gravity. + </p> + <p> + "The name, Wolf Glen, is ominous." + </p> + <p> + "We have wolves and bears and other big game in this part of the State, + but not nearly as many as formerly. It hardly pays to hunt them." + </p> + <p> + "I hope we shall meet a few bears or wolves," said Jennie, with her light + laugh. + </p> + <p> + "And why?" demanded the shocked mother. + </p> + <p> + "I would like a race with them; wouldn't it be fun!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Sterry, "provided we could outskate them." + </p> + <p> + "I never knew that wild animals skate." + </p> + <p> + "They can travel fast when they take it into their heads to turn hunter. I + suppose many of the bears are hibernating, but the wolves—if there + are any waiting for us—will be wide awake and may give us the + roughest kind of sport." + </p> + <p> + Fred Whitney knew his mother better than did his friend and understood the + expression on her face. So did Jennie, and the couple had such sport of + their Boston visitor that the cloud quickly vanished and Monteith felt a + trifle humiliated at his exhibition of what might be considered timidity. + Nevertheless he quietly slipped his loaded revolver in the outer pocket of + his heavy coat just before starting and when no one was watching him. + </p> + <p> + Precisely at eight o'clock the three friends, warmly and conveniently + clad, with their keen-edged skates securely fastened, glided gracefully + up-stream, the mother standing on the porch of her home and watching the + figures as they vanished in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + She was smiling, but in her heart was a misgiving such as she had not felt + before, when her children were starting off for an evening's enjoyment. + The minute they were beyond sight she sighed, and, turning about, resumed + her seat by the table in the centre of the sitting-room, where, as the + lamplight fell upon her pale face, she strove to drive away the + disquieting thoughts that would not leave her. + </p> + <p> + It was a pleasing sight as the three young people, the picture of life, + health and joyous spirits, side by side, laughing, jesting, and with never + a thought of danger, moved out to the middle of the river and then sped + toward its source, with the easy, beautiful movement which in the + accomplished skater is the ideal of grace. The motion seemingly was + attended with no effort, and could be maintained for hours with little + fatigue. + </p> + <p> + The small river, to which allusion has been made, was one hundred yards in + width at the point where they passed out upon its surface. This width + naturally decreased as they ascended, but the decrease was so gradual that + at Wolf Glen, fifteen miles away, the breadth was fully three-fourths of + the width opposite the Whitney home. Occasionally, too, the channel + widened to double or triple its usual extent, but those places were few in + number, and did not continue long. They marked a shallowing of the current + and suggested in appearance a lake. + </p> + <p> + There were other spots where this tributary itself received others. + Sometimes the open space would show on the right, and further on another + on the left indicated where a creek debouched into the stream, in its + search for the ocean, the great depository of most of the rivers of the + globe. + </p> + <p> + The trees, denuded of vegetation, projected their bare limbs into the + crystalline air, and here and there, where they leaned over the banks, + were thrown in relief against the moonlit sky beyond. The moon itself was + nearly in the zenith, and the reflected gleam from the glassy surface made + the light almost like that of day. Along the shore, however, the shadows + were so gloomy and threatening that Monteith Sterry more than once gave a + slight shudder and reached his mittened hand down to his side to make sure + his weapon was in place. + </p> + <p> + The course was sinuous from the beginning, winding in and out so + continuously that the length of the stream must have been double that of + the straight line extending over the same course. Some of these turnings + were abrupt, and there were long, sweeping curves with a view extending + several hundred yards. + </p> + <p> + They were spinning around one of these, when Sterry uttered an + exclamation: + </p> + <p> + "I'm disappointed!" + </p> + <p> + "Why?" inquired Jennie, at his elbow. + </p> + <p> + "I had just wrought myself up to the fancy that we were pioneers, the + first people of our race to enter this primeval wilderness, when lo!" + </p> + <p> + He extended his arm up-stream and to the right, where a star-like twinkle + showed that a dwelling stood, or some parties had kindled a camp-fire. + </p> + <p> + "Quance, an old fisherman and hunter, lives, there," explained Fred, "as I + believe he has done for fifty years." + </p> + <p> + "Would you like to make a call on him?" asked Jennie. + </p> + <p> + "I have no desire to do so; I enjoy this sport better than to sit by the + fire and listen to the most entertaining hunter. Isn't that he?" + </p> + <p> + The cabin was several rods from the shore, the space in front being clear + of trees and affording an unobstructed view of the little log structure, + with its single door and window in front, and the stone chimney from which + the smoke was ascending. Half-way between the cabin and the stream, and in + the path connecting the two, stood a man with folded arms looking at them. + He was so motionless that he suggested a stump, but the bright moonlight + left no doubt of his identity. + </p> + <p> + "Holloa, Quance!" shouted Fred, slightly slackening his speed and curving + in toward shore. + </p> + <p> + The old man made no reply. Then Jennie's musical voice rang out on the + frosty air, but still the hunter gave no sign that he knew he had been + addressed. He did not move an arm nor stir. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder whether he hasn't frozen stiff in that position," remarked + Sterry. "He may have been caught in the first snap several weeks ago and + has been acting ever since as his own monument." + </p> + <p> + At the moment of shooting out of sight around the curve the three glanced + back. The old fellow was there, just as they saw him at first. They even + fancied he had not so much as turned his head while they were passing, but + was still gazing at the bank opposite him, or, what was more likely, + peering sideways without shifting his head to any extent. + </p> + <p> + The occurrence, however, was too slight to cause a second thought. + </p> + <p> + They were now fairly under way, as may be said, being more than a mile + from their starting-point. They were proceeding swiftly but easily, ready + to decrease or increase their speed at a moment's notice. Sometimes they + were nigh enough to touch each other's hands, and again they separated, + one going far to the right, the other to the left, while the third kept + near the middle of the stream. Then two would swerve toward shore, or + perhaps it was all three, and again it was Jennie who kept the farthest + from land, or perhaps a fancy led her to skim so close that some of the + overhanging limbs brushed her face. + </p> + <p> + "Look out; there's an air-hole!" called the brother, at the moment the + three reunited after one of these excursions. + </p> + <p> + "What of it!" was her demand, and instead of shooting to the right or + left, she kept straight on toward the open space. + </p> + <p> + "Don't try to jump it!" cautioned Sterry, suspecting her purpose; "it's + too wide." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt it is for you." + </p> + <p> + The daring words were on her lips, when she rose slightly in the air and + skimmed as gracefully as a bird across the space of clear water. She came + down seemingly without jar, with the bright blades of steel ringing over + the crystal surface, and without having fallen a foot to the rear of her + companions. + </p> + <p> + "That was foolish," said her brother, reprovingly; "suppose the ice had + given away when you struck it again?" + </p> + <p> + "What's the use of supposing what could not take place?" + </p> + <p> + "The air-hole might have been wider than you suppose." + </p> + <p> + "How could that be when it was in plain sight? If it had been wider, why I + would have jumped further, or turned aside like my two gallant escorts. + Stick to me and I'll take care of you." + </p> + <p> + There was no dashing the spirits of the girl, and Sterry broke into + laughter, wondering how it would be with her if actual danger did present + itself. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally the happy ones indulged in snatches of song and fancy + skating, gliding around each other in bewildering and graceful curves. The + three were experts, as are nearly all people in that section of the Union. + Any one watching their exhibitions of skill and knowing the anxiety of the + mother at home would have wondered why she should feel any misgiving + concerning them. + </p> + <p> + True, there were wild animals in the forests, and at this season of the + year, when pressed by hunger, they would attack persons if opportunity + presented; but could the fleetest outspeed any one of those three, if he + or she chose to put forth the utmost strength and skill possessed? + </p> + <p> + "Look!" + </p> + <p> + It was Jennie who uttered the exclamation, and there was good cause for + it. She was slightly in advance, and was rounding another of the turns of + the stream, when she caught sight of a huge black bear, who, instead of + staying in some hollow tree or cave, sucking his paw the winter through, + was lumbering over the ice in the same direction with themselves. + </p> + <p> + He was near the middle of the frozen current, so that it was prudent for + them to turn to the right or left, and was proceeding at an easy pace, as + if he was out for a midnight stroll, while he thought over matters. Though + one of the stupidest of animals, he was quick to hear the noise behind him + and looked back to learn what it meant. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — A WARNING FROM THE WOODS. + </h2> + <p> + Monteith Sterry began drawing the mitten from his right hand with the + intention of using his revolver on the bear, when he checked himself with + the thought: + </p> + <p> + "Better to wait until I need it; the most of this excursion is still + before us." + </p> + <p> + The lumbering brute came to a stop, with his huge head turned, and + surveyed the approaching skaters. Had they attempted to flee, or had they + come to a halt, probably he would have started after them. As it was he + swung half-way round, so that his side was exposed. He offered a fine + target for Sterry's weapon, but the young man still refrained from using + it. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't well to go too near him," remarked Fred Whitney, seizing the arm + of his sister and drawing her toward the shore on the left. + </p> + <p> + "I don't mean to," replied the bright-witted girl, "but if we turn away + from him too soon he will be able to head us off; he mustn't suspect what + we intend to do." + </p> + <p> + "There's sense in that," remarked Sterry, "but don't wait too long." + </p> + <p> + The three were skating close together, with their eyes on the big + creature, who was watching them sharply. + </p> + <p> + "Now!" called Fred, in a low, quick voice. + </p> + <p> + He had not loosened his grip of his sister's arm, so that when he made the + turn she was forced to follow him. The moment was well chosen, and the + three swung to one side as if all were controlled by the single impulse. + </p> + <p> + Bruin must have been astonished; for, while waiting for his supper to drop + into his arms, he saw it leaving him. With an angry growl he began moving + toward the laughing party. + </p> + <p> + The tinge of anxiety which Fred Whitney felt lasted but a moment. He saw + that they could skate faster than the bear could travel; and, had it been + otherwise, no cause for fear would have existed, for, with the power to + turn like a flash, it would have been the easiest thing in the world to + elude the efforts of the animal to seize them. + </p> + <p> + They expected pursuit, and it looked for a minute as if they were not to + be disappointed. The animal headed in their direction with no + inconsiderable speed, but, with more intelligence than his kind generally + display, he abruptly stopped, turned aside, and disappeared in the wood + before it could be said the race had really begun. + </p> + <p> + Jennie was the most disappointed of the three, for she had counted upon an + adventure worth the telling, and here it was nipped in the bud. She + expressed her regret. + </p> + <p> + "There's no helping it," said Monteith, "for I can think of no inducement + that will bring him back; but we have a good many miles before us, and it + isn't likely that he's the only bear in this part of Maine." + </p> + <p> + "There's some consolation in that," she replied, leading the way back + toward the middle of the course; "if we see another, don't be so abrupt + with him." + </p> + <p> + The stream now broadened to nearly three times its ordinary extent, so + that it looked as if they were gliding over the bosom of some lake lagoon + instead of a small river. At the widest portion, and from the furthest + point on the right, twinkled a second light, so far back among the trees + that the structure from whence it came was out of sight. They gave it + little attention and kept on. + </p> + <p> + Sterry took out his watch. The moonlight was so strong that he saw the + figures plainly. It lacked a few minutes of nine. + </p> + <p> + "And yonder is the mouth of Wild Man's Creek," said Fred; "we have made + pretty good speed." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing to boast of," replied Jennie; "if it were not for fear of + distressing mother, I would insist that we go ten or fifteen miles further + before turning back." + </p> + <p> + Since plenty of time was at command, they continued their easy pace, + passing over several long and comparatively straight stretches of frozen + water, around sharp bends, beyond another expansion of the stream, in + front of a couple of natural openings, and finally, while it lacked + considerable of ten o'clock, they rounded to in front of a mass of gray + towering rocks on the right bank of the stream, and, skating close into + shore, sat down on a bowlder which obtruded several feet above the ice. + </p> + <p> + They were at the extremity of their excursion. These collective rocks bore + the name of Wolf Glen, the legend being that at some time in the past a + horde of wolves made their headquarters there, and, when the winters were + unusually severe, held the surrounding country in what might be called a + reign of terror. They had not yet wholly disappeared, but little fear of + them was felt. + </p> + <p> + The friends could not be called tired, though, after skating fifteen + miles, the rest on the stone was grateful. + </p> + <p> + They sat for half an hour chatting, laughing, and as merry as when they + started from home. The sky was still unclouded, but the moon had passed + beyond the zenith. A wall of shadow was thrown out from one of the banks, + except for occasional short distances, where the course of the stream was + directly toward or from the orb. + </p> + <p> + When Sterry again glanced at his watch it was a few minutes past ten. They + had rested longer than any one suspected. + </p> + <p> + "Mother won't look for us before midnight," remarked Fred, "and we can + easily make it in that time." + </p> + <p> + "She was so anxious," said the sister, who, despite her light-heartedness, + was more thoughtful than her brother, "that I would like to please her by + getting back sooner than she expects." + </p> + <p> + "We have only to keep up this pace to do it," said Monteith, "for we have + been resting fully a half hour—" + </p> + <p> + He paused abruptly. From some point in the wintry wilderness came a + dismal, resounding wail, apparently a mile distant. + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" asked Monteith, less accustomed to the Maine woods than + his companions. + </p> + <p> + "It is the cry of a wolf," replied Fred; "I have heard it many times when + hunting alone or with father." + </p> + <p> + "It isn't the most cheerful voice of the night," commented the young + Bostonian, who, as yet never dreamed of connecting it with any peril to + themselves. And then he sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yes, the war whoop of the Indian may produce a pleasant thrill + When mellowed by the distance that one feels increasing still; + And the shrilling of the whistle from the engine's brazen snout + May have minor tones of music, though I never found it out. +</pre> + <p> + The verse was hardly finished when the howl was repeated. + </p> + <p> + "It is hard to tell from what point it comes," observed Fred, "but I think + it is on the right shore as we go back." + </p> + <p> + "Do you imagine it is far from the river?" inquired Monteith. + </p> + <p> + "I think not, but I may be mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "I am quite sure Fred is right," said his sister; "and, more than that, + that particular wolf isn't a great way off. I wonder whether he has + scented our trail?" + </p> + <p> + Before any comment could be made upon this remark, a second, third, + fourth, and fully a half-dozen additional howls rang through the forest + arches. They came from the left shore, and apparently were about as far + off as the cry first heard. + </p> + <p> + "They are answers," said Fred, in a low voice, in which his companions + detected a slight tremor. + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment that the first fear thrilled all three. The cries + might mean nothing, but more likely they meant a good deal. The wolf is + one of the fiercest of American wild animals when suffering from hunger, + though a coward at other times, and a horde of them are capable of + attacking the most formidable denizens of the woods. + </p> + <p> + The fact that they were between the skaters and home, and at no great + distance from the course they must follow to reach there, was cause for + fear. It was almost certain that in some way the keen-scented creatures + had learned there was game afoot that night for them, and they were + signalling to each other to gather for the feast. + </p> + <p> + Fred and Monteith were not specially frightened on their own account, for, + if the worst should come, they could take to the trees and wait for help. + They might make a sturdy fight, and perhaps, with anything like a show, + could get away from them without taking to such a refuge. + </p> + <p> + But it was the presence of Jennie that caused the most misgiving. True, + she was as swift and skilful a skater as either, but that of itself was + not likely to save her. + </p> + <p> + But she was the coolest of all, now that the danger assumed a reality. + </p> + <p> + The lightness and gayety that had marked the three from the moment of + leaving home had gone. They were thoughtful, the very opposite in their + mood to that of a few minutes before. + </p> + <p> + "I wish I had brought my pistol," said Fred. + </p> + <p> + "I have mine," observed Monteith; "a good Smith & Wesson, and each of + the five chambers is loaded." + </p> + <p> + "Thank fortune for that; have you any extra cartridges?" + </p> + <p> + "Not one." + </p> + <p> + "Your pistol may be the means of saving us." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you speak that way?" asked Jennie; "I never knew you were scared + so easily." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry you are with us, sister; my alarm is on your account." + </p> + <p> + "I do not see why I am not as safe as either of you; neither can skate + faster than I." + </p> + <p> + "If we are to escape by that means, your chances are as good as ours; but + those creatures have a fearful advantage over us, because we must run the + gauntlet." + </p> + <p> + "We are not so certain of that; if we hasten, we may pass the danger-point + before they discover us." + </p> + <p> + For the first time since leaving home the three did their best. Separated + from each other by just enough space to give play to the limbs, they sped + down the icy river with the fleetness of the hurricane, their movements + almost the perfect counterpart of each other. + </p> + <p> + First on the right foot, they shot well toward the shore on that side, + then bending gracefully to the left, the weight was thrown on that limb, + the impetus being imparted to the body without any apparent effort, after + the manner of a master of the skater's art. These, sweeping forward, were + many rods in length, the polished steel frequently giving out a metallic + ring as it struck the flinty ice. Now and then, too, a resounding creak + sped past, and might have alarmed them had they not understood its nature. + It indicated no weakness of the frozen surface, but was caused by the + settling of the crystal floor as the water flowed beneath. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes these were the only noises that broke the impressive + stillness. The three had begun to hope that the ominous sounds would be + heard no more, and that the wolves were too far from the river to discover + them until beyond reach. + </p> + <p> + If they could once place themselves below the animals they need not fear, + for they could readily distance them. Should the speed of the pursuers + become dangerous, a sharp turn or change in the course would throw them + off and give the fugitives an advantage that would last for a long time. + But they dreaded the appearance of a whole pack of the brutes in front, + thus shutting off their line of flight homeward. True, in that case they + could turn about and flee up stream, but the risk of encountering others + attracted by the cries would be great, and perhaps leave their only + recourse to a flight into the woods. + </p> + <p> + The thoughts of each turned to the nearest hunter's cabin, although it was + several miles distant, and probably beyond reach. + </p> + <p> + It was strange that, having emitted so many signals, the wolves should + become suddenly quiescent. + </p> + <p> + No one spoke, but as they glided swiftly forward they peered along the + gleaming surface in search of that which they dreaded to see. + </p> + <p> + They approached one of those long, sweeping bends to which allusion has + been made. Jennie had already proven that neither of her companions could + outspeed her. They were doing their utmost, but she easily held her own + with less effort than they showed. + </p> + <p> + In truth, she was slightly in advance as they began following the curve of + the river, her head, like each of the others, bent forward, to see whither + they were going. + </p> + <p> + "They are there!" + </p> + <p> + It was she who uttered the exclamation which sent a thrill through both. + They asked for no explanation, for none was needed, and an instant later + they were at her side, she slightly slackening her pace. + </p> + <p> + The sight, while alarming, was not all that Fred and Monteith anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Three or four gaunt animals were trotting along the ice near the left + shore, but no others were visible. + </p> + <p> + "Keep in the middle while I take a turn that way," said Monteith, sheering + in the direction named. + </p> + <p> + Brother and sister did not read the meaning of this course, nor could they + detect its wisdom. But they obeyed without question. + </p> + <p> + Young Sterry hoped by making what might look like an attack upon the + famishing beasts to scare them off for a few minutes, during which the + three, and especially Jennie, could reach a point below them. With the + brutes thus thrown in the rear, it might be said the danger would be over. + </p> + <p> + Now, as every one knows, the wolf is a sneak, and generally will run from + a child if it presents a bold front; but the animal becomes very dangerous + when pressed by hunger. + </p> + <p> + Monteith Sterry's reception was altogether different from what he + anticipated. When the half-dozen wolves saw him speeding toward them they + stopped their trotting, and, like the bear, looked around, as not + understanding what it meant. + </p> + <p> + "Confound them! Why don't they take to the woods?" he muttered. He had + removed the mitten from his right hand, which grasped his revolver. "This + isn't according to Hoyle." + </p> + <p> + He shied a little to the right, with a view of preventing a collision with + the creatures, and the moment he was close enough, let fly with one + chamber at the nearest. + </p> + <p> + Accidentally he nipped the wolf, which emitted a yelping bark, leaped + several feet in the air, then limped into the woods, as he had learned + enough of the interesting stranger. + </p> + <p> + That was just what the youth had hoped to do, and the success of his + scheme would have been perfect had the others imitated their wounded + companion, but they did not. + </p> + <p> + Without paying any attention to Sterry they broke into a gallop toward the + middle of the river, their course such as to place them either in advance + of Fred and Jennie Whitney or to bring all together. + </p> + <p> + Greatly alarmed for his friends, Monteith did an unnecessary thing by + shouting (for the couple could not fail to see their danger), and fired + two more barrels of his pistol. Neither shot took effect, nor did the + wolves give them any heed, but they and the skaters converged with + perilous swiftness. + </p> + <p> + Forgetful of his own danger, Monteith shouted again: + </p> + <p> + "Look out! Why don't you change your course?" + </p> + <p> + Neither replied, but it was absurd for the panic-stricken youth to suppose + they did not understand the situation and were shaping their movements + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Having observed the wolves as soon as Sterry, they never lost sight of + them for a second. Every action was watched, and the curious proceeding + noted the instant made. + </p> + <p> + Fred and Jennie continued gliding straight forward, as if they saw them + not, and a collision appeared inevitable. At the moment when Monteith's + heart stood still, the couple turned almost at right angles to the left—that + is, in exactly the opposite direction from the course of the wolves—and + in a second they were fifty feet nearer that shore than the brutes. Then + followed another quick turn, and they were gliding with arrowy speed + straight down stream. They had simply passed around the animals, who, + detecting the trick, made their limbs rigid and slid over the ice, with + their claws scratching it, until able to check their speed to allow them + to turn and resume the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Sterry was on the point of uttering a shout of exultation and admiration + at the clever manoeuvre, when Jennie cried out; and well might she do so, + for fifty yards beyond, and directly in their path, the ice seemed + suddenly to have become alive with the frightful creatures, who streamed + from the woods on both sides, ravenous, fierce and unrestrainable in their + eagerness to share in the expected feast. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — THE FLIGHT OVER THE ICE. + </h2> + <p> + The same minute that Monteith Sterry saw the new peril which threatened + them all he darted out beside the brother and sister, who had slackened + their pace at sight of the wolves in front. + </p> + <p> + "What shall we do?" asked Fred; "we cannot push on; let's go up stream." + </p> + <p> + "You cannot do that," replied Jennie, "for they are gathering behind us." + </p> + <p> + A glance in that direction showed that she spoke the truth. It looked as + if a few minutes would bring as many there as in advance. + </p> + <p> + "We shall have to take to the woods," said Fred, "and there's little hope + there." + </p> + <p> + "It won't do," added the sister, who seemed to be thinking faster than + either of her companions. "The instant we start for the shore they will be + at our heels. Make as if we were going to run in close to the right bank, + so as to draw them after us; then turn and dash through them." + </p> + <p> + The manoeuvre was a repetition of the one she and her brother had executed + a few minutes before, and was their only hope. + </p> + <p> + "I will take the lead with my pistol," said Monteith, "while you keep as + close to me as you can." + </p> + <p> + Every second was beyond value. The wolves were not the creatures to remain + idle while a conference was under way. At sight of the three figures near + the middle of the course they rent the air with howls, and came trotting + toward them with that light, springy movement shown by a gaunt hound, to + whom the gait is as easy as a walk. + </p> + <p> + Monteith Sterry shot forward on his right foot, his revolver, with its two + precious charges, tightly gripped in his naked hand. + </p> + <p> + This was to be called into play only in the last extremity. The killing of + a couple of wolves from such a horde could produce no effect upon the + rest, unless perhaps to furnish some of them a lunch, for one of the + curious traits of the <i>lupus</i> species is that they are cannibals, so + to speak. + </p> + <p> + His hope was that the flash and report of the weapon would frighten the + animals into opening a path for a moment, through which the skaters could + dart into the clear space below. + </p> + <p> + Having started, Monteith did not glance behind him. Fred and his sister + must look out for themselves. He had his hands more than full. + </p> + <p> + With a swift, sweeping curve he shot toward the bank, the brutes + immediately converging to head him off. The slight, familiar scraping on + the ice told him that Fred and Jennie were at his heels. He kept on with + slackening speed until close to the shore, and it would not do to go any + further. An overhanging limb brushed his face. + </p> + <p> + But his eye was on the wolves further out in the stream. The place was one + of the few ones where the course was such that no shadow was along either + bank. The moment most of the creatures were drawn well over toward the + right shore, Sterry did as his friends did awhile before, skimming + abruptly to the left and almost back over his own trail, and then darting + around the pack. The line was that of a semicircle, whose extreme rim on + the left was several rods beyond the last of the wolves swarming to the + right. + </p> + <p> + "Now!" called Sterry at the moment of turning with all the speed at his + command. + </p> + <p> + Critical as was the moment, he flung one glance behind him. Fred and + Jennie were almost nigh enough to touch him with outstretched hand. No + need of shouting any commands to them, for they understood what he was + doing, or rather trying to do. + </p> + <p> + Young Sterry, as I have said, had cleared the horde of wolves, making the + turn so quickly that they slid a rod or more over the ice before able to + check themselves and change their own course. + </p> + <p> + The stratagem seemed as successful as the other, but it was too soon to + congratulate themselves. At the moment when everything promised well, the + most enormous wolf he had ever seen bounded from under the trees on the + left bank and galloped directly for him. + </p> + <p> + He was so far in advance that the only way of dodging him was by another + sharp turn in his course. To do this, however, would bring him so near the + other brutes that they were almost certain to leap upon every one of the + party. + </p> + <p> + "Use your revolver!" called Fred from the rear. + </p> + <p> + Monteith had already decided that this was an exigency demanding one of + the remaining charges, and he partly raised the weapon in front of him. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the huge wolf had stopped on seeing that the procession was + coming in a straight line for him. The youth moderated his speed still + more, that he might perfect his aim. + </p> + <p> + He was in the act of levelling his pistol, when the animal advanced + quickly a couple of steps and made a tremendous leap at his throat. The + act was unexpected, but at the instant of his leaving the ice Monteith let + fly with one chamber at him. + </p> + <p> + The success was better than he had a right to expect, for the leaden + pellet bored its way through the skull of the wolf, who, with a rasping + yelp, made a sidelong plunge, as if diving off a bank into the water, and, + striking on the side of his head, rolled over on his back, with his legs + vaguely kicking at the moon, and as powerless to do harm as a log of wood. + </p> + <p> + Brief as was the halt, it had given the leading brutes of the main body + time to come up. They were fearfully near, when the scent of blood and the + sight of their fallen comrade suggested to the foremost that a meal was at + their disposal. They flew at the huge fellow and rended him to shreds and + fragments in a twinkling. + </p> + <p> + The only way of escape was still in front, and, with the utmost energy, + power, and skill at his command, Monteith Sterry darted ahead. His + crouching body, the head well in advance, somewhat after the manner of a + racing bicyclist on the home-stretch, his compressed lips, his flashing + eyes, with every muscle tense, were proof that he knew it had now become a + struggle of life and death. + </p> + <p> + If he allowed one of those wolves to approach nigh enough to leap upon + him, he would be borne to the earth like a flash and share the fate of the + victim of his pistol. They were near, for he could hear that multitudinous + pattering on the ice, when the din of their cries permitted it, and they + were running fast. + </p> + <p> + But, he reasoned, if they were so close to him they must be still closer + to the brother and sister, whose peril, therefore, was correspondingly + greater. He looked around. He was farther from the horde than he supposed, + but Fred and Jennie were not directly behind him, as he had thought. + </p> + <p> + At the moment an awful thrill shot through him; he caught a glimpse of + Fred close in shore and going like the wind. The couple were still + preserved from the fangs of the wolves, but only heaven knew how long it + would last. + </p> + <p> + A short distance ahead an opening showed where a creek put in from the + woods and hills. Monteith gave it only a glance when he skimmed past at + the same furious pace as before. It looked as if there was hope at last, + for the brutes first seen were all at the rear. If new danger came, it + would be from others that ran out on the ice in front. + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me that all the wolves in Maine are on this little river," + was his thought, "but there may be a few left that will try to get into + our path." + </p> + <p> + A wild cry came from his friends and he glanced toward them. Not only + that, but believing his help was needed, he sheered over to them as + quickly as he could. + </p> + <p> + The course of the river had changed, so that a ribbon of shadow extended + along that bank, partially obscuring the form of Fred Whitney, who seemed + to cling to it as if therein lay his safety. + </p> + <p> + The brutes were now so far to the rear that there was little to be feared + from them, though they still kept up the pursuit, and while able to follow + in a straight line were doing so with more speed than would be expected. + </p> + <p> + It struck Sterry that his friend was not skating with his utmost skill. He + was alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter, Fred?" he called, drawing quickly near him. + </p> + <p> + "O, Jennie! Jennie! What will become of her?" + </p> + <p> + Fred Whitney, it was now apparent, was alone. + </p> + <p> + Forgetful of the savage brutes, Monteith Sterry slackened his pace, and in + a scared voice demanded: + </p> + <p> + "What has become of her? Where is she?" + </p> + <p> + "She darted into the mouth of that creek." + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't you follow?" + </p> + <p> + "I could not; it was done in a flash; she called to me to keep on and said + something else which I could not catch." + </p> + <p> + "But," continued the wondering Monteith, "how could she do it when she was + at your side?" + </p> + <p> + "She fell a little to the rear and made a lightning turn. I attempted to + follow, but it seemed half the pack were in my path, and it was certain + death. I was frantic for the moment, and even now do not understand what + it all meant." + </p> + <p> + "What a woeful mistake!" wailed Monteith; "the chances are a thousand to + one that she is lost." + </p> + <p> + "I think," said the brother, half beside himself, "that it may have been a + good thing, but—" + </p> + <p> + A peculiar cry behind them caused Monteith to turn his head. The wolves + had gained so fast during the last few minutes that one of them was in the + act of springing on Fred Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "Stoop, quick!" shouted his companion. + </p> + <p> + Fred bent low in the nick of time, and the gaunt, lank body shot over his + head, landing on the ice in front. Before he could gather himself a bullet + from the revolver was driven into his vitals and he rolled over and over, + snapping and yelping in his death-throes. + </p> + <p> + The skaters swerved aside enough to avoid him, and the next instant were + skimming over the ice at their utmost speed. + </p> + <p> + It was not a moment too soon, for the halt was well-nigh fatal; but they + could travel faster than the animals, and steadily drew away from them + until, ere long, they were safe, so far as those creatures were concerned. + They continued the pursuit, however, being a number of rods to the rear + and in plain sight of the fugitives, who looked back, while speeding + forward with undiminished swiftness. + </p> + <p> + But the couple could not continue their flight, knowing nothing of the + missing one. The wolves were between them and her, and Monteith Sterry had + fired the last shot in his revolver. + </p> + <p> + "How far back does that tributary reach?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I never learned, but probably a good way." + </p> + <p> + "Its breadth is not half of this." + </p> + <p> + "No; nothing like it." + </p> + <p> + "What has become of her?" + </p> + <p> + "Alas! alas! What shall I answer?" + </p> + <p> + "But, Fred, she is not without hope; she can skate faster than either of + us, and I am sure none of them was in front of her on the creek or she + would not have made the turn she did." + </p> + <p> + "If the creek extends for several miles, that is with enough width to give + her room, she will outspeed them; but how is she to get back?" + </p> + <p> + "What need that she should? When they are thrown behind she can take off + her skates and continue homeward through the woods, or she may find her + way back to the river and rejoin us." + </p> + <p> + "God grant that you are right; but some of the wolves may appear in front + of her, and then—" + </p> + <p> + "Don't speak of it! We would have heard their cries if any of them had + overtaken her." + </p> + <p> + No situation could be more trying than that of the two youths, who felt + that every rod toward home took them that distance farther from the + beloved one whose fate was involved in awful uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + "This won't do," added Monteith, after they had skated some distance + farther; "we are now so far from the animals that they cannot trouble us + again; we are deserting her in the most cowardly manner." + </p> + <p> + "But what shall we do? What <i>can</i> we do?" + </p> + <p> + "You know something of this part of the country; let's take off our skates + and cut across the creek; she may have taken refuge in the limb of a tree + and is awaiting us." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't some one coming up stream?" asked Fred, peering forward, where the + straight stretch was so extensive that the vision permitted them to see + unusually far. + </p> + <p> + "It may be another wolf." + </p> + <p> + "No; it is a person. Perhaps Quance has been drawn from his home by the + racket. He is a great hunter. I hope it is he, for he can give us help in + hunting for Jennie—" + </p> + <p> + Monteith suddenly gripped the arm of his friend. + </p> + <p> + "It is not a man! It is a woman!" + </p> + <p> + "Who can it be? Not Jennie, surely—" + </p> + <p> + "Hurry along! You are no skaters at all!" + </p> + <p> + It was she! That was her voice, and it was her slight, girlish figure + skimming like a swallow toward them. + </p> + <p> + Within the following minute Fred Whitney clasped his beloved sister in his + arms, both shedding tears of joy and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Jennie had had a marvellous experience, indeed. Controlled by an intuition + or instinct which often surpasses reason, she was led to dart aside into + the smaller stream at the critical moment when the fierce wolves were so + near that escape seemed impossible. She had fallen slightly to the rear, + and a single terrified glance showed her a beast in the act of leaping at + her. Her dart to the left was only the effort to elude him for that + instant, and she was not aware of the mouth of the creek until she had + entered it. Then, seeing that it was altogether too late to rejoin her + brother, she had no course left but to continue the flight which, until + then, she had not intended. + </p> + <p> + The words which she called to Fred, that were not understood by him, were + to the effect that she would try to rejoin him farther down the stream, + with whose many turnings she was more familiar than he. + </p> + <p> + She ascended the tributary with all the wonderful skill at her command. + Not only the brute that was on the point of leaping at her, but three + others, turned as soon as they could poise themselves and went after her + at their utmost bent. + </p> + <p> + But her change of direction was a most fortunate action. As in the case of + the abrupt darting aside, when on the surface of the larger stream, it + placed her considerably in advance of the nearest pursuers. Add to this + her power of outspeeding them when the chance was equal, and it will be + seen that her only danger was from the front. + </p> + <p> + The creek was so narrow that if any of the wolves appeared before her she + would be lost, for there was not room to manoeuvre as on the larger + stream. + </p> + <p> + But she met none. The first signals had drawn them to the river, and if + there were any near, they and she were mutually unaware of it. + </p> + <p> + As her brother had said, she was more acquainted with this section than + he. She knew at what points the river and its tributary curved so as to + bring them near each other. Reaching that place, she buried the heels of + her skate-runners in the ice, sending the particles about her in a misty + shower, and quickly came to a halt. Then, standing motionless, she + listened. + </p> + <p> + In the distance sounded the howling of the animals so repeatedly + disappointed of their prey, but none was nigh enough to cause her + misgiving. + </p> + <p> + "I hope no harm has come to Fred or Monteith," she murmured. "Both can + skate fast enough to leave the wolves behind; they would have done so at + once if they had not been bothered by having me with them. Now they ought + to be able to take care of themselves." + </p> + <p> + She sat down on the bank and removed her skates. The slight layer of snow + on the leaves caused no inconvenience, for she was well shod, and the walk + was not far. Her fear was that some of the wolves might sneak up unseen. + Often she stopped and listened, but when half the distance was passed, + without any alarm from that source, she believed nothing was to be feared. + A little farther and she reached the main stream, the distance passed + being so much less than was necessary for her escorts that she knew that + she was in advance of them, even if they had continued their flight + without interruption. + </p> + <p> + Her club skates were securely refastened, and then she listened again. + </p> + <p> + The cries of the brutes were few and distant and could not cause alarm. + </p> + <p> + Hark! A familiar sound reached her. She recognized it as made by skates + gliding over the ice. Rising to her feet, she remarked, with a smile: + </p> + <p> + "I think I will give them a surprise." And she did. The meeting was a + happy one, and before the stroke of midnight all three were at home, where + they found the mother anxiously awaiting their return and greatly relieved + to learn that despite their stirring experience no harm had befallen any + member of the little party. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — THE REPORT OF GUNS. + </h2> + <p> + And now comes a change of scene and incident. + </p> + <p> + Hugh Whitney returned to his Maine home a few weeks after the stirring + adventures of his children and Monteith Sterry with the wolves. He was so + pleased with the western country that he made his decision to remove + thither. He met with no difficulty in selling at a fair price his little + property in the Pine-Tree State, and with a portion of the proceeds he + bought a ranch near the headwaters of Powder River, to which place he + removed, with his family, in the spring of 1890, directly after the + incidents related in the preceding chapters. + </p> + <p> + One of the pleasures of this radical change of residence and occupation + was that it was pleasing to his son Fred and his twin sister Jennie, now + about nineteen years of age. + </p> + <p> + Whether the wife shared in the desire to make her home in that new + country, or whether she expressed the wish to do so because she saw it + would gratify her husband, cannot be said with certainty. There was no + doubt, however, about the eagerness with which the brother and sister took + part in the removal. + </p> + <p> + Young, ardent, and of sturdy frame, with all the natural yearning of + imaginative youth for adventure, the prospect was an inviting one to them. + Their father's glowing accounts of the magnificent scenery, its vast + resources and limitless possibilities, caused a yearning on their part + probably deeper than his own. + </p> + <p> + It is rare that such expectations are fully realized in this life. It + cannot be said that those of the brother and sister found more than a + partial fulfilment, but, though the fateful day came when they regretted + the change beyond the power of language to express, yet it was many months + before it dawned upon them. + </p> + <p> + Hugh Whitney's herd of cattle numbered several thousand, and, on the day + when we take up the eventful history of the family, they were grazing on + the open ranges along the spurs of the Big Horn Mountains. + </p> + <p> + The two cowmen engaged by Whitney to assist him in the duty of looking + after his property were Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber. They were + veterans in the business, brave and true and tried. Under their tuition, + and that of his father, Fred Whitney became a skilful horseman and + rancher. He learned to lasso and bring down an obdurate steer, to give + valuable help in the round-ups, to assist in branding the registered + trademark of his father on the haunches of his animals. + </p> + <p> + This brand consisted of a cross, with two stars above, one below, the + initial letter of his given name on the left, and that of his surname on + the right. When this was burned into the flesh of the yearlings, it + identified his property, no matter where wandering, and the honest rancher + would no more disturb it than he would enter another's home and rob him of + his clothing. + </p> + <p> + The first year was an enjoyable one to Jennie. Her father presented her + with an excellent animal, of which she became very fond. A good horsewoman + when in Maine, in Wyoming she acquired a skill which compelled the + admiration of the cowmen themselves. + </p> + <p> + "She's struck her callin'," remarked Budd Hankinson one day, while + watching her speeding like a courser across the open country. + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" asked the father, who was proud of his children, and + especially of the pretty daughter. + </p> + <p> + "Why, riding hosses like a streak of lightnin'," was the somewhat + indefinite response. + </p> + <p> + "What particular profession can she fill by dashing over the country in + that style?" continued the parent with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "Why, showing other persons how it is done. I've no doubt, colonel, that + she could make good wages in breaking broncos and teaching young women + like her how to ride in the right style; I advise you to think about it." + </p> + <p> + "I will do so," replied the parent, with so much gravity that the cowman + never suspected his sincerity, but felt the satisfaction of believing he + had given his employer a valuable "pointer." + </p> + <p> + Another pleasure which followed the removal of the Whitneys to Wyoming was + that their friend Monteith Sterry followed them within a few months. He + had shown some signs of running down in health while attending the high + school in Boston, despite the fact that he was one of the best athletes in + the institution; but he readily persuaded his wealthy father that a few + months' experience in the bracing northwest would do him more good than + anything and everything else in the world. + </p> + <p> + That he might have some pretext other than the one which could not wholly + deceive the Whitneys, he engaged to serve the Live Stock Association, + which was beginning to have trouble with the rustlers. Matters were not + only going wrong, but were rapidly getting worse in Wyoming, and they were + glad to secure the services of such a daring and honest youth, who seemed + rather to welcome the fact that he could perform his duties faithfully + only at personal risk to himself. + </p> + <p> + It need not be explained how it came about that young Sterry found it + necessary to give a great deal of his attention to that section of Wyoming + in which the Whitneys lived. There appeared to be more need of it there + than in any of the other neighborhoods where the outlook was really + threatening. + </p> + <p> + The natural consequence was that he became a frequent visitor at the home + of his former friend, though he found other acquaintances engaged in the + cattle business who were glad to have him take shelter under their roofs. + Sometimes he engaged in hunting with them, and several times Fred Whitney + and Jennie joined him. There was a spice of peril in these excursions + which rendered them fascinating to all three. + </p> + <p> + The particular day to which we refer was a mild afternoon in May, 1892. + Jennie was helping her mother with her household duties in their home, + where they had lived since coming from their native State. The building + was one of the long, low wooden structures common in that section, to + which the fashions of the older civilization have not yet penetrated. It + possessed all the comforts they required, though it took some time for the + brother and sister to accustom themselves to the odd style of + architecture. + </p> + <p> + Jennie, as usual, was in high spirits. She had been out for a ride during + the forenoon, and was now trying to make up for it by taking the burden of + most of the work upon her comely shoulders. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of one of her snatches of song she abruptly paused with the + question: + </p> + <p> + "Did you hear that, mother?" + </p> + <p> + "No; to what do you refer?" + </p> + <p> + "The sound of rifle-firing; something is wrong on the range." + </p> + <p> + The two paused and listened, looking in each other's pale countenances as + they did so. + </p> + <p> + "It <i>is</i> rifle-firing!" said Mrs. Whitney in a scared voice; "what + can it mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Trouble with the rustlers," replied Jennie, hurrying through the open + door to the outside that she might hear the better. Her mother followed, + and the two stood side by side, listening and peering across the wide + stretch of undulating plain in the direction of the mountains, whose + wooded crests were outlined against the clear spring sky. + </p> + <p> + There could be no mistaking the alarming sounds. They were made by rifles, + fired sometimes in quick succession, often mingling with each other, and + then showing comparatively long intervals between the discharges of the + weapons. + </p> + <p> + "Father said the rustlers were becoming bolder," remarked Jennie, "and + there was sure to be trouble with them before long." + </p> + <p> + "It has come," was the comment of the parent, "and who shall tell the + result?" + </p> + <p> + "It cannot last long, mother." + </p> + <p> + "A few minutes is a good while at such a time. A score of shots have + already been fired, and some of them must have done execution." + </p> + <p> + "Father, Fred and our two men are unerring shots." + </p> + <p> + "And so are they," responded the mother, referring to the rustlers, who + have made so much trouble for the cattlemen of Wyoming. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — LOOKING SOUTHWARD. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Whitney and her daughter Jennie stood at the door of their ranch + listening, with rapidly beating hearts, to the sounds of rifle-firing from + the direction of the cattle-range where the beloved husband and son were + looking after their property. + </p> + <p> + Three shots came in quick succession; then, after the interval of a full + minute, two more followed, and then all was still. + </p> + <p> + Mother and daughter maintained their listening attitude a while longer, + but nothing more reached their ears. + </p> + <p> + "It is over," said the parent in an undertone. + </p> + <p> + Aye, the conflict was over. One party was beaten off, but which? And how + many brave men, the finest horsemen and rifle-shots in the world, lay on + the green sward, staring, with eyes that saw not, at the blue sky, or were + being borne away by their comrades on the backs of their tough ponies? + </p> + <p> + A brief space and the story would be told. + </p> + <p> + Jennie Whitney shaded her eyes with her hand and gazed to the southward + for the first sight of returning friends, whose coming could not be long + delayed. + </p> + <p> + The mother was straining her vision in the same direction, watching for + that which she longed and yet dreaded to see. But years had compelled her + to use glasses, and her eyes were not the equal of those bright orbs of + Jennie. She would be the first to detect the approaching horsemen. + </p> + <p> + A good field-glass was in the house, but neither thought of it; their + attention was too deeply absorbed. + </p> + <p> + "It is time they appeared," remarked Mrs. Whitney, her heart sinking under + the dreadful fear of the possible reason why they remained invisible. + </p> + <p> + Suppose there was none to appear! + </p> + <p> + But those keen eyes of the maiden have detected something, and she starts + and peers more intently than before. + </p> + <p> + Far to the southward, in the direction of the mountain spurs, and on the + very boundary of her vision, a black speck seems to be quivering and + flickering, so indistinct, so impalpable, that none but the experienced + eye can guess its nature. + </p> + <p> + But the eye which is studying it is an experienced one. Many a time it has + gazed across the rolling prairie, and identified the loved father and + brother before another could discover a person at all. + </p> + <p> + "Some one is coming," she says to her mother. + </p> + <p> + "Some one!" is the alarmed response; "are there no more?" + </p> + <p> + "There may be, but this one is in advance." + </p> + <p> + "But why should he be in advance of the rest?" is the query, born of the + fear in the heart of the parent. + </p> + <p> + "It is not mine to answer for the present; he may be better mounted and is + coming for—for—" + </p> + <p> + "For what?" + </p> + <p> + "Help." + </p> + <p> + "Help! What help can we give them?" + </p> + <p> + "We have a gun in the house, and there is plenty of ammunition." + </p> + <p> + "That means they have suffered—have been defeated. Look closely, + Jennie; do you see no others?" + </p> + <p> + She has been searching for them from the first. The approaching horseman + is now fully defined against the dark-green of the mountains, and the + country for half a mile is in clear view. + </p> + <p> + Over this broad expanse Jennie Whitney's eyes rove, and her heart seems to + stand still as she answers: + </p> + <p> + "He is alone; I see no others." + </p> + <p> + "Then he brings evil tidings! Our people have been defeated; more than one + has fallen." + </p> + <p> + The approaching horseman was riding furiously. His fleet animal was on a + dead run, his neck outstretched, mane and tail streaming as he thundered + through the hurricane created by his own tremendous speed. + </p> + <p> + The man who sat in the saddle was a perfect equestrian, as are all the + cowmen and rustlers of the West. He leaned forward, as if he would help + his horse to reach his goal at the earliest instant. His broad-brimmed hat + fitted so well that it kept its place on his head without any fastening; + but his own long, dark locks fluttered over his brawny shoulders, while + the trusty Winchester was held in a firm grasp across the saddle in front, + where it could be used on the second needed. + </p> + <p> + Jennie Whitney was studying him closely, for he must be father, brother, + or one of the two hired men. She was praying that he was a relative, but + it was not so. + </p> + <p> + The mother could now distinguish the horseman plainly, though not as much + so as her daughter. + </p> + <p> + "I think it is father," she said, speaking her hope rather than her + conviction. + </p> + <p> + "No; it is not he," replied the daughter. + </p> + <p> + "Then it is Fred." + </p> + <p> + "No; you are mistaken; it is Budd." + </p> + <p> + "Alas and alas! why should it be he, and neither my husband nor son?" + wailed the parent. + </p> + <p> + Jennie was right. The man was the veteran cowboy, Budd Hankinson, who had + whirled the lasso on the arid plains of Arizona, the Llano Estacado of + Texas and among the mountain ranges of Montana; who had fought Apaches in + the southwest, Comanches in the south and Sioux in the north, and had + undergone hardships, sufferings, wounds and privations before which many a + younger man than he had succumbed. + </p> + <p> + No more skilful and no braver ranchman lived. + </p> + <p> + Budd had a way of snatching off his hat and swinging it about his head at + sight of the ladies. It was his jocular salutation to them, and meant that + all was well. + </p> + <p> + But he did not do so now. He must have seen the anxious mother and + daughter almost as soon as they discerned him. Jennie watched for the + greeting which did not come. + </p> + <p> + "Something is amiss," was her conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The hoofs of the flying horse beat the hard ground with a regular rhythm, + and he thundered forward like one who knew he was bringing decisive + tidings which would make the hearts of the listeners stand still. + </p> + <p> + The black eyes of the cowman were seen gleaming under his hat-rim as he + looked steadily at the couple, against whom his horse would dash himself + the next minute, like a thunderbolt, unless checked. + </p> + <p> + No fear, however, of anything like that. He rounded to in front of the + women, and halted with a suddenness that would have flung a less skilful + rider over his head, but which hardly caused Budd Hankinson a jar. + </p> + <p> + He read the questioning eyes, and before the words could shape themselves + on the pallid lips he called out: + </p> + <p> + "The mischief is to pay!" + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Budd?" asked Jennie, she and her mother stepping close to his + box-stirrup. + </p> + <p> + "We have had a fight with the rustlers—one of the worst I ever seed—there + was eight of 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Was anybody—hurt?" faltered the mother. + </p> + <p> + "Wal, I reckon; three of them rustlers won't rustle again very soon, + onless that bus'ness is carried on below, where they've gone; two others + have got holes through their bodies about the size of my hat." + </p> + <p> + "But—but were any of our people injured?" continued the parent, + while Jennie tried to still the throbbing of her heart until the answer + came. + </p> + <p> + "Wal, yes," replied Budd, removing his hat and passing his handkerchief + across his forehead, as though the matter was of slight account; "I'm + sorry to say some of us got it in the neck." + </p> + <p> + "Who—who—how was it? Don't trifle!" + </p> + <p> + "Wal, you see Zip Peters rode over from Capt. Whiting's to tell us about + the rustlers, and he hadn't much more'n arriv, when along come the others + behind him with one of our branded steers. I made them give him up, and + then the fight was on. Zip got a piece of lead through the body and the + arm, and went out of the saddle without time to say good-by. My hip was + grazed twice, but it didn't amount to nothin'; I'm as good as ever. + Grizzly lost a piece of his ear, but he bored the rustler through that + done it, so that account was squared." + </p> + <p> + "Then father and Fred were not hurt?" gasped Jennie, clasping her hands + and gazing inquiringly into the face of the messenger. + </p> + <p> + "Wal," he replied, with the same exasperating coolness he had shown after + his first exclamation, "I wish I could say that, but it ain't quite so + good." + </p> + <p> + "What—what of my husband?" demanded Mrs. Whitney, stepping so close + that she laid her hand on the knee of the sturdy horseman; "tell me quick; + and what of Fred, my son?" + </p> + <p> + "Fred fought like a house afire; he killed one of the rustlers, but his + horse was shot and Fred got it through the arm, which ended his power to + do much fighting, but he laid down behind his hoss and kept it up like the + trump he is." + </p> + <p> + "Then he isn't badly injured?" + </p> + <p> + "Bless your heart! of course not; he will be all right in a few days; his + arm wants a little nursing, that's all. In the midst of the rumpus who + should ride up but Mont Sterry, as he had heard the firing, and the way he + sailed in was beautiful to behold. It reminded me of the times down in + Arizona when Geronimo made it so lively. He hadn't much chance to show + what he could do, for the rustlers found they had bitten off more than + they could chaw, and they skyugled after he had dropped one." + </p> + <p> + The wife and mother drew a sigh of relief, but the daughter was far from + satisfied. A dreadful fear in her heart had not yet been quelled. + </p> + <p> + Her quick perceptions noticed that Budd had said nothing more about her + father than to mention the fact that he had been wounded. The mother, in + her distress and anxiety, caught at a hope as an assurance which the + daughter could not feel. + </p> + <p> + At the same time Jennie saw that, despite the apparent nonchalance of the + messenger and his assumed gayety, he was stirred by some deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + "He is keeping back something, because he fears to tell it," was her + correct conclusion. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — COWMEN AND RUSTLERS. + </h2> + <p> + Jennie Whitney saw something else, which almost made her heart stop + beating. + </p> + <p> + To the southward, whence Budd Hankinson had ridden, several horsemen were + in sight, coming from the direction of the cattle-ranges. They were + approaching at a walk, something they would not do unless serious cause + existed. + </p> + <p> + The messenger had been sent ahead to break the news to the sad and anxious + hearts. + </p> + <p> + "Budd," she said, "you have not told us about father." + </p> + <p> + "Why, yes, my dear," interposed her mother, as if to shut out all evil + tidings; "nothing has happened to him." + </p> + <p> + "Wal, I'm sorry to say that he has been hurt worse than Fred," was the + alarming response, accompanied by a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + "How bad? How much worse? Tell us, tell us," insisted the wife. + </p> + <p> + "Thar's no use of denyin' that he got it bad; fact is he couldn't have + been hit harder." + </p> + <p> + The distressed fellow was so worked up that he turned his head and looked + over his shoulder, as if to avoid those yearning eyes fixed upon him. That + aimless glance revealed the approaching horsemen and nerved him with new + courage. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Mrs. Whitney and Jennie, you must be brave. Bear it as he would bear + the news about you and Fred if he was—alive!" + </p> + <p> + A shriek accompanied the words of the cowman, and Jennie caught her mother + in time to save her from falling. Her own heart was breaking, but she did + her utmost, poor thing, to cheer the one to whom the sunlight of happiness + could never come again. + </p> + <p> + "There, mother, try to bear it. We have Fred left to us, and I am with + you. God will not desert us." + </p> + <p> + Hugh Whitney had never spoken after that first interchange of volleys with + the rustlers. He died bravely at the post of duty and was tenderly borne + homeward, where he was given a decent burial, his grave bedewed not only + by the tears of the stricken widow and children, but by those of the + stern, hardy cowmen to whom he had been an employer as kind and indulgent + as he was brave. + </p> + <p> + A few paragraphs are necessary to explain the incidents that follow. + </p> + <p> + Wherever cattlemen have organized outfits and located ranches + cattle-thieves have followed, and fierce fighting has resulted. These men + are known as "rustlers." The late troubles caused cattle and horse-thieves + to unite against the legitimate owners, and the name now includes both + classes of evil-doers. The troubles in Wyoming were the results of the + efforts of the Wyoming State Live Stock Association to put a check upon + rustlers who are tempted to steal by the vast profits afforded. + </p> + <p> + At the time the Association was formed the rustlers were few in number, + and confined their acts to branding the mavericks or unbranded yearlings + with their own brands. They did not act in concert, and since the laws of + the State require every brand to be registered, in order to establish + ownership, the rustlers had as much right to their own brands as the + legitimate cowmen. As long as the mavericks were not openly branded there + was no means of stopping them. + </p> + <p> + It happens quite often that the round-up fails to gather in all the + cattle. The mavericks are allowed to go to the outfit with whose cattle + they have run, and that outfit puts its own brand on them. + </p> + <p> + The rustlers grew more daring as their numbers increased, and, instead of + confining their operations to the mavericks, began altering brands. Not + only that, but they were often bold enough to leave the old brand and burn + a new one and forge a bill of sale. + </p> + <p> + The rustlers were generally the owners of small ranches, or cowboys who + had a few head of cattle on the range or running with some rancher's + stock. The Association made a rule that no cow outfit should employ a + cowman that had been guilty of branding a maverick, or of helping the + rustlers, or of working with or for them. A blacklist was kept of such + cowmen, with the result that a good many were unable to get employment + from the Association outfits and were compelled to become rustlers + themselves. + </p> + <p> + The association of rustlers became desperate because of the serious check + given them by the Live Stock Association, which placed its inspectors at + all the cattle-markets, Omaha, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and St. + Paul. Every shipment of cattle was closely inspected, and if it came from + a rustler he was obliged to prove his title to each steer, or they were + confiscated and the proceeds sent to the owner of the brand. Sometimes a + legal proof of ownership would not be accepted, for the owners were + determined to stamp out the rustling business. + </p> + <p> + Deprived by this means of a market for their hoof cattle, the rustlers + were compelled to butcher their cattle or drive to Montana. The latter + recourse was not only difficult and dangerous, but there was no certainty + of a market when accomplished, as the Live Stock Association kept a + vigilant watch on all Wyoming cattle. + </p> + <p> + The other scheme was unsatisfactory, but it was all that was left to the + rustlers. They employed a number of butchers at Buffalo to do their + killing for them, but even then they were not sure of always getting their + meat marketed. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1891 the rustlers ran waggons openly on all the three + great round-ups, and worked the round-up just as if they were a regular + Association outfit. They also gathered in all the mavericks, and no one + dared interfere. + </p> + <p> + It should be added that no more dangerous set of men can be found anywhere + than the Wyoming rustlers. No living being excels them in horsemanship. + The bucking pony is as a child in their hands. There is not one among them + who cannot rope, throw, tie and brand a steer single-handed. They include + the best riders and the best shots in the cattle business. They do not + know what fear is, and in the year named became strong enough to elect one + of their own number sheriff. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — THE WARNING. + </h2> + <p> + The full moon was shining on the second night succeeding the conflict + which Budd Hankinson described between the rustlers and the cowmen of + Whitney's ranch. The man that had fallen was laid away in a grave back of + the house, and mother, son and daughter mourned him with a sorrow that was + soothed by the consciousness that he had been a good husband and father in + every sense of the word. + </p> + <p> + On this night, before the hour was late, three persons were seated in the + balmy air on the outside of the dwelling, talking together in low tones. + </p> + <p> + They were Fred Whitney, whose bandaged arm rested in a sling, Monteith + Sterry, and Jennie Whitney. The memory of the recent affliction suffered + in the death of the father naturally subdued the voices and tinged the + words with a seriousness that would not have been felt at other times. + </p> + <p> + Young Sterry, as already stated, had accepted an engagement with the Live + Stock Association, which required him to investigate the operations of the + rustlers over a large portion of Wyoming and Montana, and to report at + regular intervals to his superior officers. + </p> + <p> + This was perilous business, but Sterry set about the work with a vigour, + directness and intelligence that were felt over an extent of territory + numbering hundreds of square miles, and made him a marked man by the + rustlers, who are always quick to identify their friends and enemies. It + seemed to make little difference, however, to him, who loved the + excitement. He was a capital pistol and rifle-shot, a fine horseman, and + as devoid of fear as the men against whom he directed his movements. + </p> + <p> + Unconsciously Monteith Sterry brought a grievous peril upon his friends, + who held him in so high regard. Hated intensely by the rustlers, they were + not long in learning that he spent a great deal of his time at the + Whitneys. They came to be regarded, therefore, as aiders and abettors of + his. This enmity was emphasized by the attack of which an account has been + given. + </p> + <p> + "I think, Fred," said his sister, oppressed by the shadow that had fallen + across the threshold, "we ought to sell out and leave this country." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" he gently asked. + </p> + <p> + "Because not only of what happened yesterday, but of the certainty that + such attacks will be repeated." + </p> + <p> + "What reason have you to fear their repetition?" asked Monteith. + </p> + <p> + "Matters are growing worse between the cowmen and the rustlers; I have + heard our men talk, and you have said so yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot deny it," replied their visitor, thoughtfully smoking his cigar. + He would have been pleased had her brother, now the head of the little + household, decided to make his home once more in the East, for then he + would take up the study of his profession of law and be placed where he + could often meet them. + </p> + <p> + "It would be cowardly to sell out and abandon the country through fear of + those men," said the brother, to whom the proposition was not pleasant. + </p> + <p> + "But suppose you should be their next victim?" suggested Jennie, with a + shudder. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think I shall be a victim," he quietly responded; "this wound + won't bother me long, and with Budd and Grizzly to help, we can laugh at + all the rustlers in the country." + </p> + <p> + "It is hardly a matter of courage," ventured Sterry, "for no one knowing + you or your sister would question your bravery, but it is rather the peace + of mind of your mother and her. It will be a long time, if ever, before + your parent recovers from the shock of yesterday. No matter how confident + and plucky you may be, Fred, you know it is no guarantee against a bullet + from one of those scamps at five hundred or a thousand yards. I shudder to + think of what might happen." + </p> + <p> + Fred turned and looked full in the handsome face of the fellow beside him. + </p> + <p> + "It strikes me that you are showing little faith in your own words. Why do + you remain where you are a marked man when there is no need of it, and + where your personal danger is certainly as great as mine?" + </p> + <p> + This <i>argumentum ad hominem</i> was so unexpected that Sterry was + embarrassed for the moment, but found voice to reply: + </p> + <p> + "I have no mother and sister dependent on me, as you have." + </p> + <p> + "But you have brothers, sisters, father and mother, and therefore the more + to mourn if you should fall. The fact is, Mont, I feel that it is a duty + you owe to them to give up the dangerous calling you have adopted. You not + only do not need it, but are squandering time that ought to be given to + the study of your profession, and you have become so feared and hated by + the rustlers that they will go to any length to 'remove' you." + </p> + <p> + "The more cause, therefore, why I should stay," responded the other. + </p> + <p> + "A poor argument—" + </p> + <p> + The discussion was interrupted by the sound of a horse's hoofs. Some one + was riding toward them on a gallop, and speedily loomed to view in the + bright moonlight. The three instinctively ceased speaking and gazed + curiously at the horseman, who reined up in front of where they were + sitting. + </p> + <p> + Hospitality is limitless in the West, and, before the stranger had halted, + Fred Whitney rose from his chair and walked forward to welcome him. + </p> + <p> + The man was in the costume of a cowboy, with rifle, revolver and all the + paraphernalia of the craft. + </p> + <p> + "Is your name Whitney?" asked the horseman, speaking first. + </p> + <p> + "It is; what can I do for you?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you know Mont Sterry?" + </p> + <p> + "He is a particular friend of mine," replied Whitney, refraining from + adding that he was the young man sitting a few paces away with his sister + and hearing every word said. + </p> + <p> + "Well, there's a letter for him; if I knew where to find him I would + deliver it myself. Will you hand it to him the next time you meet him?" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he leaned forward from his saddle and handed a sealed envelope + to Fred Whitney, who remarked, as he accepted it: + </p> + <p> + "I will do as you wish; I expect to see him soon; won't you dismount and + stay over night with us?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I have business elsewhere," was the curt answer, as the fellow + wheeled and spurred off on a gallop. + </p> + <p> + Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber, the two hired men, were absent, looking + after the cattle, for the rustler is a night hawk who often gets in the + best part of his work between the set and rise of sun. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Whitney was sitting in the gloom, alone in her sorrow. Jennie wished + to stay with her, but the mother gently refused, saying she preferred to + have none with her. No light was burning in the building, and that night + the weather was unusually mild. + </p> + <p> + Mont Sterry accepted the paper from the hand of his friend and remarked, + with a smile: + </p> + <p> + "I suspect what it is. When the rustlers don't like a man they have a + frank way of telling him so, supplemented by a little good advice, I fancy + I have been honoured in a similar way." + </p> + <p> + He deliberately tore open the envelope, while Jennie and her brother + looked curiously at him. The moonlight, although strong, was not + sufficiently so to show the words, which were written in lead-pencil. Fred + Whitney, therefore, struck a match and held it in front of the paper, + while the recipient read in a low voice, loud enough, however, to be heard + in the impressive hush: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "MONT STERRY: If you stay in the Powder River country twenty-four + hours longer you are a dead man. Over fifty of us rustlers have + sworn to shoot you on sight, whether it is at Fort McKinley, + Buffalo, or on the streets of Cheyenne. I have persuaded the + majority to hold off for the time named, but not one of them will + do so an hour longer, nor will I ask them to do so. We are bound + to make an honest living, and it is weak for me to give you this + warning, but I do it, repeating that if you are within reach + twenty-four hours from the night on which this is handed to + Whitney I will join them in hunting you down, wherever you may be. + + "LARCH CADMUS." +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — GOOD-BYE. + </h2> + <p> + Monteith Sterry read the "warning" through in a voice without the + slightest tremor. Then he quietly smoked his cigar and looked off in the + moonlight, as though thinking of something of a different nature. + </p> + <p> + It was natural that Jennie Whitney should be more impressed by the + occurrence, with the memory of the recent tragedy crushing her to the + earth. She exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "Larch Cadmus! Why, Fred, he has visited our house several times; he was + here last week." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied her brother; "he has often sat at our table; and, by the + way, he is a great admirer of yours." + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense!" was the response; "why do you say that?" + </p> + <p> + "It may be nonsense, but it is true, nevertheless. Your mother noticed it; + and, that there might be no mistake, Larch had the impudence to tell me so + himself." + </p> + <p> + "I never liked him; he is a bad man," said Jennie, much to the relief of + Sterry, who felt a little uncomfortable. "I did not know he belonged to + the rustlers." + </p> + <p> + "He was a cowboy until last fall. He had a quarrel with Col. Ringgold and + went off with the others, and has been on the blacklist ever since." + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't he bring the message himself," continued the sister, "instead + of sending it?" + </p> + <p> + "He did," was the significant reply of the brother. + </p> + <p> + "What! That surely was not he?" + </p> + <p> + "It was. I knew his voice the moment he spoke; those whiskers were false; + he didn't want to be recognized, and I thought it as well to humor his + fancy, but I could not be mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "Now that I recall it, his voice <i>did</i> resemble Cadmus'," said the + sister, more thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, and I can tell you something more; he was among the rustlers + with whom we had the fight yesterday. He did his best to kill me, and came + pretty near succeeding. It wasn't he, however, who put the bullet through + my arm, for I dropped that fellow." + </p> + <p> + "You frighten me!" was all that Jennie Whitney could say. + </p> + <p> + Sterry still smoked in silence. He was thinking hard, but it was his turn + to be startled by the next remark. + </p> + <p> + "Larch Cadmus hates you, Mont, not so much because you are the enemy of + all rustlers, but more because he believes my sister holds you in higher + esteem than she does him." + </p> + <p> + Sterry was clever enough to parry this compliment with considerable skill. + </p> + <p> + "For the same reason he is jealous of every gentleman whom Miss Whitney + has ever met, for it would be a sorry tribute to any man's worth if he did + not stand higher in her regard than Larch Cadmus." + </p> + <p> + "Well spoken!" said the young lady, relieved from what threatened to + become an embarrassing situation for her. + </p> + <p> + Had her brother chosen he might have expressed what was in his mind, but + he had the good taste to refrain. None knew better than he the deep, + tender affection existing between his friend and his sister, though it had + not yet reached the point of avowal and confession. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mont, what are you going to do about it?" asked Whitney. + </p> + <p> + By way of reply, the latter twisted the "warning" into the form of a + lamplighter. Then he applied a match to one corner, and held the paper + until it had burned to the last fragment. + </p> + <p> + "That's my opinion of Mr. Larch Cadmus and his gang, and I shall pay the + same attention to them." + </p> + <p> + "You are not wise," ventured Jennie, who, with the awful memory of the + preceding day upon her, could not but shudder at the peril to her friend, + who had never been quite so near to her as during the last few hours, when + he showed so much tender sympathy for her and her mother and brother in + the depth of their desolation and woe. + </p> + <p> + "I thank you," he said, with the same manly frankness he had always shown; + "I have no desire to appear as a boaster or to make light of danger, but + one of the truest adages is that it is not the barking dog that does the + biting." + </p> + <p> + "Don't make the mistake of supposing it is not so in this case," said + Whitney, "and none should know it better than you." + </p> + <p> + "I do not underestimate the courage of those fellows; they will shrink at + nothing, but there is no more excuse for my running away upon receiving + such a warning than there would be for all the inhabitants of Wyoming to + leave the State at such a command." + </p> + <p> + "The case is not parallel," was the comment of Fred Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "Bear in mind that if I stay, as I intend to do, I do not mean to sit down + and wait for those rustlers to pick me off. I count on having something to + say and do in the matter; but, friends, I must bid you good-night." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" asked the astonished Fred Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "I must leave," replied Sterry, rising to his feet; "I have already staid + too long." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — A SUMMONS AND A REPLY. + </h2> + <p> + Brother and sister were astounded. The hour was late, and they had been + urging their guest to remain several days with them. He had not consented, + nor had he refused, from which they were confident he would stay. + </p> + <p> + And now he announced his intention of departing at once, riding out into + the night—whither? + </p> + <p> + They protested, but he replied so earnestly that an urgent necessity + existed that they refrained. He gave no hint of the reason for his strange + action, and they could not ask it. His fleet mare, which had been allowed + to graze on the succulent grass at the rear of the building with the other + horses, was brought forward and saddled and bridled, and he quickly + vaulted upon her back. + </p> + <p> + "Remember me to your mother; it is not worth while to disturb her; I hope + soon to be with you again." + </p> + <p> + He leaned over and pressed the hand of Fred Whitney, and then, raising his + hat with his left hand, extended the right to Jennie. + </p> + <p> + Fred made an excuse to move away a few paces, for he understood the + situation. + </p> + <p> + "Good-by," Sterry said in a voice just low enough to reach the dear one, + as he pressed the delicate hand which rested so trustingly in his own. + </p> + <p> + "Good-by," she answered. "I am sorry you are going." + </p> + <p> + "So am I, but it is better that I should leave. As I said, I trust soon to + see you again. Do you know why I hope Fred will decide to return to the + East with you and your mother?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose because we shall all be safer there;" and then she added, + forgetting her sorrow for the moment, "that is if we do not go skating to + Wolf Glen." + </p> + <p> + "It is not necessary to remove as far as Maine, but father insists that I + am wasting time here, when I ought to be home studying my profession." + </p> + <p> + "And he is right, Monteith." + </p> + <p> + "But," he replied in a low voice, "before I go back I want to make sure + that you will do the same. There, good-by again." + </p> + <p> + He replaced his hat, wheeled and dashed across the prairie without another + word. + </p> + <p> + Jennie stood gazing in the direction taken by him for some time after he + had disappeared in the gloom of the night. Then she turned to speak to her + brother, but he had passed within the house. She resumed her seat, knowing + he would soon return. + </p> + <p> + Fifteen minutes and more went by and she was still alone. + </p> + <p> + Sh! Was she mistaken, or was that the faint sound of a horse's hoofs in + the distance? + </p> + <p> + She turned her head and listened. The murmur of voices, as her brother and + mother talked in low tones, did not disturb her, and the almost inaudible + lowing of the cattle on the distant ranges was but a part of silence + itself. + </p> + <p> + Hardly a breath of air was stirring, but all knew the eccentric way in + which sound is sometimes carried by it. Suddenly the reports of + rifle-firing were heard, faint but distinct, and lasting several minutes. + Then other and different noises reached her, still faint but clear. + </p> + <p> + Her power of hearing, like her vision, was exceptionally strong. It was + that which enabled her to tell that the last sounds were not made by a + single animal, but by several going at a high rate of speed. These, with + the reports of rifles, made her certain that the rustlers had attacked + Sterry. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the young man found matters exceedingly lively. + </p> + <p> + The reception of the "warning" through the hands of Fred Whitney was proof + that his enemies knew he was frequently at his house. Their messenger had + gone thither to deliver it. Young Whitney had slain one of their number, + and though the law-breakers themselves had suffered the most, they felt + bitter resentment toward the family. + </p> + <p> + If Sterry remained with them they would have trouble. He was satisfied + that Larch Cadmus recognized him, as he sat in front of the rancher's + house, and would not forget to tell it to his comrades, who would speedily + make the place a visit. He believed they were likely to do it before the + rise of the morrow's sun. + </p> + <p> + If the Whitneys were attacked, his presence would add to the defensive + strength, but such an attack would not be made if he was not there. + Desperate and defiant as the rustlers had been, it would be an injustice + to represent them as capable of such wantonness. + </p> + <p> + He felt, therefore, that it was his duty to leave the ranch without delay, + thus removing an element of grave danger. It would have been hardly wise + to make this explanation to them, though he believed Fred suspected it. + </p> + <p> + Turning his back, therefore, upon the dearest spot in all the West to him, + he set his mare Queenie on an easy, swift gallop, heading southward toward + the ranges where the cattle of the Whitneys were grazing. + </p> + <p> + Sterry, in one sense, was without a home as long as he remained in Wyoming + or Montana, while in another sense he was the owner of numberless + dwelling-places or "headquarters." He may be likened to a commercial + traveller in a vast and sparsely-settled region, where he is well known + and welcomed by the inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + The ranchmen who knew him—and there were few who did not—were + his friends, for he was working in their interests. At whichever cabin he + drew rein he was certain of a hospitable reception. + </p> + <p> + With no clearly defined idea of where he would spend the remaining hours + of the night, he turned the nose of Queenie toward the ranges, among the + mountain spurs. + </p> + <p> + Grizzly Weber and Budd Hankinson would stay near the cattle for an + indefinite time, and he was debating whether to join them or to ride on to + the ranch of Dick Hawkridge, a number of miles to the northeast, when his + meditations were broken in upon in the most startling manner. + </p> + <p> + During those perilous times, the lonely horseman, in a dangerous region, + relies much on his intelligent steed for warning. While Monteith Sterry + could do a great deal of thinking in the saddle, he was too alert to drop + into a brown study that would divert his thoughts from his surroundings. + </p> + <p> + He was no more than a mile from the Whitney ranch when his mare pricked up + her ears, gave an almost inaudible whinny, and slightly slackened her + pace. + </p> + <p> + That meant that she scented danger, and her rider was on the <i>qui vive</i>. + </p> + <p> + He tightened the rein and drew her to a full stop. She turned her head to + the right and looked steadily in that direction, with her pretty ears + thrown forward. This meant that whatever impended was coming from that + point of the compass. + </p> + <p> + But the keen eyes of Mont Sterry could not penetrate the moonlight + sufficiently far to detect anything. He was out of the saddle in a + twinkling, and tried a trick learned from the old hunters. He pressed one + ear against the ground, which, as all know, is a much better conductor of + sound than the air. + </p> + <p> + This told the story he anticipated. The faint but distinct clamping of + horses' hoofs was heard. The number was indefinite, but, somewhat to his + surprise, none of them was running or loping; all were moving on a walk. + </p> + <p> + The noise was so clear that when he rose to his feet and looked off to the + right he expected to see the animals and their riders, and he was not + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + On the outer margin of the field of vision the outlines of several + horsemen assumed shape. They were approaching, and one of their steeds + emitted a whinny, as a salutation to the motionless Queenie, who had + shifted her pose so as to face that point of the compass. + </p> + <p> + "Sh!" whispered Sterry to her. + </p> + <p> + But there was no call for the warning; she was too well trained to betray + her master, and remained mute. + </p> + <p> + But it was inevitable that if the young man could discern the figures of + the approaching horsemen, they must also see him. He leaped into the + saddle and turned away. + </p> + <p> + He knew instinctively they were rustlers, and he was almost equally + certain they were hunting for him. There were at least three; and, well + aware of their character, he was only prudent in shying off, with the + intention of avoiding them altogether. + </p> + <p> + But they were not the men to be bluffed in that fashion. They were "out" + for the inspector, and did not intend that such an opportunity should slip + by unchallenged. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, pard!" called one of the trio, "where from and where going?" + </p> + <p> + This was a pointed demand, to which Mont Sterry made an equally pointed + response. + </p> + <p> + "That is my own business; I will attend to it, and you may attend to + yours." + </p> + <p> + All this time he was keeping watch of their movements. Their horses were + still walking, but they were now coming straight toward him. At a touch of + the rein Queenie headed directly away, and her gait was about the same. + She acted as though she shared the thoughts of her master, who shrank from + sending her off on a flying run, as would have been more prudent for him + to do. + </p> + <p> + A brave man dislikes to flee, even when his better judgment tells him it + is the only wise thing to do. + </p> + <p> + The night was so still that Sterry plainly heard the words of the men when + talking to each other in an ordinary conversational tone. + </p> + <p> + "I believe that's him," said one of them, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "It sounded like his voice, but he wouldn't leave the Whitneys at this + time of night when she's there." + </p> + <p> + "He's too free with his tongue, anyway; we'll make him show up." + </p> + <p> + "Say, you! hold on a minute. Do you know anything about Mont Sterry? We're + looking for him." + </p> + <p> + "I am Mont Sterry," was the defiant response. "What do you propose to do + about it?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — A HOT PURSUIT. + </h2> + <p> + It may be said Mont Sterry answered his own question at the moment of + asking it, for, bringing his Winchester to his shoulder, he let fly at the + rustlers, and then with a word and touch of the spur sent Queenie bounding + away with arrowy swiftness. + </p> + <p> + Unquestionably it was a daring act on his part, but there was wisdom in + it. He knew those men were seeking his life, and would shoot him, as they + had threatened to do, on sight. When they met, it would be a question + simply as to which got the drop on the other. + </p> + <p> + They were preparing to make a rush at him, and while he had no fear of a + contest of speed between Queenie and any animal that "wore horse-hair," + they were altogether too near at the beginning of the contest, and the + chance of using their rifles was too much against him. + </p> + <p> + The crack of the Winchester accompanying his sharp reply, with the whistle + of the bullet about their heads, gave them a momentary shock, which + delayed the pursuit for a few precious seconds. + </p> + <p> + This was the object of the fugitive, for, while that brief interval was + thrown away by them, he improved it to the utmost. At such crises a few + rods count immensely, and they were made to count on the side of Mont + Sterry. + </p> + <p> + They were insufficient, however, to take him beyond peril. Men like those + horsemen are quick to recover from a surprise, and it would have seemed + that Sterry was hardly started in his flight when they were speeding after + him. He heard their maledictions and knew that the struggle for life was + on. + </p> + <p> + Comparatively brief as had been the time spent in the West by Sterry, he + had not neglected his education along the lines indispensable to those + following his manner of living. At the moment of giving Queenie rein he + flung himself forward on her neck, hugging it close and uttering an + involuntary prayer that the bullets might pass harmlessly by him and his + horse. + </p> + <p> + There were enough of the missiles to kill several men, but the chance for + aiming was so poor that even such fine marksmen as the rustlers had little + chance. The mare was only dimly discernible, and she, like their own + horses, was going at full speed. + </p> + <p> + Had the sun been shining the result must have been widely different. + </p> + <p> + The encounter with these men was so unexpected and the several changes of + direction by Queenie so sudden and unavoidable that Sterry was not given a + chance to take his bearings. The one object was to get as far from them as + possible in the quickest time in which it could be done. + </p> + <p> + When that distance became a safe one it would be soon enough to give + attention to the points of the compass. + </p> + <p> + Nobly did Queenie do her duty. She had carried her master out of many a + peril, and she could be counted on to do it as long as the ability + remained with her. Sterry's anxiety was really more on her account than on + his own. He knew there was little danger of himself being struck by the + bullets of the rustlers, who, as I have shown, had no possible chance of + taking any sort of aim, but she was a conspicuous target, which it would + seem they ought to hit with little difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Often must a person in the situation of Sterry leave everything to his + horse. He did not seek to guide Queenie, but sat, or rather lay, in the + saddle and on her neck, as she skimmed like a swallow over the undulating + prairie. + </p> + <p> + Strange imaginings were in the brain of the young man during those few + minutes. He listened to each shot of the Winchesters, and then, instead of + feeling any apprehension for himself, waited for the dreaded evidence that + his horse had been struck. + </p> + <p> + The skilful railway engineer, sitting in his cab, with his hand on the + throttle, can discover, on the instant, the slightest disarrangement in + the mass of intricate mechanism over which he holds control. His highly + trained senses enable him to feel it like a flash. So it was that Mont + Sterry would have detected any injury to his horse as quickly as she + herself. No matter if but the abrasion of the skin, the puncture of the + flesh, or the nipping of an ear, she would betray it involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + If she were wounded and should fall, the situation of her rider would be + well-nigh hopeless. He could only throw himself behind her body and have + it out with his enemies. Such a defence has been successfully made many a + time by white men against Indians; but Sterry would not be fighting Crows + nor Sioux, but those of his own race and blood, as brave and skilful as + he. + </p> + <p> + "Thank God!" he murmured, after each shot, as the splendid play of the + machinery under him continued without a break or tremor; "she was not hit + that time. She is running at her best." + </p> + <p> + Once his heart stood still, for she seemed to quiver through her body, as + if involuntarily shrinking from the prick of a sword. + </p> + <p> + In his alarm, Sterry rose to an upright posture in the saddle, and leaning + to the right and left, and looking forward and behind him, searched for + the wound. He hardly expected to see it, for it would have been beyond his + sight in any one of a dozen different portions of the body. + </p> + <p> + But if in one of the limbs, it would quickly show in the gait of the + animal. + </p> + <p> + "No," he murmured, "there is no change of pace; it could not have been + much, and it may be she was not hit at all." + </p> + <p> + The rustlers fired two shots at this moment, when the horseman was more of + a target than his animal, but he gave no heed to that; it was she for whom + he felt concern. + </p> + <p> + A glance backward brought a thrill of hope. The distance between him and + his pursuers had perceptibly increased. Queenie was showing her heels to + those who dared dispute with her the supremacy of fleetness. She would + soon leave them out of sight, unless it should prove she was disabled by + some of the shots. + </p> + <p> + All would have gone well but for the appearance of a new danger of which + he did not dream. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Queenie emitted her faint, familiar whinny, and swerved to the + left. She had scented a new peril. + </p> + <p> + In the gloom almost directly ahead loomed the figures of other horsemen + bearing down upon the fugitive. They might be friends, and they might be + enemies, but it would not do to take chances. Without an instant's + hesitation Sterry wheeled to the left and spoke to his horse: + </p> + <p> + "Now, Queenie, do your best." + </p> + <p> + The mare responded with the same gameness she always showed; but the + situation had suddenly become so grave that Monteith Sterry assuredly + would have been overwhelmed and cut off but for one of the most + extraordinary occurrences that ever came to any person in the extremity of + danger. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — A STRANGE DIVERSION. + </h2> + <p> + It was the wonderful sagacity of the little mare which intervened at this + crisis in the fate of her rider. + </p> + <p> + She was no more than fairly stretched away on a dead run from the new + peril when she shot into an arroya or depression in the prairie. Such a + depression suggests the dry bed of a stream through which the water may + not have flowed for years. It is sometimes a few feet only in width, and + again it may be a number of rods. The rich, alluvial soil often causes a + luxuriant growth of grass, cottonwood or bush, which affords the best of + grazing and refuge for any one when hard pressed by the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The arroya into which Queenie plunged had gently sloping sides, and was + perhaps fifty feet wide. The bottom was covered not only with grass, but + with the thin undergrowth to which allusion has been made, and which was + so frail in character that it offered no impediment to the passage of a + running horse. + </p> + <p> + Sterry's expectation was that his mare would shoot across the depression + and up the other bank with the least possible delay; but of her own + accord, and without suggestion from him, she turned abruptly to the left + and dropped to a walk. + </p> + <p> + He was astounded, and was on the point of speaking impatiently to her as + he jerked the bridle-rein, when the occurrence already referred to took + place, and made the action of the animal seem like an inspiration or + instinct approaching the height of reason. + </p> + <p> + At the moment she made the sharp turn to the left, another horseman + galloped up the opposite slope and off upon the prairie. By an amazing + coincidence it happened that he was in the arroya, and in the act of + crossing in the same direction with the fugitive, when the furious plunge + of the mare sent his own bounding up the farther bank. + </p> + <p> + Sterry caught the situation like a flash. Before Queenie had gone more + than a half-dozen rods he brought her to a standstill. They resembled an + equestrian statue, so motionless were they for a full minute. + </p> + <p> + The converging parties of pursuers could plainly see the second horseman + speeding away from the other side, and inevitably concluded that he was + the inspector whom they wanted. They were after him hot-footed on the + instant. + </p> + <p> + This man was Ira Inman, a well-known rustler, and the intimate friend of + Larch Cadmus. When he saw himself pursued by a half-dozen of his friends + he reined up, and calmly but wonderingly awaited their arrival, which took + place within the next few seconds. + </p> + <p> + "Up with your hands! Quick about it, too! You're the man we want!" + </p> + <p> + "Wal," replied the leader, surveying them with a grin, and paying no heed + to their fierce commands, "now that you've got me, what are you going to + do with me?" + </p> + <p> + If there ever were a set of dumbfounded men, they were the rustlers who + closed about the leader and recognized him in the moonlight. The remarks + that followed his identification were as ludicrous as they were vigourous. + </p> + <p> + The majority believed he had played a trick on them in pretending to be + Mont Sterry, whom all were so anxious to bring down; but there were one or + two who were not satisfied. They knew the voice of the inspector, which in + no way resembled the gruff tones of Inman. Then, their leader was not + given to practical jokes. + </p> + <p> + "What set you to hunting me so hard?" he asked, after the first flurry was + over. + </p> + <p> + "We're looking for Mont Sterry." + </p> + <p> + "Wal, what made you take me for him? Do I look like him in the moonlight?" + </p> + <p> + "But you said you were, and fired at us," explained one. + </p> + <p> + "Fired at you? Said I was that chap? What in the mischief are you driving + at?" + </p> + <p> + One, who suspected the truth, now interposed. + </p> + <p> + "We did meet Sterry and hailed him; you must have heard our guns; he + dashed into the arroya; we saw you gallop out on t'other side, and took + you for him." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I understand it all now," replied Inman; "I had ridden down there on + my way back from a little scout, when a horseman dashed into the slope + behind me like a thunderbolt. My horse was so scared that he went up the + other side on the jump, and before I could turn around to find out what it + all meant, you lunkheads came down on me with the request to oblige you by + throwing up my hands, which I will see you hanged before I'll do." + </p> + <p> + "But where is he? What has become of him?" asked several, looking around, + as thought they expected to see the young man ride forward and surrender + himself. + </p> + <p> + "Wal, calling to mind the kind of horse he rides, I should say he is about + a half-mile off by this time, laughing to find out how cleverly he has + fooled you chaps." + </p> + <p> + "It looks as if you was in the same boat, Inman," retorted one of the + chagrined party. + </p> + <p> + "I wasn't chasing Sterry." + </p> + <p> + "He seemed to be chasing you, for you came out of the arroya ahead of + him." + </p> + <p> + "If he was chasing me," replied the leader, who felt that the laugh was on + his companions, "he would have followed me out; but I don't see anything + of him;" and he, too, stared around, as though not sure the man would not + do the improbable thing named. + </p> + <p> + "It was a blamed cute trick, any way you look at it," remarked one of the + party. "It was queer that you should have been there, Inman, just at the + minute needed. But for that, we would have had him, sure." + </p> + <p> + "Wal, you can make up your mind that we have him as good as catched + already. He can't get out of the country without some of the boys running + against him, and the first rustler that catches sight of Mr. Sterry will + drop him in his tracks." + </p> + <p> + "If he gets the chance to do it," was the wise comment of another. "That + fellow is quick on the shoot and isn't afraid of any of us." + </p> + <p> + "He ain't the first one that's made that mistake, only to find himself + rounded up at last. Larch Cadmus' idea of 24 hours' notice don't go down + with this crowd, eh?" + </p> + <p> + And the crowd unanimously responded in the negative. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — THE BACK TRAIL. + </h2> + <p> + Mont Sterry had wisdom enough to turn to the fullest account the + remarkable advantage gained through the sagacity of his mare. + </p> + <p> + His pursuers, in their haste to head him off, had dashed across the arroya + at a point only a short distance above where he entered and their leader + emerged from it. They were sure to discover the truth in a short time. + </p> + <p> + Waiting, therefore, only until they had passed beyond, he rode his horse a + few rods along the depression, and then left it on the same side by which + he had ridden into it. + </p> + <p> + Unconsciously he fell into an error of which he was not dreaming. In the + short distance passed, the arroya made a sweeping curve, and he had + repeatedly changed his own course since leaving the Whitney ranch. Thus it + was almost inevitable that he should get the points of the compass mixed, + and that he should follow a route widely different from the one intended. + </p> + <p> + Had he paused long enough to note the position of the full moon in the + heavens, or the towering Big Horn Mountains, he would have gained an + approximate idea of where he was; but, despite his experience in the West, + he galloped forward at an easy canter, with never a suspicion of the + blunder he was making. + </p> + <p> + He was on the alert for rustlers, and kept glancing to the right and left, + and to the front and rear. As has been shown, he had little fear of being + overtaken in a chase where he was given an equal chance with his pursuers, + but his narrow escape rendered him more apprehensive than usual. + </p> + <p> + "I thought of staying with Weber and Hankinson to-night," he mused, "but I + think it hardly prudent. The rustlers may pay them a visit, and my + presence will only make matters worse; and yet those fellows don't want to + start up a band of regulators who will shoot them down without mercy, and + that's just what will take place if they carry their outrages too far." + </p> + <p> + "My death won't bring the regulators into existence," he grimly reflected, + "for one man, more or less, doesn't count; but there is much bitter + feeling in the country." + </p> + <p> + Once he thought he caught the sounds of horses' feet on the prairie, and + checked his mare to listen, but she gave no evidence of suspicion—a + thing she was sure to do, if the cause existed. + </p> + <p> + Sterry was so well satisfied by this fact that he did not dismount to test + the matter as before. He rode on, however, and held her down to a walk. + </p> + <p> + His eventless course had continued some minutes before a thought came to + him of the direction he was following, with the possibility that he was + wrong. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if we are on the right track, Queenie?" he said, addressing his + animal, as was his custom when they were alone. "It would be strange if we + didn't drift away from our bearings. Hello! that can't be Dick Hawkridge's + ranch; we haven't gone far enough for that; but what the mischief can it + be, unless a fire that some one has started in the open?" + </p> + <p> + The starlike twinkle of a point of light suddenly shone out directly in + advance. It puzzled him by appearing only for a moment, when it vanished + as quickly as it entered his field of vision. + </p> + <p> + This fact suggested that it was within some dwelling and had been + extinguished, or was shut from sight by being moved past a window or open + door to another point in the interior. + </p> + <p> + "We are so near, Queenie, we may as well go farther," he added, not + unmindful of his danger from those who were making such a hot search for + him. He kept his horse on a walk, maintaining a keen watch between the + dainty ears that were already pricked up as if she knew something was + likely to happen quite soon. + </p> + <p> + Advancing in this deliberate fashion, the outline of one of those long, + low wooden structures so common in the West was gradually defied in the + moonlight, and he knew he was approaching the home of some ranchman. + </p> + <p> + But whose? was the question that perplexed him. He recalled that some of + his travelling had been done at a high rate of speed, but the distance + between the Whitney and Hawkridge ranches was fully a dozen miles, and he + was sure that that space had not been covered by him since bidding his + friends good-by earlier in the evening, especially as he had not followed + a direct course. + </p> + <p> + "Can it be?" he exclaimed, with a sudden suspicion. "Yes, by gracious! + What a blunder!" + </p> + <p> + The exclamation was caused by the sight of a young man, with one arm in a + sling, who came forward to welcome him. + </p> + <p> + He had returned to the Whitney home, which he supposed was miles away, and + this was his old friend Fred, who came smilingly forward and said, as he + recognized him: + </p> + <p> + "I am glad, indeed, to see you, Mont; we heard the sound of the firing and + feared that something had happened to you." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing at all, thank you, and nothing to Queenie—but that reminds + me," he added, slipping out of the saddle; "she acted once as though she + had been hit, though it wasn't bad enough to show itself in her gait." + </p> + <p> + The two made a hasty examination but discovered nothing; proof that, as + her owner said, the wound, if any, was too slight to trouble her. + </p> + <p> + "Fred, what do you think of my coming back to you in this fashion?" + abruptly asked Sterry, with a laugh, looking around in his friend's face. + </p> + <p> + "The most sensible thing you could have done; it redeems your foolishness + in leaving us as you did." + </p> + <p> + "But my return was involuntary." + </p> + <p> + "How was that?" + </p> + <p> + "I thought I was miles distant, and had no idea of my location until I + caught the outlines of your house; I assure you I contemplated no such + performance as this." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you're here, so what's the use of talking unless you mean to mount + your mare and try it again." + </p> + <p> + "Hardly that; I have too much mercy on her." + </p> + <p> + The couple walked past the dwelling to the rude but roomy shelter at the + rear where the horses were sometimes placed when not in use, or when the + severity of the weather made the protection necessary. There the saddle, + bridle and trappings were removed from the mare, and she was made + comfortable. Then the two returned to their seats at the front of the + building, to smoke and chat a few minutes before retiring for the night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — A CONSULTATION. + </h2> + <p> + That mysterious warm-air current known as the Chinook wind steals through + the depressions of the Rocky Mountains, at certain seasons of the year, + from the mild surface of the Pacific, and tempers the severity of the + winters in some portions of Montana, Wyoming, and the great West to a + degree that renders them milder than many places farther south. + </p> + <p> + It was early in the month of May, when even in the Middle States it is not + often comfortable to remain seated out of doors after the close of day, + but Sterry and Whitney found it pleasant to occupy their chairs in front + of the building, with no other protection then their own warm garments. + </p> + <p> + Whitney's wound was doing so well that he expressed himself ashamed to + wear his arm in a sling. He freed it from the support, moved it readily + about, and declared that after the next morning he would no longer shirk + duty. + </p> + <p> + In one sense, Monteith Sterry was disappointed. He hoped they would be + joined by Jennie, from whom he parted earlier in the evening, but he + reflected that the hour was late, and she probably felt that her duty was + with her sorrowing mother. + </p> + <p> + "She belongs there," he concluded, "and I respect her for doing her duty." + </p> + <p> + But she heard the murmur of voices after they had talked a few minutes, + and appeared at the outer door, where she greeted her friend and listened + with an intensity of interest that may be imagined to his account of his + brush with the rustlers. Although she had become accustomed to danger + during her life in the West, there could be no mistaking her solicitude + for him. She said little, however, and, excusing herself, bade the two + good-night. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you," said her brother, when she was gone, "if you stay, or rather + attempt to stay, in this section, Mont, it is suicide—nothing more + nor less." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I know times are likely to be warm, but, hang it, I can't bear the + thought of being run out of Wyoming. It's a mighty big State, and there + ought to be room enough for me." + </p> + <p> + "You persist in treating it lightly, but it is no trifling matter; you + have been warned; were shot at, when we had our flurry with the rustlers; + and, even while attempting to ride across the country, had the narrowest + escape of your life—an escape so curious that it couldn't be + repeated in a hundred years." + </p> + <p> + "It's the unexpected that happens." + </p> + <p> + "Not so often as the expected. Mont, what made you leave us so abruptly + to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "O, I can hardly tell," replied the other, carelessly flinging one leg + over the other and puffing at his cigar, as though the matter was of no + importance. + </p> + <p> + "I know; you believed that if you stayed here you would increase the peril + to us." + </p> + <p> + "You've hit it exactly; that was it." + </p> + <p> + "What sort of friends do you take us to be?" + </p> + <p> + "That isn't it; rather, what sort of friend would I be, thus knowingly to + place you and your mother and sister in danger? If those rustlers knew + where I am, a dozen would be here before sunrise." + </p> + <p> + "What of it? We are ready for them." + </p> + <p> + "That's a poor answer to my statement; you had enough of that woeful + business yesterday; they hold me in such hatred that they would burn down + your place, if they could reach me in no other way." + </p> + <p> + "And yet you propose to stay in Wyoming and have it out with them?" + </p> + <p> + "I haven't said that," remarked Sterry, more thoughtfully; "I may soon + leave for a more civilized section, much as I hate to play the seeming + coward; but what you said about my parents, brothers and sisters at home, + gave me something to think over while riding across the prairie to-night." + </p> + <p> + "I shall hate to lose your company, for it is like old times to talk over + our school days, but I would not be a friend to allow my selfishness to + stand in the way of your good." + </p> + <p> + Sterry smoked a moment in silence, and then flung away his cigar and + turned abruptly on his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Fred, if you could have prevented what took place yesterday by + sacrificing every dollar of the property you have in Wyoming, you would + have done it." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, God knows I would have done it a thousand times over; mother will + never recover from the blow." + </p> + <p> + "And yet you may be the next to fall during this frightful state of + affairs. If the situation of your mother and sister is so sad because of + the loss of the head of the household, what will it be if you should be + taken?" + </p> + <p> + "I appreciate your kindness, Mont, but you put the case too strongly; in + one sense we all stand in danger of sudden death every day. I might live + to threescore and ten in Wyoming, and be killed in a railroad accident or + some other way the first day I left it. There is no particular enmity + between the rustlers and me; that brush yesterday was one of those sudden + outbursts that was not premeditated by them." + </p> + <p> + "It didn't look that way to me." + </p> + <p> + "You were not there when it opened. They were driving a lot of mavericks + toward their ranch down the river, when Budd Hankinson saw a steer among + them with our brand. You know it—a sort of cross with father's + initials. Without asking for its return, Budd called them a gang of + thieves, cut out the steer and drove him toward our range. If he had gone + at the thing in the right way there would have been no trouble, but his + ugly words made them mad, and the next thing we were all shooting at each + other." + </p> + <p> + "You inflicted more harm than they, and they won't forget it." + </p> + <p> + "I don't want them to forget it," said Fred, bitterly, "but they won't + carry their enmity to the extent of making an unprovoked attack on me or + any of my people." + </p> + <p> + "Possibly not, but you don't want to bank on the theory." + </p> + <p> + "You must not forget," continued the practical Whitney, "that all we have + in the world is invested in this business, and it would be a sacrifice for + us to sell out and move eastward, where I would be without any business." + </p> + <p> + "You could soon make one for yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Whitney, thoughtfully, "I will promise to turn it over in my + mind; the associations, however, that will always cling to this place, and + particularly my sympathy for mother and Jennie, will be the strongest + influences actuating me, provided I decide to change." + </p> + <p> + Mont Sterry experienced a thrill of delight, for he knew that when a man + talks in that fashion he is on the point of yielding. He determined to + urge the matter upon Jennie, and there was just enough hope in his heart + that the prospect of being on the same side of the Mississippi with him + would have some slight weight. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to hear you speak thus, for it is certain there will be serious + trouble with the rustlers." + </p> + <p> + "All which emphasizes what I said earlier in the evening about your duty + to make a change of location." + </p> + <p> + The proposition, now that there was reason to believe that Fred Whitney + had come over to his way of thinking, struck Sterry more favourably than + before. In fact he reflected, with a shudder, what a dismal, unattractive + section this would be, after the removal of his friends. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not forget your words; what you said has great influence with me, + and you need not be surprised if I bid adieu to Wyoming within a week or a + few days." + </p> + <p> + "It can't be too soon for your own safety, much as we shall regret to lose + your company." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — UNWELCOME CALLERS. + </h2> + <p> + Although Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber were removed from the scene of + the events described, the night was not to pass without their becoming + actors in some stirring incidents. + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily they would have spent the hours of darkness at the ranch of + their employer, for the immense herds of cattle, as a rule, required no + looking after. The ranges over which they grazed were so extensive that + they were left to themselves, sometimes wandering for many miles from the + home of their owner. They might not be seen for days and weeks. Their + brands and the universal respect in which such proof of proprietorship was + held prevented, as a rule, serious loss to the owners. + </p> + <p> + But the date will be recognized by the reader as one of a peculiarly + delicate nature, when men were obliged to look more closely after their + rights than usual. + </p> + <p> + The couple, therefore, rode behind the cattle to the foothills, along + which they were expected to graze for an indefinite time. Hustlers were + abroad, and the occurrences of the previous day had inflamed the feeling + between them and the cowmen. It was not unlikely that, having been beaten + off, some of them might take the means of revenging themselves by stealing + a portion of the herd. + </p> + <p> + Budd and Weber dismounted after reaching the foothills, and, without + removing the saddles from their horses, turned them loose to graze for + themselves. No fear of their wandering beyond recall. A signal would bring + them back the moment needed. + </p> + <p> + The hardy ranchers seated themselves with their backs against a broad, + flat rock, which rose several feet above their heads. The bits were + slipped from the mouths of their horses, so as to allow them to crop the + succulent grass more freely, while the men gave them no attention, even + when they gradually wandered beyond sight in the gloom. + </p> + <p> + "Times are getting lively in these parts," remarked Weber, as he filled + his brierwood and lit it; "this thing can't go on forever; the rustlers or + cowmen have got to come out on top, and I'm shot if one can tell just now + which it will be." + </p> + <p> + "There can only be one ending," quietly replied his companion, whose pipe, + being already lit, was puffed with the deliberate enjoyment of a veteran; + "the rustlers may stir things up, and I s'pose they've got to get worse + before they get better, but what's the use? It's like a mob or a riot; the + scamps have things their own way at first, but they knuckle under in the + end." + </p> + <p> + "I guess you're right; that was bad business yesterday; I shouldn't wonder + if it ended in the young folks moving East again with their mother, whose + heart is broke by the death of her husband." + </p> + <p> + "The younker is too plucky a chap to light out 'cause the governor has + been sent under; he's had better luck than most tenderfeet who come out + here and start in the cattle bus'ness; he done well last year, and if the + rustlers let him alone, he'll do a good deal better this year; he may + move, but he ain't agoin' to let them chaps hurry him, you can make up + your mind to that." + </p> + <p> + The couple smoked a minute or two in silence. Then Weber, without removing + his pipe from between his lips, uttered the words: + </p> + <p> + "Budd, something's going to happen powerful soon." + </p> + <p> + Hankinson, also keeping his pipe between his lips, turned his head and + looked wonderingly at his friend. He did not speak, but the action told + his curiosity; he did not understand the words. + </p> + <p> + "I mean what I say," added Weber, shaking his head; "I know it." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean? Something happens every night and every day." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't what I'm driving at; something's going to happen afore + daylight; you and me ain't through with this work." + </p> + <p> + Hankinson was still dissatisfied. He took his pipe from his mouth, and, + looking sideways at his friend, asked: + </p> + <p> + "Can't you come down to facts and let a fellow know what you're driving + at?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't exactly know myself, but I feel it in my left leg." + </p> + <p> + At this strange remark the other laughed heartily and silently. He had + little patience with superstition. He knew his friend held peculiar whims + in that respect. Weber expected something in the nature of scoffing and + was prepared for it. He spoke doggedly: + </p> + <p> + "It has never deceived me. Six years ago, when we was trying to round up + Geronimo and his Apache imps, ten of us camped in the Moggollon Mountains. + Hot! Well, you never knowed anything like it. All day long the metal of + our guns would blister our naked hands; we didn't get a drop of water from + sunup till sundown; we was close on to the trail of the varmints, and we + kept at it by moonlight till our horses gave out and we tumbled out among + the rocks so used up that we could hardly stand. Our lieutenant was a + bright young chap from South Car'lina that had come out of West Point only + that summer, but he was true blue and warn't afeared of anything. We all + liked him. I had seen him fight when a dozen of the Apaches thought they + had us foul, and I was proud of him. He belonged to a good family, though + that didn't make him any better than anyone else, but he treated us white. + </p> + <p> + "So when we went into camp, I goes to him and I says, says I, 'Lieutenant, + there's going to be trouble.' He looked up at me in his pleasant way and + asks, 'What makes you think so, Grizzly?' The others was listening, but I + didn't mind that, and out with it. ''Cause,' says I, 'my left leg tells me + so.' + </p> + <p> + "'And how does your leg tell you?' he asked again, with just a faint smile + that wasn't anything like the snickers and guffaws of the other chaps. + 'Whenever a twitch begins at the knee and runs down to my ankle,' says I, + 'that is in the left leg, and then keeps darting back and forth and up and + down, just as though some one was pricking it with a needle, do you know + what it says?' + </p> + <p> + "'I'm sure I don't, but I'd like to know.' + </p> + <p> + "'Injins! Varmints! They're nigh you; look out!' + </p> + <p> + "Wal, instead of j'ining the others in laughing at me, he says; just as + earnest-like as if it was the colonel that had spoke, 'If that's the case, + Grizzly, why we'll look out; you have been in this business afore I was + born and I am glad you told me. I didn't s'pose any of 'em was within + miles of us, but it's easy to be mistaken.' + </p> + <p> + "Wal, to make a long story short we didn't any of us go to sleep; the boys + laughed at what I said, but the way the lieutenant acted showed 'em he + believed me, and that was enough. The Apaches come down on us that night + and wiped out two of the boys. If the lieutenant hadn't showed his good + sense by believing what I told him, there wouldn't have been one of us + left." + </p> + <p> + Budd Hankinson then crossed his legs, extended on the ground as they were, + shoved his sombrero back on his head, with his Winchester resting against + the rock behind him, and smoked his pipe after the manner of a man who is + pondering a puzzling question. The latter assumed much the same position, + but, having said sufficient, was not disposed to speak until after the + other had given his opinion. + </p> + <p> + "Grizzly, when your leg warns you like that, does it speak plain enough to + tell you the sort of danger that's coming? Does it say what hour; where + the trouble is to come from, and who them that make the trouble will be?" + </p> + <p> + "No!" replied the other, contemptuously; "how could a fellow's leg do + that?" + </p> + <p> + "How could it do anything 'cept help tote him around when he wanted it + to?" + </p> + <p> + "I've just explained, that twitching is a warning—that's all. I + 'spose the leg thinks that's enough; so it is." + </p> + <p> + "There ain't any Apaches or Comanches in this part of the world." + </p> + <p> + "But there's rustlers, and where's the ch'ice?" + </p> + <p> + "Wal, Grizzly, all I've got to say is let 'em come; it ain't the first + time we've seen 'em, and we're ginerally ready for 'em. We was yesterday, + and I reckon we'll get there, all the same, to-night or to-morrow + morning." + </p> + <p> + Grizzly Weber felt it his duty to be more explicit. + </p> + <p> + "The night I was telling you about down in Arizona wasn't the only time my + leg signaled to me. While it allers means that something is going to come, + it doesn't always mean it'll amount to much. It has happened that only a + slight flurry follored. That may be the case to-night." + </p> + <p> + "What's to be done? Are we to set here on the ground and wait for it? I + was going to take turns with you watching, but I guess we hadn't better go + to sleep yet." + </p> + <p> + "You can sleep till near morning if you like, and when I want to lay down + I'll wake you, but afore you do that I'll take a look around." + </p> + <p> + Weber rose to his feet, yawned, stretched his long, muscular arms, looked + about him and listened. The moonlight enabled him to see only a + comparatively short distance in any direction. Near-by were the forms of + several cattle stretched upon the ground and sleeping. One or two were + still chewing their cuds, but the scene was suggestive of rest and quiet, + the reverse of what he told his friend was coming. + </p> + <p> + The horses had drifted too far off to be visible, but it was certain they + were within signal distance. Rocks, stunted undergrowth, bushes, and the + rich, luxuriant grass met the eye everywhere. Thousands of cattle were + scattered over an area of many acres, and, unless molested by dishonest + persons, would be within ready reach when the time for the round-up + arrived. Neither eye nor ear could detect anything of the peril which the + rancher believed impended with the same faith that he believed the sun + would rise on the following morning. + </p> + <p> + That faith could not be shaken by the profound quiet. Without speaking + again to his friend he strolled toward the north, that is parallel with + the spur along whose slope the cattle were grazing. As he moved forward + they were continually in sight. Most of them were lying on the ground, but + a few were on their feet, browsing and acquiring the luscious plumpness + which has made that section one of the most famous grazing regions of the + Union. They paid no attention to the rancher while making his way around, + among and past them. They were too accustomed to the sight of the sturdy + cattleman to be disturbed by him. + </p> + <p> + An eighth of a mile from the rock where he had left his comrade, Weber + once more paused. Nothing as yet had come to confirm that peculiar warning + described, but his faith knew no weakening on that account. + </p> + <p> + From a long way came the sound of rifle-firing, sometimes rapid, and + sometimes consisting of dropping shots. + </p> + <p> + "They're at it somewhere," muttered the rancher; "it doesn't come from the + ranch, so I guess the folks are all right." + </p> + <p> + The reports were too far off for him to feel any interest in them; that + which was foretold by the twitching of his limb must come much closer to + answer the demands of the occasion. + </p> + <p> + Weber resumed his walk around and among the prostrate animals. He was on + the alert, glancing to the right and left, and speculating as to the + nature of the "trouble" that could not be far off. + </p> + <p> + Through the impressive stillness he caught a subdued sound which caused + him again to stop in his walk and listen. His keen vision could discover + nothing, nor was he certain of the nature of the disturbance. + </p> + <p> + He knelt down and pressed his ear to the ground. That told the story; + several hundred of the herd were in motion and moving away from him. They + would not do this of their own accord, and the rancher translated its + meaning at once; they were being driven off. + </p> + <p> + He broke into a loping trot toward the threatened point, holding his + Winchester ready for instant use. As he was likely to need his horse, he + placed his fingers between his lips and emitted the whistle by which he + was accustomed to summon the faithful beast. Then he sent out a different + call. That was for the listening ears of Budd Hankinson, who would be sure + to hasten to his comrade. + </p> + <p> + But Weber did not wait for man or animal. They could come as fast as they + chose. The case was too urgent to admit of delay. + </p> + <p> + He believed the moving cattle were hardly a furlong distant, but they were + not only going at a rapid pace, but were moving directly away from where + the rancher had halted. + </p> + <p> + He could run as swiftly and as long as an Indian, but the course was + difficult, and he believed the cattle were going so fast that he was + gaining little if anything on them. When he had run a short way he stopped + and glanced impatiently back in the gloom. + </p> + <p> + "Why doesn't Cap hurry?" he muttered, referring to his horse; "he must + have heard my call, and he never lets it pass him. Budd, too, don't want + to break his neck trying to overtake me." + </p> + <p> + His impatience made him unjust. Neither man nor beast had had time to come + up, even though each had set out at their best speed the moment they heard + the signal. They would be on hand in due course, unless prevented. + </p> + <p> + Weber called them again, with a sharp, peremptory signal, which could not + fail to apprise both of the urgency of the case. Then, afraid of losing + any advantage, he pushed after the fleeing cattle. The figures of the + sleeping animals around him grew fewer in number. By and by none was to be + seen. He had passed the outer boundary of those that were left, and was + now tramping over the section from which they had been stampeded or driven + by the rustlers. + </p> + <p> + He dropped to the ground again. But it was only to use the earth as a + medium of hearing. The multitudinous trampings became distinct once more. + The cattle were running, proof that the thieves were pressing them hard + and were in fear of pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Leaping up again, the rancher peered backward in the moonlight. Something + took shape, and he identified the figure of a man approaching. The + Winchester was grasped and half aimed, so as to be ready for instant use. + </p> + <p> + But it was his friend, who was coming on the run. Budd Hankinson had heard + the call, and obeyed it with surprising promptness. + </p> + <p> + "What's up?" he asked, as he halted, breathing not a whit faster because + of his unusual exertion. + </p> + <p> + "They're running off some of the cattle; where's the hosses?" + </p> + <p> + "Hanged if I know! I called to Dick the minute I started, but he didn't + show up; I don't know were he is." + </p> + <p> + "I whistled for Cap at the same time I did for you; he ought to be here + first. I wonder if they've stolen him?" added Weber, affrightedly. + </p> + <p> + "No, they wouldn't have come that close; they didn't have the chance; but + it gets me." + </p> + <p> + With that he sent out the signal once more. Budd did the same, and then + they broke into their swift, loping trot after the fleeing animals, both + in an ugly mood. + </p> + <p> + They were at great disadvantage without their own horses when it was clear + the rustlers were mounted. But, though on foot, the ranchers could travel + faster than the gait to which the cattle had been forced. They increased + their speed, and it was quickly evident they were gaining on the rogues. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before they discerned the dark bodies galloping off in + alarm. Almost at the same moment the ranchers saw the outlines of two + horsemen riding from right to left, and goading the cattle to an + injuriously high pace. Grizzly Weber, who was slightly in advance, turned + his head and said, in excitement: + </p> + <p> + "Budd, they're not rustlers; they're Injins!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — THE "DOG INDIANS." + </h2> + <p> + Weber was right in his declaration that the parties who were stampeding a + part of the herd were Indians. They were two in number, both superbly + mounted, and dashing back and forth with great swiftness, as they urged + the animals to a frantic flight. They knew the danger of pursuit and the + value of time. + </p> + <p> + The rancher, who shouted to his companion, was a few paces in advance at + the exciting moment he made the discovery. The sight so angered him that + he stopped abruptly and brought his rifle to his shoulder, with the + intention of shooting the marauder from his horse. + </p> + <p> + This would have been done the next instant but for the exclamation of + Grizzly Weber. Despite the noise and confusion, the Indian heard him and + saw his danger. Before the rancher could sight his weapon the thief seemed + to plunge headlong over the further side of his steed; but instead of + doing so he resorted to the common trick of his people, all of whom are + unsurpassable horsemen. He flung himself so far over that nothing of his + body remained visible. The horse himself became the shield between him and + the white man. The redskin was in the saddle, but he would have been just + as expert had he been riding bareback. + </p> + <p> + Weber muttered his disappointment, but held his rifle ready to fire the + instant he caught sight of any part of the fellow's person. At any rate, a + recourse was open to him; he could shoot the horse, and thus place his + enemy on the same footing with himself. He decided to do so. + </p> + <p> + The hurly-burly was bewildering. The cattle were bellowing in affright, + galloping frenziedly before the two horsemen, dashing back and forth among + them at the rear like two lunatics, and goading them to desperate haste. + </p> + <p> + At the instant the Indian whom Grizzly Weber selected as his man eluded + his fatal aim, his horse was running diagonally. This could not be + continued without the abandonment of the herd. He must wheel, to come back + behind the fleeing cattle. The rancher waited for that moment, prepared to + fire the instant any tangible part of the body of the rogue was revealed + by the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + But an astonishing exploit prevented the shot. The savage wheeled, just as + was anticipated, but, in the act of doing so, threw himself for a second + time over the side of his horse, so as to interpose his body. He did it + with such inimitable dexterity that the rancher was baffled. + </p> + <p> + All this took place in a twinkling, as may be said; but, brief as was the + time, it caused Weber to lose valuable ground. The horse was growing + dimmer in the gloom, and, unless checked, would quickly be beyond reach of + the Winchester still levelled at him. Nothing was easier than to drive a + bullet through his brain and then have it out with the Indian. Possibly + the single bullet would end the career of both. + </p> + <p> + Budd Hankinson called out something, but Grizzly Weber did not catch it. + With grim resolution he sighted as best he could in the moonlight at the + galloping steed, and then with a shiver lowered his weapon undischarged, + awed by the sudden discovery of the deed he had come within a hair of + committing. + </p> + <p> + The erratic motions of the Indian and his horse entangled both with the + flying cattle. All at once the nimble steed became so crowded on every + side that his only escape from being gored to death was by a tremendous + bound which he made over the back of a terrified steer who lowered his + head for the purpose of driving his horns into his body. He made the leap + with amazing skill and grace. + </p> + <p> + As he went up in the air, with the Indian clinging to his side, the + astonishing leap was executed with perfect ease, precision and + perfectness, his figure rising above the mass of struggling animals and + standing out for a moment in clear relief. + </p> + <p> + That one glimpse of the outlines of the splendid horse, together with the + brilliancy of the performance itself, told Grizzly Weber that the steed + was his own Cap. The owner had by a hair escaped sending a bullet through + the brain of the animal whom he loved as his own brother. + </p> + <p> + Grizzly was stupefied for an instant. Then, knowing that Cap had been + duped by some conjuration, he sent out the familiar signal with a sharp + distinctness that rose above the din and racket, which, to ordinary ears, + would have been overwhelming. + </p> + <p> + The result was remarkable, and approached the ridiculous. Cap heard the + call, and instantly turned to obey it. The Indian on his back strove + furiously to prevent and to keep him at his work. Cap fought savagely, + flinging his head aloft, rearing, plunging, and refusing to follow the + direction toward which the redskin twisted his head by sheer strength. It + was a strife between rider and steed, and the latter made no progress in + either direction while keeping up the fight, which was as fierce as it was + brief. + </p> + <p> + The Indian could not force the horse to obey him, and the efforts of Cap + to reach his master were defeated by the wrenching at the bit. It looked + as if the horse had been seized with the frenzy that possessed every one, + and was fighting and struggling aimlessly and accomplishing nothing. + </p> + <p> + But Grizzly Weber was not the one to stand idly by and allow this + extraordinary contest to go on. Nothing intervened between him and the + daring marauder, and he dashed toward him. + </p> + <p> + The redskin's audacity, nimbleness and self-possession excited the + admiration of Grizzly Weber, angered though he was at the trick played on + him. The rider knew the risk of keeping up the fight with the obdurate + beast, for the master was sure to arrive on the spot within a few seconds. + Before the rancher could reach him he went from the saddle as if shot out + of a gun. + </p> + <p> + Freed from his incubus, Cap emitted a joyful whinny and trotted toward his + master. + </p> + <p> + "You rascal!" exclaimed the delighted rancher, vaulting upon his back in a + twinkling. "Now we'll settle with the chap that tried to part you and me." + </p> + <p> + All this consumed but a few moments. The Indian could not have gone far. + He would not dash among the cattle, who, now that they were stampeded, + were as dangerous as so many wild beasts. He had hardly time to conceal + himself, and Grizzly was certain that he had him. + </p> + <p> + All the same, however, the cowman made a miscalculation. When he wheeled + Cap about to run down the daring redskin he was nowhere to be seen. There + were no trees near, but there were boulders, rocks and depressions, with + the rich grass everywhere, and the dusky thief was as safe as if beyond + the Assinaboine, in British territory. + </p> + <p> + "I'm glad of it," thought Weber, a moment later; "a redskin that can show + such a performance as that desarves to save his scalp." + </p> + <p> + In the dizzying flurry Grizzly had no time to think of his companion, who + had enough to attend to his own matters. He now looked around for him, but + he, too, was invisible. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder whether he got his horse back, for Dick must have been stole, + the same as was Cap." + </p> + <p> + And, grateful for having regained possession of his horse, he patted the + silken neck of the noble animal. + </p> + <p> + Grizzly's years of experience with cattle apprised him of a gratifying + truth. The course of the stampeded herd was changing. Instead of fleeing + away from the main body they were veering around, so that, if the change + of course continued, they would return to the neighbourhood from which + they started. + </p> + <p> + Panic-smitten cattle are not apt to do a thing of that kind of their own + accord. Some cause, and a strong one, too, must have effected this + diversion in the line of flight. All at once, above the din, sounded the + penetrating voice of a man, who was striving with herculean energy to + change the course of the wild animals. + </p> + <p> + One sound of that voice was sufficient to identify it as Budd Hankinson's. + He must have played his cards well to have done all this in so brief a + space of time. + </p> + <p> + And such had been the case beyond a doubt. Budd suspected from the first + what did not enter Grizzly's mind until it flashed upon him as described. + The fact that neither of their horses appeared when summoned convinced + Budd that they had been stolen. True, even in that case they would have + obeyed the signal, had they been near enough, and had the circumstances + allowed them to identify it; but, although not far off, the noise + immediately around them shut out the call of Grizzly from their ears, + until he repeated it, as has been told. + </p> + <p> + Hankinson anticipated his friend in this act. In his case, the thief in + the saddle of Dick gave it up at once. He leaped off, and whisked out of + sight. It was then Budd called to Grizzly that the thieves had their + horses; but the other did not catch his words, and, therefore, gave them + no further heed. + </p> + <p> + The instant Budd's feet were in the stirrups he set his horse bounding + along the side of the herd, with the purpose of checking the stampede by + changing its course. Grizzly understood matters and set off after him, + leaving to the sagacious Cap to thread his way to the other side of the + running cattle. + </p> + <p> + In the course of a few minutes the ranchers opened communication and + pushed their work with a vigor which brought good results. The cattle were + tired. They had been on their feet most of the day while grazing, were + growing fat, and naturally were indisposed to severe exertion. Their pace + dropped to a walk, and sooner than would have been supposed, the fright + passed off. The herders kept them moving until close to the main herd, + where they were allowed to rest. Budd and Grizzly dismounted once more, + turning their horses loose, and seated themselves on the ground. The + night, as will be remembered, was mild, and they did not need their + blankets to make them comfortable. + </p> + <p> + "Wal," was the smiling remark of Grizzly, as he began refilling his pipe, + "my leg didn't deceive me this time." + </p> + <p> + "No, I'll own up it played square; but, Grizzly, if we've got to fight the + red varmints as well as rustlers, there will be some lively fun in Wyoming + and Montana before the thing is over." + </p> + <p> + "The Injins won't take a hand in this. You know who them two thieves were, + don't you?" + </p> + <p> + "A couple of 'dog Injins,' of course." + </p> + <p> + "There isn't anybody else that's got anything to do with this; it's sort + of queer—that is, it has struck me so two or three times—that + the Injins have tramps among 'em the same as white folks. They call 'em + 'dog Injins,' I s'pose, 'cause they don't claim any particular tribe, but + tramp back and forth over the country, slipping off their reservations + whenever they get a chance." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, there are plenty of 'em," assented Budd; "we've met 'em before; + you'll find 'em as far north as the Saskatchewan and as low down as the + Rio Grande. But I say, Grizzly, they were two slick ones; I never seen + finer work." + </p> + <p> + "Nor me either; if they had been satisfied with taking our hosses we'd + never seen 'em agin. Gracious!" added the rancher, "for myself, I'd rather + lost half the herd than Cap." + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me," said Budd, after smoking a moment in silence, "that + although them 'dog Injins' was pretty smart in getting out of the way when + we come down on 'em, they weren't smart in trying to run off the cattle. + They must have known we'd find it out at daylight and would be after 'em + hot-footed." + </p> + <p> + Grizzly had been puzzling over the same phase of the question. The 'dog + Indian' is a vagabond, who, belonging to some particular tribe, as of + necessity must be the case, affiliates with none, but goes whithersoever + his will leads him, provided he is not prevented. Sometimes they remain on + the reservation for weeks and months, as orderly, industrious and + well-behaved as the best of the red men. Then they disappear, and may not + turn up for a long time. In truth, they are as likely not to turn up at + all, but to lead their wandering, useless lives just as the vagrants do in + civilized communities. + </p> + <p> + Surely the couple who had played their parts in the incidents of the night + must have known that nothing could be gained by stampeding a part of + Whitney's herd. The cattle were branded, and could not be disposed of for + that reason. Besides, a couple of Indians in charge of several hundred + cattle would be objects of suspicion themselves, and certain to be called + to account. They could make no common cause with the rustlers, for the + latter would have naught to do with them. + </p> + <p> + More than likely Grizzly Weber hit the truth when he said: + </p> + <p> + "It was a piece of pure deviltry on their part. When they got into the + saddles they felt safe. Instead of making off with the hosses, they + thought they would stir up a little fun by stampeding the cattle. After + injuring 'em by rapid driving for a good many miles they would have paid + no more attention to 'em, and let us find 'em as best we could." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," assented Budd, "they bit off more'n they could chaw, and so lost + the hosses. But, Grizzly, have you noticed there's been several guns shot + off around the country to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "Yas," replied the other, indifferently; "I've heard 'em several times, + but I haven't obsarved any coming from the house; it must be that some of + the boys are having fun to-night instead of sleeping like lambs, as they + ought to do." + </p> + <p> + "And there'll be more of it to-morrow, but that's what we've got to expect + at all times. I'm going to sleep; call me when you want me." + </p> + <p> + Budd spread the blanket, which he had taken from the back of his horse, on + the ground and lay down. Hardly five minutes passed when he was wrapped in + sound slumber. To prevent himself from becoming unconscious, Grizzly rose + and walked slowly around and among the herd. He had no thought of anything + further occurring, for the 'dog Indians' would be certain to keep away + from that neighbourhood after what had occurred. He did not feel easy, + however, concerning his friends at the ranch. He knew trouble was at hand, + and he would have been glad if the mother and daughter were removed beyond + danger. The sounds of rifle-firing and the bright glow in the horizon, + made by a burning building, confirmed his misgivings as to what a few days + or hours were sure to bring forth. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. + </h2> + <p> + IT will be recalled that during these incidents Monteith Sterry and Fred + Whitney were sitting at the front of the long, low building, which was the + home of the latter, discussing the incidents of the last day or two, as + well as the matter of Whitney removing, with his family, to the East, in + order to prevent any addition to the affliction they had just suffered. + </p> + <p> + Besides this, Whitney had turned on his young friend, and impressed upon + him that he, too, was incurring unjustifiable risk by remaining in Wyoming + during the inflamed state of public feeling. There was much less excuse in + the case of Sterry than of his host. He ought to be at home prosecuting + the study of his profession, as his parents wished him to do. His health + was fully restored, and it cannot be denied that he was wasting his + precious days. He was fond of his father, mother, brothers and sisters, + and it would grieve them beyond expression if he should uselessly + sacrifice himself. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he replied, "I cannot deny the truth of what you say, Fred. I ought + to leave this part of the country." + </p> + <p> + "Of course; you're not needed; your future has been mapped for you, and it + is hard to make up lost time." + </p> + <p> + "We found that out at the high school," returned Mont, with a light laugh; + "but the pearl of great price, in a worldly sense, is good health, and I + have been repaid in securing it." + </p> + <p> + "And having secured it, it remains—Mont," added his companion + abruptly, but without the slightest change of tone, "don't stop to ask me + why, but step quickly through the door and into the house, and keep out of + sight for a few minutes." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said Sterry, obeying without an instant's hesitation. + </p> + <p> + The prompt, unquestioning compliance with the request of Fred Whitney + showed that Monteith Sterry understood the reason that it was made of him. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, that during the last few minutes the young men were talking + in front of the house, each descried something suspicious on the broad + plain. They instinctively lowered their voices, and though neither made + reference to it, both gave more attention to it than to their own words. + </p> + <p> + They heard nothing of the tramp of horses, but saw the shadowy figures of + several men hovering on what may be termed the line of invisibility. + Sometimes they were distinguished quite clearly, and then seemed to + vanish; but the youths could not be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + A number of persons were out there, not mounted, but on foot, and moving + about, without approaching any closer, for the space of several minutes. + It looked as if they were reconnoitering the house from a distance and + debating the best manner of procedure. + </p> + <p> + The suspicions of the friends were the same. They were rustlers looking + for the inspector. + </p> + <p> + Mont Sterry would have preferred to stay where he was and have it out with + them, but the circumstances were so peculiar that he could not refuse to + do as his comrade requested. + </p> + <p> + The cause of Whitney's wish was the abrupt increasing distinctness of the + figures, proof that they had reached a decision and were approaching the + house. + </p> + <p> + They speedily came into plain sight, four men, in the garb of cowmen, and + they were rustlers beyond question. + </p> + <p> + Conscious that they were seen, they now advanced directly, as if coming + from a distance, though the fact that they were on foot showed that such + was not the case. + </p> + <p> + With feelings which it would be hard to describe, Fred Whitney recognized + the first as Larch Cadmus, wearing the same whiskers as before. Had he + been thoughtful enough to disguise his voice the young man would not have + suspected his identity. + </p> + <p> + The moon had worked around into that quarter of the heavens that its light + shone on the figure of Fred, who rose to his feet, as was his custom, and + advanced a few paces to meet the newcomers. + </p> + <p> + "Good evening!" he said. "How happens it that you are afoot at this time + of night?" + </p> + <p> + "Our horses ain't fur off," replied Cadmus; "the rest of the boys didn't + think it worth while to trouble you." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean by troubling me?" asked Fred, though he understood the + meaning. + </p> + <p> + "We're on an unpleasant errand," continued Cadmus, acting as the spokesman + of the party, the others remaining in the background and maintaining + silence. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I bring chairs for you? It is so unusually mild to-night that I am + sitting out doors from choice, and I do not wish to disturb my mother and + sister, who retired some time ago." + </p> + <p> + "No, we'll stand," was the curt response. "Whitney, as I suppose it is, + are you accustomed to sit out here alone?" + </p> + <p> + "Not when I can have company." + </p> + <p> + "Were you alone before we came up?" + </p> + <p> + "When you were here earlier in the evening, as you saw for yourself, I had + my sister and a friend." + </p> + <p> + "Exactly; who was that friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Mont Sterry, the gentleman who is on a little tour through some parts of + Wyoming and Montana to try to help make you fellows behave yourselves." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; wal, we're looking for him." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you come here?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he spends a good deal of his time here; he seems to be interested + in Miss Whitney." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if he is, that is no business of yours," retorted Fred, angered by + the reference to his sister. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not, but it would be well for you to keep a civil tongue in your + head, Fred Whitney; we're not in a pleasant mood to-night, for we've had + trouble." + </p> + <p> + "It matters not to me what trouble you've had; you have no right to name + any member of my family. They are in affliction; my father was shot down + by your gang yesterday, and, though we made several of you fellows bite + the dust, the whole of them weren't worth his little finger." + </p> + <p> + "We'll let them matters drop; I told you we're looking for Mont Sterry, + and we're going to have him." + </p> + <p> + "And I ask you again, why do you come here after him? I don't deny that he + was with me, but he left fully two hours ago." + </p> + <p> + "We know that; he gave us the slip, but we believe he came back." + </p> + <p> + "And I ask what reason you have for such belief; why did he bid us good-by + and ride away? I know that he had not the slightest intention of returning + for several days," said Fred, sticking to the technical truth. + </p> + <p> + "We don't care what his intention was, he did come back." + </p> + <p> + "How do you know that?" + </p> + <p> + "He was sitting in that chair alongside of you less than ten minutes ago; + you were smoking and talking, though you didn't speak loud enough for us + to catch your words." + </p> + <p> + "Where is the proof, Larch Cadmus, of what you say?" + </p> + <p> + Without noticing this penetration of his disguise, the rustler turned and + spoke to the nearest of his companions: + </p> + <p> + "Spark Holly, how was it?" + </p> + <p> + "I seen 'em both and heard 'em talking," was the prompt response of the + individual appealed to. + </p> + <p> + "Are your eyes better than the others'?" asked Fred. + </p> + <p> + "They don't have to be," replied Cadmus, speaking for him. "While we + stayed in front of the house, Spark stole round to the rear, where none of + your family seen him. He got to the corner and had a good look at both of + you." + </p> + <p> + "Does he know Sterry?" inquired Fred, purposely raising his voice, that + his friend, standing a few feet away within the house, should not miss a + word. + </p> + <p> + "He don't know him, but I do, and the description Spark gives fits the man + we're after to a T. We want him." + </p> + <p> + "But the notice you gave Sterry allowed him twenty-four hours' grace. Why + do you ask for him now?" + </p> + <p> + "Them was my sentiments, but when I joined the party under Inman, a little + while ago, he told me the boys had reconsidered that matter, and decided + that after what Sterry has done, and tried to do, I hadn't any right to + make the promise." + </p> + <p> + "That may be their decision, but it cannot affect yours; you are bound by + the pledge you made in writing to him." + </p> + <p> + Larch Cadmus, like his companions, was growing impatient. He said: + </p> + <p> + "I haven't come here to argue the matter with you; I've come after my man, + and am going to have him." + </p> + <p> + "And I repeat what I said: he left more than two hours ago, and you have + no business to come here." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to tell me he isn't in the house?" demanded Cadmus, with + rising temper. + </p> + <p> + "I refuse to answer, but I do say that neither you nor any of your gang + shall enter my home, where are my mother and sister, their hearts stricken + by your murderous doings of yesterday, except over my dead body." + </p> + <p> + "We don't like to disturb the ladies," said Cadmus, "but we mean business; + we have promised the boys to bring back that fellow; but I'll make a + proposition." + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "If you will say that Mont Sterry is not in there, we'll go away without + disturbing any one; we'll take your word." + </p> + <p> + "I recognize no right of yours to question me," was the scornful reply of + Fred Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "Boys," said Cadmus, turning again to his companions, "that's only another + way of owning up that the coward is hiding here, afraid to meet us; he's + our game." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — A DELICATE SITUATION. + </h2> + <p> + Few men possessed more courage than Fred Whitney, and he was thoroughly + aroused. + </p> + <p> + Sitting in front of his own home during the evening, it naturally happened + that he was without any weapon at immediate command. His Winchester and + revolvers, his inseparable companions, during those stirring times, + whenever away from home, were inside. It need not be said that every one + of the rustlers had his "guns" in his possession, so he was a single, + defenceless man against four armed ones. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he strode forward in front of the open door, determined to + make good his threat. + </p> + <p> + "You talk of cowards," he said; "you are four, and each has his pistols + and rifle; I have none and one arm is wounded, but I defy you!" + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said the leader, "this will do you no good; we're bound to + have that man, and if he won't come out we must go after him. If you stand + in the way we'll pitch you aside. We don't want to hurt you." + </p> + <p> + "Advance at your peril—" + </p> + <p> + "Fred, move a little to the left—that will do. I've got a bead on + him now." + </p> + <p> + It was the voice of Mont Sterry, a few feet away, in the darkness of the + room. The muzzle of his rifle, however, projected just enough to reflect + the moonlight, and it was leveled at the breast of Larch Cadmus. + </p> + <p> + "One step," added Sterry, "and you're a dead man." + </p> + <p> + "Larch Cadmus," said Fred, thrilled by the occurrence, "for we recognize + you despite those whiskers, I never knew Mont Sterry to break his word!" + </p> + <p> + Language cannot do justice to the situation. At the very moment the + miscreant was about to advance to hurl Whitney from his path he was + confronted by the muzzle of a loaded rifle, held by a man who was in + deadly earnest, and who realized he was at bay. + </p> + <p> + The startled ruffian recoiled a step and stared into the darkened room, as + if he failed to grasp the situation. + </p> + <p> + "Not a step in any direction," said Sterry, warningly; "if you attempt to + retreat, advance, or move aside, I'll fire." + </p> + <p> + It would be a rash thing for any one to deny that the young inspector had + secured the "drop" on Larch Cadmus. + </p> + <p> + But the man was accustomed to violence, and it took him but a minute to + rally. + </p> + <p> + "Pretty well done, I'll own," he said, with a forced laugh; "but what good + is it going to do you? There are three more of us here and a half-dozen + hardly a hundred yards away." + </p> + <p> + "And what good will they do you?" + </p> + <p> + "Spark," said Cadmus, "slip back to the boys and give 'em the tip; we'll + see about this thing." + </p> + <p> + "The moment Spark or either of the other two stirs I'll let the moonlight + through <i>you!</i> I'm going to keep my gun pointed right at you, Mr. + Cadmus. If those fellows think I'm worth more than you, they have a chance + to prove it, for only one of them has to take the first step to leave, + when I'll press this trigger just a little harder than now. More than + that, if one of them shouts, whistles, or makes any kind of a signal, I'll + do as I threaten. If any man doesn't think so, let him make the trial." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be hanged!" muttered Larch Cadmus; "this <i>is</i> a go!" + </p> + <p> + Judging from the new turn of affairs, it looked as if a single individual + had the "drop" on four others. + </p> + <p> + It struck Larch Cadmus that this was a good occasion for something in the + nature of a compromise. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Sterry," he said, assuming an affected jocularity which + deceived no one, "I'll own you've played it on me mighty fine. But you + can't stand there all night with your Winchester p'inted at me, and + bime-by I'll git tired; can't we fix the matter up some way?" + </p> + <p> + "Fred," said Sterry, with the same coolness shown from the first, "slip + through the door; you know where your gun is; stoop a little, so I won't + have to shift my aim; when that is done we'll talk about compromise." + </p> + <p> + Fred Whitney, as quick as his companion to "catch on," did instantly what + was requested. He dodged into the darkened apartment, with which, of + course, he was so familiar that he needed the help of no light to find his + weapon. + </p> + <p> + Had Larch Cadmus been as subtle as his master, perhaps he might have + prevented this by ordering one of his men to cover Whitney with his gun, + though it is more than probable that Sterry still would have forced the + leading rustler to his own terms. + </p> + <p> + But there was one among the four with the cunning of a fox; he was Spark + Holly, who had located the inspector when in front of the house. + </p> + <p> + At the moment Cadmus was brought up all standing, as may be said, Holly + stood so far to one side that he was not in the young man's field of + vision. He, like his two companions, could have slipped off at any moment + without danger to himself, but it would have been at the cost of their + leader's life; nor could they shift their position and raise a weapon to + fire into the room, where there was a prospect of hitting the daring youth + at bay, without precipitating that catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + The instant, however, Fred Whitney turned his back on the rustlers, Holly + saw his opportunity. He vanished. + </p> + <p> + The others, more sluggish than he, held their places, dazed, wondering, + stupefied, and of no more account than so many logs of wood. + </p> + <p> + Shrewd enough to do this clever thing, Spark Holly was too cautious to + spoil it by allowing his movement to be observed. Had he darted over the + plain in front of the house, Mont Sterry would have seen the fleeing + figure, understood what it meant, and, carrying out his threat, shot down + Larch Cadmus. + </p> + <p> + Holly lost no time in dodging behind the structure, moving with the + stealth of an Indian in the stillness of the night. Then he made a circuit + so wide that, as he gradually described a half-circle and came round to + the point whence he had first advanced to the dwelling, he was so far off + that the keenest vision from the interior could not catch a glimpse of + him. + </p> + <p> + Certain of this, he ran only a short distance, when he came up with the + half-dozen mounted rustlers of whom Cadmus had spoken, and who were + wondering at the unaccountable delay. + </p> + <p> + The messenger quickly made everything plain, and they straightway + proceeded to take a hand in the business. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — A MISCALCULATION. + </h2> + <p> + Larch Cadmus was well fitted to act the leader of so desperate a company + of men. He was chagrined beyond measure at the manner in which the tables + had been turned on him, but, like all such persons, when caught fairly, he + knew how to accept the situation philosophically. + </p> + <p> + None understood better than he that the individual who held that + Winchester levelled would press the trigger on the first provocation. He + was the one that had sent the warning, and the other was the one that had + received it. The twenty-four hours' truce had been ended by the words and + action of Cadmus himself, and his chief wonder, now that Fred Whitney was + with him, was that Monteith Sterry should show any mercy to his + persecutor; had the situations been reversed, the course also would have + been different. + </p> + <p> + But the ruffian was on the alert. He noticed the guarded movement of Spark + Holly at the moment Whitney entered his home, and he needed no one to tell + him what it meant. + </p> + <p> + He had slipped off to bring help and it would not take him long to do it, + though Cadmus might well feel uneasy over what would take place when + Sterry should learn the trick played on him. + </p> + <p> + It may be that a person's senses are keener in situations of grave peril + than at other times, for, calculating as clearly as he could the period it + would take his comrade to reach the horsemen, only a short way back on the + prairie, Cadmus heard sounds which indicated their approach, though they + must remain invisible for several minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Wal," said he, in his off-hand manner, directly after Whitney had whisked + into the house, "now that you're together, how long do you mean to keep + this thing up?" + </p> + <p> + "We're through," was the response. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" asked the surprised fellow. + </p> + <p> + "You can go away as soon as you please. Mont Sterry doesn't care anything + more about you, but I'll keep you covered as long as you are in sight, and + if you or any of your men try any deception you'll take the consequences." + </p> + <p> + With a moment's hesitation, doubtless caused by distrust of his master, + Cadmus began edging to one side. A few steps were enough to take him out + of range of that dreaded weapon, and then his demeanour changed. + </p> + <p> + "That was a good trick of yours, Mont Sterry, but it won't do you a bit of + good." + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Here come the rest of the boys, and if you think you can hold them up, + why try it." + </p> + <p> + At that moment the horsemen assumed form in the gloom and approached the + house in a diagonal direction. Encouraged by their presence, Larch Cadmus + once more moved toward the open door and resumed the position of leader. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my fine fellow, we summon you to surrender," he called in his + brusquest voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + The reply was striking. A young man stepped from the door and advanced to + meet the horsemen. There was an instant when Cadmus believed his victim + had come forth to give himself up as commanded, but one glance showed that + it was Fred Whitney. He calmly awaited the coming of the mounted men, + saluted them, and said: + </p> + <p> + "You have come for Mont Sterry, and Cadmus there assures me that if I give + him my word that he is not in my house he will accept the statement; do + you agree to it?" + </p> + <p> + "How's that, Larch?" asked Ira Inman, turning toward him. + </p> + <p> + "Them was my words, but—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I have to say that Mont Sterry is not in my house; the only + persons there are my mother and sister." + </p> + <p> + "But I seen him, and he got the drop on me—how's that?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Whitney, enjoying his triumph, "he was there a few minutes + ago, and he <i>did</i> get the drop on you and the rest of your fellows; + but I took his place; he went out of the back door, mounted his mare, and + if there's any of you that think you can overhaul him, you can't start a + moment too soon." + </p> + <p> + No man who heard these words doubted their truth. They told such a + straightforward tale that they could not be questioned. They would have + been zanies had they believed that, with the back door at command and the + certain approach of his enemies, Sterry had waited for them to attack him. + </p> + <p> + True, he and his friend would have held a strong position, in which they + could have made it warm for the others, but the ultimate advantage must + have been on the side of the assailants. + </p> + <p> + The laugh was on Cadmus, and those were the men who, in their chagrin, + vented their feelings upon him. The worst of it was, he was as angry as + they; but he might well ask how he could have helped himself, and whether + any one of them would have done any better. + </p> + <p> + The foxy Holly, at a whispered word from Inman, darted around the end of + the building and entered the stables. A brief examination showed that no + animals, all being known to him, except those belonging to Whitney, were + there. + </p> + <p> + Had any doubt remained, it was removed by his sense of hearing. Without + the intervention of the dwelling to obstruct the sound, he caught the + faint, rhythmic beating of the earth, barely audible and gradually growing + fainter in the distance. It was just such a sound as is made by a horse + going at a leisurely, sweeping gallop, and that was the explanation he + gave it. + </p> + <p> + Mont Sterry was safe beyond pursuit, for there was no horse in the company + that could overtake him. Spark Holly returned to the party in front and + made his report. + </p> + <p> + It may be said the report was accepted and placed on file for future + reference. + </p> + <p> + It was characteristic of those men, too, that they did not delay their own + actions, now that their business may be said to have been finished. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Inman, "that isn't the first time that fellow gave us the + slip to-night. The way he did it before was mighty clever, but I don't see + that he deserves any credit for fooling Cadmus, for any one would have + known enough to do that. But remember that Mr. Mont Sterry is still in + Wyoming, and we are not through with him yet." + </p> + <p> + "And there ain't any twenty-four hours' truce," added Cadmus. + </p> + <p> + "After what has taken place, there's little fear of Sterry making any + mistake on that point," said Whitney, who was so pleased over the outcome + of matters that he could speak in gentler terms than he would have used + had the circumstances been different. + </p> + <p> + It would seem strange that these men, who but a brief time before were so + hostile to the single person now in their power, should converse without + the least offensive action; but most, if not all, of the doings of the men + concerned in the late troubles in that section were in hot blood, and + would not have occurred had time been taken for thought and consideration. + </p> + <p> + Inman and his brother rustlers wheeled about and rode off in the direction + whence they came. Their movements indicated that they had no intention of + following Sterry, since the course taken by him was almost directly the + opposite; but Whitney was not fully satisfied. He remained in front of his + home, listening in the stillness of the night to the sounds made by the + hoofs of the galloping horses. + </p> + <p> + Gradually they grew fainter, until, had there been any air stirring, or + had the tension of hearing been less, he would have heard nothing; but, + when the noises were hovering close to inaudibility, they continued thus. + They neither increased nor diminished, but remaining the same, steadily + shifted the direction whence they came. + </p> + <p> + Instead of keeping to the westward, as they had been for a long time, they + worked around to the north and east. Then the decrease in distinctness of + sound was so rapid that it was quickly lost. + </p> + <p> + The truth was evident: the rustlers had started in pursuit of Sterry, + though why they should have taken so much pains to conceal the fact from + Fred Whitney was more than he could understand. + </p> + <p> + "They may overtake him," thought the young man as he turned to enter the + house, "but it will not be right away." + </p> + <p> + A light foot-fall sounded in the darkness of the room. + </p> + <p> + "Is that you, Jennie?" he asked in a guarded undertone. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, brother; have they gone?" + </p> + <p> + "Some time ago. Is mother asleep?" + </p> + <p> + "She was asleep before they came, utterly worn out. I am glad she knows + nothing of the cause of their visit. And what of Monteith?" + </p> + <p> + "He is many miles away, and still riding hard." + </p> + <p> + "Will they pursue him?" + </p> + <p> + "Let them do so if they wish, they will have a fine time overtaking him," + was the light reply of the brother, who, leaning over in the gloom, + affectionately kissed his sister good-night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — THE BURNED RANCH. + </h2> + <p> + Meanwhile Monteith Sterry was making the best of his opportunity. + </p> + <p> + It was no great exploit for him to slip out of the back door, when he + found his enemies gathering in front; but, had he not been convinced that + the movement was in the interests of his friends, as well as himself, he + would not have made it. + </p> + <p> + His flight was at a moderate pace for several hundred yards, by which time + he considered himself safe from pursuit and gave his mare free rein. Her + speed was rapid, but she was capable of maintaining it for hours without + fatigue. + </p> + <p> + Sterry's intention was to make his way to the ranch of his friend, Dick + Hawkridge, which lay to the westward. He began veering in that direction, + so that it may be said that while Inman and his band were riding toward + him, he was approaching them. Two causes, however, prevented a meeting of + the parties. + </p> + <p> + Sterry was much further out than the rustlers, and in the darkness they + could see nothing, if indeed they could hear anything of each other. Then + he had not ridden far when he was checked by an unexpected sight. + </p> + <p> + A bright red glow appeared to the northward in the sky. It was too vivid, + distinct and near for him to mistake its nature. It was a burning + building, the flames showing so strongly that, aware as he was of the + deceptive nature of such a light, he knew it was no more than a mile away. + He turned the head of his mare in that direction. + </p> + <p> + "Things seem to be stirring to-night," was his thought as he galloped + forward, with his gaze fixed on the burning structure. "That may be an + accident, but such accidents are not common in this part of the world." + </p> + <p> + His supposition was that it was the work of the rustlers, but he was + mistaken. + </p> + <p> + The building was similar to that occupied by the Whitneys, though somewhat + smaller, and burned so fast that when he reached the spot it was a mass of + blazing embers, with hardly a semblance of the original structure + remaining. + </p> + <p> + The sight was interesting of itself, but the attention of Sterry was + riveted by the figure of a man lying motionless on the ground, only a few + paces in front of where the door had been. His nerveless right hand still + grasped the Winchester with which he had evidently made a sturdy fight + when stricken down. + </p> + <p> + Sterry did not dismount, but, sitting in the saddle, looked on the + sorrowful sight as revealed by the glow of the burning building. He was + saddened that such things should be. + </p> + <p> + Little time, however, was given him for gloomy reverie, when Queenie + sniffed the air and turned her head a little to one side. Looking in that + direction, the rider saw the figure of a horseman assume shape in the glow + as his animal advanced at a slow step. He must have detected Sterry before + the latter saw him, and was studying him with close attention, his rifle + supported across his saddle in front, ready for instant use. + </p> + <p> + Reading his suspicion, the young man called out: + </p> + <p> + "Come on, partner! You and I cannot be enemies at such a time as this." + </p> + <p> + The salutation reassured the other, who increased his pace. + </p> + <p> + Before he reached Sterry the latter half-regretted his action, for he + recognized the man as Duke Vesey, one of the most notorious of rustlers + and a bitter personal enemy. But a certain chivalry rules among such + people, and after the greeting of Sterry to Vesey there was little danger + of the latter taking unfair advantage of it. + </p> + <p> + "This is bad business," remarked the younger, pointing to the figure on + the ground. + </p> + <p> + A hard look crossed the face of the rustler and his thin lips compressed + as he shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's what's left of Jack Perkins; he was my pard." + </p> + <p> + "How did it happen?" + </p> + <p> + "How did it happen! A pretty question for you to ask. He was killed by the + stockmen less than an hour ago." + </p> + <p> + "But they didn't ride hither and shoot him down, I am sure." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you can be sure of," said Vesey, ominously. "Jack and I + were riding along peaceable like, when we heard horsemen behind us. We + didn't pay any attention to them till we got home and Jack slipped off his + horse. I concluded to stay in the saddle until the fellows came up and I + had a talk with them. They were Capt. Asbury and his stockmen, and the + first thing they called out was an order for us to throw up our hands. + </p> + <p> + "Well," continued Vesey, grimly, "we aren't in that kind of business, and + the next thing the guns were popping all around us. Jack had nerve. I wish + the poor fellow had stayed in the saddle; but his horse scooted off, and + he stood right there where he fell, without a leaf to shelter him, and + pumped the lead into those stockmen, who were mean enough to shoot the + brave fellow in his tracks without giving him a chance for life." + </p> + <p> + "You told me they ordered him to surrender before the firing began." + </p> + <p> + "So they did, that they might shoot him down the easier. I had a hot chase + with them, and it was a pretty close call for me; but they didn't keep up + the hunt for long. You would think," added Vesey, bitterly, "that they + would have been satisfied with dropping poor Jack, without burning down + our home; but that is the style of the stockmen." + </p> + <p> + Here was a representative of each of the factions, or associations, so + hostile to each other. The rustler knew Monteith Sterry, and must have + felt a consuming resentment toward him. His words and manner indicated, + too, that he was not averse to a quarrel. He had fought the stockmen more + than once, and, with the memory of the recent collision and the advantages + on the other side, he welcomed the chance of a conflict on anything like + equal terms. + </p> + <p> + Monteith did not stand in any personal fear of the famous rustler, and was + fully armed and on the alert. Without seeming to do so, he kept a watch on + the man, but he disliked the thought of a personal encounter with him. The + scene, the surroundings, and his own nature, revolted, and he resolved to + submit to all that it was possible to bear before falling back on the last + resort. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt," said Sterry, "there has been injustice on both sides, and + stockmen as well as rustlers have done things for which there is no + justification; I hope the trouble will soon end." + </p> + <p> + "It will end as soon as we get justice." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Sterry could not help retorting, "for if justice were done to you + rustlers none would be left. However," he hastened to add, "there is no + reason why you and I should quarrel, Vesey; I had no share in the death of + your friend; and if the case is as you represent it, he was more sinned + against than sinning." + </p> + <p> + "Of course you had no share in that simply because you wasn't here, but + you have been concerned in other affairs like this where some of the + rustlers have gone down." + </p> + <p> + "It is quite possible I have," coolly replied Sterry, "inasmuch as when a + man is attacked it is his duty to defend himself. I have not yet been + convinced that I ought to stand up and allow others to do as they please + when weapons were in my hands." + </p> + <p> + "You have no business in Wyoming anyway," said Vesey, angrily; "you have + been sent here by the Association to do its underhand work." + </p> + <p> + "Duke Vesey," said Sterry, "you are a man of too much education to talk in + that way. If you and I quarrel, it will be your fault, but don't fancy + that I hold you in any fear. Good-night." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — THE TRUCE. + </h2> + <p> + It was a dignified proceeding on the part of Monteith Sterry, and the + rustler possessed enough gentlemanly instinct to appreciate the feelings + of the young man, who had attested his courage too often for any one to + question it. But at the moment of wheeling his mare to ride off both + caught the sound of approaching horsemen, and Sterry checked his animal. + </p> + <p> + "Who are they?" he asked, glancing at the rustler. + </p> + <p> + "How should I know? They may be some of your folks." + </p> + <p> + "They are as likely to be yours. I don't think, Duke, it is wise for us to + stay here where we offer such inviting targets, for whoever the party may + be, one of us is sure to be an enemy." + </p> + <p> + Monteith Sterry moved away from the area of illumination as he spoke, + Vesey keeping close to his side. + </p> + <p> + "Is it understood, Duke," asked the younger, "there's a truce between you + and me?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course; if you know anything about Duke Vesey, you know he's square. + If they happen to be some of our boys, I won't take any advantage of you, + nor let them, if I can help it." + </p> + <p> + "And if they are Capt. Asbury and others, I will reciprocate." + </p> + <p> + Enough was said. Enemies though the men were, no bosom friends could have + been more in unison for the time. Ready to shoot each other on sight less + than an hour before, and as they were liable to be within the following + hour, they were equally ready to risk their lives, if necessary, to carry + out the pledge just exchanged. + </p> + <p> + They had to ride but a short way when the gloom became deep enough to + protect them against the sight of the horsemen who were approaching from + the opposite direction. + </p> + <p> + Six men rode into view, halting on the spot vacated by the couple just + before, the one at the head being recognized in the glow of the burning + ruins as Capt. Asbury, with whom the affray had taken place a short time + previous. Sterry knew each, as did his companion. + </p> + <p> + "All the party do not seem to be there," remarked Sterry. + </p> + <p> + "They are not," replied Vesey; "three are missing." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if anything can have happened to them?" + </p> + <p> + "Accidents are liable to take place in this part of the world—" + </p> + <p> + "Hands up!" was the startling command that broke upon the couple at that + moment, from a point directly behind them. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, Sterry and Vesey had been seen by the horsemen as they + stole away in the gloom. Capt. Asbury, suspecting they were rustlers, sent + three of his men out beyond them on foot, and they did their part so well + that they came up without alarming either of their horses, who ordinarily + would have detected them. + </p> + <p> + "I've been trapped!" muttered Vesey, savagely, glancing at the figures, + standing but a short way off in the moonlight, with their Winchesters + levelled. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," said Sterry, quickly, "up with your hands, as I do, or we'll + both catch it; I'll stand by you." + </p> + <p> + The rustler was wise enough to obey, with only a momentary hesitation. Had + he not done so, he would never have had a second chance, for the stockmen + were very much in earnest. + </p> + <p> + The footmen came forward with their weapons at a level, for they were too + prudent to give their prisoners a chance. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, Hendricks?" asked Sterry, with a laugh, as the trio joined + them. + </p> + <p> + The man addressed peered closely in his face, suspecting, and yet not + convinced of his identity until after a minute or two. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be hanged!" he exclaimed; "is that you, Mont?" + </p> + <p> + "I have a suspicion that it is," was the reply of Sterry, laughing quite + heartily as he lowered his hands. + </p> + <p> + "Who is your friend?" he asked, moving around to gain a better view of the + rustler. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that's the man we're looking for," added Hendricks a moment later; + "he's Duke Vesey, the partner of the late Jack Perkins." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," Sterry hastened to say, "but he is under the protection + of a flag of truce." + </p> + <p> + "A flag of truce!" repeated the other; "where is it?" + </p> + <p> + "I gave him my pledge to shield him against you folks, as he agreed to do + if your party had proven to be his friends." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's a queer state of affairs," laughed the other, not forgetting + to keep guard of the prisoner, who was permitted to lower his hands. The + other stockmen were equally alert, now that there was but one man to + watch, so that Vesey was really as helpless as though deprived of all his + weapons. + </p> + <p> + "I do not see what is so queer about it," replied Sterry, warmly; "we + heard you coming and moved off out of sight. Before doing so Vesey pledged + himself to stand by me against any of his friends, if it became necessary, + and I promised to do the same for him. The issue shows that it is my + privilege to keep my promise—that's all." + </p> + <p> + It was plain that Hendricks felt himself in a quandary. He had been sent + out to capture the two men under the supposition that they were rustlers. + It was proved that one of them was the very individual whom Capt. Asbury + was anxious to secure. To release him after taking him prisoner would + place his captor in anything but a pleasant situation with his leader. + </p> + <p> + Suspecting his dilemma, Sterry said: + </p> + <p> + "You can readily arrange it by taking me in as prisoner and allowing Vesey + to go." + </p> + <p> + "That is all well enough, but it will put me in a hole that I don't intend + to be put in. Capt. Asbury is the boss of this business; you two can ride + up to him and make your report; that will place the responsibility where + it belongs." + </p> + <p> + This seemed reasonable, but Sterry felt uneasy. He knew the violent temper + of Capt. Asbury, and feared he would refuse to acknowledge the agreement + as binding upon him. On the other hand, Sterry was determined to stand by + his pledge to the last. + </p> + <p> + "I can't consent to that," he said. + </p> + <p> + "You've got to," replied Hendricks; "it is idle to suppose that any such + bargain as you may choose to make can be binding on others who were not + present when it was made, and therefore were not parties to it." + </p> + <p> + "That is one way of putting it, but the promise is binding on me, and as + true as I am a living man I will fight to the death against you and the + whole party before this person shall suffer because of his faith in my + word." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, then, fight it is; he has got to surrender to Capt. Asbury and + await what he is willing to do with him." + </p> + <p> + "Duke," said Sterry, turning to the rustler, "it's two of us against + three, and you and I have been there before." + </p> + <p> + But on the verge of the explosion the rustler came to the rescue. + </p> + <p> + "There's no need of any row, Sterry; I'll surrender and take my chances." + </p> + <p> + And to settle the dispute he struck his horse into a gallop, and before + the surprise was over rode up to the group, who were gazing wonderingly + off in the gloom, whence came the sound of voices. + </p> + <p> + Sterry and the footmen were but a brief space behind them. While the + astonished captain and his companions were looking around for an + explanation, Mont Sterry made it in as brief and pointed words as were at + his command. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury fixed his gray eyes upon the handsome countenance of the + young man during the few minutes he was speaking, and Sterry saw, despite + the forceful terms in which he stated the agreement, that the leading + stockman was angry. + </p> + <p> + "I've no objection," he remarked, striving to control his voice, which was + tremulous with anger, "if you choose to play the woman, but I don't see + what I've got to do with it." + </p> + <p> + "Vesey surrendered under my promise that he should be protected; had he + not believed that promise he would not have surrendered." + </p> + <p> + "But would have been shot down where he sat in the saddle. Had he been + beyond reach and come in under such a pledge, the case would have been + altogether different; but as it is—" + </p> + <p> + The fateful words were interrupted by a rush and dash. Attention had been + diverted for the moment from the prisoner to the one who was pleading for + him and to him who held his fate in his hands. The observant Vesey saw the + inevitable trend of events, and, taking advantage of the chance, was off + like a thunderbolt. + </p> + <p> + The parting glimpse showed him leaning forward on his horse, who was + plunging at utmost speed straight away in the gloom. A half dozen shots + were sent after him and something like pursuit was attempted, but brief as + was the start gained it was sufficient, and he was soon beyond all danger. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — A MESSENGER IN HASTE. + </h2> + <p> + The daring escape of the prisoner did not tend to improve the temper of + Capt. Asbury, and he indulged in a number of emphatic expressions, during + which Monteith Sterry was dignified enough to hold his peace. + </p> + <p> + But the leader of the stockmen quickly recovered his self-poise and + accepted the matter as one of the peculiar incidents liable to take place + at any time. + </p> + <p> + His version of the difficulty with the rustlers differed from that given + by Vesey. They rode up to the house, not knowing who dwelt there, and were + received with a shot, which, fortunately, did no damage. Duke Vesey was at + the rear, near the structure in which the horses were stabled, when he + hurriedly mounted and dashed off, just as he had recently done. He did not + make a fight like his companion, who, as was represented, stood his + ground. He was repeatedly summoned to surrender, but paid no heed to it, + and it became a choice whether to shoot him down or allow him to empty the + saddles. + </p> + <p> + While Sterry could not feel so well disposed toward Vesey after hearing + this account, he did not regret the part he had acted, and he was also + suspicious that Capt. Asbury had tinged his version with a little romance. + </p> + <p> + The incident itself was of small moment, but the consequences were likely + to be far-reaching and important. One of the rustlers had fallen and his + companion had escaped. His story of the fight would place the blame wholly + upon the stockmen and inflame the feeling between the rustlers and + ranchmen, already at a dangerous intensity. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury was out with his men for the purpose of arresting several of + the most notorious of the offenders against the law. Those rustlers were + sufficiently powerful to make trouble. If they were given time to organize + they could sweep the captain and his little party from the earth. There + was reason to believe they would do that very thing, now that Duke Vesey + was at liberty to spread his account of the last outrage. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury held a brief consultation with his men, all, including + Sterry, taking part. The consensus of opinion was that they ought to + effect a junction with some of the larger parties of stockmen known to be + abroad, or withdraw to some safe point like Buffalo, Riverside, or the + nearest military station. + </p> + <p> + Ira Inman, Larch Cadmus and the others were on the "war-path," and at no + great distance. Morning would probably find them in sight, if the stockmen + should stay where they were. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury decided to ride to the westward, in the hope of effecting a + junction with friends or of reaching a point where they would be secure + against their assailants. + </p> + <p> + The night was well advanced, but their horses had done comparatively + little travelling and were capable of a good deal more. The captain took + the lead, holding only occasional converse with his men as he swung along + at an easy pace; but he, like the rest, was on the lookout for danger, + which was liable to approach from any point of the compass. + </p> + <p> + A marked change showed itself in the temperature. The weather, as will be + remembered, had been unusually mild earlier in the evening, but it now + became sharp and chilly, as though the breath from the snowy mountain + crests was wafted down upon them. + </p> + <p> + In a valley-like depression, an hour later, where there was an abundance + of grass, beside a flowing stream of water, the party went into camp, with + a couple of their number on guard, just as they would have done if in a + hostile country—which in point of fact was the case. + </p> + <p> + The night passed, however, without any disturbance, and all were astir + before sunrise. The men were provided with several days' rations, while + the succulent grass afforded the animals all the food they needed, so + there was no trouble on that score. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury and Monteith Sterry mounted their horses and rode to the + crest of the nearest elevation, which was fully 100 feet in height and + commanded a wide sweep of country. The morning was clear and bright, and + the first glance they cast to the northward revealed a stirring sight. A + horseman was less than a half-mile away, and riding at headlong speed, as + if in the extremity of mortal fright. + </p> + <p> + "What can it mean?" asked the puzzled leader; "no one is pursuing him, and + I see no cause for his panic." + </p> + <p> + "I suspect," replied Sterry, thoughtfully, "that he is a messenger + bringing important tidings to you." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — IMPORTANT TIDINGS. + </h2> + <p> + It seemed strange that the messenger, if such he was, should know the + right course to follow in order to reach the camp of Capt. Asbury, for he + was riding directly toward it, and that, too, at the highest speed of + which his horse was capable. + </p> + <p> + But Monteith Sterry had noted a fact which escaped the captain, though he + was an observant man. The horseman was not approaching the camp at the + moment the couple reached the crest of the elevation and began + scrutinizing the surrounding country; he was going at right angles to it, + but (as it afterward proved) he carried a glass, with which, at that + moment, he was also scanning the horizon for something he was very anxious + to find. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately he caught sight of the couple, and though he could not be + assured of their identity at so great a distance, the suspicion of the + truth as to Capt. Asbury caused him to put his animal to his best speed. + </p> + <p> + In a brief time he rode up. While some rods away he recognized the captain + and saluted him. A little nearer approach and he identified Sterry, who + was astonished beyond measure to discover that he was his old friend, Dick + Hawkridge, toward whose ranch he had ridden on the preceding evening. + </p> + <p> + "You're out early, Dick," was the salutation of Sterry, as his old friend + reined up beside him and extended his hand. + </p> + <p> + "And are riding hard," added Capt. Asbury, who liked the young man. + </p> + <p> + "I ride hard," replied Hawkridge, gravely, "because there is need of it; I + was looking for you." + </p> + <p> + "And why looking for me?" inquired the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Because you and your men are in great peril." + </p> + <p> + "Ah. What might be its nature?" + </p> + <p> + "From the rustlers." + </p> + <p> + "I was trying to persuade myself that it was they who were in peril from + us, but you put it differently." + </p> + <p> + "It might be as you wish if you had twenty-five or fifty men; but with + less than a dozen, and more than twice that number looking for you, + discretion is the better part of valor." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me, Hawkridge, how all this interesting information came to you," + continued Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "My ranch is not far to the northward, my cattle are ranging among the + foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, and all my hands are with them. I sat + up late last night, going over my accounts and trying to get them into + shape, and it was past midnight when two rustlers rode up. I supposed they + meant to stay all night and invited them in. I have never had any trouble + with them, and they had two purposes in calling. One was to give me a + little advice, and the other to secure information." + </p> + <p> + "Their advice, I suppose, was that you cast in your fortunes with them, + and take up the business of branding mavericks and altering other brands." + </p> + <p> + "Hardly that, but it was that I should keep out of the trouble, for there + are going to be ugly times. Now you know that, however much I may wish to + let things proceed smoothly, I will never identify myself with the + law-breakers. I gave my callers to understand that, and I think they + respect my position. + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me," added Hawkridge, thoughtfully, "that there have been + some woeful mistakes made. The Cattle Association have organized an + expedition to rid Johnson, Natroma and Converse Counties of + cattle-thieves, as they call them. They have imported twenty-five picked + men from Texas, every one of whom is a fighter and dead shot, with Capt. + Smith, an ex-U.S. marshal, as their leader. One of the party may be taken + as a type of the rest. He is Scott Davis, once a guard on the Deadwood + coach, and he carries a gun with twenty notches on the stock, each + representing the death of a road-agent or other outlaw. + </p> + <p> + "The expedition left Cheyenne some days ago and is somewhere in this + section. Strong as it is, it is doomed to defeat, for I don't care how + brave and skilful those fellows are, they are no more so than the + rustlers, who far outnumber them. + </p> + <p> + "However, it isn't that which concerns you and me just now, though it may + do so later. The rustlers have learned that you are out with a small + party, and they are after you." + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury was a brave man, and he did not start on hearing this + announcement, for he had been expecting it from the first; but he was + prudent as well as daring, and he knew his young friend did not + underestimate the danger of himself and companions. + </p> + <p> + "Have they learned anything about last night's doings?" asked Sterry. + </p> + <p> + "That's what started me off after you in such a hurry. My callers stayed + more than two hours, and were about leaving when who should ride up but + Duke Vesey, with his story of the killing of his comrade, Jack Perkins, by + you and your men." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose he called it a murder," remarked Capt. Asbury, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the worst kind, too. I knew he was drawing a long bow, but he will + tell it to others, and it will spread like wildfire. He was looking for + Ira Inman, Larch Cadmus and his party. There are more of them than you and + others are aware of, riding up and down the country, ripe for any + mischief. From what I know, Inman and a dozen of the most desperate + rustlers are in the neighborhood, and as the two fellows who were at my + ranch volunteered to help Vesey find them they will do it pretty soon, if + they have not already done so. Vesey declared it as his belief that you + would be discovered not far from his burned home, so as soon as they left + I mounted my best horse and started to give you warning." + </p> + <p> + "I appreciate your kindness, Hawkridge; how did you know the right + direction?" + </p> + <p> + "I knew the course to Vesey's ranch, and was speeding that way when I + caught sight of you and Sterry on the top of this hill. I took a squint + through my glass, was pretty sure who it was, and then came like mad. I + didn't suspect it was you though, Mont, until I almost ran against you." + </p> + <p> + "Did Vesey say anything about me?" asked Sterry, with a meaning glance at + the captain. + </p> + <p> + "He said you had acted like a white man in some dispute, but he didn't + give the particulars and I didn't question him. He is intensely bitter + against the captain and his party, and declares that not one of them shall + get out of the country alive; and, captain, Duke Vesey is a man of his + word." + </p> + <p> + "Then I suppose I may consider myself disposed of," replied Asbury, with a + laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Not as bad as that, but it depends upon yourself." + </p> + <p> + "What do you advise?" + </p> + <p> + "Start southward at once with your men; if you meet the Texans and their + friends, join them if you choose; it will make their strength so much the + greater, and they need it all. If you fail to meet them, keep on till you + cross the Platte and strike Fort Fetterman. In other words, captain, you + have no business to be where you are." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — AT BAY. + </h2> + <p> + Capt. Asbury drew a cigar from his pocket and lit it, first offering one + to each of his companions. He puffed in silence for a minute or two, + evidently absorbed in thought. He was a veteran of the civil war, and had + learned to be cool in dangerous crises. + </p> + <p> + "Hawkridge," he remarked, removing his cigar, "you are right in the main, + although not wholly so." + </p> + <p> + "I await correction." + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless it is all true what you say about the festive rustlers roaming + up and down the land seeking whom they may devour, but you forget that, + leaving out the quarter of a hundred from the Lone Star State, there are + also other bands of stockmen abroad. Now, if we could effect a junction + with one or two of those companies, why, you'll admit, the aspect of + affairs will be changed." + </p> + <p> + "Unquestionably; but consider how slight the chance—" + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary, I think the prospect is good. Now, if you'll be kind + enough to level your glass to the eastward, possibly you will observe + something interesting." + </p> + <p> + Both young men quickly turned their heads in the direction indicated, and + there, sure enough, was descried a body of horsemen, probably a mile + distant, approaching on a gallop. + </p> + <p> + Hawkridge levelled his glass. While thus engaged, Capt. Asbury signalled + to his men to mount and be ready to move on a moment's call. + </p> + <p> + It was well to be ready for any emergency. + </p> + <p> + Dick Hawkridge studied the horsemen closely for some minutes without + speaking. Then, with his eye still at the glass, he repeated slowly, as if + to himself: + </p> + <p> + "There are thirteen of them, and the spotted horse at the head I am sure + belongs to Ira Inman; the whole party are rustlers." + </p> + <p> + He lowered the binocular and looked at the captain, adding: + </p> + <p> + "I suspected it; their party is but a little stronger than yours, for Mont + and I will stand with you, but it seems to me it would be foolish to risk + a fight in the open." + </p> + <p> + "I am willing to retreat, but I don't intend to be run out of Wyoming by + all the rustlers between Sheridan and Cheyenne. I am willing, however," he + added, with a smile, "to make a strategical movement to the rear until we + strike some place where there's a show for defence; do you know of any + such place?" + </p> + <p> + "My house is well fitted for that, and is not far off." + </p> + <p> + "All right; lead on." + </p> + <p> + By this time the rest of the party had ridden to the top of the hill, + where the situation was quickly made clear to them. They looked off at the + party of rustlers, and several expressed the wish that the captain would + stay and fight them; but he replied that they were quite certain to get + enough of fighting before they were many days older, and he followed + Hawkridge. + </p> + <p> + At sight of the flight, the rustlers uttered tantalizing shouts and + discharged their Winchesters in the air. At the same time they increased + the speed of their animals; but, as they were no better mounted than the + stockmen, there was little chance of overtaking them. + </p> + <p> + The surface was undulating, the ground being well covered with verdure + even thus early in the spring. Sometimes pursuers and fugitives were out + of sight of each other for a minute or two, but not long enough to affect + the situation. + </p> + <p> + The course was northwest, and Hawkridge was hopeful that they would reach + his ranch in an hour or a little more. And this they probably would have + done had they not been interrupted, or rather checked, by the unexpected + appearance of a third company of horsemen, almost directly in front of the + stockmen. + </p> + <p> + "It may be they are friends," said Capt. Asbury, instantly bringing his + horse down to a walk, as did the others. + </p> + <p> + But the hope was delusive. A brief scrutiny of the strangers through the + glass by Dick Hawkridge left no doubt that they, too, were rustlers, + probably engaged on the same errand as Inman and his men. + </p> + <p> + This, of course, overthrew the plan of taking refuge at the ranch of + Hawkridge, with a view of defending themselves, for to push on insured a + collision with the party in front. They seemed to be about as numerous as + Inman's company, and as the latter were sure to arrive before anything + could be accomplished by the most spirited attack on the rustlers, it + would have been folly to incur such a risk. + </p> + <p> + The most obvious course was to turn to the left, with no special object + except to reach some place that could be used as a means of defence. In a + country with such a varied surface it ought not to take long to find a + refuge. + </p> + <p> + Dick Hawkridge, when leading the way to his home, acted as guide, and now + that the change was made he continued to do so because of his familiarity + with the country. Beside him rode his friend, Mont Sterry, with Capt. + Asbury and the rest following in loose order. + </p> + <p> + It was an interesting question as to how Inman and the others would act + upon meeting, and the stockmen watched for the junction. + </p> + <p> + At the moment the abrupt turn was made in the course of the fugitives the + two parties of rustlers did not see each other, a precipitous ridge + preventing. They must have been puzzled, therefore, to understand the + cause of the sudden change in the line of flight. + </p> + <p> + The mystery, however, was speedily cleared up, and the rustlers greeted + each other with ringing cheers, adding a few derisive shouts to the + fleeing stockmen. They were seen to mingle for a short time only, while + they discussed the situation. Then the company, increased to more than a + score, galloped after the cattlemen. + </p> + <p> + A fight was inevitable, for the flight and pursuit could not continue + indefinitely. Brave and confident, the rustlers were ardent for the + opportunity, while Capt. Asbury and his men were equally eager to come + upon some place which would do something toward equalizing the strength of + the combatants. + </p> + <p> + It was humiliating thus to flee before the very men whom he had set out to + arrest, but what veteran has not been obliged to do humiliating things in + the course of his career? + </p> + <p> + "This flight can't continue much longer," quietly remarked Monteith Sterry + to Hawkridge, at his side. + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "The men are dissatisfied and are unwilling to keep it up. We have let + those fellows approach so near that their bullets come uncomfortably + close. + </p> + <p> + "Capt. Asbury is growing impatient; I shouldn't wonder if he gives the + order to stop and have it out with them. It will be warm work if we do, + but over that next ridge I think we shall gain sight of a good place for + making a stand." + </p> + <p> + Something in the appearance of the surroundings was familiar to Sterry, + but he could not identify them. + </p> + <p> + Just then two of the rustlers fired their guns, and the pinge of one of + the bullets was plainly heard. Sterry looked around and saw Capt. Asbury + compress his lips and shake his head; he did not like the way things were + going. A crisis was at hand. + </p> + <p> + The top of the ridge being attained, all saw a large structure below, and + not far off. + </p> + <p> + "Do you recognize it?" asked Hawkridge, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + "No—why, yes; is it possible?" + </p> + <p> + "You ought to know it, for, if I am not mistaken, you are considerably + interested in one member of the family." + </p> + <p> + "I never supposed we were so near Fred Whitney's home," was the amazed + comment of Sterry, who was in doubt whether, under the circumstances, he + ought to be pleased or not. + </p> + <p> + "There's where we'll make a stand," called out Capt. Asbury, "and let the + music begin." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — THE PRIMITIVE FORT. + </h2> + <p> + "Move a little lively, boys," added the captain, spurring his horse to a + faster gait; "there'll be some shooting, and they're closer than they + ought to be." + </p> + <p> + By a providential coincidence, the whole party of rustlers halted before + ascending the ridge, which would give them a view of the building in which + the stockmen were about to make a stand. They probably saw the + impossibility of overtaking the fugitives by a direct pursuit, and paused + to decide upon some different course of action. + </p> + <p> + This was proven by what they did a few minutes later, for they separated + into two divisions, one turning to the right and the other to the left. + They seemed to think that the course of their enemies must change soon, in + which case there was a chance of heading them off and bringing them + between two fires. The rustlers were more familiar with the country than + the stockmen, and, had the chase continued, it is likely it would have + resulted as they expected. + </p> + <p> + But, strangely enough, these people forgot the Whitney home, upon which it + may be said the horsemen stumbled the next moment. + </p> + <p> + Down the ridge rode the dozen or more, Hawkridge, Sterry and Capt. Asbury + at the head, with the others almost upon their heels. In the brisk morning + air the frightened Jennie Whitney hastened to the door and gazed + wonderingly upon the party. + </p> + <p> + She recognized the handsome youth, who doffed his hat, a courtesy + instantly imitated by Hawkridge, the captain, and then the rest of the + men, as they halted in front of the door, where stood the pale and + startled mother, at a loss to understand the meaning of the strange sight. + </p> + <p> + "Good-morning!" called Sterry. "Where's Fred?" + </p> + <p> + "He's on the range with the men, looking after the cattle." + </p> + <p> + "And are you and your mother alone?" + </p> + <p> + "We are the only ones in the house. What is the meaning of all this?" she + asked, looking with astonishment at the horsemen. + </p> + <p> + "We are pursued by a company of rustlers," replied Hawkridge; "they are + directly behind us; I started to lead our friends to my ranch, but they + headed us off, and we were compelled to apply here for shelter." + </p> + <p> + "You are welcome," Mrs. Whitney hastened to say; "dismount and come in as + soon as you can." + </p> + <p> + Sterry, Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury thanked her simultaneously. Time was + beyond value. They expected every instant to hear the crack of the rifles + and the shouts of their enemies on the crest of the ridge, and could not + comprehend why they were delayed. + </p> + <p> + They dashed to the structure at the rear and a short distance from the + dwelling, into which they ran their horses, slipped off their trappings, + and hurried back to the house. + </p> + <p> + Every one was inside and not a shot fired, nor was a rustler seen. It was + beyond explanation. + </p> + <p> + But the stockmen were wise enough to turn to the best account the grace + thus given to them. + </p> + <p> + They stationed themselves at the front and rear doors and windows with + loaded weapons, on the alert to wing the first rustler who showed himself. + </p> + <p> + Sterry found time to exchange a few words with Jennie and her mother. + </p> + <p> + "It is too bad," he said, "to put you to this trouble and danger; but the + rustlers outnumber us more than two to one, and it was the only hope that + offered itself." + </p> + <p> + "And glad am I that it <i>did</i> present itself. O, if my poor husband + had been here when they attacked him!" + </p> + <p> + "When do you expect the return of Fred?" + </p> + <p> + "Not before night, and the hands may not come with him. He does not dream + of anything like this." + </p> + <p> + "Nor did we, a little while ago. Had any other refuge presented itself we + would have seized it; but I never suspected we were near your home until + we came over the ridge and saw it but a few rods away." + </p> + <p> + "But, where are they?" asked the wondering Jennie. + </p> + <p> + "That's something I don't understand, for they were near enough for their + bullets to whistle about our ears." + </p> + <p> + "They have seen where you took shelter and are afraid to attack you." + </p> + <p> + "That may be; but why don't they show themselves?" + </p> + <p> + At this moment Capt. Asbury approached. Repeating his regrets that they + should place their friends in such danger, he said: + </p> + <p> + "As there is no saying how long we shall have to stay here, we ought to + learn the nature of our defences. Our horses are in the stables, where, if + the rustlers choose, they can get them, and they will be pretty sure to + choose to do it. They can steal to the rear of the sheds and take them out + without risk. Now, Mrs. Whitney, we have enough rations with us to last, + in a pinch, for three or four days; how are you fixed?" + </p> + <p> + "We have but a small quantity of food in the house—none worth + mentioning." + </p> + <p> + "No matter how slight, it is worth mentioning. Under the circumstances, I + think we can say we are provisioned for the whole time of the siege, which + must be over in less than a week." + </p> + <p> + "But how will it end?" asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + The captain shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "Take no thought of the morrow; but what worries me is the question of + water—how about that?" + </p> + <p> + A hurried examination disclosed that there was not quite two pailfuls in + the house. Even that was more than usual. The small stream from which the + supply was obtained was beyond the stables in which the horses were + sheltered. Water from that source was out of the question while the siege + continued. + </p> + <p> + Several of the men had a small quantity in their canteens, but, inasmuch + as no such contingency as this was anticipated, little preparation had + been made. + </p> + <p> + Still Capt. Asbury expressed himself gratified at the result of his + investigation. The weather was so cool that a moderate amount of the + precious fluid would prevent suffering, and he decided that, dispensing + with what ordinarily was used for cooking purposes, they could get along + quite well for three days, and possibly longer. + </p> + <p> + The lower part of the flat building consisted of two parts, used + respectively for the kitchen and the dining and sitting-room. There were + four apartments above—one for the parents, one each for the son and + daughter, and one for visitors. These, of course, would be held sacred for + the members of the family, while the others found sleep, as opportunity + presented, below stairs. + </p> + <p> + There were windows on all sides of the house; and the structure, while not + strong, was, of course, bullet-proof. + </p> + <p> + Before all this was ascertained the rustlers showed themselves. But + instead of appearing on the ridge, over which the cattlemen had ridden, + half of them showed themselves on the other side, having circled around + back of the stables. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the rest were observed on top of the ridge. Thus, with the + exception of the broad level plain stretching in the direction of the Big + Horn Mountains, it may be said that the ranch was surrounded by the + rustlers, who held the stockmen at bay. + </p> + <p> + What would be the result? None could foresee. + </p> + <p> + Hawkridge drew Sterry aside and said, in a guarded undertone: + </p> + <p> + "There is only one thing to be feared." + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" + </p> + <p> + "It is easy for them to burn this building." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think they will do that, when they know a couple of women are + inside?" + </p> + <p> + "It doesn't follow that there is any necessity of their being burned, nor + indeed of any of us suffering from fire. When you touch off a barn the + rats get out, and that's what we shall have to do." + </p> + <p> + "But they will give us a chance, first." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, a chance to surrender, and we might have done that without putting + ourselves to all this trouble." + </p> + <p> + "And suppose we <i>do</i> surrender, after making the best fight we can—what + are likely to be the terms offered?" + </p> + <p> + "They will treat the majority, including myself, as prisoners of war; but + Capt. Asbury, and probably you, will be excepted—he because of the + killing of Perkins last night, and you because you have disregarded the + warning to leave the country when ordered to do so." + </p> + <p> + "All of which is mighty interesting to the captain and myself," remarked + Sterry, with little evidence of fear; "but we will hope for better + things." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — THE FLAG OF TRUCE. + </h2> + <p> + In one important respect the combatants showed commendable discretion. + Although there had been considerable firing on the part of the rustlers, + none of the cattlemen were hurt. It is not unlikely that the bullets were + intended to frighten them, since such excellent marksmen otherwise could + not have discharged their weapons without execution. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury and his men had not returned a shot. When their enemies + appeared on more than one side of the building it would have been easy to + pick off several without risk to those sheltered within the house, but he + gave orders that nothing of that sort should be done. + </p> + <p> + The bitterness between the parties was already intense. There were + hot-heads on both sides eager to open the lamentable conflict, but were it + done, there was no saying where it would end. It was wise, therefore, that + the leaders forbore from active hostilities at this early stage of the + business. + </p> + <p> + From the front of the structure the plain stretched in the direction of + the Big Horn Mountains. It was across this that Jennie Whitney descried, + two days before, the return of her friends with the body of her father. + She now ascended to the second story and peered long and frequently in the + same direction, in the hope of catching sight of her brother. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Capt. Asbury disposed of the members of his party as best he + could. They needed no instructions from him to avoid in every way possible + annoying the ladies, who were considerate and kind. + </p> + <p> + About midday, excitement was caused among the besieged by the appearance + of a flag of truce. A man rode over the ridge, down which the cattlemen + had come in such haste, holding a white handkerchief fluttering over his + head. His horse walked slowly and the rider kept his gaze on the front of + the house, as though in doubt of the reception awaiting him. A hundred + feet away he came to a halt, still flourishing the peace signal above his + hat. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury was the first to discover the messenger and hurriedly + arranged for the interview. + </p> + <p> + "Inasmuch as that fellow is neither Inman, Cadmus, nor anyone of the + leaders, it is not the thing for me to meet him." + </p> + <p> + "You have recognized him?" was the inquiring remark of Hawkridge, glancing + with a smile at the officer. + </p> + <p> + "No. Who is he?" + </p> + <p> + "Duke Vesey, who does not feel particularly amiable toward you." + </p> + <p> + "I will meet him," volunteered Monteith Sterry. The captain shook his + head. + </p> + <p> + "While that fellow is friendly to you, perhaps, others of the company are + very resentful; it isn't best to tempt them. Hawkridge, you are the best + one to act." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; I will do so." + </p> + <p> + The horseman had come to a stop and was gazing fixedly at the building, as + if waiting for a response to his advance. + </p> + <p> + Jennie Whitney descended the stairs at this moment. + </p> + <p> + "I think I see Fred coming," she said, with some agitation; "will they do + him any harm?" + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Sterry, "they have nothing against him." + </p> + <p> + "But the other day—" she ventured, doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Was a scrimmage, likely to take place at any time; that is ended, but + they will probably hold him prisoner." + </p> + <p> + During this brief conversation a brisk search was going on among the three + men for a white pocket-handkerchief. None of them possessed such an + article, the hue in each case being different. Hawkridge appealed to Miss + Whitney, and she produced a linen handkerchief of snowy whiteness. + </p> + <p> + "Just the thing," he said, drawing back the door sufficiently to allow him + to pass out. "I don't think I will be detained long. It is understood," he + added, turning to the captain, "that we don't consider the question of + surrender under any terms." + </p> + <p> + "It will be better to report, and then decide what to do." + </p> + <p> + Hawkridge bowed and passed out. He waved the spotless linen in front of + his face as he walked toward the horseman, and both smiled when they + recognized each other. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Duke, what is it?" asked the footman, as though he were asking an + ordinary question of a friend. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you can guess. Since the two companies came together Ira Inman + is at the head of the army. Some of the boys are wild to begin shooting, + and they'll do it pretty soon. Before that, Inman decided to offer you + folks a chance to give in. That's my business." + </p> + <p> + "You simply demand our surrender, as I understand it?" + </p> + <p> + "You've guessed it the first time," replied Vesey, with a nod of his head. + </p> + <p> + "What terms do you offer?" + </p> + <p> + "You'll be treated as prisoners of war; but," added the rustler, "it is + hardly right to say that. It's Inman's idea to hold you as hostages for + the right treatment of any of our boys that may fall into the hands of the + stockmen." + </p> + <p> + "That is quite different. Let me ask, Duke, whether this treatment is + guaranteed to all of our folks?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish I could say it was, Dick, but I can't; Inman makes two exceptions—Capt. + Asbury and Mont Sterry. That Sterry showed himself so much of a man and + was so square toward me when I was caught that I would do anything I could + for him. I appealed to Inman to let up on him, but he won't; some of the + boys are so mad they will shoot him on sight." + </p> + <p> + "And Capt. Asbury?" + </p> + <p> + Vesey's face became hard. + </p> + <p> + "He ought to be hanged because of the way he acted last night." + </p> + <p> + "But what is proposed to do with him and Sterry?" + </p> + <p> + "Give them a fair trial." + </p> + <p> + Hawkridge shook his head with a meaning smile. + </p> + <p> + "It won't work, Duke; there isn't a man in our company who would consent + to anything of the kind. There could be but one issue to such a trial, and + it would be nothing less than the betrayal of our leader or a comrade by + us." + </p> + <p> + "Inman declares he will burn down the house if you refuse his terms." + </p> + <p> + "Let him try it as soon as he pleases; you can tell him for Capt. Asbury + that his terms are rejected." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — THE UNDERGROUND MISSIVE. + </h2> + <p> + Dick Hawkridge, standing on the ground, looked up in the bronzed face of + Duke Vesey, sitting in the saddle. + </p> + <p> + At every window on the lower floor were faces watching the two men that + had thus met under a flag of truce. From the ridge on the right, and the + undulating ground to the left, peered the rustlers, intensely interested + in the actions of the couple, whose words were spoken in tones too low to + reach the ears of any on either side. No actors ever had a more attentive + audience than they. + </p> + <p> + When Hawkridge announced to Vesey that his proffer was rejected (for it + was useless to report first to Capt. Asbury, as he had been told to do), + the horseman said: + </p> + <p> + "Dick, you would have been a cur to accept such terms, though I would do + anything to even matters with that Asbury; but I want to get a message to + Mont Sterry." + </p> + <p> + "You can trust me to carry it." + </p> + <p> + "It is for him alone; I have it in writing. Well, good-by." + </p> + <p> + He leaned over from the saddle and extended his hand. As Hawkridge took it + he felt something in his palm. + </p> + <p> + "I understand," he said; "it shall be delivered." + </p> + <p> + No one watching the couple, as nearly all were doing, suspected this + little by-play. They saluted, and Vesey spurred his pony to a gallop, + passing up the ridge and joining his friends to report, while Hawkridge + was admitted through the door, which was immediately closed and secured + behind him. + </p> + <p> + To the captain and the others who crowded around he quickly told what had + passed. + </p> + <p> + "Your order was to let you know the terms before giving an answer," he + added, addressing the leader, "but you see it wasn't necessary." + </p> + <p> + A buzz of commendation left no doubt of the wisdom of his course. + </p> + <p> + "But what about his threat to burn the building?" asked Sterry, addressing + no one in particular. + </p> + <p> + "He will do it, or at least will try it," replied Hawkridge, "for he + doesn't intend any one shall have time to interfere, as may be the case if + he delays too long." + </p> + <p> + "To set fire to the house," remarked the captain, who had given much + thought to the question, "they must first reach it, and that manoeuvre + will prove a costly one to them. I suspect that some other firing will + take place about that time—eh, boys?" + </p> + <p> + The response revealed the feelings of the men, who were chafing under + their restraint. + </p> + <p> + "But, surely," continued Sterry, "they do not mean to burn the building + while Mrs. Whitney and her daughter are within?" + </p> + <p> + "As was said some time ago," replied Hawkridge, "that makes little + difference, since it is not to be supposed that even we will stay inside + during the conflagration. The firing is meant to drive us out, and it will + do it." + </p> + <p> + "But there must be considerable shooting, and the ladies will be in + danger." + </p> + <p> + "I think Inman will order us to send them out, so as to prevent harm to + them." + </p> + <p> + "If they were Sioux or Crows they might launch burning arrows and + fire-balls; but they can't do that, and will have to run some risk in + getting the flames under way." + </p> + <p> + "There are signs of a storm, and if the night proves dark it will be much + in their favor and against us." + </p> + <p> + "Suppose they fire the stables," suggested one of the men. + </p> + <p> + "They are too far off to place us in danger, unless a strong wind should + blow directly this way." + </p> + <p> + "Well, boys," said Capt. Asbury, hopefully, "the thing isn't through yet. + I think Inman will give us another message before opening the ball, so you + may rest easy until he makes his next move." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Hawkridge had managed to deliver the little twist of paper, + placed in his hand by Vesey. Inasmuch as the matter had been managed with + so much care, he deemed it right that no one should see the transfer to + his friend. + </p> + <p> + Sterry was surprised and glanced down at the object, but, quick to catch + on, closed his palm again and took part in the conversation. It was some + minutes before he gained a chance to examine the contents unobserved. When + he did so, they proved so important that he called Hawkridge and the + captain aside and showed the letter to them. Each read it in turn, the + contents being as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "FRIEND STERRY: You acted square with me, and I will do the same + with you. Inman doesn't expect you folks to accept his terms, for + if you do it will be good-by to yourself and Capt. Asbury. It + would suit me very well to see him go, as he will if we get a + chance at him, but I can't bear the idea of anything bad happening + to you after the way you stood by me last night when that Asbury + meant to shoot me. + + "So my advice is this: Get out of where you are and leave as fast + as you know how. Queer advice, you'll think, but I'll show you how + you can follow it. A friend of mine, whom we can both trust, and + I, will be on watch to-night at the stables. It looks as if it is + going to be as dark as a wolf's mouth. + + "It won't do to move before 10 o'clock. When everything is ready I + will light a cigarette and flirt the match around my head once, as + if to put it out. That will mean that the way is open. Steal out + of the back door and dodge to the stables; your mare will be + ready, and when another chance opens you can make a break. No one + can overtake you, and I don't think it will be suspected who you + are. + + "If you succeed, I hope you will have sense enough to stay out of + Wyoming, at least until this flurry is over. If you are detected + while trying to reach the stables you can dart back, for I don't + think anyone will shoot at you, since we have orders not to do + that until after you folks begin the rumpus. + + "Inman means to set fire to the house to-night. He won't be able + to hold back the boys much longer. When ready, he will send word + and ask the two ladies to come out to him, where he will hold them + beyond reach of fire and bullet. He expects there will be the + hottest kind of shooting, and it will be a bad thing for you + folks. Capt. Asbury may as well make his will, for I'm not the + only one that will lay for him. + + "Don't forget my directions. It will not be before 10 o'clock, and + may be a little later. Don't let any one see this, and don't drop + a hint to Asbury. It is meant for your good, and you will act like + a sensible man. + + "D.V." +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — ON PAROLE. + </h2> + <p> + A new matter of interest claimed the immediate attention of the defenders + within the home of ranchman Whitney. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that the sister had reported the approach of a + horseman, whom she believed to be her brother. The rider was now in plain + sight, and a brief scrutiny through the glass by Hawkridge removed all + doubt; she was right. + </p> + <p> + He was coming at an easy, swinging gallop, straight toward his home. He + must have seen the rustlers while yet a considerable way off, for he + quickened the pace of his animal, stirred by a natural anxiety for his + loved ones and by a curiosity to know the meaning of the strange condition + of affairs. + </p> + <p> + Had he understood matters fully, while yet at a distance, he would have + avoided a mistake which occasioned him and his friends intense regret, and + which proved irreparable. + </p> + <p> + He did not cease his advance until within a hundred yards, when the + cattlemen, who were watching his every movement, saw him bring his horse + to a sudden halt. At the same moment a couple of rustlers moved into view, + their guns held so as to cover him. He sat motionless until they came up, + one on either side, when he was seen to be conversing earnestly with them. + </p> + <p> + "They have made him prisoner," remarked Hawkridge, "just as I was sure + they would." + </p> + <p> + "Will they do him harm?" asked Mrs. Whitney, who, with Jennie, had + descended the stairs and stood with the group near the front door. + </p> + <p> + "No," was Hawkridge's reassuring reply; "he must see the uselessness of + resistance, and we are not fighting Indians who learned warfare from the + late lamented Sitting Bull." + </p> + <p> + It was noticed that Fred Whitney, despite the wound of a couple of days + before, no longer wore his arm in a sling. As he had said, he was ashamed + to do so. + </p> + <p> + Brave as was the young man, he had judgment. He knew that he was at the + mercy of a score of rustlers, and quickly learned the situation. Capt. + Asbury, Monteith Sterry, Dick Hawkridge and a number of cattlemen were + besieged in his home. + </p> + <p> + While he was holding earnest converse with his captors one of them turned + and addressed Inman, who was out of sight of the besieged, because of the + intervening ridge. His reply caused Whitney to dismount and walk in that + direction, he, too, passing out of the field of vision. + </p> + <p> + He was invisible for perhaps ten minutes, when he was seen coming over the + ridge toward his own door, but without his Winchester or revolvers. A + moment later he was admitted. He kissed his mother and sister and grasped + the hands of his friends, who crowded around to congratulate him and hear + what he had to say. + </p> + <p> + "They told me everything," he replied, looking into the glowing faces, and + smiling at the anxiety depicted on several. "I have made a woeful mistake, + boys." + </p> + <p> + "How's that?" asked several in the same breath. + </p> + <p> + "Hankinson and Weber have moved several miles further into the mountains, + so nothing will be seen of them for several days, and perhaps not for a + week. The trouble with the rustlers makes it necessary that we should keep + closer watch than usual upon the stock, and it is understood that they are + not to leave the cattle until they get word from me. So, as I said, they + are out of the question." + </p> + <p> + "Is that the mistake you refer to?" asked Sterry. + </p> + <p> + "I wish it was; but a couple of hours ago, Hankinson, who had ridden a + considerable distance beyond the grazing grounds, came in with the report + that a large body of men were camped in a valley a mile or so further on. + There must be fifty at least." + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury emitted a low whistle. + </p> + <p> + "Rustlers again! By and by we'll have all there are in Wyoming swarming + about this house." + </p> + <p> + "No; Budd visited them, and found they were cattlemen on the hunt for + rustlers. Had he known of Inman's party out here he would have given them + a pointer, but of course he doesn't dream of anything of the kind. Now, + the mistake I made is this: When I saw the horsemen gathered about the + buildings and ridge, I ought to have wheeled and ridden as hard as I could + to the stockmen. They would have been here before night and wound up this + business in a jiffy. But I kept on and rode right into the trap set for + me, and can do nothing." + </p> + <p> + No one could question the justice of Whitney's self-condemnation, but + there was no help for it. + </p> + <p> + "How is it you were allowed to join us?" asked Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "I am here under parole; you see they took my horse, rifle and pistols + from me. I would not have been allowed to come to you except upon my + pledge to return within fifteen minutes." + </p> + <p> + "And what will they do with you, my boy?" asked his mother, alarmed by the + information. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, so long as I remain a model prisoner; but how are you fixed for + defence?" + </p> + <p> + He was quickly made acquainted with the situation of affairs. + </p> + <p> + "Ah," he added, with a sigh, "if there was some way of getting word to the + stockmen; but I see none." + </p> + <p> + "They will not be likely to give you a chance?" + </p> + <p> + Fred shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid I overdid the thing. I asked them to be allowed to go back to + my cattlemen, but they would not listen to it. They acted as if they were + suspicious, and told me I must stay with them until the trouble ended, + which they assured me would be soon." + </p> + <p> + Sterry glanced significantly at Asbury and Hawkridge. He recalled that + singular message from Duke Vesey. If all went well, it might contain a + shadow of hope. It was deemed best, however, to make no reference to it, + even for the benefit of Whitney, who was questioned until he described as + exactly as he could the location of the cattlemen. + </p> + <p> + The grace had expired. No one thought of advising Whitney to disregard his + parole, and no urging could have induced him to do it. He affectionately + kissed and embraced mother and sister, warmly shook the hands of his + friends again, assured them of his hope that all would come out right, and + then, passing through the door, was seen to walk up the ridge and pass + over the summit, to take his place among his captors, there to await their + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "Sterry," said Asbury, drawing him and Hawkridge aside, "you were saying + awhile ago that nothing could induce you to accept the offer of Vesey to + slip out in the darkness of the night." + </p> + <p> + "No; as he presented it, such a flight would have been a piece of + cowardice altogether different from my flight last night. It would have + weakened your defensive force and helped no one but me." + </p> + <p> + "Now, however, it wears a different aspect." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it looks providential, and promises to open the way for the escape + of all. I hardly think," added Sterry, with a smile, "that with all of + Vesey's gratitude to me he would do what he intends if he foresaw the + probable consequences, for it means nothing less than the overthrow of + Inman's plans." + </p> + <p> + "And the baffling of his charitable intentions concerning myself," grimly + added the captain. + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me we forgot one phase of the business," remarked Hawkridge, + "and that is the fact that the chances of failure are a hundredfold + greater than those of success." + </p> + <p> + His companions looked questioningly at him. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps it will not be difficult for Vesey to secure the placing of + himself and friend at the stables, as he promises to do, but it seems + unlikely that, with a dark night and the temptation for some of us to try + to get away, they will be the only couple that will be on the lookout at + that time. But, supposing they are," added Hawkridge, "Sterry will have to + mount his horse and ride off. There will be some of the rustlers beyond + him, and how can he pass them unchallenged?" + </p> + <p> + "If it proves too risky to try on horseback I can do it on foot," replied + Sterry; "in the darkness I will be taken for one of them, and, if + questioned, can throw them off their guard. The tramp to where the + stockmen are in camp I judge to be little if any more than five miles, and + it won't take me long to travel that after getting clear of these people." + </p> + <p> + "I have a strong belief that the whole scheme is doomed to failure," said + Hawkridge, and Capt. Asbury agreed with him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — THE FINAL SUMMONS. + </h2> + <p> + Now came hours of wearisome waiting, especially to the besieged, who found + in their close quarters little freedom of movement. Some of the men + stretched out on the lower floor and slept; others talked and engaged in + games of chance, while a desultory watch was maintained, through the doors + and windows, upon the rustlers, several of whom were continually in sight. + </p> + <p> + Before the afternoon had half passed all doubt of the coming darkness was + removed. The sky became heavily clouded, the air was raw and chilly, and + no moon was visible. + </p> + <p> + Several distant rifle-shots were heard an hour later, but no one could + conjecture or discover the explanation. Probably they signified nothing. + </p> + <p> + Fred Whitney showed himself on top of the ridge once, and waved his hand + in salutation to his friends. This was done to reassure his mother and + sister, who were anxious, despite what he had said to them. + </p> + <p> + Many longing glances were cast across the broad plain in the direction of + the mountains. Like shipwrecked mariners scanning the horizon for the + rescuing sail, the besieged were hopeful that some good fortune would + bring the strong body of stockmen that way; but the vision was rewarded by + no such welcome sight. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury received a shock just before night closed in. So many hours + had passed without the exchange of a shot that both parties exposed + themselves freely. Had they chosen, a good many might have been picked + off; but the general understanding that the hour had not yet come for + action, threatened, at times, to change the impending tragedy into a most + ordinary situation. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury was sitting by one of the front windows, smoking his + briarwood, and looking nowhere in particular, when he saw a man kneeling + on top of the ridge and carefully sighting his gun at him. Before the + fellow could secure an aim the officer moved quickly back out of sight, + and he vanished. + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt it was Duke Vesey," he thought; "what a pity I did not + shoot him last night." + </p> + <p> + He judged it not worth while to tell any of the rest of the incident, but + he took care not to tempt the fellow again by a second exposure to his + aim. + </p> + <p> + But for this prompt action on the part of the leader, a frightful conflict + must have been precipitated. The shooting of the captain would cause + retaliation on the part of the stockmen, and it would instantly become a + question as to which could do the most execution. + </p> + <p> + The occurrence was startling enough of itself, but Capt. Asbury quickly + recovered, only to find himself troubled by another matter, which was more + serious. + </p> + <p> + It was the doubt whether the intended crime of Vesey was solely of his own + responsibility. Was it not likely that he had received permission from + Inman to end the suspense by shooting the captain of the stockmen? The + captain knew that he was as much detested by the leading rustlers as by + Vesey. Probably the men were growing too impatient to be restrained much + longer. + </p> + <p> + The suspicion appeared more reasonable from the fact that, the leader once + "removed," there would remain but the single exception to those guaranteed + honorable treatment. Surrender, therefore, would be more probable. + </p> + <p> + No single shot could do so much to aid the rustlers as that which came + near being made. + </p> + <p> + "This strained situation can't last much longer; I believe it will be + settled before the rise of to-morrow's sun." + </p> + <p> + Monteith Sterry secured more than one chance of a few words with Jennie. + The sense of danger naturally draws persons closer together, though the + incentive was hardly needed in their case. + </p> + <p> + "Monteith," said she, as they sat apart by themselves, with the shadow of + the coming night gradually closing around, "what is to be the end of all + this?" + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you what I think," he replied, and thereupon read in a + guarded voice the letter received from Duke Vesey, after which they burned + it, that it might not fall into hands that could injure the sender. + </p> + <p> + "You can see that we are going to be favoured with a very dark night, and + Vesey is so anxious to befriend me that I am sure he will find the way, + though Hawkridge and the captain are less confident." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose they recognize you?" + </p> + <p> + "They can't do that in the darkness, and my rustling friend will not draw + me into a peril that is greater than that of staying here." + </p> + <p> + "I feel as do Mr. Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury," she said, unable to share + his ardour. + </p> + <p> + "Then do you wish me to stay here?" + </p> + <p> + "I think it is safer." + </p> + <p> + "And go up in flame and smoke?" + </p> + <p> + "Won't you be willing to share the risk with me?" she asked, entering into + his half-jocose vein. + </p> + <p> + "But the rustlers will save you that risk; they will give you a good point + of observation, from which you can have a fine view of the scene." + </p> + <p> + "Suppose mother and I refuse to leave?" + </p> + <p> + "I am certain you will not do that," said Sterry, gravely, "for you will + be in great danger under any circumstances." + </p> + <p> + "But if we remain they may not try to fire the house." + </p> + <p> + He shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Dismiss all idea of that; do not fancy, because hours have passed without + the exchange of a shot, that there is any friendship between the parties. + By and by a gun will be fired; somebody will be hurt, and then they will + be at it like so many tigers. No, Jennie," he added, "when the warning + comes for you and your mother to withdraw you must do so, not only for + your own sake, but for ours." + </p> + <p> + "And how yours?" + </p> + <p> + "We—that is, the men—can fight much better when your presence + causes them no anxiety." + </p> + <p> + "But, tell me, do not Capt. Asbury and the rest feel hopeful of beating + off the rustlers?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course they will make a brave fight, and there is a chance of their + success, but I shudder when I think of what the cost will be to both + sides. How much better if all this can be averted." + </p> + <p> + "True, indeed! And if I could be assured that you would succeed in + reaching the camp of the cattlemen, I would bid you Godspeed." + </p> + <p> + "I certainly will never reach it by staying here, and I think if my + chances were doubly less they ought to be taken for the sake of the good + that will come to all." + </p> + <p> + At this juncture, Capt. Asbury, sitting near the window, called out: + </p> + <p> + "Here's a visitor!" + </p> + <p> + In the gloom he was not clearly visible, even though he was seen to + advance, and heard to knock on the door. But when the latter was opened, + Fred Whitney stepped inside. + </p> + <p> + Here the gathering darkness was more pronounced, for it was not deemed + prudent to have a light. + </p> + <p> + "Inman has sent me with his ultimatum," said the messenger; "he says he + has given you abundant time to think over the matter, and wants your + decision." + </p> + <p> + "What are his terms?" asked Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "The same as before." + </p> + <p> + "He promises to treat all of us as prisoners of war, with the exception of + Sterry and myself. We are guaranteed a trial, which is another way of + saying we shall be shot. I will allow my men to vote on the question," + added the leader. + </p> + <p> + The indignant protests, however, compelled the officer to recall his harsh + remark. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I knew that would be your reply," Fred hastened to say; "and it + is what Inman and Cadmus expect. I have been sent to bring my mother and + sister out of the house, for the rustlers intend to attack you before + morning. That means, too, that they intend to burn it." + </p> + <p> + The three defenders who were in the secret saw the danger in which this + placed Sterry's intended flight. + </p> + <p> + If the attack were made before 10 o'clock, there could be no possible + opportunity for his getting away. Some means, therefore, must be found for + deferring the assault until after that hour, if it could be accomplished + without arousing the suspicions of the rustlers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — A STRANGE OCCURRENCE. + </h2> + <p> + "Do you know," inquired Sterry, "how soon it is contemplated making the + attack?" + </p> + <p> + "I have not heard Inman or Cadmus say, but from the talk of the men I + judge it will be quite soon." + </p> + <p> + "Probably within a couple of hours?" "Sooner than that—by 9 o'clock + at the latest." + </p> + <p> + It was the mother who now spoke: "Suppose Jennie and I decline to leave + the house?" + </p> + <p> + "That has been considered," replied the son, "and I am sorry to say it + will make no difference. The rustlers are in an uglier mood than before—wrathful + because they have been kept idle so long. They can claim that they have + given you ample notice, and if you refuse to come out they cannot be held + blamable for the consequences." + </p> + <p> + This would never do, and Hawkridge interposed: + </p> + <p> + "If the attack cannot be prevented, Fred, it must be delayed." + </p> + <p> + "On what grounds?" + </p> + <p> + "Any that you can think of; they must not disturb us until near midnight." + </p> + <p> + "But I shall have to give a reason; I am as anxious as you to do my + utmost, but I do not see how I can do anything." + </p> + <p> + The quick wit of Jennie came to the rescue. + </p> + <p> + "Tell Capt. Inman and Larch Cadmus for me that we have a number of + articles we wish to save from destruction; ask them in the name of mother + and myself to give us time in which to gather them together." + </p> + <p> + Fred was silent for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "At least it will do no harm to try it, even though I do not believe it + will be of any use." + </p> + <p> + "Ask them to make it between 11 and 12; we will then have time to collect + all we want—in fact a good deal more time than is necessary." + </p> + <p> + "I do not see the need of this," replied the brother, who, it need not be + repeated, had no knowledge of what was in the minds of the few; "I think I + can say that if I do not return in the course of ten or fifteen minutes, + you may consider your prayer granted." + </p> + <p> + Bidding them good-by once more, he passed out of the door and disappeared + in the darkness, which had now fully descended and shut from sight the + impatient rustlers. + </p> + <p> + It was a peculiar situation in which the defenders, including the mother + and sister, dreaded the return of the head of the household, but the front + of the dwelling was watched with an intensity of interest it would be hard + to describe. + </p> + <p> + "By gracious! there he is!" exclaimed Dick Hawkridge, hardly ten minutes + after Fred's departure; "it's no use." + </p> + <p> + A shadowy figure was observed moving across the dark space in front, but + while they were waiting for him to enter the door, which was unfastened to + admit him, he passed on and vanished in the gloom without checking his + motion or speaking. + </p> + <p> + "That wasn't Fred," whispered Jennie; "I know his walk too well." + </p> + <p> + "It makes no difference," replied Sterry, "you can depend that he will + soon put in an appearance." + </p> + <p> + But the slow minutes dragged along and nothing was seen of him. By and by + a faint hope began to form that the urgent request of the ladies had been + conceded, for they insisted that they could see no reason why it should + not be. + </p> + <p> + A full hour passed, and, when it was after 9 o'clock, all doubt was + removed. The attack would not be made until close upon midnight. Monteith + Sterry would be given the chance, provided Duke Vesey showed the way for + him. + </p> + <p> + The crisis was so near that it was deemed best to let all know what was in + contemplation. Capt. Asbury, therefore, explained it to the men, as the + daughter had explained to the mother. + </p> + <p> + "Those fellows can't be trusted," the leader added; "they may seek to give + the impression that the delay has been granted, while preparing to assail + us when least expected. The night is dark, as you see, and favourable to + their plans. Keep the closest watch possible on all sides of the house, + for to set fire to it they must approach near enough to touch the + building." + </p> + <p> + "Suppose we catch sight of some one stealing up?" asked one of the + cattlemen. + </p> + <p> + "Challenge him, and if he does not give a satisfactory response, fire." + </p> + <p> + "What will be a satisfactory response?" + </p> + <p> + "The voice of Fred Whitney, and I may say of Duke Vesey, or the + announcement that the individual is the bearer of a message for us. In the + latter case, of course, he will approach from the front. When you shoot, + too, boys, you mustn't throw away any shots, for this isn't going to be + child's play." + </p> + <p> + "We understand that," was the significant response of a couple of the + stockmen. + </p> + <p> + It was now growing so late that Sterry placed himself near the rear door + to watch for the expected signal from Vesey, feeling, as the minutes + passed, a nervousness greater than at any time before. + </p> + <p> + Since no light burned in the house, the only means of determining the hour + was by striking a match and holding it in front of a watch. Hope became + high when 10 o'clock was at hand. + </p> + <p> + Sterry half expected, in case everything promised well, that Vesey would + manage to give something in the nature of a preliminary signal, but the + closest scrutiny showed nothing of the kind. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury, who maintained his place near one of the front windows, + close to the door, suddenly called: + </p> + <p> + "Come here a moment, Sterry." + </p> + <p> + The young man stepped hastily across the room. + </p> + <p> + "You have everything clear in your mind?" was the question which struck + the young man as slightly inopportune. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; as clear as I can have; why do you ask?" + </p> + <p> + "I wanted to be certain, for your task is a delicate one; we will hold the + door ajar a little while after you go, so that if anything happens, such + as their recognizing you, you will be able to dash back. You know it won't + do for you to be identified." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," replied Sterry, who felt that he ought to be at his post. + </p> + <p> + He hastily stepped back, and as he did so was surprised to find the door + drawn open several inches. + </p> + <p> + "What does that mean?" he asked of the several gathered around in the + darkness, whose faces he could not see. + </p> + <p> + "Why," replied Hawkridge, "what does it mean, indeed? I thought you passed + out just now." + </p> + <p> + "You see I did not. Why do you make such a remark?" + </p> + <p> + "Some one went out," was the amazing declaration. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — THE MISSING ONE. + </h2> + <p> + Monteith Sterry was astounded by the declaration of Dick Hawkridge that + some one had passed through the rear door while he was talking with Capt. + Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "Who was it?" demanded he. + </p> + <p> + "I told you we thought it was you," replied his friend. + </p> + <p> + "But you know it wasn't," he replied, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "Then I have no idea who it was." + </p> + <p> + "Some one has taken advantage of the moment I spent with the captain—I + wonder if he had anything to do with it," he added, growing unjustly + suspicious in his resentment. + </p> + <p> + He strode across the room; and, knowing where the leader was, demanded: + </p> + <p> + "What is the meaning of this, Capt. Asbury?" + </p> + <p> + "The meaning of what?" + </p> + <p> + "While I was talking a few seconds with you some person slipped out of the + back door; do you know anything of it?" + </p> + <p> + "It is beyond my comprehension," replied the leader in a voice which + removed all distrust of him. + </p> + <p> + And forgetful, in his excitement, of his duty at the front, he stepped + hastily to the rear, where most of the men had crowded, despite the orders + for them to maintain a strict watch. + </p> + <p> + "I heard you and the captain speaking," said Hawkridge, in explanation, + "but your voices were so low that I would not have identified them + anywhere. Supposing you to be where you really were, I stepped to the rear + window here and peered out in the gloom where I knew the stable to be—" + </p> + <p> + "Did you see anything?" interrupted Sterry. + </p> + <p> + "Not a sign of the signal. While I was straining my eyes to pierce the + darkness the door was drawn inward slightly, and a figure moved quickly + across the space toward the stables." + </p> + <p> + "You could not identify it?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course not, for you see how dark it is, and there was no light; in + fact, I hardly saw it before it vanished." + </p> + <p> + "It is as I supposed," added Sterry, angrily. "Some one fancied he had a + better chance by slipping off than in remaining here, and has looked after + his own safety. I wish I knew who it was." + </p> + <p> + "We can soon find out," remarked Capt. Asbury; "our men are not too + numerous for me to forget their names and voices." + </p> + <p> + He raised his tones and summoned them. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe they will attempt to fire the house as long as the ladies + are with us," he exclaimed; "some one of our party has been cowardly + enough to sneak off. As I call your names, answer." + </p> + <p> + He proved the truth of what he said. He had eight companions, not counting + Hawkridge and Sterry. With little hesitation, for his memory was instantly + prompted by others, he pronounced each name, and to every one came the + prompt, unmistakable response of the owner. + </p> + <p> + "One of those rustlers has managed to get in here undiscovered," was the + next theory of Sterry, whose temper did not improve at the unaccountable + turn of affairs. "I don't see why Inman and the rest delay their attack, + when we are only children in their hands; they can do with us as they + please—" + </p> + <p> + All started, for at that moment a sharp rap sounded on the door. Before + opening it, Capt. Asbury called out: + </p> + <p> + "Who's there?" + </p> + <p> + "It is I—Fred Whitney—let me in, quick!" + </p> + <p> + He was admitted without an instant's delay, while all crowded around in + the darkness. + </p> + <p> + "Well, you can imagine what I have come for. I made known the request of + mother and Jennie, but Inman and Cadmus would not think of granting it at + first. I told Cadmus that it was your special request, Jennie, adding a + little ornamentation of my own, such as that you knew that when he learned + how much it could please you, he could not refuse. I hope I did right, did + I not, sister?" + </p> + <p> + In the slight laugh which followed this question, the reply of the young + lady was not heard, and her brother continued: + </p> + <p> + "Well, I put it so strong that Cadmus fell in with me and persuaded Inman + to do the same. They agreed to wait until 10 o'clock, but no longer; so + you see I did not accomplish all that I hoped, but it was better than + nothing. If I am not mistaken it is past 10 now." + </p> + <p> + "Not more than a few minutes." + </p> + <p> + "Well, at any rate, the time is up, and they have sent me to notify you + that they will wait no longer. I suppose that you, mother and Jennie, have + got together all that you can take away. As I have to escort you back, I + will carry the things, unless you smuggle in some of the bedsteads." + </p> + <p> + "Then it is the intention to attack as soon as the ladies are fairly out + of the way?" was the inquiring remark of Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "You may depend that it won't be delayed ten minutes." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know whether they will begin by shooting or trying to set fire to + the building?" + </p> + <p> + "They haven't given me their confidence, but I don't see why they should + expect to accomplish as much with their guns as they could have done + during the day time. They will set fire to the place, no doubt." + </p> + <p> + "It may be well to impress upon those people that we are guarding every + side, and the first rustler of whom we catch a glimpse will be riddled." + </p> + <p> + "They are prepared for that, of course; be careful, friends, and don't + expose yourselves more than you are obliged to, for there will be no + let-up after the ball opens. I wish I could stay with you and help you + out. I have been on the watch, ever since it grew dark, to steal off and + make a run to the stockmen's camp, but I couldn't gain the first chance." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid it is too late, anyway," said the captain, "for they are so + far away that it will be over before they could arrive." + </p> + <p> + "Well, mother," said Fred, fearing that he was staying too long, "you and + Jennie are ready, so let's go. Confound it! we must have a light for a few + minutes; I know where there's a candle." + </p> + <p> + He ignited a match and quickly found a candle. This was lit and held above + his head, so that he could look into the faces around him. + </p> + <p> + "There is no danger of their taking advantage of this until I leave," he + explained, "and you can blow it out before that. I see you are there, + mother; call Jennie down and let her join us." + </p> + <p> + "Jennie is not in the house!" was the reply, which fairly took away the + breath of all. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — WHY IT WAS DONE. + </h2> + <p> + The yellow reflection of the candle lit up a group of wondering faces that + were turned upon the mother, who stood in the middle of the room. Her + countenance was pale, for she had passed through a great deal during the + last half-hour, to say nothing of that which preceded it. + </p> + <p> + Before any one could frame the questions in his mind, she explains: + </p> + <p> + "I am not sure I have done right, but Jennie's departure was with my + consent. She and I talked it over and discussed it in all its bearings, so + far as we could see them, and she finally persuaded me that it was the + right thing for her to do." + </p> + <p> + She paused, as if expecting some comment, but even Fred was silent; and + still standing, with the candle held aloft, he kept his wondering gaze + upon his parent. + </p> + <p> + "In the first place, Jennie convinced me that Monteith would only go to + his own death by venturing out; at any rate, it would so result if he did + not receive the signal from Mr. Vesey." + </p> + <p> + As she paused the amazed Sterry asked: + </p> + <p> + "But why did she think I would venture unless I got the sign from Vesey?" + </p> + <p> + "Because you told her so. You were so confident, when she expressed her + misgivings, that you said you would wait a few minutes after 10 o'clock + and then try it, even if no signal appeared." + </p> + <p> + "You are correct; I <i>did</i> tell her that." + </p> + <p> + "I consented to her plan on condition that if Mr. Vesey signalled you + should go and she should stay; if he did not do so, she was to venture + alone." + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't she consult with me?" asked Sterry; "I could have given her + some suggestions." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, what a question, Mont!" said Fred Whitney, with a smile, as he + comprehended the plan; "we know what suggestions you would have given + her." + </p> + <p> + "True enough; she never would have made the attempt," he responded. + </p> + <p> + "And," said Mrs. Whitney, "your friend has not called to you." + </p> + <p> + "Which reminds me," exclaimed Sterry, stepping to the rear window and + peering out. But everything in the direction of the stables was as dark + and silent as the tomb. + </p> + <p> + "So you see that if you had followed the directions of Mr. Vesey," + continued Mrs. Whitney, "no messenger would have left this place for the + camp of the stockmen." + </p> + <p> + "I recall how closely she questioned me as to my idea of the course to + take to reach the spot. I wanted to gain her confidence and told her + everything, never suspecting that she entertained any such wild scheme." + </p> + <p> + "For which you cannot be blamed," remarked her brother; "but I don't + understand how she expected to slip off unobserved." + </p> + <p> + "Nor do I," added Sterry, with a meaning glance at Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + "I assure you I am innocent of complicity in the matter, for I would have + opposed as strongly as any of you." + </p> + <p> + "It was that single difficulty which puzzled her," said the mother, "but + Providence opened the way. While she stood trembling, with her cloak + wrapped about her, Capt. Asbury called Monteith. I whispered to her 'Now!' + and drew back the door. She stepped through, and was gone before any one, + excepting myself, suspected anything." + </p> + <p> + "But what reason can she have for believing Vesey will favour her plan?" + asked Sterry, feeling an admiration for the daring young woman. "He will + be as much amazed as any one." + </p> + <p> + "The rustlers have notified us to leave the building, but have not said + that they have a preference of one door over the other. If she finds + herself confronted by strangers, she can easily explain who she is and say + that her mother will soon join her. Can there be any objection to such a + course, or is she likely to suffer on that account?" + </p> + <p> + Who could reply unfavourably to this question? The rustlers would simply + conduct her to a place of safety, there to await the coming of her parent. + Failure could bring no embarrassment to Jennie Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "The great difficulty, after all," remarked Capt. Asbury, "as it occurs to + me, is that if your estimable daughter presents herself before Mr. Duke + Vesey, he will refuse his help. What reason can she give that will induce + him to aid her to pass beyond the camp?" + </p> + <p> + "I can think of none, but Jennie is hopeful that if she can see him alone + he will permit her to do as she wishes." + </p> + <p> + "Does she contemplate walking the half-dozen miles or so to the camp of + the cattlemen?" asked Sterry, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + "O, no; she expects to ride Mr. Sterry's mare." + </p> + <p> + "But—but—" stammered Monteith. + </p> + <p> + "She thought of all that," smiled the mother; "she took her saddle with + her." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be hanged if this isn't a little ahead of anything of which I + ever heard or read!" was the only comment Monteith Sterry could make, as + the full scheme unrolled before him. + </p> + <p> + "Jennie may fail," continued the proud parent, "but if she does, her + situation and that of all of us will be no worse than before. If she + fails, then you, too, Mr. Sterry, would have failed and lost your life + without helping us." + </p> + <p> + "I am not prepared to admit that, but my part in the business seems to + have passed beyond discussion." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Whitney was about to continue her words when she ceased and faintly + asked for a glass of water. Fred set down the candle and sprang to her + help ahead of anyone, holding the glass, which was instantly brought, to + her lips. + </p> + <p> + The poor woman had undergone great trials, as will be admitted, during the + past few days. The excitement had sustained her until now something in the + nature of a reaction came. Helping her to a chair, Fred affectionately + fanned her, and did what he could to make her rally. + </p> + <p> + He was thus engaged when a second knock startled all. Capt. Asbury wheeled + and demanded: + </p> + <p> + "Who's there?" + </p> + <p> + "Duke Vesey, under a flag of truce." + </p> + <p> + No name could have astonished the cattlemen more. This was the man whom + Sterry had expected to meet, and in whose care it was supposed Jennie + Whitney had placed herself. + </p> + <p> + Instead of that, he was asking admittance. + </p> + <p> + "Your flag will be respected," said Capt. Asbury, drawing back the bolts + of the door, which was next swung inward a few inches. + </p> + <p> + The rustler stepped within, saying: + </p> + <p> + "I have been sent by Capt. Inman to inquire the meaning of the absence of + Fred Whitney, who was sent here a considerable time ago." + </p> + <p> + "<i>That</i> is the cause of the delay," replied the captain, pointing to + where the young rancher was doing his utmost to revive his mother. + </p> + <p> + The captain thought himself justified in turning the incident to account. + </p> + <p> + "She may not live more than half an hour. I suppose, under the + circumstances, you folks won't vote to hang her son on his return, though + it would be in keeping with your style of business." + </p> + <p> + "No; we leave that work to such as shoot down men before their homes, as + was done last night. I didn't expect anything like this," he added more + gently; "I will go back and report. I was told to bring the ladies, and as + I can't take the elder just now, I suppose it's best to leave both till I + learn what Capt. Inman wishes." + </p> + <p> + Monteith Sterry caught a significant glance of Vesey, while speaking, but + was utterly unable to interpret it. He, however, removed to that side of + the room, so as to place himself near him. Still the rustler made no other + sign. Too many eyes were upon him. + </p> + <p> + One of Capt. Asbury's most noticeable points was his ability to "catch on" + to a situation like the present. He saw the look given by the visitor, and + translated it as meaning that he wished to make some communication to the + other. + </p> + <p> + "Sterry," said the captain in his most rasping manner, "this is the fellow + you were so tender on last night, and I suppose he will reciprocate when + he gets a chance to draw a bead on you. I will leave to you the happiness + of escorting him through the door, for the pleasure would quite overwhelm + me." + </p> + <p> + "I am willing to act the gentleman at any time," replied Sterry, quickly + seizing the opportunity of bringing himself near enough to hear what Vesey + said without any one else noting it. As he was passing out the rustler + remarked, in a quick undertone: + </p> + <p> + "I did my best, old fellow, but it won't work; they suspect something, and + wouldn't let me go near the stable after dark. Sorry, but it's no use." + </p> + <p> + "But I thank you all the same," guardedly responded Sterry. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — THE HOSTAGE. + </h2> + <p> + Despite the alarm caused by the sudden illness of Mrs. Whitney, it was + quickly apparent that nothing serious was the matter with her. + </p> + <p> + She had succumbed temporarily to the intense strain to which she had been + subjected, and, under the considerate attention shown her, speedily + rallied, declaring herself, within five minutes after the departure of + Vesey, as well as ever. + </p> + <p> + "No one can rejoice more than I," observed Capt. Asbury; "and, since it is + so trifling, you will not misunderstand me when I say that your illness + seems to have been providential." + </p> + <p> + Fred and the rest looked inquiringly at the leader. + </p> + <p> + "The man who was here has gone back with the report of what he saw, and I + think my words will cause him to represent the case—well," added the + captain, with a smile, "as it appeared at that moment. That will secure + further delay." + </p> + <p> + "But what can it all amount to?" asked Fred in turn; "they may give you a + half-hour or so, but that does not count." + </p> + <p> + "If your estimable mother could manage to—ah—look desperately + ill when the messenger returns, why, it might help matters." + </p> + <p> + But the good woman shook her head. Appreciating the gravity of the + situation, she could not be a party to such a deception, even though + beneficent results might follow. + </p> + <p> + "He saw me as I was, and thus he must see me when he comes again. My + conscience would not permit it otherwise." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Mrs. Whitney, and I beg your pardon," replied the captain. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Monteith Sterry was thinking hard. Begging the indulgence of + the others, he drew Capt. Asbury aside. + </p> + <p> + "I have decided upon an attempt," said he abruptly, "which you must not + forbid, even though your judgment may condemn it." + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "I am going to try to get away." + </p> + <p> + "How?" was the surprised question; "what chance have you of succeeding, + when every side of the house is watched?" + </p> + <p> + "Vesey told me, just as he was leaving, that he was not allowed to take + his place as guard at the stables, which explains why he failed to give me + the signal." + </p> + <p> + "He is unaware of what Miss Whitney has done?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know of a surety, for he made no reference to it, but you heard + his remark, which indicates that he is ignorant." + </p> + <p> + "Sterry," said the captain impressively, "the only friend you have among + the rustlers is that same Vesey, and I place less faith in him than you + do; yet you propose this wild scheme, without even the doubtful help of + that man, and still expect me to approve it." + </p> + <p> + "You put it truthfully; I will only say that in the darkness I hope to be + taken for one of them." + </p> + <p> + "And if you are?" + </p> + <p> + "I will work my way beyond the lines, and then make for the camp of the + stockmen." + </p> + <p> + "On foot or horseback?" + </p> + <p> + "I can hardly expect to obtain a horse, but let me once gain the chance, + and I will show some sprinting." + </p> + <p> + "You ignore the services of Miss Whitney?" + </p> + <p> + "It was a brave and characteristic deed, but a woman acts from intuition + rather than reason. There is not a shadow of hope that she will accomplish + anything." + </p> + <p> + "In my judgment, the prospect is as favourable for her as for you." + </p> + <p> + "Well," replied Sterry, "I rather expected you to talk that way, so your + condemnation is discounted. I intend to pass out of the rear door within + the next three minutes; I wish you to hold it, ready to open in the event + of my deciding on a hasty return. If such return does not follow in the + course of a quarter of an hour, you may conclude that I won't be back." + </p> + <p> + "I have already concluded that," was the significant comment. + </p> + <p> + The candle diffused enough illumination to show the anxious faces turned + toward the couple as they walked back from the corner to which they had + withdrawn for their brief consultation. + </p> + <p> + In the fewest words possible the captain explained the decision of the + young man. He frankly stated that he did not believe there was any hope of + success, but Sterry was firm in his resolution, and he would not interpose + his authority. Fred Whitney was about to protest, but the expression of + his friend's face showed that it would be useless, and he forebore. + </p> + <p> + Mont peered through the window, near the rear door, and, so far as he + could judge, everything was favourable. Then he faced about, smiled, and + without a word waved his friends good-by. + </p> + <p> + The door was drawn inward just enough to permit the passage of his body, + and the next instant he had vanished. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury sprang to the window and looked after him, but quick as he + was, the time was sufficient for the youth to disappear as completely as + though he were a dozen miles distant. + </p> + <p> + "If I may be allowed," said the captain, in his most suave manner, "I + would suggest, Mr. Whitney, that you assist your mother to her apartment + up stairs. She is in need of rest, and can obtain it there much better + than here." + </p> + <p> + The good woman glanced suspiciously at the man, half doubting the + disinterestedness of his counsel, but he looked so grave and solicitous + that she was sure she did him injustice. While she was hesitating, Fred + added: + </p> + <p> + "It is good advice, mother; you can lie down, and when it is necessary I + will call you. Come, please." + </p> + <p> + She could not decline, and the stalwart son, who seemed to have forgotten + all about his wounded arm, almost carried her up the short stairs and to + her room. He was so familiar with the interior that he needed no light, + and deposited her as gently as an infant on the bed, kissed her an + affectionate good-night, and promised to listen and come to her on hearing + the slightest movement in her apartment. + </p> + <p> + "How does she seem to be?" asked Capt. Asbury, as Fred came down the + stairs. + </p> + <p> + "As well as ever; but the little rest will be grateful. She has had enough + to try the strongest person within the last few days." + </p> + <p> + "True indeed. I presume Vesey will soon be back with some ugly message + from Inman and Cadmus, but we have delayed matters so long that I'm + hopeful of keeping it up a while longer. Suppose, when this enterprising + rustler shows himself, you allow me to do the talking, Fred. There is a + good deal, you know, in the way you put things." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," replied the other, with a smile. "It will come, perhaps, + more appropriately from you than me." + </p> + <p> + It was apparent from the manner of the captain that he felt considerable + hope of success through the efforts of Miss Whitney or Sterry, or both. + Time was the great factor. It would seem that three or four hours ought to + bring the cattlemen, if either of the messengers succeeded in getting + through the lines. While there was little doubt of the ability of the + besieged being able to stand off their assailants for a much longer time, + yet there was every reason to strain to the utmost the fortunate delay + already secured. + </p> + <p> + A conflict was certain to result in a number of deaths to each side. Not + only that, but it would intensify the bitterness already prevailing + through many portions of Wyoming and Montana between the cowmen and + rustlers, and postpone and increase the difficulty of the adjustment of + the quarrel. + </p> + <p> + A full half-hour passed, during which the captain kept his place at the + rear door, ready to admit Sterry should he make a dash for it. He did not + appear, and when the fastenings of the structure were returned to their + place the leader's heart was more hopeful than ever. He had just made a + remark to that effect when a knocking was heard again on the front door, + accompanied by Duke Vesey's announcement that it was himself who claimed + admission. + </p> + <p> + The captain drew back the fastenings and the rustler stepped inside, his + face showing great agitation. + </p> + <p> + "This is a fine state of things," he said, addressing young Whitney, + Hawkridge and the captain. + </p> + <p> + "To what do you refer?" asked Whitney. + </p> + <p> + "You sent Mont Sterry out awhile ago, and the rustlers have caught him; + he's in their hands and will be shot at daybreak. Capt. Inman sent me to + you with that message, and to say that the fight will open in a few + minutes. You can't play your tricks any longer on us." + </p> + <p> + It was apparent that Duke Vesey was in a rage over the mishap that had + befallen his friend. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Asbury quietly placed himself between the fellow and the door by + which he had entered. + </p> + <p> + "What is the meaning of that?" demanded the rustler, turning his head; + "I'm here under a flag of truce." + </p> + <p> + "Where is it? You haven't shown any, and you can't. I shall hold you as a + hostage for the safety of Mont Sterry; whatever harm is visited upon <i>him</i> + shall descend upon <i>your</i> head!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — THE PRISONER. + </h2> + <p> + It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his + perilous scheme lay in its boldness. + </p> + <p> + It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on + every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he + made. The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; + nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair + prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, + and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, + with a strong shelter above and around them. + </p> + <p> + But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, + if they fell into the hands of the rustlers. It was probable, therefore, + that one or both of these individuals would try to get away. + </p> + <p> + Whether or not the leaders held any distrust of Vesey cannot be known; but + his little scheme for befriending Monteith Sterry was nipped in the bud by + his being retained at the front of the building, where, as has been shown, + he acted as the bearer of messages between Inman and Capt. Asbury. + </p> + <p> + There were men closely watching the building from the moment darkness + closed over the scene. Had Sterry attempted to steal along the side of the + house and then dodge away, he would have been detected and halted at once. + On the contrary, he moved with his usual gait in a diagonal direction + toward the stables. His object was to learn the likeliest method of + leaving the place. + </p> + <p> + He had perhaps walked fifty feet, when some one advanced from the gloom + and called, in an undertone: + </p> + <p> + "Halloo, who is that?" + </p> + <p> + "It's I, Smith; who are you?" + </p> + <p> + The name, of course, was a venture, but it was not uncommon, as the reader + knows, and more likely to be right than any other. The best of it was, it + seemed to satisfy the other, who, without announcing his own, asked: + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing?" + </p> + <p> + "I've been looking around to see what I could learn." + </p> + <p> + "Anything new?" + </p> + <p> + "No, not as far as I can discover; they seem to have a light burning in + there, but are waiting for us." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder they didn't give you a shot; Vesey says they are desperate, and + he brought back word that they would shoot the first of us seen prowling + about the place. I wonder you didn't catch it." + </p> + <p> + "I took good care. When do you suppose the fight will open?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty soon; I s'pose you are as tired of this dallying as the rest of + us." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it strikes me as best to wait until sure everything is ready." + </p> + <p> + Sterry was anxious to end this pointless conversation, for the stranger + had approached quite near and peered into his face, as though not free + from suspicion. The darkness was deep, but on the other side of the ridge + a small fire was burning, from fragments brought from the stables. Of this + the adventurer meant to keep clear at all hazards. More than one rustler + knew him intimately, and it might be that he to whom he was talking was an + old acquaintance and enemy. + </p> + <p> + How Sterry longed for the presence of Vesey! + </p> + <p> + In a natural manner he sauntered up the ridge, as if his intention was to + return to the camp-fire, that being the course most likely to dissipate + any misgiving on the part of the other. + </p> + <p> + The latter made no response, and Sterry kept on, thinking: + </p> + <p> + "I'm rid of him, any way, and ought to have less trouble with others that + may wish to ask questions." + </p> + <p> + But, glancing over his shoulder, he was startled to observe that the man, + instead of moving off, as he had supposed, was standing motionless in the + gloom, as if studying him. + </p> + <p> + "By gracious!" concluded the youth, "he must have noticed my voice, for, + not knowing Smith, how could I imitate it?" + </p> + <p> + The situation would have made any one uneasy, but he did not hasten nor + retard his footsteps until he reached the top of the ridge, and was able + to observe the camp-fire clearly. + </p> + <p> + It was small, as has been said, but five or six figures were lolling about + it, smoking, talking, and passing the dismal hours as inclination + prompted. Other forms were moving hither and thither, some of them quite + close to where Sterry had halted, though none paid him any attention. + </p> + <p> + The young man was looking for an opening by which he could make his way + beyond the lines without attracting attention. The best prospect seemed to + be the stretch of prairie extending from the front of the house toward the + Big Horn Mountains. + </p> + <p> + "No one appears to be on the lookout there—" + </p> + <p> + At that instant each arm was tightly gripped, and the man with whom he had + exchanged words but a few minutes before said: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Smith, please go with us to the fire; my friend here is Smith, and he + is the only one in our party with that name; maybe you are his double." + </p> + <p> + It was useless to resist, and Sterry replied: + </p> + <p> + "You know there are several Smiths in this country, and I ought to have + the privilege of wearing the name without objection." + </p> + <p> + "We'll soon see," replied the first captor. + </p> + <p> + Within the next minute Sterry was marched in front of the camp-fire, where + the full glare fell upon his countenance. + </p> + <p> + Then a howl of exultation went up, for more than half of the rustlers in + the group recognized him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — OUT IN THE NIGHT. + </h2> + <p> + Enough has been already told for the reader to understand the scheme which + Jennie Whitney, with the help of her mother, attempted to carry out for + the benefit of the besieged cattlemen. + </p> + <p> + With her cloak around her shoulders and her saddle supported on one arm, + she passed quickly from the rear of her home to the stables, only a short + distance away. She had been on the alert for the signal of Duke Vesey, + and, seeing it not, was prepared to encounter some one else. + </p> + <p> + In this she was not disappointed, for at the moment of catching sight of + the dark mass where the horses were sheltered the figure of a man loomed + into view as though he had risen from the ground. She stopped short, and + observed, dimly, the forms of two others just behind him. + </p> + <p> + "Halloo!" exclaimed the nearest, "how is this?" + </p> + <p> + With peculiar emotions the young lady recognized the voice of Larch + Cadmus. She hoped this was a favourable omen, and was quick to turn it to + account. + </p> + <p> + "Larch, is that you?" she asked, peering forward as if uncertain of his + identity. + </p> + <p> + "I declare, it is Miss Jennie!" he exclaimed, coming forward; "how is it + you are alone?" + </p> + <p> + "Mother did not wish to come with me," replied the daughter, trying to + avoid the necessity of direct deceit. "She will probably leave the house + pretty soon." + </p> + <p> + The fellow was plainly embarrassed, despite the protecting gloom which + concealed his features. Jennie knew him to be one of her most ardent + admirers, though she had never liked him. Her hopes were now based upon + making use of his regard for her. + </p> + <p> + "You have come out, Jennie, I suppose," said he, offering his hand, which + she accepted, "so as not to be in the house when the—ah, trouble + begins." + </p> + <p> + "O, I know it will be dreadful; I want to go as far away as I can—do + you blame me, Larch?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all—not at all; and I hope, Jennie, you don't blame me for + all that your folks have suffered." + </p> + <p> + "Why, Larch, why should I blame you?" asked the young lady, coming + fearfully near a fiction in making the query, for she knew many good + reasons for censuring him in her heart. "But how soon do you intend—that + is, how soon do the rest of your folks intend to attack the cowmen?" + </p> + <p> + "We—that is, they—expected to do so long ago, but there have + been all sorts of delays; it will come pretty soon now." + </p> + <p> + "Where are you to place mother and me?" + </p> + <p> + "Over the ridge, yonder; you will be out of danger; you need fear nothing; + why should you, for your mother will be with you and your brother will be + with us, so that he can take no part in the fight." + </p> + <p> + He made no reference to Mont Sterry, and she was too wise to let fall a + hint of her anxiety concerning him. + </p> + <p> + "But, Larch, suppose, when you set fire to the house, as I heard your + folks intended, our people rush out and attack you?" + </p> + <p> + "Do they intend to do that?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I am sure I don't know; but you can see, if they do, the shooting will be + going on all around mother and me." + </p> + <p> + "You can pass farther out on the plain or take shelter in the stable, + among the horses." + </p> + <p> + "But that may be too late," interposed Jennie, in well-feigned alarm. + </p> + <p> + "You can take refuge here now." + </p> + <p> + "I can't bear to stay in the stable, for the horses will become terrified + when the shooting begins; they may break loose and prove more dangerous + than the flying bullets." + </p> + <p> + There was sense in this objection, and the rustler saw it. He was anxious + to propitiate the young woman, whom he admired so ardently. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my dear, what would you like to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Now, Larch, you won't laugh at me if I tell you," she replied, in her + most coquettish manner. + </p> + <p> + "Laugh at you!" he protested; "this is no time for laughing; it was a + shame that those people should turn your house into a fort, when it could + do them no good. Tell me what you want and it shall be done, if it is in + my power." + </p> + <p> + "Thanks! You are very kind, and I shall never forget this favour; I want + to mount one of the best horses in the stable and ride out so far that I + am sure to be beyond reach of danger." + </p> + <p> + The proposition staggered the rustler—so much so that it did not + occur to him, just then, that the daughter appeared a great deal more + anxious to look after her own safety than her mother's. + </p> + <p> + "You have a horse in the stable, haven't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Jack is there, and he is a splendid fellow; he is the one I want." + </p> + <p> + "But the saddle?" + </p> + <p> + "I have it with me; here it is; you and I will adjust it together." + </p> + <p> + And the impulsive miss placed the saddle in his grasp before he knew it. + She certainly was rushing things. It must be admitted, too, that she + showed fine discretion. There was but one way of handling Mr. Larch + Cadmus, and she was using that way. + </p> + <p> + He turned about and walked to the door of the stable. + </p> + <p> + "Jack is in the second stall," she said, pausing at the entrance, "and his + bridle is on the hook near his head." + </p> + <p> + The gloom was impenetrable, but a couple of matches gave Cadmus all the + light needed, and a minute later he brought forth the fine animal, who + whinnied with pleasure at recognizing his mistress, despite the gloom. + </p> + <p> + Jennie gave what help she could in saddling and bridling him, the other + two men standing a little way off in silence. She kept up an incessant + chatter, repeating her thanks to Cadmus for his kindness, and binding him + more completely captive every minute. + </p> + <p> + But the rustler was inclined to be thoughtful, for before the animal was + ready he began to feel misgivings as to the prudence of what he was doing. + There was something odd, too, about the young lady mounting her pony, + riding alone out on the plain, and leaving her mother behind. Then, too, + she had emerged from the rear instead of the front of the house, as he + judged from her line of approach. + </p> + <p> + Could there be any ulterior purpose in all this? If she would only cease + her chatting for a minute or two he might figure out the problem, but the + trouble was, nothing could stop her. In fact he didn't wish her to stop, + for that voice was the most musical one to which he could listen, and he + would have been glad had it sounded for hours in his ears. + </p> + <p> + He managed to drift dangerously near the truth. + </p> + <p> + "Can it be that she intends to ride away for help?" he reflected. "It has + that look; but no, it is hardly that, for there isn't any help within + reach that I know of. She might find it in the course of a day or two, but + this affair will be over before daylight—I beg pardon, what was it + you said, Jennie?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, Larch, I'm tempted to pull your ears; you are a fine gallant; here I + have been standing full ten seconds, waiting for you to help me on the + horse, and you have paid me no attention." + </p> + <p> + "It <i>was</i> rude, my dear; I hope you will pardon me," he replied, + stepping quickly forward, "but I am very absent-minded to-night." + </p> + <p> + "I will pardon you, of course, for you have been so good and nice that it + would be ungrateful for me to be impatient." + </p> + <p> + He took the Cinderella-like foot in his broad palm and cleverly assisted + her in the saddle. While he helped to adjust the reins, her tongue rattled + on harder than ever. + </p> + <p> + "How far, Larch, will it be necessary for me to ride so as to be sure—mind + you, sure—of being out of the way when this awful business opens?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I should say a hundred yards or so will be enough—" + </p> + <p> + "Mercy! do you think so? I ought to go two or three times as far as that; + you won't object, will you? and when the shooting <i>does</i> begin, I can + hurry Jack farther off." + </p> + <p> + "Do as you think best; but it seems to me, Jennie, that you are forgetting + your mother—" + </p> + <p> + "O, no; when Fred brings her out—maybe he has done so now—tell + her the direction I have gone and she will understand. Which is the best + course for me to take? I guess it don't make any difference, so I will go + this way." + </p> + <p> + Through all this apparently aimless chatter, Miss Jennie Whitney was using + her wits. She knew a long ride was before her, and everything would be + ruined if she lost her way. There was no moon or stars to give guidance, + and she therefore carefully took her bearings while the chance was hers. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it's all the same which course you follow, but I fear I am + doing wrong in allowing you to ride off—" + </p> + <p> + "Now, don't spoil everything by regretting the handsome way in which you + have indulged my whim; I think I will ride over the ridge to the left—" + </p> + <p> + "Hold on, Jennie, until I can speak to Inman; he may object—" + </p> + <p> + "You can speak to him after I am gone; good-night, Larch, and many thanks + again for your kindness." + </p> + <p> + She rode off with her intelligent Jack on a walk until she was clear of + the camp, when she touched him into an easy gallop. + </p> + <p> + Larch Cadmus stood looking into the gloom where she had vanished, almost + before he comprehended her intention. + </p> + <p> + "Well, she's a puzzle!" he exclaimed to his two companions, who came + forward; "I don't know what to make of her. What do you suppose she meant + by that, boys?" + </p> + <p> + "It's easy enough to see," replied one of them, with a laugh; "she's gone + off after help." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think so?" asked the startled Cadmus; "where can she get it?" + </p> + <p> + "She may bring back their hands." + </p> + <p> + "There are only two of them," said Larch, much relieved, "and they won't + amount to anything in the rumpus. You don't imagine that she knows of any + larger force anywhere in the neighbourhood?" + </p> + <p> + "She can't know of any, for there ain't any," was the clincher of the + rustler; "or, if there is, she can't get it here in time to do Asbury and + the rest any good." + </p> + <p> + Cadmus was relieved by the words of his friend. Enough misgivings, + however, remained to make him say: + </p> + <p> + "There are so many moving about that her departure don't seem to be + noticed; I'll take it as a favour if you don't mention it to any one, for + now that she is gone I am sure I never should have allowed it." + </p> + <p> + The couple gave the promise, though their belief was that nothing serious + would follow. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the two to keep watch at the stables, Cadmus sauntered to where + Inman was seated near the camp-fire, smoking a pipe. A little inquiry + disclosed that neither the leader nor any of his companions had noticed + the departure of the young lady. + </p> + <p> + It was some time after this that Duke Vesey brought the report of Mrs. + Whitney's illness as an explanation of her son's delay in returning to the + camp of the rustlers. + </p> + <p> + Exasperated, and suspecting a pretense, Inman consented to a brief + postponement of the attack. + </p> + <p> + The next startling occurrence was the capture of Monteith Sterry while + trying to steal through the lines. As we have shown, he was identified the + instant he was brought into the reflection of the firelight, and such + precautions were taken that escape by him was out of the question. + </p> + <p> + When their impatience could stand it no longer, Vesey was sent to Capt. + Asbury with the message which he delivered. Instead of his returning with + a reply, Fred Whitney came back, bringing the announcement that Vesey had + entered the house without claiming the protection of a truce, and after + telling what he was directed to tell about Monteith Sterry, Capt. Asbury + had directed Whitney to notify Capt. Inman that he would retain Vesey as a + hostage, guaranteeing that whatever harm was visited upon Sterry should + descend upon the head of Vesey. + </p> + <p> + This message, as may be supposed, caused consternation for some minutes in + the camp of the rustlers. The feeling was quickly succeeded by + exasperation. Had Inman and Cadmus been given the opportunity, no doubt + they could have made a good argument to prove that, inasmuch as Vesey had + passed back and forth several times after his first announcement of a flag + of truce, and its acceptance by the besieged cowmen, it was not required + by the law of nations that he should proclaim the fact while continuing to + act as messenger between the hostiles. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the truth remained that he had entered the house of the + rancher with weapons in his hands and without any claim of immunity from + harm. + </p> + <p> + The question was such a nice one, capable of so many finely-drawn + theories, that it is useless to discuss it here. Whatever decision we + might reach, we could not feel assured we were right. + </p> + <p> + The hard fact confronted the rustlers that one of their principal men was + in the power of the cowmen and was held as a hostage for the safety of the + detested Monteith Sterry, who had been warned that he would be shot on + sight by any rustler who gained the chance. + </p> + <p> + The unexpected phase of the situation caused a long and angry discussion + between Capt. Ira Inman and his leaders, to which, as may be supposed, + Fred Whitney and Monteith Sterry paid close attention. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. — CONCLUSION. + </h2> + <p> + "Now, Jack, do your best, for everything depends on you." + </p> + <p> + Jennie Whitney looked around in the darkness and saw the glimmer of the + rustlers' camp-fire, fully two hundred yards to the rear, with the shadowy + figures moving to and fro. + </p> + <p> + "They may change their minds," she added, recalling the words of Larch + Cadmus, "and decide to bring me back. Let them do it if they can!" + </p> + <p> + The intelligent pony acted as if he understood what was expected of him. + With a light whinny at the pleasure he felt because of the opportunity of + stretching out his beautiful limbs he broke into a swift canter, heading + straight for the point where his rider believed the friendly camp was to + be found. + </p> + <p> + She held the reins loose, knowing the danger of attempting to guide him + where it was impossible to keep the points of the compass in mind. The way + was smooth and even, although there is always danger in going at such + speed in the night. She deemed the stake warranted it, however, and did + not check the rapid pace. + </p> + <p> + Night on every hand and not a shining star overhead. If she could find the + party of stockmen in time, so as to bring them back to her home, their + strength would overawe the rustlers, and the whole difficulty could be + arranged without the conflict which she looked upon with unspeakable + dread. + </p> + <p> + "It will save him, too," she added, hesitating to pronounce the name that + was in her heart, which would have throbbed more painfully had she known + that in a brief while he would be helpless in the power of the men eager + for his life. "I am glad he did not venture out of the house, when his + friend could have done him no good. What will he think of me on learning + what I have done? He will say that I am rash and foolish, and perhaps I + am; will he suspect that it was to save him that I undertook this errand, + which, after all, is attended with no risk to me worth mentioning?" + </p> + <p> + These were pleasant musings, but the task before her was too serious and + made too close demands on her mental and physical energies for her to + indulge in them. The delightful reverie could be deferred to a more + convenient season. + </p> + <p> + Jennie Whitney had lived long enough in the West to understand that in + times like the present it is safer to depend on the instinct of one's + heart than upon one's reason. It seemed now and then that Jack was + following the wrong direction, but she was wise in not interfering. + </p> + <p> + The gloom was so deep that she could see barely a few paces beyond the + pointed ears in front, but when the ground showed an abrupt rise she + recalled the location and knew he had followed the exact course she + desired. + </p> + <p> + She pulled slightly on the reins and he dropped to a walk. At the same + moment something dark moved aside, the pony diverting his own steps to + avoid it. She experienced a slight shock of fright, but recognized the + object as one of the cattle probably belonging to their own herd. Others + showed dimly here and there as the horse carefully picked his way forward. + </p> + <p> + "Halloo, who's that?" called a gruff voice from the darkness, the hail + proving more startling than the first surprise. + </p> + <p> + "It is I, Jennie Whitney," replied the young lady, "and I am searching for + help." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll be hanged! What's up, Miss Jennie?" + </p> + <p> + It was Budd Hankinson who came forward on foot, his figure appearing of + gigantic proportions in the gloom. He was more alarmed than she, as he had + warrant for being, knowing, as he did, that some extraordinary cause must + have brought the girl to this place alone at that hour of the night. + </p> + <p> + She quickly told her story, explaining that Fred was held a prisoner by + the rustlers, else he would have hastened back to secure the assistance + for which she was looking. + </p> + <p> + "You're a brave girl," said the honest fellow, as he laid his hand on the + reins of the pony; "there are mighty few that would have done what you've + done to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind about that, Budd, but tell me what to do." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you mustn't do anything; I'll do the rest." + </p> + <p> + "No, you may help me, but what is it to be?" + </p> + <p> + "Luck's running your way, Jennie; the stockmen have moved their camp since + Fred left this morning." + </p> + <p> + "Mercy! I thought I had only two or three miles farther to go." + </p> + <p> + "Their camp isn't more'n half a mile off, right over the swell yonder; + we'll be there in a jiffy." + </p> + <p> + "And you will go with me?" + </p> + <p> + "Wal, I reckon; what sort of a chap do you take me for?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is Weber?" + </p> + <p> + "Three miles to the south, which is in t'other direction; we won't have + time to look him up, and it wouldn't do any good if we did. We made a + change of grazing grounds, as I s'pose Fred told you, but some of the + cattle strayed off here and I was looking 'em up when I heard your pony." + </p> + <p> + "Where's your horse?" + </p> + <p> + "Not far; wait here and I'll be right back." + </p> + <p> + He was gone but a few minutes, when he returned in the saddle. + </p> + <p> + "It won't do to go too fast," he explained, moving forward with his animal + on a walk, "but we can keep beside each other." + </p> + <p> + Riding thus carefully, he questioned her about the stirring incidents at + the house, and she gave him the particulars. The sagacious fellow had seen + before this how matters stood between her and Monteith Sterry, and he knew + her anxiety, but his good taste prevented any reference to it further than + to say: + </p> + <p> + "I hope Mont will be too wise to try to slip out of the house, for if he + does he's sure to be grabbed up by them, and they won't give him a chance + for his life." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think he will make the attempt, Budd?" + </p> + <p> + "No, now that he knows you have started, for you've got a mighty sight + better chance to succeed than he could have. Of course he has too much + sense for anything of the kind." + </p> + <p> + It was well that neither of them suspected the truth. + </p> + <p> + "There they are!" + </p> + <p> + They had reached the top of the elevation, and saw before them the + twinkling lights of several camp-fires. The stockmen, fully understanding + the nature of the work they had undertaken, conducted themselves like a + force invading a hostile country. Regular sentinels were stationed, to + prevent the insidious approach of an enemy. + </p> + <p> + The couple rode down the hill, and, as they expected, were challenged on + the edge of the camp. Inasmuch as Budd had visited the men during the day + and formed numerous acquaintances, he had little difficulty in making + himself known. All, excepting the guards, had retired for the night, but + the visitor was conducted to the place where Maj. Sitgraves was asleep, + Jennie remaining on the outskirts with one of the sentinels, who treated + her with all courtesy. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Sitgraves was a brave man, who had only to hear the story brought to + him by the honest cowboy to understand the urgency of the case. It was now + near midnight, and the attack at the ranch was liable to be made at any + moment. The stockmen could not reach the scene of danger too soon. + </p> + <p> + Almost instantly the camp was astir. It looked as if the men had received + orders to attack a force of Indians, whose location was just made known to + them, and, in point of fact, the situation was somewhat similar, for a + brisk fight appeared inevitable. Three rustlers whom the major was + particularly anxious to arrest were Ira Inman, Larch Cadmus and Duke + Vesey, and he especially wanted the first two. They were with the party + not far off, and, aside from the call for help of the imperilled stockmen, + the prospect of capturing those fellows was sufficient warrant for a + prompt movement. + </p> + <p> + Within half an hour after Jennie Whitney's meeting with Budd Hankinson the + party of half a hundred were galloping westward, she riding at the head, + with Maj. Sitgraves and Budd, who acted as guide to the expedition. + </p> + <p> + Hope arose with every rod advanced, for if fighting had begun the reports + of the guns would be heard, but the listening ears failed to catch the + first hostile sound from the Whitney ranch. By and by a point was reached + which would have shown them the flash of the guns, but the gloom remained + impenetrable. + </p> + <p> + The twinkling camp-fire, at the base of the ridge, gave just the guidance + needed, and, with Budd Hankinson's intimate knowledge of the country, + enabled the force to tell exactly where they were. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Sitgraves decided to defer his attack until daylight, unless the + safety of the beleaguered cattlemen should force him to assault sooner. In + the darkness, with the open country around, and the excellent animals at + the command of the rustlers, most of them would escape upon learning the + strength of the assailants. At the earliest dawn the stockmen could be so + placed that, as the commander believed, nearly if not quite all of the + law-breakers would be corralled. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, a halt was made while yet a considerable way off, and Budd + Hankinson went forward on foot to reconnoitre. Upon his report must depend + the action of the stockmen. + </p> + <p> + The fellow was gone more than three-quarters of an hour, and when he came + back he brought astounding news. + </p> + <p> + Not a solitary rustler was to be found anywhere near the ranch. + </p> + <p> + Hardly able to credit the fact, Budd picked his way to the building, + knocked, and was admitted. There the amazing truth was made known. Capt. + Ira Inman and all his men had been gone for an hour, and were probably + miles distant at that moment. + </p> + <p> + The detention of Duke Vesey as a hostage for the safety of Monteith Sterry + proved the key to the whole situation. When Inman learned how he had been + outwitted he was enraged to the point of ordering an attack at once, with + the resolve to give mercy to no one. He even threatened to visit his fury + upon Fred Whitney, who had shown such punctilious regard for his parole, + for it would seem that under the circumstances he would have been + warranted in staying behind with his friends. + </p> + <p> + But before taking so rash a step, the cooler judgment of the leader came + to his rescue—He placed a high value on Duke Vesey, who had been + associated with him in several dangerous enterprises, and he knew that any + harm done to Sterry would recoil on him, just as the grim Capt. Asbury had + threatened. + </p> + <p> + After prolonged discussion with Cadmus and others, it was decided to offer + to exchange Sterry for Vesey. The proposition was accepted, and the + exchange faithfully made, though considerable more delay was involved. + </p> + <p> + But while it was under way Inman learned of Jennie Whitney's flight toward + the Big Horn Mountains. Keener of wit than Larch Cadmus, he suspected the + truth at once, though he knew nothing of the proximity of the stockmen. + </p> + <p> + Before making the attack and attempt to burn the building he sent out two + of his best mounted men in the direction taken by her, to investigate. + They did so with such skill that neither Budd Hankinson nor any of the + stockmen suspected them. They returned with news of the approach of a body + too powerful for them to think of combating. They therefore fled in the + darkness, the promptness of the leaders probably hastened by the knowledge + that they were the parties for whom the stockmen were looking. + </p> + <p> + And so ended the campaign. The situation had been critical for a long + time, and there were moments, time and again, when the most trifling + incident intervened to avert a fearful conflict between men of the same + race and blood; but all had now passed, and it may be said that not so + much as a hostile shot had been exchanged. + </p> + <p> + The main events of the troubles in Wyoming between the cowmen and rustlers + are too well remembered to require recital at our hands. The expedition + referred to in another place left Cheyenne in April for Nolan's Ranch, a + hundred or more miles distant. Within the following month, the Sixth U.S. + Cavalry brought all of them back to Cheyenne as prisoners of war, thus + saving them from extermination at the hands of the indignant rustlers, who + had them hemmed in on all sides. + </p> + <p> + Fred Whitney sold out his ranch, near the headwaters of Powder River, and + moved eastward. He was not actuated by fear, for it will be conceded that + he proved his courage, but he desired to take his loved mother and sister + away from the sorrowful memories that must always cling to the place. + </p> + <p> + It will not surprise the reader to learn, further, that Monteith Sterry + found it quite convenient to make his home in the same neighborhood with + the Whitneys, and it was but a short time after this removal eastward that + a most pleasing incident occurred in the lives of the young man and Miss + Whitney, of the nature of which we are sure the reader does not need to be + told. the reader does not need to be told. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COWMEN AND RUSTLERS*** + + +******* This file should be named 11337-h.htm or 11337-h.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/3/11337 + +E-text prepared by Dave Morgan, Josephine Paolucci, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Ellis + +Release Date: February 27, 2004 [eBook #11337] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COWMEN AND RUSTLERS*** + + +E-text prepared by Dave Morgan, Josephine Paolucci, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +COWMEN AND RUSTLERS + +A Story of the Wyoming Cattle Ranges + +BY + +EDWARD S. ELLIS + +AUTHOR OF "LOG CABIN SERIES," "BOONE AND KENTON SERIES," ETC. + +WITH FOUR FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY W.M. CARY + +MCMIV + + + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER + + I. A MERRY GROUP + + II. A WARNING FROM THE WOODS + + III. THE FLIGHT OVER THE ICE + + IV. THE REPORT OF GUNS + + V. LOOKING SOUTHWARD + + VI. COWMEN AND RUSTLERS + + VII. THE WARNING + + VIII. GOOD-BY + + IX. A SUMMONS AND A REPLY + + X. A HOT PURSUIT + + XI. A STRANGE DIVERSION + + XII. THE BACK TRAIL + + XIII. A CONSULTATION + + XIV. UNWELCOME CALLERS + + XV. THE "DOG INDIANS" + + XVI. AN UNPLEASANT VISIT + + XVII. A DELICATE SITUATION + + XVIII. A MISCALCULATION + + XIX. THE BURNED RANCH + + XX. THE TRUCE + + XXI. A MESSENGER IN HASTE + + XXII. IMPORTANT TIDINGS + + XXIII. AT BAY + + XXIV. THE PRIMITIVE FORT + + XXV. THE FLAG or TRUCE + + XXVI. THE UNDERGROUND MISSIVE + + XXVII. ON PAROLE + +XXVIII. THE FINAL SUMMONS + + XXIX. A STRANGE OCCURRENCE + + XXX. THE MISSING ONE + + XXXI. WHY IT WAS DONE + + XXXII. THE HOSTAGE + +XXXIII. THE PRISONER + + XXXIV. OUT IN THE NIGHT + + XXXV. CONCLUSION + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. + +"FIRED TWO MORE BARRELS" + +"COMING STRAIGHT TOWARD HIM" + +"A MASS OF BLAZING EMBERS" + +"CHALLENGED ON THE EDGE OF THE CAMP" + + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +A MERRY GROUP. + + +The Whitney household, in the western part of Maine, was filled with +sunshine, merriment and delight, on a certain winter evening a few +years ago. + +There was the quiet, thoughtful mother, now past her prime, but with +many traces of the beauty and refinement that made her the belle +of the little country town until Hugh Whitney, the strong-bearded +soldier, who had entered the war as private and emerged therefrom +with several wounds and with the eagles of a colonel on his shoulder, +carried her away from all admirers and made her his bride. + +Hugh had been absent a couple of weeks in Montana and Wyoming, whither +he was drawn by a yearning of many years' standing to engage in the +cattle business. He had received some tuition as a cowboy on the +Llano Estacada, and the taste there acquired of the free, wild life, +supplemented, doubtless, by his experience during the war, was held in +restraint for a time only by his marriage. + +The absence of the father was the only element lacking to make the +household one of the happiest in that section of Maine; but the letter +just received from him was so cheerful and affectionate that it added +to the enjoyment of the family. + +The two principal factors in this jollity were the twins and only +children, Fred and Jennie, seventeen on their last birthday, each +the picture of health, bounding spirits, love and devotion to +their parents and to one another. They had been the life of the +sleighing-parties and social gatherings, where the beauty of the +budding Jennie attracted as much admiration as did that of her mother +a score of years before, but the girl was too young to care for any +of the ardent swains who were ready to wrangle for the privilege of a +smile or encouraging word. Like a good and true daughter she had no +secrets from her mother, and when that excellent parent said, with a +meaning smile, "Wait a few years, Jennie," the girl willingly promised +to do as she wished in that as in every other respect. + +Fred was home for the Christmas holidays, and brought with him +Monteith Sterry, one year his senior. Sterry lived in Boston, where he +and Fred Whitney were classmates and warm friends. Young Whitney had +spent several Sundays with Sterry, and the latter finally accepted the +invitation to visit him at his home down in Maine. + +These two young men, materially aided by Jennie, speedily turned the +house topsy-turvy. There was no resisting their overrunning spirits, +though now and then the mother ventured on a mild protest, but the +smile which always accompanied the gentle reproof betrayed the truth, +that she was as happy as they in their merriment, with which she would +not have interfered for the world. + +That night the full, round moon shone from an unclouded sky, and the +air was crisp and clear. There was not much snow on the ground, and +the ice on the little river at the rear of the house was as smooth as +a polished window-pane. For nearly two score miles this current, +which eventually found its way into the Penobscot, wound through the +leafless woods, past an occasional opening, where, perhaps, the humble +cabin of some backwoodsman stood. + +It was an ideal skating rink, and the particular overflow of spirits +on that evening was due to the agreement that it was to be devoted to +the exhilarating amusement. + +"We will leave the house at 8 o'clock," said Fred at the supper table, +"and skate to the mouth of Wild Man's Creek and back." + +"How far is that?" inquired Monteith Sterry. + +"About ten miles." + +Pretty Jennie's face took on a contemptuous expression. + +"Not a bit more; we shall be only fairly started when we must turn +back." + +"Well, where do you want to go, sister?" + +"We shouldn't think of stopping until we reach Wolf Glen." + +"And may I inquire the distance to that spot?" asked Sterry again. + +"Barely five miles beyond Wild Man's Creek," said she. + +Those were not the young men to take a "dare" from a girl like her. +It will be admitted that thirty miles is a pretty good spurt for a +skater, but the conditions could not have been more favourable. + +"It's agreed, then," remarked Sterry, "that we will go to Wolf Glen, +and then, and then--" + +"And then what?" demanded Jennie, turning toward him. + +"Why not keep on to Boston and call on my folks?" + +"If you will furnish the ice we will do so." + +"I couldn't guarantee ice all the way, but we can travel by other +means between the points, using our skates as the chance offers." + +"Or do as that explorer who is to set out in search of the north +pole--have a combination skate and boat, so when fairly going we can +keep straight on." + +"I will consent to that arrangement on one condition," interposed the +mother, so seriously that all eyes were turned wonderingly upon her. + +"What is that?" + +"That you return before the morrow." + +The countenances became grave, and turning to Sterry, on her right, +Jennie asked, in a low voice: + +"Is it safe to promise that?" + +"Hardly. Let us leave the scheme until we have time in which fully to +consider it." + +"You will start, as I understand, at eight," remarked the mother, +speaking now in earnest. "You can readily reach Wolf Glen within a +couple of hours. There you will rest a while and return as you choose. +So I will expect you at midnight." + +"Unless something happens to prevent." + +The words of Monteith Sterry were uttered jestingly, but they caused a +pang to the affectionate parent as she asked: + +"What could happen, Monteith?" + +Fred took it upon himself to reply promptly: + +"Nothing at all." + +"Is the ice firm and strong?" + +"It will bear a locomotive; I never saw it finer; the winter has not +been so severe as some we have known, but it has got there all the +same; Maine can furnish the Union with all the ice she will want next +summer." + +"There may be air-holes." + +"None that we cannot see; they are few and do not amount to anything." + +Here Sterry spoke with mock gravity. + +"The name, Wolf Glen, is ominous." + +"We have wolves and bears and other big game in this part of the +State, but not nearly as many as formerly. It hardly pays to hunt +them." + +"I hope we shall meet a few bears or wolves," said Jennie, with her +light laugh. + +"And why?" demanded the shocked mother. + +"I would like a race with them; wouldn't it be fun!" + +"Yes," replied Sterry, "provided we could outskate them." + +"I never knew that wild animals skate." + +"They can travel fast when they take it into their heads to turn +hunter. I suppose many of the bears are hibernating, but the +wolves--if there are any waiting for us--will be wide awake and may +give us the roughest kind of sport." + +Fred Whitney knew his mother better than did his friend and understood +the expression on her face. So did Jennie, and the couple had such +sport of their Boston visitor that the cloud quickly vanished and +Monteith felt a trifle humiliated at his exhibition of what might +be considered timidity. Nevertheless he quietly slipped his loaded +revolver in the outer pocket of his heavy coat just before starting +and when no one was watching him. + +Precisely at eight o'clock the three friends, warmly and conveniently +clad, with their keen-edged skates securely fastened, glided +gracefully up-stream, the mother standing on the porch of her home and +watching the figures as they vanished in the moonlight. + +She was smiling, but in her heart was a misgiving such as she had not +felt before, when her children were starting off for an evening's +enjoyment. The minute they were beyond sight she sighed, and, +turning about, resumed her seat by the table in the centre of the +sitting-room, where, as the lamplight fell upon her pale face, she +strove to drive away the disquieting thoughts that would not leave +her. + +It was a pleasing sight as the three young people, the picture of +life, health and joyous spirits, side by side, laughing, jesting, and +with never a thought of danger, moved out to the middle of the river +and then sped toward its source, with the easy, beautiful movement +which in the accomplished skater is the ideal of grace. The motion +seemingly was attended with no effort, and could be maintained for +hours with little fatigue. + +The small river, to which allusion has been made, was one hundred +yards in width at the point where they passed out upon its surface. +This width naturally decreased as they ascended, but the decrease was +so gradual that at Wolf Glen, fifteen miles away, the breadth +was fully three-fourths of the width opposite the Whitney home. +Occasionally, too, the channel widened to double or triple its usual +extent, but those places were few in number, and did not continue +long. They marked a shallowing of the current and suggested in +appearance a lake. + +There were other spots where this tributary itself received others. +Sometimes the open space would show on the right, and further on +another on the left indicated where a creek debouched into the stream, +in its search for the ocean, the great depository of most of the +rivers of the globe. + +The trees, denuded of vegetation, projected their bare limbs into the +crystalline air, and here and there, where they leaned over the banks, +were thrown in relief against the moonlit sky beyond. The moon itself +was nearly in the zenith, and the reflected gleam from the glassy +surface made the light almost like that of day. Along the shore, +however, the shadows were so gloomy and threatening that Monteith +Sterry more than once gave a slight shudder and reached his mittened +hand down to his side to make sure his weapon was in place. + +The course was sinuous from the beginning, winding in and out so +continuously that the length of the stream must have been double that +of the straight line extending over the same course. Some of these +turnings were abrupt, and there were long, sweeping curves with a view +extending several hundred yards. + +They were spinning around one of these, when Sterry uttered an +exclamation: + +"I'm disappointed!" + +"Why?" inquired Jennie, at his elbow. + +"I had just wrought myself up to the fancy that we were pioneers, the +first people of our race to enter this primeval wilderness, when lo!" + +He extended his arm up-stream and to the right, where a star-like +twinkle showed that a dwelling stood, or some parties had kindled a +camp-fire. + +"Quance, an old fisherman and hunter, lives, there," explained Fred, +"as I believe he has done for fifty years." + +"Would you like to make a call on him?" asked Jennie. + +"I have no desire to do so; I enjoy this sport better than to sit by +the fire and listen to the most entertaining hunter. Isn't that he?" + +The cabin was several rods from the shore, the space in front being +clear of trees and affording an unobstructed view of the little log +structure, with its single door and window in front, and the stone +chimney from which the smoke was ascending. Half-way between the cabin +and the stream, and in the path connecting the two, stood a man with +folded arms looking at them. He was so motionless that he suggested a +stump, but the bright moonlight left no doubt of his identity. + +"Holloa, Quance!" shouted Fred, slightly slackening his speed and +curving in toward shore. + +The old man made no reply. Then Jennie's musical voice rang out on the +frosty air, but still the hunter gave no sign that he knew he had been +addressed. He did not move an arm nor stir. + +"I wonder whether he hasn't frozen stiff in that position," remarked +Sterry. "He may have been caught in the first snap several weeks ago +and has been acting ever since as his own monument." + +At the moment of shooting out of sight around the curve the three +glanced back. The old fellow was there, just as they saw him at first. +They even fancied he had not so much as turned his head while they +were passing, but was still gazing at the bank opposite him, or, what +was more likely, peering sideways without shifting his head to any +extent. + +The occurrence, however, was too slight to cause a second thought. + +They were now fairly under way, as may be said, being more than a mile +from their starting-point. They were proceeding swiftly but easily, +ready to decrease or increase their speed at a moment's notice. +Sometimes they were nigh enough to touch each other's hands, and again +they separated, one going far to the right, the other to the left, +while the third kept near the middle of the stream. Then two would +swerve toward shore, or perhaps it was all three, and again it was +Jennie who kept the farthest from land, or perhaps a fancy led her to +skim so close that some of the overhanging limbs brushed her face. + +"Look out; there's an air-hole!" called the brother, at the moment the +three reunited after one of these excursions. + +"What of it!" was her demand, and instead of shooting to the right or +left, she kept straight on toward the open space. + +"Don't try to jump it!" cautioned Sterry, suspecting her purpose; +"it's too wide." + +"No doubt it is for you." + +The daring words were on her lips, when she rose slightly in the air +and skimmed as gracefully as a bird across the space of clear water. +She came down seemingly without jar, with the bright blades of steel +ringing over the crystal surface, and without having fallen a foot to +the rear of her companions. + +"That was foolish," said her brother, reprovingly; "suppose the ice +had given away when you struck it again?" + +"What's the use of supposing what could not take place?" + +"The air-hole might have been wider than you suppose." + +"How could that be when it was in plain sight? If it had been wider, +why I would have jumped further, or turned aside like my two gallant +escorts. Stick to me and I'll take care of you." + +There was no dashing the spirits of the girl, and Sterry broke into +laughter, wondering how it would be with her if actual danger did +present itself. + +Occasionally the happy ones indulged in snatches of song and fancy +skating, gliding around each other in bewildering and graceful curves. +The three were experts, as are nearly all people in that section of +the Union. Any one watching their exhibitions of skill and knowing the +anxiety of the mother at home would have wondered why she should feel +any misgiving concerning them. + +True, there were wild animals in the forests, and at this season +of the year, when pressed by hunger, they would attack persons if +opportunity presented; but could the fleetest outspeed any one of +those three, if he or she chose to put forth the utmost strength and +skill possessed? + +"Look!" + +It was Jennie who uttered the exclamation, and there was good cause +for it. She was slightly in advance, and was rounding another of the +turns of the stream, when she caught sight of a huge black bear, who, +instead of staying in some hollow tree or cave, sucking his paw the +winter through, was lumbering over the ice in the same direction with +themselves. + +He was near the middle of the frozen current, so that it was prudent +for them to turn to the right or left, and was proceeding at an easy +pace, as if he was out for a midnight stroll, while he thought over +matters. Though one of the stupidest of animals, he was quick to hear +the noise behind him and looked back to learn what it meant. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A WARNING FROM THE WOODS. + + +Monteith Sterry began drawing the mitten from his right hand with the +intention of using his revolver on the bear, when he checked himself +with the thought: + +"Better to wait until I need it; the most of this excursion is still +before us." + +The lumbering brute came to a stop, with his huge head turned, and +surveyed the approaching skaters. Had they attempted to flee, or had +they come to a halt, probably he would have started after them. As it +was he swung half-way round, so that his side was exposed. He offered +a fine target for Sterry's weapon, but the young man still refrained +from using it. + +"It isn't well to go too near him," remarked Fred Whitney, seizing the +arm of his sister and drawing her toward the shore on the left. + +"I don't mean to," replied the bright-witted girl, "but if we turn +away from him too soon he will be able to head us off; he mustn't +suspect what we intend to do." + +"There's sense in that," remarked Sterry, "but don't wait too long." + +The three were skating close together, with their eyes on the big +creature, who was watching them sharply. + +"Now!" called Fred, in a low, quick voice. + +He had not loosened his grip of his sister's arm, so that when he made +the turn she was forced to follow him. The moment was well chosen, and +the three swung to one side as if all were controlled by the single +impulse. + +Bruin must have been astonished; for, while waiting for his supper +to drop into his arms, he saw it leaving him. With an angry growl he +began moving toward the laughing party. + +The tinge of anxiety which Fred Whitney felt lasted but a moment. He +saw that they could skate faster than the bear could travel; and, had +it been otherwise, no cause for fear would have existed, for, with the +power to turn like a flash, it would have been the easiest thing in +the world to elude the efforts of the animal to seize them. + +They expected pursuit, and it looked for a minute as if they were +not to be disappointed. The animal headed in their direction with +no inconsiderable speed, but, with more intelligence than his kind +generally display, he abruptly stopped, turned aside, and disappeared +in the wood before it could be said the race had really begun. + +Jennie was the most disappointed of the three, for she had counted +upon an adventure worth the telling, and here it was nipped in the +bud. She expressed her regret. + +"There's no helping it," said Monteith, "for I can think of no +inducement that will bring him back; but we have a good many miles +before us, and it isn't likely that he's the only bear in this part of +Maine." + +"There's some consolation in that," she replied, leading the way back +toward the middle of the course; "if we see another, don't be so +abrupt with him." + +The stream now broadened to nearly three times its ordinary extent, +so that it looked as if they were gliding over the bosom of some lake +lagoon instead of a small river. At the widest portion, and from the +furthest point on the right, twinkled a second light, so far back +among the trees that the structure from whence it came was out of +sight. They gave it little attention and kept on. + +Sterry took out his watch. The moonlight was so strong that he saw the +figures plainly. It lacked a few minutes of nine. + +"And yonder is the mouth of Wild Man's Creek," said Fred; "we have +made pretty good speed." + +"Nothing to boast of," replied Jennie; "if it were not for fear of +distressing mother, I would insist that we go ten or fifteen miles +further before turning back." + +Since plenty of time was at command, they continued their easy pace, +passing over several long and comparatively straight stretches of +frozen water, around sharp bends, beyond another expansion of the +stream, in front of a couple of natural openings, and finally, while +it lacked considerable of ten o'clock, they rounded to in front of +a mass of gray towering rocks on the right bank of the stream, and, +skating close into shore, sat down on a bowlder which obtruded several +feet above the ice. + +They were at the extremity of their excursion. These collective rocks +bore the name of Wolf Glen, the legend being that at some time in the +past a horde of wolves made their headquarters there, and, when the +winters were unusually severe, held the surrounding country in +what might be called a reign of terror. They had not yet wholly +disappeared, but little fear of them was felt. + +The friends could not be called tired, though, after skating fifteen +miles, the rest on the stone was grateful. + +They sat for half an hour chatting, laughing, and as merry as when +they started from home. The sky was still unclouded, but the moon had +passed beyond the zenith. A wall of shadow was thrown out from one of +the banks, except for occasional short distances, where the course of +the stream was directly toward or from the orb. + +When Sterry again glanced at his watch it was a few minutes past ten. +They had rested longer than any one suspected. + +"Mother won't look for us before midnight," remarked Fred, "and we can +easily make it in that time." + +"She was so anxious," said the sister, who, despite her +light-heartedness, was more thoughtful than her brother, "that I would +like to please her by getting back sooner than she expects." + +"We have only to keep up this pace to do it," said Monteith, "for we +have been resting fully a half hour--" + +He paused abruptly. From some point in the wintry wilderness came a +dismal, resounding wail, apparently a mile distant. + +"What is that?" asked Monteith, less accustomed to the Maine woods +than his companions. + +"It is the cry of a wolf," replied Fred; "I have heard it many times +when hunting alone or with father." + +"It isn't the most cheerful voice of the night," commented the young +Bostonian, who, as yet never dreamed of connecting it with any peril +to themselves. And then he sang: + + Yes, the war whoop of the Indian may produce a pleasant thrill + When mellowed by the distance that one feels increasing still; + And the shrilling of the whistle from the engine's brazen snout + May have minor tones of music, though I never found it out. + +The verse was hardly finished when the howl was repeated. + +"It is hard to tell from what point it comes," observed Fred, "but I +think it is on the right shore as we go back." + +"Do you imagine it is far from the river?" inquired Monteith. + +"I think not, but I may be mistaken." + +"I am quite sure Fred is right," said his sister; "and, more than +that, that particular wolf isn't a great way off. I wonder whether he +has scented our trail?" + +Before any comment could be made upon this remark, a second, third, +fourth, and fully a half-dozen additional howls rang through the +forest arches. They came from the left shore, and apparently were +about as far off as the cry first heard. + +"They are answers," said Fred, in a low voice, in which his companions +detected a slight tremor. + +It was at this moment that the first fear thrilled all three. The +cries might mean nothing, but more likely they meant a good deal. The +wolf is one of the fiercest of American wild animals when suffering +from hunger, though a coward at other times, and a horde of them are +capable of attacking the most formidable denizens of the woods. + +The fact that they were between the skaters and home, and at no great +distance from the course they must follow to reach there, was cause +for fear. It was almost certain that in some way the keen-scented +creatures had learned there was game afoot that night for them, and +they were signalling to each other to gather for the feast. + +Fred and Monteith were not specially frightened on their own account, +for, if the worst should come, they could take to the trees and wait +for help. They might make a sturdy fight, and perhaps, with anything +like a show, could get away from them without taking to such a refuge. + +But it was the presence of Jennie that caused the most misgiving. +True, she was as swift and skilful a skater as either, but that of +itself was not likely to save her. + +But she was the coolest of all, now that the danger assumed a reality. + +The lightness and gayety that had marked the three from the moment +of leaving home had gone. They were thoughtful, the very opposite in +their mood to that of a few minutes before. + +"I wish I had brought my pistol," said Fred. + +"I have mine," observed Monteith; "a good Smith & Wesson, and each of +the five chambers is loaded." + +"Thank fortune for that; have you any extra cartridges?" + +"Not one." + +"Your pistol may be the means of saving us." + +"Why do you speak that way?" asked Jennie; "I never knew you were +scared so easily." + +"I am sorry you are with us, sister; my alarm is on your account." + +"I do not see why I am not as safe as either of you; neither can skate +faster than I." + +"If we are to escape by that means, your chances are as good as ours; +but those creatures have a fearful advantage over us, because we must +run the gauntlet." + +"We are not so certain of that; if we hasten, we may pass the +danger-point before they discover us." + +For the first time since leaving home the three did their best. +Separated from each other by just enough space to give play to +the limbs, they sped down the icy river with the fleetness of the +hurricane, their movements almost the perfect counterpart of each +other. + +First on the right foot, they shot well toward the shore on that side, +then bending gracefully to the left, the weight was thrown on that +limb, the impetus being imparted to the body without any apparent +effort, after the manner of a master of the skater's art. These, +sweeping forward, were many rods in length, the polished steel +frequently giving out a metallic ring as it struck the flinty ice. Now +and then, too, a resounding creak sped past, and might have alarmed +them had they not understood its nature. It indicated no weakness of +the frozen surface, but was caused by the settling of the crystal +floor as the water flowed beneath. + +For a few minutes these were the only noises that broke the impressive +stillness. The three had begun to hope that the ominous sounds would +be heard no more, and that the wolves were too far from the river to +discover them until beyond reach. + +If they could once place themselves below the animals they need not +fear, for they could readily distance them. Should the speed of the +pursuers become dangerous, a sharp turn or change in the course would +throw them off and give the fugitives an advantage that would last for +a long time. But they dreaded the appearance of a whole pack of the +brutes in front, thus shutting off their line of flight homeward. +True, in that case they could turn about and flee up stream, but the +risk of encountering others attracted by the cries would be great, and +perhaps leave their only recourse to a flight into the woods. + +The thoughts of each turned to the nearest hunter's cabin, although it +was several miles distant, and probably beyond reach. + +It was strange that, having emitted so many signals, the wolves should +become suddenly quiescent. + +No one spoke, but as they glided swiftly forward they peered along the +gleaming surface in search of that which they dreaded to see. + +They approached one of those long, sweeping bends to which allusion +has been made. Jennie had already proven that neither of her +companions could outspeed her. They were doing their utmost, but she +easily held her own with less effort than they showed. + +In truth, she was slightly in advance as they began following the +curve of the river, her head, like each of the others, bent forward, +to see whither they were going. + +"They are there!" + +It was she who uttered the exclamation which sent a thrill through +both. They asked for no explanation, for none was needed, and an +instant later they were at her side, she slightly slackening her pace. + +The sight, while alarming, was not all that Fred and Monteith +anticipated. + +Three or four gaunt animals were trotting along the ice near the left +shore, but no others were visible. + +"Keep in the middle while I take a turn that way," said Monteith, +sheering in the direction named. + +Brother and sister did not read the meaning of this course, nor could +they detect its wisdom. But they obeyed without question. + +Young Sterry hoped by making what might look like an attack upon the +famishing beasts to scare them off for a few minutes, during which the +three, and especially Jennie, could reach a point below them. With the +brutes thus thrown in the rear, it might be said the danger would be +over. + +Now, as every one knows, the wolf is a sneak, and generally will run +from a child if it presents a bold front; but the animal becomes very +dangerous when pressed by hunger. + +Monteith Sterry's reception was altogether different from what he +anticipated. When the half-dozen wolves saw him speeding toward them +they stopped their trotting, and, like the bear, looked around, as not +understanding what it meant. + +"Confound them! Why don't they take to the woods?" he muttered. He had +removed the mitten from his right hand, which grasped his revolver. +"This isn't according to Hoyle." + +He shied a little to the right, with a view of preventing a collision +with the creatures, and the moment he was close enough, let fly with +one chamber at the nearest. + +Accidentally he nipped the wolf, which emitted a yelping bark, leaped +several feet in the air, then limped into the woods, as he had learned +enough of the interesting stranger. + +That was just what the youth had hoped to do, and the success of his +scheme would have been perfect had the others imitated their wounded +companion, but they did not. + +Without paying any attention to Sterry they broke into a gallop toward +the middle of the river, their course such as to place them either in +advance of Fred and Jennie Whitney or to bring all together. + +Greatly alarmed for his friends, Monteith did an unnecessary thing +by shouting (for the couple could not fail to see their danger), and +fired two more barrels of his pistol. Neither shot took effect, nor +did the wolves give them any heed, but they and the skaters converged +with perilous swiftness. + +Forgetful of his own danger, Monteith shouted again: + +"Look out! Why don't you change your course?" + +Neither replied, but it was absurd for the panic-stricken youth to +suppose they did not understand the situation and were shaping their +movements accordingly. + +Having observed the wolves as soon as Sterry, they never lost sight +of them for a second. Every action was watched, and the curious +proceeding noted the instant made. + +Fred and Jennie continued gliding straight forward, as if they saw +them not, and a collision appeared inevitable. At the moment when +Monteith's heart stood still, the couple turned almost at right angles +to the left--that is, in exactly the opposite direction from the +course of the wolves--and in a second they were fifty feet nearer that +shore than the brutes. Then followed another quick turn, and they were +gliding with arrowy speed straight down stream. They had simply passed +around the animals, who, detecting the trick, made their limbs rigid +and slid over the ice, with their claws scratching it, until able to +check their speed to allow them to turn and resume the pursuit. + +Sterry was on the point of uttering a shout of exultation and +admiration at the clever manoeuvre, when Jennie cried out; and well +might she do so, for fifty yards beyond, and directly in their path, +the ice seemed suddenly to have become alive with the frightful +creatures, who streamed from the woods on both sides, ravenous, fierce +and unrestrainable in their eagerness to share in the expected feast. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE FLIGHT OVER THE ICE. + + +The same minute that Monteith Sterry saw the new peril which +threatened them all he darted out beside the brother and sister, who +had slackened their pace at sight of the wolves in front. + +"What shall we do?" asked Fred; "we cannot push on; let's go up +stream." + +"You cannot do that," replied Jennie, "for they are gathering behind +us." + +A glance in that direction showed that she spoke the truth. It looked +as if a few minutes would bring as many there as in advance. + +"We shall have to take to the woods," said Fred, "and there's little +hope there." + +"It won't do," added the sister, who seemed to be thinking faster than +either of her companions. "The instant we start for the shore they +will be at our heels. Make as if we were going to run in close to the +right bank, so as to draw them after us; then turn and dash through +them." + +The manoeuvre was a repetition of the one she and her brother had +executed a few minutes before, and was their only hope. + +"I will take the lead with my pistol," said Monteith, "while you keep +as close to me as you can." + +Every second was beyond value. The wolves were not the creatures to +remain idle while a conference was under way. At sight of the three +figures near the middle of the course they rent the air with howls, +and came trotting toward them with that light, springy movement shown +by a gaunt hound, to whom the gait is as easy as a walk. + +Monteith Sterry shot forward on his right foot, his revolver, with its +two precious charges, tightly gripped in his naked hand. + +This was to be called into play only in the last extremity. The +killing of a couple of wolves from such a horde could produce no +effect upon the rest, unless perhaps to furnish some of them a lunch, +for one of the curious traits of the _lupus_ species is that they are +cannibals, so to speak. + +His hope was that the flash and report of the weapon would frighten +the animals into opening a path for a moment, through which the +skaters could dart into the clear space below. + +Having started, Monteith did not glance behind him. Fred and his +sister must look out for themselves. He had his hands more than full. + +With a swift, sweeping curve he shot toward the bank, the brutes +immediately converging to head him off. The slight, familiar scraping +on the ice told him that Fred and Jennie were at his heels. He kept on +with slackening speed until close to the shore, and it would not do to +go any further. An overhanging limb brushed his face. + +But his eye was on the wolves further out in the stream. The place was +one of the few ones where the course was such that no shadow was along +either bank. The moment most of the creatures were drawn well over +toward the right shore, Sterry did as his friends did awhile before, +skimming abruptly to the left and almost back over his own trail, and +then darting around the pack. The line was that of a semicircle, whose +extreme rim on the left was several rods beyond the last of the wolves +swarming to the right. + +"Now!" called Sterry at the moment of turning with all the speed at +his command. + +Critical as was the moment, he flung one glance behind him. Fred and +Jennie were almost nigh enough to touch him with outstretched hand. No +need of shouting any commands to them, for they understood what he was +doing, or rather trying to do. + +Young Sterry, as I have said, had cleared the horde of wolves, making +the turn so quickly that they slid a rod or more over the ice before +able to check themselves and change their own course. + +The stratagem seemed as successful as the other, but it was too soon +to congratulate themselves. At the moment when everything promised +well, the most enormous wolf he had ever seen bounded from under the +trees on the left bank and galloped directly for him. + +He was so far in advance that the only way of dodging him was by +another sharp turn in his course. To do this, however, would bring him +so near the other brutes that they were almost certain to leap upon +every one of the party. + +"Use your revolver!" called Fred from the rear. + +Monteith had already decided that this was an exigency demanding one +of the remaining charges, and he partly raised the weapon in front of +him. + +Meanwhile, the huge wolf had stopped on seeing that the procession was +coming in a straight line for him. The youth moderated his speed still +more, that he might perfect his aim. + +He was in the act of levelling his pistol, when the animal advanced +quickly a couple of steps and made a tremendous leap at his throat. +The act was unexpected, but at the instant of his leaving the ice +Monteith let fly with one chamber at him. + +The success was better than he had a right to expect, for the leaden +pellet bored its way through the skull of the wolf, who, with a +rasping yelp, made a sidelong plunge, as if diving off a bank into the +water, and, striking on the side of his head, rolled over on his back, +with his legs vaguely kicking at the moon, and as powerless to do harm +as a log of wood. + +Brief as was the halt, it had given the leading brutes of the main +body time to come up. They were fearfully near, when the scent of +blood and the sight of their fallen comrade suggested to the foremost +that a meal was at their disposal. They flew at the huge fellow and +rended him to shreds and fragments in a twinkling. + +The only way of escape was still in front, and, with the utmost +energy, power, and skill at his command, Monteith Sterry darted ahead. +His crouching body, the head well in advance, somewhat after the +manner of a racing bicyclist on the home-stretch, his compressed lips, +his flashing eyes, with every muscle tense, were proof that he knew it +had now become a struggle of life and death. + +If he allowed one of those wolves to approach nigh enough to leap upon +him, he would be borne to the earth like a flash and share the fate +of the victim of his pistol. They were near, for he could hear that +multitudinous pattering on the ice, when the din of their cries +permitted it, and they were running fast. + +But, he reasoned, if they were so close to him they must be still +closer to the brother and sister, whose peril, therefore, was +correspondingly greater. He looked around. He was farther from the +horde than he supposed, but Fred and Jennie were not directly behind +him, as he had thought. + +At the moment an awful thrill shot through him; he caught a glimpse +of Fred close in shore and going like the wind. The couple were still +preserved from the fangs of the wolves, but only heaven knew how long +it would last. + +A short distance ahead an opening showed where a creek put in from the +woods and hills. Monteith gave it only a glance when he skimmed past +at the same furious pace as before. It looked as if there was hope at +last, for the brutes first seen were all at the rear. If new danger +came, it would be from others that ran out on the ice in front. + +"It seems to me that all the wolves in Maine are on this little +river," was his thought, "but there may be a few left that will try to +get into our path." + +A wild cry came from his friends and he glanced toward them. Not only +that, but believing his help was needed, he sheered over to them as +quickly as he could. + +The course of the river had changed, so that a ribbon of shadow +extended along that bank, partially obscuring the form of Fred +Whitney, who seemed to cling to it as if therein lay his safety. + +The brutes were now so far to the rear that there was little to be +feared from them, though they still kept up the pursuit, and while +able to follow in a straight line were doing so with more speed than +would be expected. + +It struck Sterry that his friend was not skating with his utmost +skill. He was alarmed. + +"What's the matter, Fred?" he called, drawing quickly near him. + +"O, Jennie! Jennie! What will become of her?" + +Fred Whitney, it was now apparent, was alone. + +Forgetful of the savage brutes, Monteith Sterry slackened his pace, +and in a scared voice demanded: + +"What has become of her? Where is she?" + +"She darted into the mouth of that creek." + +"Why didn't you follow?" + +"I could not; it was done in a flash; she called to me to keep on and +said something else which I could not catch." + +"But," continued the wondering Monteith, "how could she do it when she +was at your side?" + +"She fell a little to the rear and made a lightning turn. I attempted +to follow, but it seemed half the pack were in my path, and it was +certain death. I was frantic for the moment, and even now do not +understand what it all meant." + +"What a woeful mistake!" wailed Monteith; "the chances are a thousand +to one that she is lost." + +"I think," said the brother, half beside himself, "that it may have +been a good thing, but--" + +A peculiar cry behind them caused Monteith to turn his head. The +wolves had gained so fast during the last few minutes that one of them +was in the act of springing on Fred Whitney. + +"Stoop, quick!" shouted his companion. + +Fred bent low in the nick of time, and the gaunt, lank body shot over +his head, landing on the ice in front. Before he could gather himself +a bullet from the revolver was driven into his vitals and he rolled +over and over, snapping and yelping in his death-throes. + +The skaters swerved aside enough to avoid him, and the next instant +were skimming over the ice at their utmost speed. + +It was not a moment too soon, for the halt was well-nigh fatal; but +they could travel faster than the animals, and steadily drew away from +them until, ere long, they were safe, so far as those creatures were +concerned. They continued the pursuit, however, being a number of rods +to the rear and in plain sight of the fugitives, who looked back, +while speeding forward with undiminished swiftness. + +But the couple could not continue their flight, knowing nothing of the +missing one. The wolves were between them and her, and Monteith Sterry +had fired the last shot in his revolver. + +"How far back does that tributary reach?" he asked. + +"I never learned, but probably a good way." + +"Its breadth is not half of this." + +"No; nothing like it." + +"What has become of her?" + +"Alas! alas! What shall I answer?" + +"But, Fred, she is not without hope; she can skate faster than either +of us, and I am sure none of them was in front of her on the creek or +she would not have made the turn she did." + +"If the creek extends for several miles, that is with enough width to +give her room, she will outspeed them; but how is she to get back?" + +"What need that she should? When they are thrown behind she can take +off her skates and continue homeward through the woods, or she may +find her way back to the river and rejoin us." + +"God grant that you are right; but some of the wolves may appear in +front of her, and then--" + +"Don't speak of it! We would have heard their cries if any of them had +overtaken her." + +No situation could be more trying than that of the two youths, who +felt that every rod toward home took them that distance farther from +the beloved one whose fate was involved in awful uncertainty. + +"This won't do," added Monteith, after they had skated some distance +farther; "we are now so far from the animals that they cannot trouble +us again; we are deserting her in the most cowardly manner." + +"But what shall we do? What _can_ we do?" + +"You know something of this part of the country; let's take off our +skates and cut across the creek; she may have taken refuge in the limb +of a tree and is awaiting us." + +"Isn't some one coming up stream?" asked Fred, peering forward, where +the straight stretch was so extensive that the vision permitted them +to see unusually far. + +"It may be another wolf." + +"No; it is a person. Perhaps Quance has been drawn from his home by +the racket. He is a great hunter. I hope it is he, for he can give us +help in hunting for Jennie--" + +Monteith suddenly gripped the arm of his friend. + +"It is not a man! It is a woman!" + +"Who can it be? Not Jennie, surely--" + +"Hurry along! You are no skaters at all!" + +It was she! That was her voice, and it was her slight, girlish figure +skimming like a swallow toward them. + +Within the following minute Fred Whitney clasped his beloved sister in +his arms, both shedding tears of joy and gratitude. + +Jennie had had a marvellous experience, indeed. Controlled by an +intuition or instinct which often surpasses reason, she was led to +dart aside into the smaller stream at the critical moment when the +fierce wolves were so near that escape seemed impossible. She had +fallen slightly to the rear, and a single terrified glance showed her +a beast in the act of leaping at her. Her dart to the left was only +the effort to elude him for that instant, and she was not aware of the +mouth of the creek until she had entered it. Then, seeing that it was +altogether too late to rejoin her brother, she had no course left but +to continue the flight which, until then, she had not intended. + +The words which she called to Fred, that were not understood by him, +were to the effect that she would try to rejoin him farther down the +stream, with whose many turnings she was more familiar than he. + +She ascended the tributary with all the wonderful skill at her +command. Not only the brute that was on the point of leaping at her, +but three others, turned as soon as they could poise themselves and +went after her at their utmost bent. + +But her change of direction was a most fortunate action. As in the +case of the abrupt darting aside, when on the surface of the larger +stream, it placed her considerably in advance of the nearest pursuers. +Add to this her power of outspeeding them when the chance was equal, +and it will be seen that her only danger was from the front. + +The creek was so narrow that if any of the wolves appeared before +her she would be lost, for there was not room to manoeuvre as on the +larger stream. + +But she met none. The first signals had drawn them to the river, and +if there were any near, they and she were mutually unaware of it. + +As her brother had said, she was more acquainted with this section +than he. She knew at what points the river and its tributary curved so +as to bring them near each other. Reaching that place, she buried the +heels of her skate-runners in the ice, sending the particles about +her in a misty shower, and quickly came to a halt. Then, standing +motionless, she listened. + +In the distance sounded the howling of the animals so repeatedly +disappointed of their prey, but none was nigh enough to cause her +misgiving. + +"I hope no harm has come to Fred or Monteith," she murmured. "Both can +skate fast enough to leave the wolves behind; they would have done so +at once if they had not been bothered by having me with them. Now they +ought to be able to take care of themselves." + +She sat down on the bank and removed her skates. The slight layer of +snow on the leaves caused no inconvenience, for she was well shod, and +the walk was not far. Her fear was that some of the wolves might sneak +up unseen. Often she stopped and listened, but when half the distance +was passed, without any alarm from that source, she believed nothing +was to be feared. A little farther and she reached the main stream, +the distance passed being so much less than was necessary for her +escorts that she knew that she was in advance of them, even if they +had continued their flight without interruption. + +Her club skates were securely refastened, and then she listened again. + +The cries of the brutes were few and distant and could not cause +alarm. + +Hark! A familiar sound reached her. She recognized it as made by +skates gliding over the ice. Rising to her feet, she remarked, with a +smile: + +"I think I will give them a surprise." And she did. The meeting was a +happy one, and before the stroke of midnight all three were at home, +where they found the mother anxiously awaiting their return and +greatly relieved to learn that despite their stirring experience no +harm had befallen any member of the little party. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE REPORT OF GUNS. + + +And now comes a change of scene and incident. + +Hugh Whitney returned to his Maine home a few weeks after the stirring +adventures of his children and Monteith Sterry with the wolves. He +was so pleased with the western country that he made his decision to +remove thither. He met with no difficulty in selling at a fair price +his little property in the Pine-Tree State, and with a portion of the +proceeds he bought a ranch near the headwaters of Powder River, to +which place he removed, with his family, in the spring of 1890, +directly after the incidents related in the preceding chapters. + +One of the pleasures of this radical change of residence and +occupation was that it was pleasing to his son Fred and his twin +sister Jennie, now about nineteen years of age. + +Whether the wife shared in the desire to make her home in that new +country, or whether she expressed the wish to do so because she saw it +would gratify her husband, cannot be said with certainty. There was no +doubt, however, about the eagerness with which the brother and sister +took part in the removal. + +Young, ardent, and of sturdy frame, with all the natural yearning of +imaginative youth for adventure, the prospect was an inviting one to +them. Their father's glowing accounts of the magnificent scenery, its +vast resources and limitless possibilities, caused a yearning on their +part probably deeper than his own. + +It is rare that such expectations are fully realized in this life. It +cannot be said that those of the brother and sister found more than +a partial fulfilment, but, though the fateful day came when they +regretted the change beyond the power of language to express, yet it +was many months before it dawned upon them. + +Hugh Whitney's herd of cattle numbered several thousand, and, on the +day when we take up the eventful history of the family, they were +grazing on the open ranges along the spurs of the Big Horn Mountains. + +The two cowmen engaged by Whitney to assist him in the duty of looking +after his property were Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber. They were +veterans in the business, brave and true and tried. Under their +tuition, and that of his father, Fred Whitney became a skilful +horseman and rancher. He learned to lasso and bring down an obdurate +steer, to give valuable help in the round-ups, to assist in branding +the registered trademark of his father on the haunches of his animals. + +This brand consisted of a cross, with two stars above, one below, the +initial letter of his given name on the left, and that of his surname +on the right. When this was burned into the flesh of the yearlings, +it identified his property, no matter where wandering, and the honest +rancher would no more disturb it than he would enter another's home +and rob him of his clothing. + +The first year was an enjoyable one to Jennie. Her father presented +her with an excellent animal, of which she became very fond. A good +horsewoman when in Maine, in Wyoming she acquired a skill which +compelled the admiration of the cowmen themselves. + +"She's struck her callin'," remarked Budd Hankinson one day, while +watching her speeding like a courser across the open country. + +"What is that?" asked the father, who was proud of his children, and +especially of the pretty daughter. + +"Why, riding hosses like a streak of lightnin'," was the somewhat +indefinite response. + +"What particular profession can she fill by dashing over the country +in that style?" continued the parent with a smile. + +"Why, showing other persons how it is done. I've no doubt, colonel, +that she could make good wages in breaking broncos and teaching young +women like her how to ride in the right style; I advise you to think +about it." + +"I will do so," replied the parent, with so much gravity that the +cowman never suspected his sincerity, but felt the satisfaction of +believing he had given his employer a valuable "pointer." + +Another pleasure which followed the removal of the Whitneys to Wyoming +was that their friend Monteith Sterry followed them within a few +months. He had shown some signs of running down in health while +attending the high school in Boston, despite the fact that he was one +of the best athletes in the institution; but he readily persuaded his +wealthy father that a few months' experience in the bracing northwest +would do him more good than anything and everything else in the world. + +That he might have some pretext other than the one which could not +wholly deceive the Whitneys, he engaged to serve the Live Stock +Association, which was beginning to have trouble with the rustlers. +Matters were not only going wrong, but were rapidly getting worse in +Wyoming, and they were glad to secure the services of such a daring +and honest youth, who seemed rather to welcome the fact that he could +perform his duties faithfully only at personal risk to himself. + +It need not be explained how it came about that young Sterry found it +necessary to give a great deal of his attention to that section of +Wyoming in which the Whitneys lived. There appeared to be more need of +it there than in any of the other neighborhoods where the outlook was +really threatening. + +The natural consequence was that he became a frequent visitor at the +home of his former friend, though he found other acquaintances engaged +in the cattle business who were glad to have him take shelter under +their roofs. Sometimes he engaged in hunting with them, and several +times Fred Whitney and Jennie joined him. There was a spice of peril +in these excursions which rendered them fascinating to all three. + +The particular day to which we refer was a mild afternoon in May, +1892. Jennie was helping her mother with her household duties in their +home, where they had lived since coming from their native State. The +building was one of the long, low wooden structures common in that +section, to which the fashions of the older civilization have not yet +penetrated. It possessed all the comforts they required, though it +took some time for the brother and sister to accustom themselves to +the odd style of architecture. + +Jennie, as usual, was in high spirits. She had been out for a ride +during the forenoon, and was now trying to make up for it by taking +the burden of most of the work upon her comely shoulders. + +In the middle of one of her snatches of song she abruptly paused with +the question: + +"Did you hear that, mother?" + +"No; to what do you refer?" + +"The sound of rifle-firing; something is wrong on the range." + +The two paused and listened, looking in each other's pale countenances +as they did so. + +"It _is_ rifle-firing!" said Mrs. Whitney in a scared voice; "what can +it mean?" + +"Trouble with the rustlers," replied Jennie, hurrying through the +open door to the outside that she might hear the better. Her mother +followed, and the two stood side by side, listening and peering +across the wide stretch of undulating plain in the direction of the +mountains, whose wooded crests were outlined against the clear spring +sky. + +There could be no mistaking the alarming sounds. They were made by +rifles, fired sometimes in quick succession, often mingling with each +other, and then showing comparatively long intervals between the +discharges of the weapons. + +"Father said the rustlers were becoming bolder," remarked Jennie, "and +there was sure to be trouble with them before long." + +"It has come," was the comment of the parent, "and who shall tell the +result?" + +"It cannot last long, mother." + +"A few minutes is a good while at such a time. A score of shots have +already been fired, and some of them must have done execution." + +"Father, Fred and our two men are unerring shots." + +"And so are they," responded the mother, referring to the rustlers, +who have made so much trouble for the cattlemen of Wyoming. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +LOOKING SOUTHWARD. + + +Mrs. Whitney and her daughter Jennie stood at the door of their ranch +listening, with rapidly beating hearts, to the sounds of rifle-firing +from the direction of the cattle-range where the beloved husband and +son were looking after their property. + +Three shots came in quick succession; then, after the interval of a +full minute, two more followed, and then all was still. + +Mother and daughter maintained their listening attitude a while +longer, but nothing more reached their ears. + +"It is over," said the parent in an undertone. + +Aye, the conflict was over. One party was beaten off, but which? And +how many brave men, the finest horsemen and rifle-shots in the world, +lay on the green sward, staring, with eyes that saw not, at the blue +sky, or were being borne away by their comrades on the backs of their +tough ponies? + +A brief space and the story would be told. + +Jennie Whitney shaded her eyes with her hand and gazed to the +southward for the first sight of returning friends, whose coming could +not be long delayed. + +The mother was straining her vision in the same direction, watching +for that which she longed and yet dreaded to see. But years had +compelled her to use glasses, and her eyes were not the equal of +those bright orbs of Jennie. She would be the first to detect the +approaching horsemen. + +A good field-glass was in the house, but neither thought of it; their +attention was too deeply absorbed. + +"It is time they appeared," remarked Mrs. Whitney, her heart sinking +under the dreadful fear of the possible reason why they remained +invisible. + +Suppose there was none to appear! + +But those keen eyes of the maiden have detected something, and she +starts and peers more intently than before. + +Far to the southward, in the direction of the mountain spurs, and on +the very boundary of her vision, a black speck seems to be quivering +and flickering, so indistinct, so impalpable, that none but the +experienced eye can guess its nature. + +But the eye which is studying it is an experienced one. Many a time it +has gazed across the rolling prairie, and identified the loved father +and brother before another could discover a person at all. + +"Some one is coming," she says to her mother. + +"Some one!" is the alarmed response; "are there no more?" + +"There may be, but this one is in advance." + +"But why should he be in advance of the rest?" is the query, born of +the fear in the heart of the parent. + +"It is not mine to answer for the present; he may be better mounted +and is coming for--for--" + +"For what?" + +"Help." + +"Help! What help can we give them?" + +"We have a gun in the house, and there is plenty of ammunition." + +"That means they have suffered--have been defeated. Look closely, +Jennie; do you see no others?" + +She has been searching for them from the first. The approaching +horseman is now fully defined against the dark-green of the mountains, +and the country for half a mile is in clear view. + +Over this broad expanse Jennie Whitney's eyes rove, and her heart +seems to stand still as she answers: + +"He is alone; I see no others." + +"Then he brings evil tidings! Our people have been defeated; more than +one has fallen." + +The approaching horseman was riding furiously. His fleet animal was +on a dead run, his neck outstretched, mane and tail streaming as he +thundered through the hurricane created by his own tremendous speed. + +The man who sat in the saddle was a perfect equestrian, as are all the +cowmen and rustlers of the West. He leaned forward, as if he would +help his horse to reach his goal at the earliest instant. His +broad-brimmed hat fitted so well that it kept its place on his head +without any fastening; but his own long, dark locks fluttered over his +brawny shoulders, while the trusty Winchester was held in a firm grasp +across the saddle in front, where it could be used on the second +needed. + +Jennie Whitney was studying him closely, for he must be father, +brother, or one of the two hired men. She was praying that he was a +relative, but it was not so. + +The mother could now distinguish the horseman plainly, though not as +much so as her daughter. + +"I think it is father," she said, speaking her hope rather than her +conviction. + +"No; it is not he," replied the daughter. + +"Then it is Fred." + +"No; you are mistaken; it is Budd." + +"Alas and alas! why should it be he, and neither my husband nor son?" +wailed the parent. + +Jennie was right. The man was the veteran cowboy, Budd Hankinson, +who had whirled the lasso on the arid plains of Arizona, the Llano +Estacado of Texas and among the mountain ranges of Montana; who had +fought Apaches in the southwest, Comanches in the south and Sioux +in the north, and had undergone hardships, sufferings, wounds and +privations before which many a younger man than he had succumbed. + +No more skilful and no braver ranchman lived. + +Budd had a way of snatching off his hat and swinging it about his head +at sight of the ladies. It was his jocular salutation to them, and +meant that all was well. + +But he did not do so now. He must have seen the anxious mother and +daughter almost as soon as they discerned him. Jennie watched for the +greeting which did not come. + +"Something is amiss," was her conclusion. + +The hoofs of the flying horse beat the hard ground with a regular +rhythm, and he thundered forward like one who knew he was bringing +decisive tidings which would make the hearts of the listeners stand +still. + +The black eyes of the cowman were seen gleaming under his hat-rim as +he looked steadily at the couple, against whom his horse would dash +himself the next minute, like a thunderbolt, unless checked. + +No fear, however, of anything like that. He rounded to in front of +the women, and halted with a suddenness that would have flung a less +skilful rider over his head, but which hardly caused Budd Hankinson a +jar. + +He read the questioning eyes, and before the words could shape +themselves on the pallid lips he called out: + +"The mischief is to pay!" + +"What is it, Budd?" asked Jennie, she and her mother stepping close to +his box-stirrup. + +"We have had a fight with the rustlers--one of the worst I ever +seed--there was eight of 'em." + +"Was anybody--hurt?" faltered the mother. + +"Wal, I reckon; three of them rustlers won't rustle again very soon, +onless that bus'ness is carried on below, where they've gone; two +others have got holes through their bodies about the size of my hat." + +"But--but were any of our people injured?" continued the parent, while +Jennie tried to still the throbbing of her heart until the answer +came. + +"Wal, yes," replied Budd, removing his hat and passing his +handkerchief across his forehead, as though the matter was of slight +account; "I'm sorry to say some of us got it in the neck." + +"Who--who--how was it? Don't trifle!" + +"Wal, you see Zip Peters rode over from Capt. Whiting's to tell us +about the rustlers, and he hadn't much more'n arriv, when along come +the others behind him with one of our branded steers. I made them give +him up, and then the fight was on. Zip got a piece of lead through +the body and the arm, and went out of the saddle without time to say +good-by. My hip was grazed twice, but it didn't amount to nothin'; I'm +as good as ever. Grizzly lost a piece of his ear, but he bored the +rustler through that done it, so that account was squared." + +"Then father and Fred were not hurt?" gasped Jennie, clasping her +hands and gazing inquiringly into the face of the messenger. + +"Wal," he replied, with the same exasperating coolness he had shown +after his first exclamation, "I wish I could say that, but it ain't +quite so good." + +"What--what of my husband?" demanded Mrs. Whitney, stepping so close +that she laid her hand on the knee of the sturdy horseman; "tell me +quick; and what of Fred, my son?" + +"Fred fought like a house afire; he killed one of the rustlers, but +his horse was shot and Fred got it through the arm, which ended his +power to do much fighting, but he laid down behind his hoss and kept +it up like the trump he is." + +"Then he isn't badly injured?" + +"Bless your heart! of course not; he will be all right in a few days; +his arm wants a little nursing, that's all. In the midst of the rumpus +who should ride up but Mont Sterry, as he had heard the firing, and +the way he sailed in was beautiful to behold. It reminded me of the +times down in Arizona when Geronimo made it so lively. He hadn't much +chance to show what he could do, for the rustlers found they had +bitten off more than they could chaw, and they skyugled after he had +dropped one." + +The wife and mother drew a sigh of relief, but the daughter was far +from satisfied. A dreadful fear in her heart had not yet been quelled. + +Her quick perceptions noticed that Budd had said nothing more about +her father than to mention the fact that he had been wounded. The +mother, in her distress and anxiety, caught at a hope as an assurance +which the daughter could not feel. + +At the same time Jennie saw that, despite the apparent nonchalance +of the messenger and his assumed gayety, he was stirred by some deep +emotion. + +"He is keeping back something, because he fears to tell it," was her +correct conclusion. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +COWMEN AND RUSTLERS. + + +Jennie Whitney saw something else, which almost made her heart stop +beating. + +To the southward, whence Budd Hankinson had ridden, several horsemen +were in sight, coming from the direction of the cattle-ranges. They +were approaching at a walk, something they would not do unless serious +cause existed. + +The messenger had been sent ahead to break the news to the sad and +anxious hearts. + +"Budd," she said, "you have not told us about father." + +"Why, yes, my dear," interposed her mother, as if to shut out all evil +tidings; "nothing has happened to him." + +"Wal, I'm sorry to say that he has been hurt worse than Fred," was the +alarming response, accompanied by a deep sigh. + +"How bad? How much worse? Tell us, tell us," insisted the wife. + +"Thar's no use of denyin' that he got it bad; fact is he couldn't have +been hit harder." + +The distressed fellow was so worked up that he turned his head and +looked over his shoulder, as if to avoid those yearning eyes fixed +upon him. That aimless glance revealed the approaching horsemen and +nerved him with new courage. + +"Now, Mrs. Whitney and Jennie, you must be brave. Bear it as he would +bear the news about you and Fred if he was--alive!" + +A shriek accompanied the words of the cowman, and Jennie caught her +mother in time to save her from falling. Her own heart was breaking, +but she did her utmost, poor thing, to cheer the one to whom the +sunlight of happiness could never come again. + +"There, mother, try to bear it. We have Fred left to us, and I am with +you. God will not desert us." + +Hugh Whitney had never spoken after that first interchange of volleys +with the rustlers. He died bravely at the post of duty and was +tenderly borne homeward, where he was given a decent burial, his grave +bedewed not only by the tears of the stricken widow and children, but +by those of the stern, hardy cowmen to whom he had been an employer as +kind and indulgent as he was brave. + +A few paragraphs are necessary to explain the incidents that follow. + +Wherever cattlemen have organized outfits and located ranches +cattle-thieves have followed, and fierce fighting has resulted. These +men are known as "rustlers." The late troubles caused cattle and +horse-thieves to unite against the legitimate owners, and the name now +includes both classes of evil-doers. The troubles in Wyoming were the +results of the efforts of the Wyoming State Live Stock Association to +put a check upon rustlers who are tempted to steal by the vast profits +afforded. + +At the time the Association was formed the rustlers were few in +number, and confined their acts to branding the mavericks or unbranded +yearlings with their own brands. They did not act in concert, and +since the laws of the State require every brand to be registered, in +order to establish ownership, the rustlers had as much right to their +own brands as the legitimate cowmen. As long as the mavericks were not +openly branded there was no means of stopping them. + +It happens quite often that the round-up fails to gather in all the +cattle. The mavericks are allowed to go to the outfit with whose +cattle they have run, and that outfit puts its own brand on them. + +The rustlers grew more daring as their numbers increased, and, instead +of confining their operations to the mavericks, began altering brands. +Not only that, but they were often bold enough to leave the old brand +and burn a new one and forge a bill of sale. + +The rustlers were generally the owners of small ranches, or cowboys +who had a few head of cattle on the range or running with some +rancher's stock. The Association made a rule that no cow outfit should +employ a cowman that had been guilty of branding a maverick, or of +helping the rustlers, or of working with or for them. A blacklist was +kept of such cowmen, with the result that a good many were unable to +get employment from the Association outfits and were compelled to +become rustlers themselves. + +The association of rustlers became desperate because of the serious +check given them by the Live Stock Association, which placed its +inspectors at all the cattle-markets, Omaha, Chicago, St. Louis, +Kansas City and St. Paul. Every shipment of cattle was closely +inspected, and if it came from a rustler he was obliged to prove his +title to each steer, or they were confiscated and the proceeds sent to +the owner of the brand. Sometimes a legal proof of ownership would not +be accepted, for the owners were determined to stamp out the rustling +business. + +Deprived by this means of a market for their hoof cattle, the rustlers +were compelled to butcher their cattle or drive to Montana. The latter +recourse was not only difficult and dangerous, but there was no +certainty of a market when accomplished, as the Live Stock Association +kept a vigilant watch on all Wyoming cattle. + +The other scheme was unsatisfactory, but it was all that was left to +the rustlers. They employed a number of butchers at Buffalo to do +their killing for them, but even then they were not sure of always +getting their meat marketed. + +In the summer of 1891 the rustlers ran waggons openly on all the +three great round-ups, and worked the round-up just as if they were a +regular Association outfit. They also gathered in all the mavericks, +and no one dared interfere. + +It should be added that no more dangerous set of men can be found +anywhere than the Wyoming rustlers. No living being excels them in +horsemanship. The bucking pony is as a child in their hands. There +is not one among them who cannot rope, throw, tie and brand a steer +single-handed. They include the best riders and the best shots in the +cattle business. They do not know what fear is, and in the year named +became strong enough to elect one of their own number sheriff. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE WARNING. + + +The full moon was shining on the second night succeeding the conflict +which Budd Hankinson described between the rustlers and the cowmen of +Whitney's ranch. The man that had fallen was laid away in a grave back +of the house, and mother, son and daughter mourned him with a sorrow +that was soothed by the consciousness that he had been a good husband +and father in every sense of the word. + +On this night, before the hour was late, three persons were seated in +the balmy air on the outside of the dwelling, talking together in low +tones. + +They were Fred Whitney, whose bandaged arm rested in a sling, Monteith +Sterry, and Jennie Whitney. The memory of the recent affliction +suffered in the death of the father naturally subdued the voices and +tinged the words with a seriousness that would not have been felt at +other times. + +Young Sterry, as already stated, had accepted an engagement with +the Live Stock Association, which required him to investigate the +operations of the rustlers over a large portion of Wyoming and +Montana, and to report at regular intervals to his superior officers. + +This was perilous business, but Sterry set about the work with a +vigour, directness and intelligence that were felt over an extent of +territory numbering hundreds of square miles, and made him a marked +man by the rustlers, who are always quick to identify their friends +and enemies. It seemed to make little difference, however, to him, who +loved the excitement. He was a capital pistol and rifle-shot, a fine +horseman, and as devoid of fear as the men against whom he directed +his movements. + +Unconsciously Monteith Sterry brought a grievous peril upon his +friends, who held him in so high regard. Hated intensely by the +rustlers, they were not long in learning that he spent a great deal +of his time at the Whitneys. They came to be regarded, therefore, as +aiders and abettors of his. This enmity was emphasized by the attack +of which an account has been given. + +"I think, Fred," said his sister, oppressed by the shadow that had +fallen across the threshold, "we ought to sell out and leave this +country." + +"Why?" he gently asked. + +"Because not only of what happened yesterday, but of the certainty +that such attacks will be repeated." + +"What reason have you to fear their repetition?" asked Monteith. + +"Matters are growing worse between the cowmen and the rustlers; I have +heard our men talk, and you have said so yourself." + +"I cannot deny it," replied their visitor, thoughtfully smoking his +cigar. He would have been pleased had her brother, now the head of the +little household, decided to make his home once more in the East, for +then he would take up the study of his profession of law and be placed +where he could often meet them. + +"It would be cowardly to sell out and abandon the country through +fear of those men," said the brother, to whom the proposition was not +pleasant. + +"But suppose you should be their next victim?" suggested Jennie, with +a shudder. + +"I don't think I shall be a victim," he quietly responded; "this wound +won't bother me long, and with Budd and Grizzly to help, we can laugh +at all the rustlers in the country." + +"It is hardly a matter of courage," ventured Sterry, "for no one +knowing you or your sister would question your bravery, but it is +rather the peace of mind of your mother and her. It will be a +long time, if ever, before your parent recovers from the shock of +yesterday. No matter how confident and plucky you may be, Fred, you +know it is no guarantee against a bullet from one of those scamps at +five hundred or a thousand yards. I shudder to think of what might +happen." + +Fred turned and looked full in the handsome face of the fellow beside +him. + +"It strikes me that you are showing little faith in your own words. +Why do you remain where you are a marked man when there is no need of +it, and where your personal danger is certainly as great as mine?" + +This _argumentum ad hominem_ was so unexpected that Sterry was +embarrassed for the moment, but found voice to reply: + +"I have no mother and sister dependent on me, as you have." + +"But you have brothers, sisters, father and mother, and therefore the +more to mourn if you should fall. The fact is, Mont, I feel that it +is a duty you owe to them to give up the dangerous calling you have +adopted. You not only do not need it, but are squandering time that +ought to be given to the study of your profession, and you have become +so feared and hated by the rustlers that they will go to any length to +'remove' you." + +"The more cause, therefore, why I should stay," responded the other. + +"A poor argument--" + +The discussion was interrupted by the sound of a horse's hoofs. Some +one was riding toward them on a gallop, and speedily loomed to view +in the bright moonlight. The three instinctively ceased speaking and +gazed curiously at the horseman, who reined up in front of where they +were sitting. + +Hospitality is limitless in the West, and, before the stranger had +halted, Fred Whitney rose from his chair and walked forward to welcome +him. + +The man was in the costume of a cowboy, with rifle, revolver and all +the paraphernalia of the craft. + +"Is your name Whitney?" asked the horseman, speaking first. + +"It is; what can I do for you?" + +"Do you know Mont Sterry?" + +"He is a particular friend of mine," replied Whitney, refraining from +adding that he was the young man sitting a few paces away with his +sister and hearing every word said. + +"Well, there's a letter for him; if I knew where to find him I would +deliver it myself. Will you hand it to him the next time you meet +him?" + +As he spoke he leaned forward from his saddle and handed a sealed +envelope to Fred Whitney, who remarked, as he accepted it: + +"I will do as you wish; I expect to see him soon; won't you dismount +and stay over night with us?" + +"No; I have business elsewhere," was the curt answer, as the fellow +wheeled and spurred off on a gallop. + +Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber, the two hired men, were absent, +looking after the cattle, for the rustler is a night hawk who often +gets in the best part of his work between the set and rise of sun. + +Mrs. Whitney was sitting in the gloom, alone in her sorrow. Jennie +wished to stay with her, but the mother gently refused, saying she +preferred to have none with her. No light was burning in the building, +and that night the weather was unusually mild. + +Mont Sterry accepted the paper from the hand of his friend and +remarked, with a smile: + +"I suspect what it is. When the rustlers don't like a man they have a +frank way of telling him so, supplemented by a little good advice, I +fancy I have been honoured in a similar way." + +He deliberately tore open the envelope, while Jennie and her brother +looked curiously at him. The moonlight, although strong, was not +sufficiently so to show the words, which were written in lead-pencil. +Fred Whitney, therefore, struck a match and held it in front of the +paper, while the recipient read in a low voice, loud enough, however, +to be heard in the impressive hush: + + "MONT STERRY: If you stay in the Powder River country twenty-four + hours longer you are a dead man. Over fifty of us rustlers have + sworn to shoot you on sight, whether it is at Fort McKinley, + Buffalo, or on the streets of Cheyenne. I have persuaded the + majority to hold off for the time named, but not one of them will + do so an hour longer, nor will I ask them to do so. We are bound + to make an honest living, and it is weak for me to give you this + warning, but I do it, repeating that if you are within reach + twenty-four hours from the night on which this is handed to + Whitney I will join them in hunting you down, wherever you may be. + + "LARCH CADMUS." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +GOOD-BYE. + + +Monteith Sterry read the "warning" through in a voice without the +slightest tremor. Then he quietly smoked his cigar and looked off in +the moonlight, as though thinking of something of a different nature. + +It was natural that Jennie Whitney should be more impressed by the +occurrence, with the memory of the recent tragedy crushing her to the +earth. She exclaimed: + +"Larch Cadmus! Why, Fred, he has visited our house several times; he +was here last week." + +"Yes," replied her brother; "he has often sat at our table; and, by +the way, he is a great admirer of yours." + +"Nonsense!" was the response; "why do you say that?" + +"It may be nonsense, but it is true, nevertheless. Your mother noticed +it; and, that there might be no mistake, Larch had the impudence to +tell me so himself." + +"I never liked him; he is a bad man," said Jennie, much to the relief +of Sterry, who felt a little uncomfortable. "I did not know he +belonged to the rustlers." + +"He was a cowboy until last fall. He had a quarrel with Col. Ringgold +and went off with the others, and has been on the blacklist ever +since." + +"Why didn't he bring the message himself," continued the sister, +"instead of sending it?" + +"He did," was the significant reply of the brother. + +"What! That surely was not he?" + +"It was. I knew his voice the moment he spoke; those whiskers were +false; he didn't want to be recognized, and I thought it as well to +humor his fancy, but I could not be mistaken." + +"Now that I recall it, his voice _did_ resemble Cadmus'," said the +sister, more thoughtfully. + +"Of course, and I can tell you something more; he was among the +rustlers with whom we had the fight yesterday. He did his best to kill +me, and came pretty near succeeding. It wasn't he, however, who put +the bullet through my arm, for I dropped that fellow." + +"You frighten me!" was all that Jennie Whitney could say. + +Sterry still smoked in silence. He was thinking hard, but it was his +turn to be startled by the next remark. + +"Larch Cadmus hates you, Mont, not so much because you are the enemy +of all rustlers, but more because he believes my sister holds you in +higher esteem than she does him." + +Sterry was clever enough to parry this compliment with considerable +skill. + +"For the same reason he is jealous of every gentleman whom Miss +Whitney has ever met, for it would be a sorry tribute to any man's +worth if he did not stand higher in her regard than Larch Cadmus." + +"Well spoken!" said the young lady, relieved from what threatened to +become an embarrassing situation for her. + +Had her brother chosen he might have expressed what was in his mind, +but he had the good taste to refrain. None knew better than he the +deep, tender affection existing between his friend and his sister, +though it had not yet reached the point of avowal and confession. + +"Well, Mont, what are you going to do about it?" asked Whitney. + +By way of reply, the latter twisted the "warning" into the form of a +lamplighter. Then he applied a match to one corner, and held the paper +until it had burned to the last fragment. + +"That's my opinion of Mr. Larch Cadmus and his gang, and I shall pay +the same attention to them." + +"You are not wise," ventured Jennie, who, with the awful memory of +the preceding day upon her, could not but shudder at the peril to her +friend, who had never been quite so near to her as during the last few +hours, when he showed so much tender sympathy for her and her mother +and brother in the depth of their desolation and woe. + +"I thank you," he said, with the same manly frankness he had always +shown; "I have no desire to appear as a boaster or to make light of +danger, but one of the truest adages is that it is not the barking dog +that does the biting." + +"Don't make the mistake of supposing it is not so in this case," said +Whitney, "and none should know it better than you." + +"I do not underestimate the courage of those fellows; they will shrink +at nothing, but there is no more excuse for my running away upon +receiving such a warning than there would be for all the inhabitants +of Wyoming to leave the State at such a command." + +"The case is not parallel," was the comment of Fred Whitney. + +"Bear in mind that if I stay, as I intend to do, I do not mean to sit +down and wait for those rustlers to pick me off. I count on having +something to say and do in the matter; but, friends, I must bid you +good-night." + +"What do you mean?" asked the astonished Fred Whitney. + +"I must leave," replied Sterry, rising to his feet; "I have already +staid too long." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A SUMMONS AND A REPLY. + + +Brother and sister were astounded. The hour was late, and they had +been urging their guest to remain several days with them. He had not +consented, nor had he refused, from which they were confident he would +stay. + +And now he announced his intention of departing at once, riding out +into the night--whither? + +They protested, but he replied so earnestly that an urgent necessity +existed that they refrained. He gave no hint of the reason for his +strange action, and they could not ask it. His fleet mare, which +had been allowed to graze on the succulent grass at the rear of the +building with the other horses, was brought forward and saddled and +bridled, and he quickly vaulted upon her back. + +"Remember me to your mother; it is not worth while to disturb her; I +hope soon to be with you again." + +He leaned over and pressed the hand of Fred Whitney, and then, raising +his hat with his left hand, extended the right to Jennie. + +Fred made an excuse to move away a few paces, for he understood the +situation. + +"Good-by," Sterry said in a voice just low enough to reach the dear +one, as he pressed the delicate hand which rested so trustingly in his +own. + +"Good-by," she answered. "I am sorry you are going." + +"So am I, but it is better that I should leave. As I said, I trust +soon to see you again. Do you know why I hope Fred will decide to +return to the East with you and your mother?" + +"I suppose because we shall all be safer there;" and then she added, +forgetting her sorrow for the moment, "that is if we do not go skating +to Wolf Glen." + +"It is not necessary to remove as far as Maine, but father insists +that I am wasting time here, when I ought to be home studying my +profession." + +"And he is right, Monteith." + +"But," he replied in a low voice, "before I go back I want to make +sure that you will do the same. There, good-by again." + +He replaced his hat, wheeled and dashed across the prairie without +another word. + +Jennie stood gazing in the direction taken by him for some time after +he had disappeared in the gloom of the night. Then she turned to speak +to her brother, but he had passed within the house. She resumed her +seat, knowing he would soon return. + +Fifteen minutes and more went by and she was still alone. + +Sh! Was she mistaken, or was that the faint sound of a horse's hoofs +in the distance? + +She turned her head and listened. The murmur of voices, as her brother +and mother talked in low tones, did not disturb her, and the almost +inaudible lowing of the cattle on the distant ranges was but a part of +silence itself. + +Hardly a breath of air was stirring, but all knew the eccentric way +in which sound is sometimes carried by it. Suddenly the reports of +rifle-firing were heard, faint but distinct, and lasting several +minutes. Then other and different noises reached her, still faint but +clear. + +Her power of hearing, like her vision, was exceptionally strong. It +was that which enabled her to tell that the last sounds were not made +by a single animal, but by several going at a high rate of speed. +These, with the reports of rifles, made her certain that the rustlers +had attacked Sterry. + +Meanwhile the young man found matters exceedingly lively. + +The reception of the "warning" through the hands of Fred Whitney was +proof that his enemies knew he was frequently at his house. Their +messenger had gone thither to deliver it. Young Whitney had slain one +of their number, and though the law-breakers themselves had suffered +the most, they felt bitter resentment toward the family. + +If Sterry remained with them they would have trouble. He was satisfied +that Larch Cadmus recognized him, as he sat in front of the rancher's +house, and would not forget to tell it to his comrades, who would +speedily make the place a visit. He believed they were likely to do it +before the rise of the morrow's sun. + +If the Whitneys were attacked, his presence would add to the defensive +strength, but such an attack would not be made if he was not there. +Desperate and defiant as the rustlers had been, it would be an +injustice to represent them as capable of such wantonness. + +He felt, therefore, that it was his duty to leave the ranch without +delay, thus removing an element of grave danger. It would have been +hardly wise to make this explanation to them, though he believed Fred +suspected it. + +Turning his back, therefore, upon the dearest spot in all the West +to him, he set his mare Queenie on an easy, swift gallop, heading +southward toward the ranges where the cattle of the Whitneys were +grazing. + +Sterry, in one sense, was without a home as long as he remained +in Wyoming or Montana, while in another sense he was the owner of +numberless dwelling-places or "headquarters." He may be likened to a +commercial traveller in a vast and sparsely-settled region, where he +is well known and welcomed by the inhabitants. + +The ranchmen who knew him--and there were few who did not--were his +friends, for he was working in their interests. At whichever cabin he +drew rein he was certain of a hospitable reception. + +With no clearly defined idea of where he would spend the remaining +hours of the night, he turned the nose of Queenie toward the ranges, +among the mountain spurs. + +Grizzly Weber and Budd Hankinson would stay near the cattle for an +indefinite time, and he was debating whether to join them or to ride +on to the ranch of Dick Hawkridge, a number of miles to the northeast, +when his meditations were broken in upon in the most startling manner. + +During those perilous times, the lonely horseman, in a dangerous +region, relies much on his intelligent steed for warning. While +Monteith Sterry could do a great deal of thinking in the saddle, +he was too alert to drop into a brown study that would divert his +thoughts from his surroundings. + +He was no more than a mile from the Whitney ranch when his mare +pricked up her ears, gave an almost inaudible whinny, and slightly +slackened her pace. + +That meant that she scented danger, and her rider was on the _qui +vive_. + +He tightened the rein and drew her to a full stop. She turned her head +to the right and looked steadily in that direction, with her pretty +ears thrown forward. This meant that whatever impended was coming from +that point of the compass. + +But the keen eyes of Mont Sterry could not penetrate the moonlight +sufficiently far to detect anything. He was out of the saddle in a +twinkling, and tried a trick learned from the old hunters. He pressed +one ear against the ground, which, as all know, is a much better +conductor of sound than the air. + +This told the story he anticipated. The faint but distinct clamping of +horses' hoofs was heard. The number was indefinite, but, somewhat to +his surprise, none of them was running or loping; all were moving on a +walk. + +The noise was so clear that when he rose to his feet and looked off to +the right he expected to see the animals and their riders, and he was +not disappointed. + +On the outer margin of the field of vision the outlines of several +horsemen assumed shape. They were approaching, and one of their steeds +emitted a whinny, as a salutation to the motionless Queenie, who had +shifted her pose so as to face that point of the compass. + +"Sh!" whispered Sterry to her. + +But there was no call for the warning; she was too well trained to +betray her master, and remained mute. + +But it was inevitable that if the young man could discern the figures +of the approaching horsemen, they must also see him. He leaped into +the saddle and turned away. + +He knew instinctively they were rustlers, and he was almost equally +certain they were hunting for him. There were at least three; and, +well aware of their character, he was only prudent in shying off, with +the intention of avoiding them altogether. + +But they were not the men to be bluffed in that fashion. They were +"out" for the inspector, and did not intend that such an opportunity +should slip by unchallenged. + +"Hello, pard!" called one of the trio, "where from and where going?" + +This was a pointed demand, to which Mont Sterry made an equally +pointed response. + +"That is my own business; I will attend to it, and you may attend to +yours." + +All this time he was keeping watch of their movements. Their horses +were still walking, but they were now coming straight toward him. At a +touch of the rein Queenie headed directly away, and her gait was about +the same. She acted as though she shared the thoughts of her master, +who shrank from sending her off on a flying run, as would have been +more prudent for him to do. + +A brave man dislikes to flee, even when his better judgment tells him +it is the only wise thing to do. + +The night was so still that Sterry plainly heard the words of the men +when talking to each other in an ordinary conversational tone. + +"I believe that's him," said one of them, eagerly. + +"It sounded like his voice, but he wouldn't leave the Whitneys at this +time of night when she's there." + +"He's too free with his tongue, anyway; we'll make him show up." + +"Say, you! hold on a minute. Do you know anything about Mont Sterry? +We're looking for him." + +"I am Mont Sterry," was the defiant response. "What do you propose to +do about it?" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +A HOT PURSUIT. + + +It may be said Mont Sterry answered his own question at the moment of +asking it, for, bringing his Winchester to his shoulder, he let fly at +the rustlers, and then with a word and touch of the spur sent Queenie +bounding away with arrowy swiftness. + +Unquestionably it was a daring act on his part, but there was wisdom +in it. He knew those men were seeking his life, and would shoot him, +as they had threatened to do, on sight. When they met, it would be a +question simply as to which got the drop on the other. + +They were preparing to make a rush at him, and while he had no fear +of a contest of speed between Queenie and any animal that "wore +horse-hair," they were altogether too near at the beginning of the +contest, and the chance of using their rifles was too much against +him. + +The crack of the Winchester accompanying his sharp reply, with the +whistle of the bullet about their heads, gave them a momentary shock, +which delayed the pursuit for a few precious seconds. + +This was the object of the fugitive, for, while that brief interval +was thrown away by them, he improved it to the utmost. At such crises +a few rods count immensely, and they were made to count on the side of +Mont Sterry. + +They were insufficient, however, to take him beyond peril. Men like +those horsemen are quick to recover from a surprise, and it would have +seemed that Sterry was hardly started in his flight when they were +speeding after him. He heard their maledictions and knew that the +struggle for life was on. + +Comparatively brief as had been the time spent in the West by Sterry, +he had not neglected his education along the lines indispensable to +those following his manner of living. At the moment of giving Queenie +rein he flung himself forward on her neck, hugging it close and +uttering an involuntary prayer that the bullets might pass harmlessly +by him and his horse. + +There were enough of the missiles to kill several men, but the chance +for aiming was so poor that even such fine marksmen as the rustlers +had little chance. The mare was only dimly discernible, and she, like +their own horses, was going at full speed. + +Had the sun been shining the result must have been widely different. + +The encounter with these men was so unexpected and the several changes +of direction by Queenie so sudden and unavoidable that Sterry was not +given a chance to take his bearings. The one object was to get as far +from them as possible in the quickest time in which it could be done. + +When that distance became a safe one it would be soon enough to give +attention to the points of the compass. + +Nobly did Queenie do her duty. She had carried her master out of many +a peril, and she could be counted on to do it as long as the ability +remained with her. Sterry's anxiety was really more on her account +than on his own. He knew there was little danger of himself being +struck by the bullets of the rustlers, who, as I have shown, had no +possible chance of taking any sort of aim, but she was a conspicuous +target, which it would seem they ought to hit with little difficulty. + +Often must a person in the situation of Sterry leave everything to his +horse. He did not seek to guide Queenie, but sat, or rather lay, in +the saddle and on her neck, as she skimmed like a swallow over the +undulating prairie. + +Strange imaginings were in the brain of the young man during those +few minutes. He listened to each shot of the Winchesters, and then, +instead of feeling any apprehension for himself, waited for the +dreaded evidence that his horse had been struck. + +The skilful railway engineer, sitting in his cab, with his hand on the +throttle, can discover, on the instant, the slightest disarrangement +in the mass of intricate mechanism over which he holds control. His +highly trained senses enable him to feel it like a flash. So it was +that Mont Sterry would have detected any injury to his horse as +quickly as she herself. No matter if but the abrasion of the skin, the +puncture of the flesh, or the nipping of an ear, she would betray it +involuntarily. + +If she were wounded and should fall, the situation of her rider would +be well-nigh hopeless. He could only throw himself behind her body and +have it out with his enemies. Such a defence has been successfully +made many a time by white men against Indians; but Sterry would not +be fighting Crows nor Sioux, but those of his own race and blood, as +brave and skilful as he. + +"Thank God!" he murmured, after each shot, as the splendid play of the +machinery under him continued without a break or tremor; "she was not +hit that time. She is running at her best." + +Once his heart stood still, for she seemed to quiver through her body, +as if involuntarily shrinking from the prick of a sword. + +In his alarm, Sterry rose to an upright posture in the saddle, and +leaning to the right and left, and looking forward and behind him, +searched for the wound. He hardly expected to see it, for it would +have been beyond his sight in any one of a dozen different portions of +the body. + +But if in one of the limbs, it would quickly show in the gait of the +animal. + +"No," he murmured, "there is no change of pace; it could not have been +much, and it may be she was not hit at all." + +The rustlers fired two shots at this moment, when the horseman was +more of a target than his animal, but he gave no heed to that; it was +she for whom he felt concern. + +A glance backward brought a thrill of hope. The distance between him +and his pursuers had perceptibly increased. Queenie was showing her +heels to those who dared dispute with her the supremacy of fleetness. +She would soon leave them out of sight, unless it should prove she was +disabled by some of the shots. + +All would have gone well but for the appearance of a new danger of +which he did not dream. + +Suddenly Queenie emitted her faint, familiar whinny, and swerved to +the left. She had scented a new peril. + +In the gloom almost directly ahead loomed the figures of other +horsemen bearing down upon the fugitive. They might be friends, and +they might be enemies, but it would not do to take chances. Without +an instant's hesitation Sterry wheeled to the left and spoke to his +horse: + +"Now, Queenie, do your best." + +The mare responded with the same gameness she always showed; but the +situation had suddenly become so grave that Monteith Sterry assuredly +would have been overwhelmed and cut off but for one of the most +extraordinary occurrences that ever came to any person in the +extremity of danger. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +A STRANGE DIVERSION. + + +It was the wonderful sagacity of the little mare which intervened at +this crisis in the fate of her rider. + +She was no more than fairly stretched away on a dead run from the new +peril when she shot into an arroya or depression in the prairie. Such +a depression suggests the dry bed of a stream through which the water +may not have flowed for years. It is sometimes a few feet only in +width, and again it may be a number of rods. The rich, alluvial soil +often causes a luxuriant growth of grass, cottonwood or bush, which +affords the best of grazing and refuge for any one when hard pressed +by the enemy. + +The arroya into which Queenie plunged had gently sloping sides, and +was perhaps fifty feet wide. The bottom was covered not only with +grass, but with the thin undergrowth to which allusion has been made, +and which was so frail in character that it offered no impediment to +the passage of a running horse. + +Sterry's expectation was that his mare would shoot across the +depression and up the other bank with the least possible delay; but of +her own accord, and without suggestion from him, she turned abruptly +to the left and dropped to a walk. + +He was astounded, and was on the point of speaking impatiently to her +as he jerked the bridle-rein, when the occurrence already referred to +took place, and made the action of the animal seem like an inspiration +or instinct approaching the height of reason. + +At the moment she made the sharp turn to the left, another horseman +galloped up the opposite slope and off upon the prairie. By an amazing +coincidence it happened that he was in the arroya, and in the act of +crossing in the same direction with the fugitive, when the furious +plunge of the mare sent his own bounding up the farther bank. + +Sterry caught the situation like a flash. Before Queenie had gone more +than a half-dozen rods he brought her to a standstill. They resembled +an equestrian statue, so motionless were they for a full minute. + +The converging parties of pursuers could plainly see the second +horseman speeding away from the other side, and inevitably concluded +that he was the inspector whom they wanted. They were after him +hot-footed on the instant. + +This man was Ira Inman, a well-known rustler, and the intimate friend +of Larch Cadmus. When he saw himself pursued by a half-dozen of +his friends he reined up, and calmly but wonderingly awaited their +arrival, which took place within the next few seconds. + +"Up with your hands! Quick about it, too! You're the man we want!" + +"Wal," replied the leader, surveying them with a grin, and paying no +heed to their fierce commands, "now that you've got me, what are you +going to do with me?" + +If there ever were a set of dumbfounded men, they were the rustlers +who closed about the leader and recognized him in the moonlight. The +remarks that followed his identification were as ludicrous as they +were vigourous. + +The majority believed he had played a trick on them in pretending to +be Mont Sterry, whom all were so anxious to bring down; but there +were one or two who were not satisfied. They knew the voice of the +inspector, which in no way resembled the gruff tones of Inman. Then, +their leader was not given to practical jokes. + +"What set you to hunting me so hard?" he asked, after the first flurry +was over. + +"We're looking for Mont Sterry." + +"Wal, what made you take me for him? Do I look like him in the +moonlight?" + +"But you said you were, and fired at us," explained one. + +"Fired at you? Said I was that chap? What in the mischief are you +driving at?" + +One, who suspected the truth, now interposed. + +"We did meet Sterry and hailed him; you must have heard our guns; he +dashed into the arroya; we saw you gallop out on t'other side, and +took you for him." + +"Ah, I understand it all now," replied Inman; "I had ridden down there +on my way back from a little scout, when a horseman dashed into the +slope behind me like a thunderbolt. My horse was so scared that he +went up the other side on the jump, and before I could turn around to +find out what it all meant, you lunkheads came down on me with the +request to oblige you by throwing up my hands, which I will see you +hanged before I'll do." + +"But where is he? What has become of him?" asked several, looking +around, as thought they expected to see the young man ride forward and +surrender himself. + +"Wal, calling to mind the kind of horse he rides, I should say he is +about a half-mile off by this time, laughing to find out how cleverly +he has fooled you chaps." + +"It looks as if you was in the same boat, Inman," retorted one of the +chagrined party. + +"I wasn't chasing Sterry." + +"He seemed to be chasing you, for you came out of the arroya ahead of +him." + +"If he was chasing me," replied the leader, who felt that the laugh +was on his companions, "he would have followed me out; but I don't see +anything of him;" and he, too, stared around, as though not sure the +man would not do the improbable thing named. + +"It was a blamed cute trick, any way you look at it," remarked one of +the party. "It was queer that you should have been there, Inman, just +at the minute needed. But for that, we would have had him, sure." + +"Wal, you can make up your mind that we have him as good as catched +already. He can't get out of the country without some of the boys +running against him, and the first rustler that catches sight of Mr. +Sterry will drop him in his tracks." + +"If he gets the chance to do it," was the wise comment of another. +"That fellow is quick on the shoot and isn't afraid of any of us." + +"He ain't the first one that's made that mistake, only to find himself +rounded up at last. Larch Cadmus' idea of 24 hours' notice don't go +down with this crowd, eh?" + +And the crowd unanimously responded in the negative. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE BACK TRAIL. + + +Mont Sterry had wisdom enough to turn to the fullest account the +remarkable advantage gained through the sagacity of his mare. + +His pursuers, in their haste to head him off, had dashed across the +arroya at a point only a short distance above where he entered and +their leader emerged from it. They were sure to discover the truth in +a short time. + +Waiting, therefore, only until they had passed beyond, he rode his +horse a few rods along the depression, and then left it on the same +side by which he had ridden into it. + +Unconsciously he fell into an error of which he was not dreaming. In +the short distance passed, the arroya made a sweeping curve, and he +had repeatedly changed his own course since leaving the Whitney ranch. +Thus it was almost inevitable that he should get the points of the +compass mixed, and that he should follow a route widely different from +the one intended. + +Had he paused long enough to note the position of the full moon in the +heavens, or the towering Big Horn Mountains, he would have gained an +approximate idea of where he was; but, despite his experience in the +West, he galloped forward at an easy canter, with never a suspicion of +the blunder he was making. + +He was on the alert for rustlers, and kept glancing to the right and +left, and to the front and rear. As has been shown, he had little fear +of being overtaken in a chase where he was given an equal chance with +his pursuers, but his narrow escape rendered him more apprehensive +than usual. + +"I thought of staying with Weber and Hankinson to-night," he mused, +"but I think it hardly prudent. The rustlers may pay them a visit, and +my presence will only make matters worse; and yet those fellows don't +want to start up a band of regulators who will shoot them down without +mercy, and that's just what will take place if they carry their +outrages too far." + +"My death won't bring the regulators into existence," he grimly +reflected, "for one man, more or less, doesn't count; but there is +much bitter feeling in the country." + +Once he thought he caught the sounds of horses' feet on the prairie, +and checked his mare to listen, but she gave no evidence of +suspicion--a thing she was sure to do, if the cause existed. + +Sterry was so well satisfied by this fact that he did not dismount to +test the matter as before. He rode on, however, and held her down to a +walk. + +His eventless course had continued some minutes before a thought came +to him of the direction he was following, with the possibility that he +was wrong. + +"I wonder if we are on the right track, Queenie?" he said, addressing +his animal, as was his custom when they were alone. "It would be +strange if we didn't drift away from our bearings. Hello! that can't +be Dick Hawkridge's ranch; we haven't gone far enough for that; but +what the mischief can it be, unless a fire that some one has started +in the open?" + +The starlike twinkle of a point of light suddenly shone out directly +in advance. It puzzled him by appearing only for a moment, when it +vanished as quickly as it entered his field of vision. + +This fact suggested that it was within some dwelling and had been +extinguished, or was shut from sight by being moved past a window or +open door to another point in the interior. + +"We are so near, Queenie, we may as well go farther," he added, not +unmindful of his danger from those who were making such a hot search +for him. He kept his horse on a walk, maintaining a keen watch between +the dainty ears that were already pricked up as if she knew something +was likely to happen quite soon. + +Advancing in this deliberate fashion, the outline of one of those +long, low wooden structures so common in the West was gradually defied +in the moonlight, and he knew he was approaching the home of some +ranchman. + +But whose? was the question that perplexed him. He recalled that some +of his travelling had been done at a high rate of speed, but the +distance between the Whitney and Hawkridge ranches was fully a dozen +miles, and he was sure that that space had not been covered by him +since bidding his friends good-by earlier in the evening, especially +as he had not followed a direct course. + +"Can it be?" he exclaimed, with a sudden suspicion. "Yes, by gracious! +What a blunder!" + +The exclamation was caused by the sight of a young man, with one arm +in a sling, who came forward to welcome him. + +He had returned to the Whitney home, which he supposed was miles away, +and this was his old friend Fred, who came smilingly forward and said, +as he recognized him: + +"I am glad, indeed, to see you, Mont; we heard the sound of the firing +and feared that something had happened to you." + +"Nothing at all, thank you, and nothing to Queenie--but that reminds +me," he added, slipping out of the saddle; "she acted once as though +she had been hit, though it wasn't bad enough to show itself in her +gait." + +The two made a hasty examination but discovered nothing; proof that, +as her owner said, the wound, if any, was too slight to trouble her. + +"Fred, what do you think of my coming back to you in this fashion?" +abruptly asked Sterry, with a laugh, looking around in his friend's +face. + +"The most sensible thing you could have done; it redeems your +foolishness in leaving us as you did." + +"But my return was involuntary." + +"How was that?" + +"I thought I was miles distant, and had no idea of my location until I +caught the outlines of your house; I assure you I contemplated no such +performance as this." + +"Well, you're here, so what's the use of talking unless you mean to +mount your mare and try it again." + +"Hardly that; I have too much mercy on her." + +The couple walked past the dwelling to the rude but roomy shelter at +the rear where the horses were sometimes placed when not in use, or +when the severity of the weather made the protection necessary. There +the saddle, bridle and trappings were removed from the mare, and she +was made comfortable. Then the two returned to their seats at the +front of the building, to smoke and chat a few minutes before retiring +for the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A CONSULTATION. + + +That mysterious warm-air current known as the Chinook wind steals +through the depressions of the Rocky Mountains, at certain seasons +of the year, from the mild surface of the Pacific, and tempers the +severity of the winters in some portions of Montana, Wyoming, and +the great West to a degree that renders them milder than many places +farther south. + +It was early in the month of May, when even in the Middle States it is +not often comfortable to remain seated out of doors after the close of +day, but Sterry and Whitney found it pleasant to occupy their chairs +in front of the building, with no other protection then their own warm +garments. + +Whitney's wound was doing so well that he expressed himself ashamed +to wear his arm in a sling. He freed it from the support, moved it +readily about, and declared that after the next morning he would no +longer shirk duty. + +In one sense, Monteith Sterry was disappointed. He hoped they would be +joined by Jennie, from whom he parted earlier in the evening, but he +reflected that the hour was late, and she probably felt that her duty +was with her sorrowing mother. + +"She belongs there," he concluded, "and I respect her for doing her +duty." + +But she heard the murmur of voices after they had talked a few +minutes, and appeared at the outer door, where she greeted her friend +and listened with an intensity of interest that may be imagined to +his account of his brush with the rustlers. Although she had become +accustomed to danger during her life in the West, there could be no +mistaking her solicitude for him. She said little, however, and, +excusing herself, bade the two good-night. + +"I tell you," said her brother, when she was gone, "if you stay, or +rather attempt to stay, in this section, Mont, it is suicide--nothing +more nor less." + +"Well, I know times are likely to be warm, but, hang it, I can't bear +the thought of being run out of Wyoming. It's a mighty big State, and +there ought to be room enough for me." + +"You persist in treating it lightly, but it is no trifling matter; +you have been warned; were shot at, when we had our flurry with the +rustlers; and, even while attempting to ride across the country, +had the narrowest escape of your life--an escape so curious that it +couldn't be repeated in a hundred years." + +"It's the unexpected that happens." + +"Not so often as the expected. Mont, what made you leave us so +abruptly to-night?" + +"O, I can hardly tell," replied the other, carelessly flinging one leg +over the other and puffing at his cigar, as though the matter was of +no importance. + +"I know; you believed that if you stayed here you would increase the +peril to us." + +"You've hit it exactly; that was it." + +"What sort of friends do you take us to be?" + +"That isn't it; rather, what sort of friend would I be, thus knowingly +to place you and your mother and sister in danger? If those rustlers +knew where I am, a dozen would be here before sunrise." + +"What of it? We are ready for them." + +"That's a poor answer to my statement; you had enough of that woeful +business yesterday; they hold me in such hatred that they would burn +down your place, if they could reach me in no other way." + +"And yet you propose to stay in Wyoming and have it out with them?" + +"I haven't said that," remarked Sterry, more thoughtfully; "I may soon +leave for a more civilized section, much as I hate to play the seeming +coward; but what you said about my parents, brothers and sisters at +home, gave me something to think over while riding across the prairie +to-night." + +"I shall hate to lose your company, for it is like old times to +talk over our school days, but I would not be a friend to allow my +selfishness to stand in the way of your good." + +Sterry smoked a moment in silence, and then flung away his cigar and +turned abruptly on his companion. + +"Fred, if you could have prevented what took place yesterday by +sacrificing every dollar of the property you have in Wyoming, you +would have done it." + +"Yes, God knows I would have done it a thousand times over; mother +will never recover from the blow." + +"And yet you may be the next to fall during this frightful state of +affairs. If the situation of your mother and sister is so sad because +of the loss of the head of the household, what will it be if you +should be taken?" + +"I appreciate your kindness, Mont, but you put the case too strongly; +in one sense we all stand in danger of sudden death every day. I might +live to threescore and ten in Wyoming, and be killed in a railroad +accident or some other way the first day I left it. There is no +particular enmity between the rustlers and me; that brush yesterday +was one of those sudden outbursts that was not premeditated by them." + +"It didn't look that way to me." + +"You were not there when it opened. They were driving a lot of +mavericks toward their ranch down the river, when Budd Hankinson saw +a steer among them with our brand. You know it--a sort of cross with +father's initials. Without asking for its return, Budd called them a +gang of thieves, cut out the steer and drove him toward our range. If +he had gone at the thing in the right way there would have been no +trouble, but his ugly words made them mad, and the next thing we were +all shooting at each other." + +"You inflicted more harm than they, and they won't forget it." + +"I don't want them to forget it," said Fred, bitterly, "but they won't +carry their enmity to the extent of making an unprovoked attack on me +or any of my people." + +"Possibly not, but you don't want to bank on the theory." + +"You must not forget," continued the practical Whitney, "that all we +have in the world is invested in this business, and it would be a +sacrifice for us to sell out and move eastward, where I would be +without any business." + +"You could soon make one for yourself." + +"Well," said Whitney, thoughtfully, "I will promise to turn it over +in my mind; the associations, however, that will always cling to this +place, and particularly my sympathy for mother and Jennie, will be the +strongest influences actuating me, provided I decide to change." + +Mont Sterry experienced a thrill of delight, for he knew that when +a man talks in that fashion he is on the point of yielding. He +determined to urge the matter upon Jennie, and there was just enough +hope in his heart that the prospect of being on the same side of the +Mississippi with him would have some slight weight. + +"I am glad to hear you speak thus, for it is certain there will be +serious trouble with the rustlers." + +"All which emphasizes what I said earlier in the evening about your +duty to make a change of location." + +The proposition, now that there was reason to believe that Fred +Whitney had come over to his way of thinking, struck Sterry more +favourably than before. In fact he reflected, with a shudder, what a +dismal, unattractive section this would be, after the removal of his +friends. + +"I shall not forget your words; what you said has great influence with +me, and you need not be surprised if I bid adieu to Wyoming within a +week or a few days." + +"It can't be too soon for your own safety, much as we shall regret to +lose your company." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +UNWELCOME CALLERS. + + +Although Budd Hankinson and Grizzly Weber were removed from the scene +of the events described, the night was not to pass without their +becoming actors in some stirring incidents. + +Ordinarily they would have spent the hours of darkness at the ranch of +their employer, for the immense herds of cattle, as a rule, required +no looking after. The ranges over which they grazed were so extensive +that they were left to themselves, sometimes wandering for many miles +from the home of their owner. They might not be seen for days and +weeks. Their brands and the universal respect in which such proof of +proprietorship was held prevented, as a rule, serious loss to the +owners. + +But the date will be recognized by the reader as one of a peculiarly +delicate nature, when men were obliged to look more closely after +their rights than usual. + +The couple, therefore, rode behind the cattle to the foothills, along +which they were expected to graze for an indefinite time. Hustlers +were abroad, and the occurrences of the previous day had inflamed the +feeling between them and the cowmen. It was not unlikely that, having +been beaten off, some of them might take the means of revenging +themselves by stealing a portion of the herd. + +Budd and Weber dismounted after reaching the foothills, and, without +removing the saddles from their horses, turned them loose to graze for +themselves. No fear of their wandering beyond recall. A signal would +bring them back the moment needed. + +The hardy ranchers seated themselves with their backs against a broad, +flat rock, which rose several feet above their heads. The bits were +slipped from the mouths of their horses, so as to allow them to crop +the succulent grass more freely, while the men gave them no attention, +even when they gradually wandered beyond sight in the gloom. + +"Times are getting lively in these parts," remarked Weber, as he +filled his brierwood and lit it; "this thing can't go on forever; the +rustlers or cowmen have got to come out on top, and I'm shot if one +can tell just now which it will be." + +"There can only be one ending," quietly replied his companion, whose +pipe, being already lit, was puffed with the deliberate enjoyment of a +veteran; "the rustlers may stir things up, and I s'pose they've got to +get worse before they get better, but what's the use? It's like a mob +or a riot; the scamps have things their own way at first, but they +knuckle under in the end." + +"I guess you're right; that was bad business yesterday; I shouldn't +wonder if it ended in the young folks moving East again with their +mother, whose heart is broke by the death of her husband." + +"The younker is too plucky a chap to light out 'cause the governor has +been sent under; he's had better luck than most tenderfeet who come +out here and start in the cattle bus'ness; he done well last year, and +if the rustlers let him alone, he'll do a good deal better this year; +he may move, but he ain't agoin' to let them chaps hurry him, you can +make up your mind to that." + +The couple smoked a minute or two in silence. Then Weber, without +removing his pipe from between his lips, uttered the words: + +"Budd, something's going to happen powerful soon." + +Hankinson, also keeping his pipe between his lips, turned his head and +looked wonderingly at his friend. He did not speak, but the action +told his curiosity; he did not understand the words. + +"I mean what I say," added Weber, shaking his head; "I know it." + +"What do you mean? Something happens every night and every day." + +"That isn't what I'm driving at; something's going to happen afore +daylight; you and me ain't through with this work." + +Hankinson was still dissatisfied. He took his pipe from his mouth, +and, looking sideways at his friend, asked: + +"Can't you come down to facts and let a fellow know what you're +driving at?" + +"I don't exactly know myself, but I feel it in my left leg." + +At this strange remark the other laughed heartily and silently. He had +little patience with superstition. He knew his friend held peculiar +whims in that respect. Weber expected something in the nature of +scoffing and was prepared for it. He spoke doggedly: + +"It has never deceived me. Six years ago, when we was trying to round +up Geronimo and his Apache imps, ten of us camped in the Moggollon +Mountains. Hot! Well, you never knowed anything like it. All day long +the metal of our guns would blister our naked hands; we didn't get a +drop of water from sunup till sundown; we was close on to the trail of +the varmints, and we kept at it by moonlight till our horses gave out +and we tumbled out among the rocks so used up that we could hardly +stand. Our lieutenant was a bright young chap from South Car'lina that +had come out of West Point only that summer, but he was true blue and +warn't afeared of anything. We all liked him. I had seen him fight +when a dozen of the Apaches thought they had us foul, and I was proud +of him. He belonged to a good family, though that didn't make him any +better than anyone else, but he treated us white. + +"So when we went into camp, I goes to him and I says, says I, +'Lieutenant, there's going to be trouble.' He looked up at me in his +pleasant way and asks, 'What makes you think so, Grizzly?' The others +was listening, but I didn't mind that, and out with it. ''Cause,' says +I, 'my left leg tells me so.' + +"'And how does your leg tell you?' he asked again, with just a faint +smile that wasn't anything like the snickers and guffaws of the other +chaps. 'Whenever a twitch begins at the knee and runs down to my +ankle,' says I, 'that is in the left leg, and then keeps darting back +and forth and up and down, just as though some one was pricking it +with a needle, do you know what it says?' + +"'I'm sure I don't, but I'd like to know.' + +"'Injins! Varmints! They're nigh you; look out!' + +"Wal, instead of j'ining the others in laughing at me, he says; just +as earnest-like as if it was the colonel that had spoke, 'If that's +the case, Grizzly, why we'll look out; you have been in this business +afore I was born and I am glad you told me. I didn't s'pose any of 'em +was within miles of us, but it's easy to be mistaken.' + +"Wal, to make a long story short we didn't any of us go to sleep; the +boys laughed at what I said, but the way the lieutenant acted showed +'em he believed me, and that was enough. The Apaches come down on us +that night and wiped out two of the boys. If the lieutenant hadn't +showed his good sense by believing what I told him, there wouldn't +have been one of us left." + +Budd Hankinson then crossed his legs, extended on the ground as they +were, shoved his sombrero back on his head, with his Winchester +resting against the rock behind him, and smoked his pipe after the +manner of a man who is pondering a puzzling question. The latter +assumed much the same position, but, having said sufficient, was not +disposed to speak until after the other had given his opinion. + +"Grizzly, when your leg warns you like that, does it speak plain +enough to tell you the sort of danger that's coming? Does it say what +hour; where the trouble is to come from, and who them that make the +trouble will be?" + +"No!" replied the other, contemptuously; "how could a fellow's leg do +that?" + +"How could it do anything 'cept help tote him around when he wanted it +to?" + +"I've just explained, that twitching is a warning--that's all. I +'spose the leg thinks that's enough; so it is." + +"There ain't any Apaches or Comanches in this part of the world." + +"But there's rustlers, and where's the ch'ice?" + +"Wal, Grizzly, all I've got to say is let 'em come; it ain't the +first time we've seen 'em, and we're ginerally ready for 'em. We was +yesterday, and I reckon we'll get there, all the same, to-night or +to-morrow morning." + +Grizzly Weber felt it his duty to be more explicit. + +"The night I was telling you about down in Arizona wasn't the only +time my leg signaled to me. While it allers means that something is +going to come, it doesn't always mean it'll amount to much. It has +happened that only a slight flurry follored. That may be the case +to-night." + +"What's to be done? Are we to set here on the ground and wait for it? +I was going to take turns with you watching, but I guess we hadn't +better go to sleep yet." + +"You can sleep till near morning if you like, and when I want to lay +down I'll wake you, but afore you do that I'll take a look around." + +Weber rose to his feet, yawned, stretched his long, muscular arms, +looked about him and listened. The moonlight enabled him to see only a +comparatively short distance in any direction. Near-by were the forms +of several cattle stretched upon the ground and sleeping. One or two +were still chewing their cuds, but the scene was suggestive of rest +and quiet, the reverse of what he told his friend was coming. + +The horses had drifted too far off to be visible, but it was certain +they were within signal distance. Rocks, stunted undergrowth, bushes, +and the rich, luxuriant grass met the eye everywhere. Thousands of +cattle were scattered over an area of many acres, and, unless molested +by dishonest persons, would be within ready reach when the time for +the round-up arrived. Neither eye nor ear could detect anything of the +peril which the rancher believed impended with the same faith that he +believed the sun would rise on the following morning. + +That faith could not be shaken by the profound quiet. Without speaking +again to his friend he strolled toward the north, that is parallel +with the spur along whose slope the cattle were grazing. As he moved +forward they were continually in sight. Most of them were lying on +the ground, but a few were on their feet, browsing and acquiring the +luscious plumpness which has made that section one of the most famous +grazing regions of the Union. They paid no attention to the rancher +while making his way around, among and past them. They were too +accustomed to the sight of the sturdy cattleman to be disturbed by +him. + +An eighth of a mile from the rock where he had left his comrade, Weber +once more paused. Nothing as yet had come to confirm that peculiar +warning described, but his faith knew no weakening on that account. + +From a long way came the sound of rifle-firing, sometimes rapid, and +sometimes consisting of dropping shots. + +"They're at it somewhere," muttered the rancher; "it doesn't come from +the ranch, so I guess the folks are all right." + +The reports were too far off for him to feel any interest in them; +that which was foretold by the twitching of his limb must come much +closer to answer the demands of the occasion. + +Weber resumed his walk around and among the prostrate animals. He was +on the alert, glancing to the right and left, and speculating as to +the nature of the "trouble" that could not be far off. + +Through the impressive stillness he caught a subdued sound which +caused him again to stop in his walk and listen. His keen vision could +discover nothing, nor was he certain of the nature of the disturbance. + +He knelt down and pressed his ear to the ground. That told the story; +several hundred of the herd were in motion and moving away from him. +They would not do this of their own accord, and the rancher translated +its meaning at once; they were being driven off. + +He broke into a loping trot toward the threatened point, holding his +Winchester ready for instant use. As he was likely to need his horse, +he placed his fingers between his lips and emitted the whistle by +which he was accustomed to summon the faithful beast. Then he sent out +a different call. That was for the listening ears of Budd Hankinson, +who would be sure to hasten to his comrade. + +But Weber did not wait for man or animal. They could come as fast as +they chose. The case was too urgent to admit of delay. + +He believed the moving cattle were hardly a furlong distant, but they +were not only going at a rapid pace, but were moving directly away +from where the rancher had halted. + +He could run as swiftly and as long as an Indian, but the course was +difficult, and he believed the cattle were going so fast that he was +gaining little if anything on them. When he had run a short way he +stopped and glanced impatiently back in the gloom. + +"Why doesn't Cap hurry?" he muttered, referring to his horse; "he must +have heard my call, and he never lets it pass him. Budd, too, don't +want to break his neck trying to overtake me." + +His impatience made him unjust. Neither man nor beast had had time to +come up, even though each had set out at their best speed the moment +they heard the signal. They would be on hand in due course, unless +prevented. + +Weber called them again, with a sharp, peremptory signal, which could +not fail to apprise both of the urgency of the case. Then, afraid of +losing any advantage, he pushed after the fleeing cattle. The figures +of the sleeping animals around him grew fewer in number. By and by +none was to be seen. He had passed the outer boundary of those that +were left, and was now tramping over the section from which they had +been stampeded or driven by the rustlers. + +He dropped to the ground again. But it was only to use the earth as a +medium of hearing. The multitudinous trampings became distinct once +more. The cattle were running, proof that the thieves were pressing +them hard and were in fear of pursuit. + +Leaping up again, the rancher peered backward in the moonlight. +Something took shape, and he identified the figure of a man +approaching. The Winchester was grasped and half aimed, so as to be +ready for instant use. + +But it was his friend, who was coming on the run. Budd Hankinson had +heard the call, and obeyed it with surprising promptness. + +"What's up?" he asked, as he halted, breathing not a whit faster +because of his unusual exertion. + +"They're running off some of the cattle; where's the hosses?" + +"Hanged if I know! I called to Dick the minute I started, but he +didn't show up; I don't know were he is." + +"I whistled for Cap at the same time I did for you; he ought to +be here first. I wonder if they've stolen him?" added Weber, +affrightedly. + +"No, they wouldn't have come that close; they didn't have the chance; +but it gets me." + +With that he sent out the signal once more. Budd did the same, and +then they broke into their swift, loping trot after the fleeing +animals, both in an ugly mood. + +They were at great disadvantage without their own horses when it was +clear the rustlers were mounted. But, though on foot, the ranchers +could travel faster than the gait to which the cattle had been forced. +They increased their speed, and it was quickly evident they were +gaining on the rogues. + +It was not long before they discerned the dark bodies galloping off in +alarm. Almost at the same moment the ranchers saw the outlines of +two horsemen riding from right to left, and goading the cattle to an +injuriously high pace. Grizzly Weber, who was slightly in advance, +turned his head and said, in excitement: + +"Budd, they're not rustlers; they're Injins!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE "DOG INDIANS." + + +Weber was right in his declaration that the parties who were +stampeding a part of the herd were Indians. They were two in number, +both superbly mounted, and dashing back and forth with great +swiftness, as they urged the animals to a frantic flight. They knew +the danger of pursuit and the value of time. + +The rancher, who shouted to his companion, was a few paces in advance +at the exciting moment he made the discovery. The sight so angered him +that he stopped abruptly and brought his rifle to his shoulder, with +the intention of shooting the marauder from his horse. + +This would have been done the next instant but for the exclamation of +Grizzly Weber. Despite the noise and confusion, the Indian heard him +and saw his danger. Before the rancher could sight his weapon the +thief seemed to plunge headlong over the further side of his steed; +but instead of doing so he resorted to the common trick of his people, +all of whom are unsurpassable horsemen. He flung himself so far over +that nothing of his body remained visible. The horse himself became +the shield between him and the white man. The redskin was in the +saddle, but he would have been just as expert had he been riding +bareback. + +Weber muttered his disappointment, but held his rifle ready to fire +the instant he caught sight of any part of the fellow's person. At any +rate, a recourse was open to him; he could shoot the horse, and thus +place his enemy on the same footing with himself. He decided to do so. + +The hurly-burly was bewildering. The cattle were bellowing in +affright, galloping frenziedly before the two horsemen, dashing back +and forth among them at the rear like two lunatics, and goading them +to desperate haste. + +At the instant the Indian whom Grizzly Weber selected as his man +eluded his fatal aim, his horse was running diagonally. This could not +be continued without the abandonment of the herd. He must wheel, to +come back behind the fleeing cattle. The rancher waited for that +moment, prepared to fire the instant any tangible part of the body of +the rogue was revealed by the moonlight. + +But an astonishing exploit prevented the shot. The savage wheeled, +just as was anticipated, but, in the act of doing so, threw himself +for a second time over the side of his horse, so as to interpose his +body. He did it with such inimitable dexterity that the rancher was +baffled. + +All this took place in a twinkling, as may be said; but, brief as +was the time, it caused Weber to lose valuable ground. The horse was +growing dimmer in the gloom, and, unless checked, would quickly be +beyond reach of the Winchester still levelled at him. Nothing was +easier than to drive a bullet through his brain and then have it out +with the Indian. Possibly the single bullet would end the career of +both. + +Budd Hankinson called out something, but Grizzly Weber did not catch +it. With grim resolution he sighted as best he could in the moonlight +at the galloping steed, and then with a shiver lowered his weapon +undischarged, awed by the sudden discovery of the deed he had come +within a hair of committing. + +The erratic motions of the Indian and his horse entangled both with +the flying cattle. All at once the nimble steed became so crowded on +every side that his only escape from being gored to death was by a +tremendous bound which he made over the back of a terrified steer who +lowered his head for the purpose of driving his horns into his body. +He made the leap with amazing skill and grace. + +As he went up in the air, with the Indian clinging to his side, +the astonishing leap was executed with perfect ease, precision and +perfectness, his figure rising above the mass of struggling animals +and standing out for a moment in clear relief. + +That one glimpse of the outlines of the splendid horse, together with +the brilliancy of the performance itself, told Grizzly Weber that +the steed was his own Cap. The owner had by a hair escaped sending +a bullet through the brain of the animal whom he loved as his own +brother. + +Grizzly was stupefied for an instant. Then, knowing that Cap had been +duped by some conjuration, he sent out the familiar signal with a +sharp distinctness that rose above the din and racket, which, to +ordinary ears, would have been overwhelming. + +The result was remarkable, and approached the ridiculous. Cap heard +the call, and instantly turned to obey it. The Indian on his back +strove furiously to prevent and to keep him at his work. Cap fought +savagely, flinging his head aloft, rearing, plunging, and refusing +to follow the direction toward which the redskin twisted his head +by sheer strength. It was a strife between rider and steed, and the +latter made no progress in either direction while keeping up the +fight, which was as fierce as it was brief. + +The Indian could not force the horse to obey him, and the efforts of +Cap to reach his master were defeated by the wrenching at the bit. It +looked as if the horse had been seized with the frenzy that possessed +every one, and was fighting and struggling aimlessly and accomplishing +nothing. + +But Grizzly Weber was not the one to stand idly by and allow this +extraordinary contest to go on. Nothing intervened between him and the +daring marauder, and he dashed toward him. + +The redskin's audacity, nimbleness and self-possession excited the +admiration of Grizzly Weber, angered though he was at the trick played +on him. The rider knew the risk of keeping up the fight with the +obdurate beast, for the master was sure to arrive on the spot within +a few seconds. Before the rancher could reach him he went from the +saddle as if shot out of a gun. + +Freed from his incubus, Cap emitted a joyful whinny and trotted toward +his master. + +"You rascal!" exclaimed the delighted rancher, vaulting upon his back +in a twinkling. "Now we'll settle with the chap that tried to part you +and me." + +All this consumed but a few moments. The Indian could not have gone +far. He would not dash among the cattle, who, now that they were +stampeded, were as dangerous as so many wild beasts. He had hardly +time to conceal himself, and Grizzly was certain that he had him. + +All the same, however, the cowman made a miscalculation. When he +wheeled Cap about to run down the daring redskin he was nowhere to be +seen. There were no trees near, but there were boulders, rocks and +depressions, with the rich grass everywhere, and the dusky thief was +as safe as if beyond the Assinaboine, in British territory. + +"I'm glad of it," thought Weber, a moment later; "a redskin that can +show such a performance as that desarves to save his scalp." + +In the dizzying flurry Grizzly had no time to think of his companion, +who had enough to attend to his own matters. He now looked around for +him, but he, too, was invisible. + +"I wonder whether he got his horse back, for Dick must have been +stole, the same as was Cap." + +And, grateful for having regained possession of his horse, he patted +the silken neck of the noble animal. + +Grizzly's years of experience with cattle apprised him of a gratifying +truth. The course of the stampeded herd was changing. Instead of +fleeing away from the main body they were veering around, so that, if +the change of course continued, they would return to the neighbourhood +from which they started. + +Panic-smitten cattle are not apt to do a thing of that kind of their +own accord. Some cause, and a strong one, too, must have effected this +diversion in the line of flight. All at once, above the din, sounded +the penetrating voice of a man, who was striving with herculean energy +to change the course of the wild animals. + +One sound of that voice was sufficient to identify it as Budd +Hankinson's. He must have played his cards well to have done all this +in so brief a space of time. + +And such had been the case beyond a doubt. Budd suspected from the +first what did not enter Grizzly's mind until it flashed upon him +as described. The fact that neither of their horses appeared when +summoned convinced Budd that they had been stolen. True, even in that +case they would have obeyed the signal, had they been near enough, and +had the circumstances allowed them to identify it; but, although +not far off, the noise immediately around them shut out the call of +Grizzly from their ears, until he repeated it, as has been told. + +Hankinson anticipated his friend in this act. In his case, the thief +in the saddle of Dick gave it up at once. He leaped off, and whisked +out of sight. It was then Budd called to Grizzly that the thieves had +their horses; but the other did not catch his words, and, therefore, +gave them no further heed. + +The instant Budd's feet were in the stirrups he set his horse bounding +along the side of the herd, with the purpose of checking the stampede +by changing its course. Grizzly understood matters and set off after +him, leaving to the sagacious Cap to thread his way to the other side +of the running cattle. + +In the course of a few minutes the ranchers opened communication and +pushed their work with a vigor which brought good results. The cattle +were tired. They had been on their feet most of the day while grazing, +were growing fat, and naturally were indisposed to severe exertion. +Their pace dropped to a walk, and sooner than would have been +supposed, the fright passed off. The herders kept them moving until +close to the main herd, where they were allowed to rest. Budd and +Grizzly dismounted once more, turning their horses loose, and seated +themselves on the ground. The night, as will be remembered, was mild, +and they did not need their blankets to make them comfortable. + +"Wal," was the smiling remark of Grizzly, as he began refilling his +pipe, "my leg didn't deceive me this time." + +"No, I'll own up it played square; but, Grizzly, if we've got to fight +the red varmints as well as rustlers, there will be some lively fun in +Wyoming and Montana before the thing is over." + +"The Injins won't take a hand in this. You know who them two thieves +were, don't you?" + +"A couple of 'dog Injins,' of course." + +"There isn't anybody else that's got anything to do with this; it's +sort of queer--that is, it has struck me so two or three times--that +the Injins have tramps among 'em the same as white folks. They call +'em 'dog Injins,' I s'pose, 'cause they don't claim any particular +tribe, but tramp back and forth over the country, slipping off their +reservations whenever they get a chance." + +"Yes, there are plenty of 'em," assented Budd; "we've met 'em before; +you'll find 'em as far north as the Saskatchewan and as low down as +the Rio Grande. But I say, Grizzly, they were two slick ones; I never +seen finer work." + +"Nor me either; if they had been satisfied with taking our hosses we'd +never seen 'em agin. Gracious!" added the rancher, "for myself, I'd +rather lost half the herd than Cap." + +"It seems to me," said Budd, after smoking a moment in silence, "that +although them 'dog Injins' was pretty smart in getting out of the way +when we come down on 'em, they weren't smart in trying to run off the +cattle. They must have known we'd find it out at daylight and would be +after 'em hot-footed." + +Grizzly had been puzzling over the same phase of the question. The +'dog Indian' is a vagabond, who, belonging to some particular tribe, +as of necessity must be the case, affiliates with none, but goes +whithersoever his will leads him, provided he is not prevented. +Sometimes they remain on the reservation for weeks and months, as +orderly, industrious and well-behaved as the best of the red men. Then +they disappear, and may not turn up for a long time. In truth, they +are as likely not to turn up at all, but to lead their wandering, +useless lives just as the vagrants do in civilized communities. + +Surely the couple who had played their parts in the incidents of the +night must have known that nothing could be gained by stampeding a +part of Whitney's herd. The cattle were branded, and could not be +disposed of for that reason. Besides, a couple of Indians in charge of +several hundred cattle would be objects of suspicion themselves, and +certain to be called to account. They could make no common cause with +the rustlers, for the latter would have naught to do with them. + +More than likely Grizzly Weber hit the truth when he said: + +"It was a piece of pure deviltry on their part. When they got into the +saddles they felt safe. Instead of making off with the hosses, they +thought they would stir up a little fun by stampeding the cattle. +After injuring 'em by rapid driving for a good many miles they would +have paid no more attention to 'em, and let us find 'em as best we +could." + +"Yes," assented Budd, "they bit off more'n they could chaw, and so +lost the hosses. But, Grizzly, have you noticed there's been several +guns shot off around the country to-night?" + +"Yas," replied the other, indifferently; "I've heard 'em several +times, but I haven't obsarved any coming from the house; it must be +that some of the boys are having fun to-night instead of sleeping like +lambs, as they ought to do." + +"And there'll be more of it to-morrow, but that's what we've got to +expect at all times. I'm going to sleep; call me when you want me." + +Budd spread the blanket, which he had taken from the back of his +horse, on the ground and lay down. Hardly five minutes passed when +he was wrapped in sound slumber. To prevent himself from becoming +unconscious, Grizzly rose and walked slowly around and among the herd. +He had no thought of anything further occurring, for the 'dog Indians' +would be certain to keep away from that neighbourhood after what had +occurred. He did not feel easy, however, concerning his friends at the +ranch. He knew trouble was at hand, and he would have been glad if +the mother and daughter were removed beyond danger. The sounds of +rifle-firing and the bright glow in the horizon, made by a burning +building, confirmed his misgivings as to what a few days or hours were +sure to bring forth. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. + + +IT will be recalled that during these incidents Monteith Sterry and +Fred Whitney were sitting at the front of the long, low building, +which was the home of the latter, discussing the incidents of the +last day or two, as well as the matter of Whitney removing, with +his family, to the East, in order to prevent any addition to the +affliction they had just suffered. + +Besides this, Whitney had turned on his young friend, and impressed +upon him that he, too, was incurring unjustifiable risk by remaining +in Wyoming during the inflamed state of public feeling. There was much +less excuse in the case of Sterry than of his host. He ought to be at +home prosecuting the study of his profession, as his parents wished +him to do. His health was fully restored, and it cannot be denied that +he was wasting his precious days. He was fond of his father, mother, +brothers and sisters, and it would grieve them beyond expression if he +should uselessly sacrifice himself. + +"Yes," he replied, "I cannot deny the truth of what you say, Fred. I +ought to leave this part of the country." + +"Of course; you're not needed; your future has been mapped for you, +and it is hard to make up lost time." + +"We found that out at the high school," returned Mont, with a light +laugh; "but the pearl of great price, in a worldly sense, is good +health, and I have been repaid in securing it." + +"And having secured it, it remains--Mont," added his companion +abruptly, but without the slightest change of tone, "don't stop to ask +me why, but step quickly through the door and into the house, and keep +out of sight for a few minutes." + +"I understand," said Sterry, obeying without an instant's hesitation. + +The prompt, unquestioning compliance with the request of Fred Whitney +showed that Monteith Sterry understood the reason that it was made of +him. + +The truth was, that during the last few minutes the young men were +talking in front of the house, each descried something suspicious on +the broad plain. They instinctively lowered their voices, and though +neither made reference to it, both gave more attention to it than to +their own words. + +They heard nothing of the tramp of horses, but saw the shadowy +figures of several men hovering on what may be termed the line of +invisibility. Sometimes they were distinguished quite clearly, and +then seemed to vanish; but the youths could not be mistaken. + +A number of persons were out there, not mounted, but on foot, and +moving about, without approaching any closer, for the space of several +minutes. It looked as if they were reconnoitering the house from a +distance and debating the best manner of procedure. + +The suspicions of the friends were the same. They were rustlers +looking for the inspector. + +Mont Sterry would have preferred to stay where he was and have it out +with them, but the circumstances were so peculiar that he could not +refuse to do as his comrade requested. + +The cause of Whitney's wish was the abrupt increasing distinctness +of the figures, proof that they had reached a decision and were +approaching the house. + +They speedily came into plain sight, four men, in the garb of cowmen, +and they were rustlers beyond question. + +Conscious that they were seen, they now advanced directly, as if +coming from a distance, though the fact that they were on foot showed +that such was not the case. + +With feelings which it would be hard to describe, Fred Whitney +recognized the first as Larch Cadmus, wearing the same whiskers as +before. Had he been thoughtful enough to disguise his voice the young +man would not have suspected his identity. + +The moon had worked around into that quarter of the heavens that its +light shone on the figure of Fred, who rose to his feet, as was his +custom, and advanced a few paces to meet the newcomers. + +"Good evening!" he said. "How happens it that you are afoot at this +time of night?" + +"Our horses ain't fur off," replied Cadmus; "the rest of the boys +didn't think it worth while to trouble you." + +"What do you mean by troubling me?" asked Fred, though he understood +the meaning. + +"We're on an unpleasant errand," continued Cadmus, acting as the +spokesman of the party, the others remaining in the background and +maintaining silence. + +"Shall I bring chairs for you? It is so unusually mild to-night that +I am sitting out doors from choice, and I do not wish to disturb my +mother and sister, who retired some time ago." + +"No, we'll stand," was the curt response. "Whitney, as I suppose it +is, are you accustomed to sit out here alone?" + +"Not when I can have company." + +"Were you alone before we came up?" + +"When you were here earlier in the evening, as you saw for yourself, I +had my sister and a friend." + +"Exactly; who was that friend?" + +"Mont Sterry, the gentleman who is on a little tour through some +parts of Wyoming and Montana to try to help make you fellows behave +yourselves." + +"Yes; wal, we're looking for him." + +"Why do you come here?" + +"Because he spends a good deal of his time here; he seems to be +interested in Miss Whitney." + +"Well, if he is, that is no business of yours," retorted Fred, angered +by the reference to his sister. + +"Perhaps not, but it would be well for you to keep a civil tongue in +your head, Fred Whitney; we're not in a pleasant mood to-night, for +we've had trouble." + +"It matters not to me what trouble you've had; you have no right to +name any member of my family. They are in affliction; my father was +shot down by your gang yesterday, and, though we made several of you +fellows bite the dust, the whole of them weren't worth his little +finger." + +"We'll let them matters drop; I told you we're looking for Mont +Sterry, and we're going to have him." + +"And I ask you again, why do you come here after him? I don't deny +that he was with me, but he left fully two hours ago." + +"We know that; he gave us the slip, but we believe he came back." + +"And I ask what reason you have for such belief; why did he bid us +good-by and ride away? I know that he had not the slightest intention +of returning for several days," said Fred, sticking to the technical +truth. + +"We don't care what his intention was, he did come back." + +"How do you know that?" + +"He was sitting in that chair alongside of you less than ten minutes +ago; you were smoking and talking, though you didn't speak loud enough +for us to catch your words." + +"Where is the proof, Larch Cadmus, of what you say?" + +Without noticing this penetration of his disguise, the rustler turned +and spoke to the nearest of his companions: + +"Spark Holly, how was it?" + +"I seen 'em both and heard 'em talking," was the prompt response of +the individual appealed to. + +"Are your eyes better than the others'?" asked Fred. + +"They don't have to be," replied Cadmus, speaking for him. "While we +stayed in front of the house, Spark stole round to the rear, where +none of your family seen him. He got to the corner and had a good look +at both of you." + +"Does he know Sterry?" inquired Fred, purposely raising his voice, +that his friend, standing a few feet away within the house, should not +miss a word. + +"He don't know him, but I do, and the description Spark gives fits the +man we're after to a T. We want him." + +"But the notice you gave Sterry allowed him twenty-four hours' grace. +Why do you ask for him now?" + +"Them was my sentiments, but when I joined the party under Inman, a +little while ago, he told me the boys had reconsidered that matter, +and decided that after what Sterry has done, and tried to do, I hadn't +any right to make the promise." + +"That may be their decision, but it cannot affect yours; you are bound +by the pledge you made in writing to him." + +Larch Cadmus, like his companions, was growing impatient. He said: + +"I haven't come here to argue the matter with you; I've come after my +man, and am going to have him." + +"And I repeat what I said: he left more than two hours ago, and you +have no business to come here." + +"Do you mean to tell me he isn't in the house?" demanded Cadmus, with +rising temper. + +"I refuse to answer, but I do say that neither you nor any of your +gang shall enter my home, where are my mother and sister, their hearts +stricken by your murderous doings of yesterday, except over my dead +body." + +"We don't like to disturb the ladies," said Cadmus, "but we mean +business; we have promised the boys to bring back that fellow; but +I'll make a proposition." + +"What is it?" + +"If you will say that Mont Sterry is not in there, we'll go away +without disturbing any one; we'll take your word." + +"I recognize no right of yours to question me," was the scornful reply +of Fred Whitney. + +"Boys," said Cadmus, turning again to his companions, "that's only +another way of owning up that the coward is hiding here, afraid to +meet us; he's our game." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +A DELICATE SITUATION. + + +Few men possessed more courage than Fred Whitney, and he was +thoroughly aroused. + +Sitting in front of his own home during the evening, it naturally +happened that he was without any weapon at immediate command. His +Winchester and revolvers, his inseparable companions, during those +stirring times, whenever away from home, were inside. It need not be +said that every one of the rustlers had his "guns" in his possession, +so he was a single, defenceless man against four armed ones. + +Nevertheless, he strode forward in front of the open door, determined +to make good his threat. + +"You talk of cowards," he said; "you are four, and each has his +pistols and rifle; I have none and one arm is wounded, but I defy +you!" + +"Come, come," said the leader, "this will do you no good; we're bound +to have that man, and if he won't come out we must go after him. If +you stand in the way we'll pitch you aside. We don't want to hurt +you." + +"Advance at your peril--" + +"Fred, move a little to the left--that will do. I've got a bead on him +now." + +It was the voice of Mont Sterry, a few feet away, in the darkness of +the room. The muzzle of his rifle, however, projected just enough +to reflect the moonlight, and it was leveled at the breast of Larch +Cadmus. + +"One step," added Sterry, "and you're a dead man." + +"Larch Cadmus," said Fred, thrilled by the occurrence, "for we +recognize you despite those whiskers, I never knew Mont Sterry to +break his word!" + +Language cannot do justice to the situation. At the very moment the +miscreant was about to advance to hurl Whitney from his path he was +confronted by the muzzle of a loaded rifle, held by a man who was in +deadly earnest, and who realized he was at bay. + +The startled ruffian recoiled a step and stared into the darkened +room, as if he failed to grasp the situation. + +"Not a step in any direction," said Sterry, warningly; "if you attempt +to retreat, advance, or move aside, I'll fire." + +It would be a rash thing for any one to deny that the young inspector +had secured the "drop" on Larch Cadmus. + +But the man was accustomed to violence, and it took him but a minute +to rally. + +"Pretty well done, I'll own," he said, with a forced laugh; "but what +good is it going to do you? There are three more of us here and a +half-dozen hardly a hundred yards away." + +"And what good will they do you?" + +"Spark," said Cadmus, "slip back to the boys and give 'em the tip; +we'll see about this thing." + +"The moment Spark or either of the other two stirs I'll let the +moonlight through _you!_ I'm going to keep my gun pointed right at +you, Mr. Cadmus. If those fellows think I'm worth more than you, they +have a chance to prove it, for only one of them has to take the first +step to leave, when I'll press this trigger just a little harder than +now. More than that, if one of them shouts, whistles, or makes any +kind of a signal, I'll do as I threaten. If any man doesn't think so, +let him make the trial." + +"Well, I'll be hanged!" muttered Larch Cadmus; "this _is_ a go!" + +Judging from the new turn of affairs, it looked as if a single +individual had the "drop" on four others. + +It struck Larch Cadmus that this was a good occasion for something in +the nature of a compromise. + +"See here, Sterry," he said, assuming an affected jocularity which +deceived no one, "I'll own you've played it on me mighty fine. But you +can't stand there all night with your Winchester p'inted at me, and +bime-by I'll git tired; can't we fix the matter up some way?" + +"Fred," said Sterry, with the same coolness shown from the first, +"slip through the door; you know where your gun is; stoop a little, +so I won't have to shift my aim; when that is done we'll talk about +compromise." + +Fred Whitney, as quick as his companion to "catch on," did instantly +what was requested. He dodged into the darkened apartment, with which, +of course, he was so familiar that he needed the help of no light to +find his weapon. + +Had Larch Cadmus been as subtle as his master, perhaps he might have +prevented this by ordering one of his men to cover Whitney with his +gun, though it is more than probable that Sterry still would have +forced the leading rustler to his own terms. + +But there was one among the four with the cunning of a fox; he was +Spark Holly, who had located the inspector when in front of the house. + +At the moment Cadmus was brought up all standing, as may be said, +Holly stood so far to one side that he was not in the young man's +field of vision. He, like his two companions, could have slipped off +at any moment without danger to himself, but it would have been at the +cost of their leader's life; nor could they shift their position and +raise a weapon to fire into the room, where there was a prospect +of hitting the daring youth at bay, without precipitating that +catastrophe. + +The instant, however, Fred Whitney turned his back on the rustlers, +Holly saw his opportunity. He vanished. + +The others, more sluggish than he, held their places, dazed, +wondering, stupefied, and of no more account than so many logs of +wood. + +Shrewd enough to do this clever thing, Spark Holly was too cautious to +spoil it by allowing his movement to be observed. Had he darted over +the plain in front of the house, Mont Sterry would have seen the +fleeing figure, understood what it meant, and, carrying out his +threat, shot down Larch Cadmus. + +Holly lost no time in dodging behind the structure, moving with the +stealth of an Indian in the stillness of the night. Then he made a +circuit so wide that, as he gradually described a half-circle and came +round to the point whence he had first advanced to the dwelling, he +was so far off that the keenest vision from the interior could not +catch a glimpse of him. + +Certain of this, he ran only a short distance, when he came up with +the half-dozen mounted rustlers of whom Cadmus had spoken, and who +were wondering at the unaccountable delay. + +The messenger quickly made everything plain, and they straightway +proceeded to take a hand in the business. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +A MISCALCULATION. + + +Larch Cadmus was well fitted to act the leader of so desperate a +company of men. He was chagrined beyond measure at the manner in which +the tables had been turned on him, but, like all such persons, when +caught fairly, he knew how to accept the situation philosophically. + +None understood better than he that the individual who held that +Winchester levelled would press the trigger on the first provocation. +He was the one that had sent the warning, and the other was the one +that had received it. The twenty-four hours' truce had been ended by +the words and action of Cadmus himself, and his chief wonder, now that +Fred Whitney was with him, was that Monteith Sterry should show any +mercy to his persecutor; had the situations been reversed, the course +also would have been different. + +But the ruffian was on the alert. He noticed the guarded movement of +Spark Holly at the moment Whitney entered his home, and he needed no +one to tell him what it meant. + +He had slipped off to bring help and it would not take him long to do +it, though Cadmus might well feel uneasy over what would take place +when Sterry should learn the trick played on him. + +It may be that a person's senses are keener in situations of grave +peril than at other times, for, calculating as clearly as he could the +period it would take his comrade to reach the horsemen, only a short +way back on the prairie, Cadmus heard sounds which indicated their +approach, though they must remain invisible for several minutes. + +"Wal," said he, in his off-hand manner, directly after Whitney had +whisked into the house, "now that you're together, how long do you +mean to keep this thing up?" + +"We're through," was the response. + +"What do you mean?" asked the surprised fellow. + +"You can go away as soon as you please. Mont Sterry doesn't care +anything more about you, but I'll keep you covered as long as you are +in sight, and if you or any of your men try any deception you'll take +the consequences." + +With a moment's hesitation, doubtless caused by distrust of his +master, Cadmus began edging to one side. A few steps were enough to +take him out of range of that dreaded weapon, and then his demeanour +changed. + +"That was a good trick of yours, Mont Sterry, but it won't do you a +bit of good." + +"Why not?" + +"Here come the rest of the boys, and if you think you can hold them +up, why try it." + +At that moment the horsemen assumed form in the gloom and approached +the house in a diagonal direction. Encouraged by their presence, Larch +Cadmus once more moved toward the open door and resumed the position +of leader. + +"Now, my fine fellow, we summon you to surrender," he called in his +brusquest voice and manner. + +The reply was striking. A young man stepped from the door and advanced +to meet the horsemen. There was an instant when Cadmus believed his +victim had come forth to give himself up as commanded, but one glance +showed that it was Fred Whitney. He calmly awaited the coming of the +mounted men, saluted them, and said: + +"You have come for Mont Sterry, and Cadmus there assures me that if +I give him my word that he is not in my house he will accept the +statement; do you agree to it?" + +"How's that, Larch?" asked Ira Inman, turning toward him. + +"Them was my words, but--" + +"Well, then, I have to say that Mont Sterry is not in my house; the +only persons there are my mother and sister." + +"But I seen him, and he got the drop on me--how's that?" + +"Yes," replied Whitney, enjoying his triumph, "he was there a few +minutes ago, and he _did_ get the drop on you and the rest of your +fellows; but I took his place; he went out of the back door, mounted +his mare, and if there's any of you that think you can overhaul him, +you can't start a moment too soon." + +No man who heard these words doubted their truth. They told such a +straightforward tale that they could not be questioned. They would +have been zanies had they believed that, with the back door at command +and the certain approach of his enemies, Sterry had waited for them to +attack him. + +True, he and his friend would have held a strong position, in which +they could have made it warm for the others, but the ultimate +advantage must have been on the side of the assailants. + +The laugh was on Cadmus, and those were the men who, in their chagrin, +vented their feelings upon him. The worst of it was, he was as angry +as they; but he might well ask how he could have helped himself, and +whether any one of them would have done any better. + +The foxy Holly, at a whispered word from Inman, darted around the end +of the building and entered the stables. A brief examination showed +that no animals, all being known to him, except those belonging to +Whitney, were there. + +Had any doubt remained, it was removed by his sense of hearing. +Without the intervention of the dwelling to obstruct the sound, he +caught the faint, rhythmic beating of the earth, barely audible and +gradually growing fainter in the distance. It was just such a sound as +is made by a horse going at a leisurely, sweeping gallop, and that was +the explanation he gave it. + +Mont Sterry was safe beyond pursuit, for there was no horse in the +company that could overtake him. Spark Holly returned to the party in +front and made his report. + +It may be said the report was accepted and placed on file for future +reference. + +It was characteristic of those men, too, that they did not delay +their own actions, now that their business may be said to have been +finished. + +"Well," said Inman, "that isn't the first time that fellow gave us the +slip to-night. The way he did it before was mighty clever, but I don't +see that he deserves any credit for fooling Cadmus, for any one would +have known enough to do that. But remember that Mr. Mont Sterry is +still in Wyoming, and we are not through with him yet." + +"And there ain't any twenty-four hours' truce," added Cadmus. + +"After what has taken place, there's little fear of Sterry making any +mistake on that point," said Whitney, who was so pleased over the +outcome of matters that he could speak in gentler terms than he would +have used had the circumstances been different. + +It would seem strange that these men, who but a brief time before were +so hostile to the single person now in their power, should converse +without the least offensive action; but most, if not all, of the +doings of the men concerned in the late troubles in that section were +in hot blood, and would not have occurred had time been taken for +thought and consideration. + +Inman and his brother rustlers wheeled about and rode off in the +direction whence they came. Their movements indicated that they had +no intention of following Sterry, since the course taken by him was +almost directly the opposite; but Whitney was not fully satisfied. He +remained in front of his home, listening in the stillness of the night +to the sounds made by the hoofs of the galloping horses. + +Gradually they grew fainter, until, had there been any air stirring, +or had the tension of hearing been less, he would have heard nothing; +but, when the noises were hovering close to inaudibility, they +continued thus. They neither increased nor diminished, but remaining +the same, steadily shifted the direction whence they came. + +Instead of keeping to the westward, as they had been for a long +time, they worked around to the north and east. Then the decrease in +distinctness of sound was so rapid that it was quickly lost. + +The truth was evident: the rustlers had started in pursuit of Sterry, +though why they should have taken so much pains to conceal the fact +from Fred Whitney was more than he could understand. + +"They may overtake him," thought the young man as he turned to enter +the house, "but it will not be right away." + +A light foot-fall sounded in the darkness of the room. + +"Is that you, Jennie?" he asked in a guarded undertone. + +"Yes, brother; have they gone?" + +"Some time ago. Is mother asleep?" + +"She was asleep before they came, utterly worn out. I am glad she +knows nothing of the cause of their visit. And what of Monteith?" + +"He is many miles away, and still riding hard." + +"Will they pursue him?" + +"Let them do so if they wish, they will have a fine time overtaking +him," was the light reply of the brother, who, leaning over in the +gloom, affectionately kissed his sister good-night. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE BURNED RANCH. + + +Meanwhile Monteith Sterry was making the best of his opportunity. + +It was no great exploit for him to slip out of the back door, when he +found his enemies gathering in front; but, had he not been convinced +that the movement was in the interests of his friends, as well as +himself, he would not have made it. + +His flight was at a moderate pace for several hundred yards, by which +time he considered himself safe from pursuit and gave his mare free +rein. Her speed was rapid, but she was capable of maintaining it for +hours without fatigue. + +Sterry's intention was to make his way to the ranch of his friend, +Dick Hawkridge, which lay to the westward. He began veering in that +direction, so that it may be said that while Inman and his band were +riding toward him, he was approaching them. Two causes, however, +prevented a meeting of the parties. + +Sterry was much further out than the rustlers, and in the darkness +they could see nothing, if indeed they could hear anything of each +other. Then he had not ridden far when he was checked by an unexpected +sight. + +A bright red glow appeared to the northward in the sky. It was too +vivid, distinct and near for him to mistake its nature. It was a +burning building, the flames showing so strongly that, aware as he was +of the deceptive nature of such a light, he knew it was no more than a +mile away. He turned the head of his mare in that direction. + +"Things seem to be stirring to-night," was his thought as he galloped +forward, with his gaze fixed on the burning structure. "That may be +an accident, but such accidents are not common in this part of the +world." + +His supposition was that it was the work of the rustlers, but he was +mistaken. + +The building was similar to that occupied by the Whitneys, though +somewhat smaller, and burned so fast that when he reached the spot it +was a mass of blazing embers, with hardly a semblance of the original +structure remaining. + +The sight was interesting of itself, but the attention of Sterry was +riveted by the figure of a man lying motionless on the ground, only +a few paces in front of where the door had been. His nerveless right +hand still grasped the Winchester with which he had evidently made a +sturdy fight when stricken down. + +Sterry did not dismount, but, sitting in the saddle, looked on the +sorrowful sight as revealed by the glow of the burning building. He +was saddened that such things should be. + +Little time, however, was given him for gloomy reverie, when Queenie +sniffed the air and turned her head a little to one side. Looking in +that direction, the rider saw the figure of a horseman assume shape in +the glow as his animal advanced at a slow step. He must have detected +Sterry before the latter saw him, and was studying him with close +attention, his rifle supported across his saddle in front, ready for +instant use. + +Reading his suspicion, the young man called out: + +"Come on, partner! You and I cannot be enemies at such a time as +this." + +The salutation reassured the other, who increased his pace. + +Before he reached Sterry the latter half-regretted his action, for +he recognized the man as Duke Vesey, one of the most notorious of +rustlers and a bitter personal enemy. But a certain chivalry rules +among such people, and after the greeting of Sterry to Vesey there was +little danger of the latter taking unfair advantage of it. + +"This is bad business," remarked the younger, pointing to the figure +on the ground. + +A hard look crossed the face of the rustler and his thin lips +compressed as he shook his head. + +"Yes, that's what's left of Jack Perkins; he was my pard." + +"How did it happen?" + +"How did it happen! A pretty question for you to ask. He was killed by +the stockmen less than an hour ago." + +"But they didn't ride hither and shoot him down, I am sure." + +"I don't know what you can be sure of," said Vesey, ominously. "Jack +and I were riding along peaceable like, when we heard horsemen behind +us. We didn't pay any attention to them till we got home and Jack +slipped off his horse. I concluded to stay in the saddle until the +fellows came up and I had a talk with them. They were Capt. Asbury and +his stockmen, and the first thing they called out was an order for us +to throw up our hands. + +"Well," continued Vesey, grimly, "we aren't in that kind of business, +and the next thing the guns were popping all around us. Jack had +nerve. I wish the poor fellow had stayed in the saddle; but his horse +scooted off, and he stood right there where he fell, without a leaf to +shelter him, and pumped the lead into those stockmen, who were mean +enough to shoot the brave fellow in his tracks without giving him a +chance for life." + +"You told me they ordered him to surrender before the firing began." + +"So they did, that they might shoot him down the easier. I had a hot +chase with them, and it was a pretty close call for me; but they +didn't keep up the hunt for long. You would think," added Vesey, +bitterly, "that they would have been satisfied with dropping poor +Jack, without burning down our home; but that is the style of the +stockmen." + +Here was a representative of each of the factions, or associations, so +hostile to each other. The rustler knew Monteith Sterry, and must +have felt a consuming resentment toward him. His words and manner +indicated, too, that he was not averse to a quarrel. He had fought the +stockmen more than once, and, with the memory of the recent collision +and the advantages on the other side, he welcomed the chance of a +conflict on anything like equal terms. + +Monteith did not stand in any personal fear of the famous rustler, and +was fully armed and on the alert. Without seeming to do so, he kept a +watch on the man, but he disliked the thought of a personal encounter +with him. The scene, the surroundings, and his own nature, revolted, +and he resolved to submit to all that it was possible to bear before +falling back on the last resort. + +"No doubt," said Sterry, "there has been injustice on both sides, and +stockmen as well as rustlers have done things for which there is no +justification; I hope the trouble will soon end." + +"It will end as soon as we get justice." + +"Yes," Sterry could not help retorting, "for if justice were done to +you rustlers none would be left. However," he hastened to add, "there +is no reason why you and I should quarrel, Vesey; I had no share in +the death of your friend; and if the case is as you represent it, he +was more sinned against than sinning." + +"Of course you had no share in that simply because you wasn't here, +but you have been concerned in other affairs like this where some of +the rustlers have gone down." + +"It is quite possible I have," coolly replied Sterry, "inasmuch as +when a man is attacked it is his duty to defend himself. I have not +yet been convinced that I ought to stand up and allow others to do as +they please when weapons were in my hands." + +"You have no business in Wyoming anyway," said Vesey, angrily; "you +have been sent here by the Association to do its underhand work." + +"Duke Vesey," said Sterry, "you are a man of too much education to +talk in that way. If you and I quarrel, it will be your fault, but +don't fancy that I hold you in any fear. Good-night." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +THE TRUCE. + + +It was a dignified proceeding on the part of Monteith Sterry, and +the rustler possessed enough gentlemanly instinct to appreciate the +feelings of the young man, who had attested his courage too often for +any one to question it. But at the moment of wheeling his mare to ride +off both caught the sound of approaching horsemen, and Sterry checked +his animal. + +"Who are they?" he asked, glancing at the rustler. + +"How should I know? They may be some of your folks." + +"They are as likely to be yours. I don't think, Duke, it is wise for +us to stay here where we offer such inviting targets, for whoever the +party may be, one of us is sure to be an enemy." + +Monteith Sterry moved away from the area of illumination as he spoke, +Vesey keeping close to his side. + +"Is it understood, Duke," asked the younger, "there's a truce between +you and me?" + +"Of course; if you know anything about Duke Vesey, you know he's +square. If they happen to be some of our boys, I won't take any +advantage of you, nor let them, if I can help it." + +"And if they are Capt. Asbury and others, I will reciprocate." + +Enough was said. Enemies though the men were, no bosom friends could +have been more in unison for the time. Ready to shoot each other on +sight less than an hour before, and as they were liable to be within +the following hour, they were equally ready to risk their lives, if +necessary, to carry out the pledge just exchanged. + +They had to ride but a short way when the gloom became deep enough to +protect them against the sight of the horsemen who were approaching +from the opposite direction. + +Six men rode into view, halting on the spot vacated by the couple +just before, the one at the head being recognized in the glow of the +burning ruins as Capt. Asbury, with whom the affray had taken place a +short time previous. Sterry knew each, as did his companion. + +"All the party do not seem to be there," remarked Sterry. + +"They are not," replied Vesey; "three are missing." + +"I wonder if anything can have happened to them?" + +"Accidents are liable to take place in this part of the world--" + +"Hands up!" was the startling command that broke upon the couple at +that moment, from a point directly behind them. + +The truth was, Sterry and Vesey had been seen by the horsemen as they +stole away in the gloom. Capt. Asbury, suspecting they were rustlers, +sent three of his men out beyond them on foot, and they did their part +so well that they came up without alarming either of their horses, who +ordinarily would have detected them. + +"I've been trapped!" muttered Vesey, savagely, glancing at the +figures, standing but a short way off in the moonlight, with their +Winchesters levelled. + +"Never mind," said Sterry, quickly, "up with your hands, as I do, or +we'll both catch it; I'll stand by you." + +The rustler was wise enough to obey, with only a momentary hesitation. +Had he not done so, he would never have had a second chance, for the +stockmen were very much in earnest. + +The footmen came forward with their weapons at a level, for they were +too prudent to give their prisoners a chance. + +"How are you, Hendricks?" asked Sterry, with a laugh, as the trio +joined them. + +The man addressed peered closely in his face, suspecting, and yet not +convinced of his identity until after a minute or two. + +"Well, I'll be hanged!" he exclaimed; "is that you, Mont?" + +"I have a suspicion that it is," was the reply of Sterry, laughing +quite heartily as he lowered his hands. + +"Who is your friend?" he asked, moving around to gain a better view of +the rustler. + +"Ah, that's the man we're looking for," added Hendricks a moment +later; "he's Duke Vesey, the partner of the late Jack Perkins." + +"You are right," Sterry hastened to say, "but he is under the +protection of a flag of truce." + +"A flag of truce!" repeated the other; "where is it?" + +"I gave him my pledge to shield him against you folks, as he agreed to +do if your party had proven to be his friends." + +"Well, that's a queer state of affairs," laughed the other, not +forgetting to keep guard of the prisoner, who was permitted to lower +his hands. The other stockmen were equally alert, now that there was +but one man to watch, so that Vesey was really as helpless as though +deprived of all his weapons. + +"I do not see what is so queer about it," replied Sterry, warmly; "we +heard you coming and moved off out of sight. Before doing so Vesey +pledged himself to stand by me against any of his friends, if it +became necessary, and I promised to do the same for him. The issue +shows that it is my privilege to keep my promise--that's all." + +It was plain that Hendricks felt himself in a quandary. He had been +sent out to capture the two men under the supposition that they were +rustlers. It was proved that one of them was the very individual whom +Capt. Asbury was anxious to secure. To release him after taking him +prisoner would place his captor in anything but a pleasant situation +with his leader. + +Suspecting his dilemma, Sterry said: + +"You can readily arrange it by taking me in as prisoner and allowing +Vesey to go." + +"That is all well enough, but it will put me in a hole that I don't +intend to be put in. Capt. Asbury is the boss of this business; you +two can ride up to him and make your report; that will place the +responsibility where it belongs." + +This seemed reasonable, but Sterry felt uneasy. He knew the violent +temper of Capt. Asbury, and feared he would refuse to acknowledge +the agreement as binding upon him. On the other hand, Sterry was +determined to stand by his pledge to the last. + +"I can't consent to that," he said. + +"You've got to," replied Hendricks; "it is idle to suppose that any +such bargain as you may choose to make can be binding on others who +were not present when it was made, and therefore were not parties to +it." + +"That is one way of putting it, but the promise is binding on me, and +as true as I am a living man I will fight to the death against you and +the whole party before this person shall suffer because of his faith +in my word." + +"Very well, then, fight it is; he has got to surrender to Capt. Asbury +and await what he is willing to do with him." + +"Duke," said Sterry, turning to the rustler, "it's two of us against +three, and you and I have been there before." + +But on the verge of the explosion the rustler came to the rescue. + +"There's no need of any row, Sterry; I'll surrender and take my +chances." + +And to settle the dispute he struck his horse into a gallop, and +before the surprise was over rode up to the group, who were gazing +wonderingly off in the gloom, whence came the sound of voices. + +Sterry and the footmen were but a brief space behind them. While the +astonished captain and his companions were looking around for an +explanation, Mont Sterry made it in as brief and pointed words as were +at his command. + +Capt. Asbury fixed his gray eyes upon the handsome countenance of the +young man during the few minutes he was speaking, and Sterry saw, +despite the forceful terms in which he stated the agreement, that the +leading stockman was angry. + +"I've no objection," he remarked, striving to control his voice, which +was tremulous with anger, "if you choose to play the woman, but I +don't see what I've got to do with it." + +"Vesey surrendered under my promise that he should be protected; had +he not believed that promise he would not have surrendered." + +"But would have been shot down where he sat in the saddle. Had he been +beyond reach and come in under such a pledge, the case would have been +altogether different; but as it is--" + +The fateful words were interrupted by a rush and dash. Attention had +been diverted for the moment from the prisoner to the one who was +pleading for him and to him who held his fate in his hands. The +observant Vesey saw the inevitable trend of events, and, taking +advantage of the chance, was off like a thunderbolt. + +The parting glimpse showed him leaning forward on his horse, who was +plunging at utmost speed straight away in the gloom. A half dozen +shots were sent after him and something like pursuit was attempted, +but brief as was the start gained it was sufficient, and he was soon +beyond all danger. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A MESSENGER IN HASTE. + + +The daring escape of the prisoner did not tend to improve the temper +of Capt. Asbury, and he indulged in a number of emphatic expressions, +during which Monteith Sterry was dignified enough to hold his peace. + +But the leader of the stockmen quickly recovered his self-poise and +accepted the matter as one of the peculiar incidents liable to take +place at any time. + +His version of the difficulty with the rustlers differed from that +given by Vesey. They rode up to the house, not knowing who dwelt +there, and were received with a shot, which, fortunately, did no +damage. Duke Vesey was at the rear, near the structure in which the +horses were stabled, when he hurriedly mounted and dashed off, just as +he had recently done. He did not make a fight like his companion, who, +as was represented, stood his ground. He was repeatedly summoned to +surrender, but paid no heed to it, and it became a choice whether to +shoot him down or allow him to empty the saddles. + +While Sterry could not feel so well disposed toward Vesey after +hearing this account, he did not regret the part he had acted, and he +was also suspicious that Capt. Asbury had tinged his version with a +little romance. + +The incident itself was of small moment, but the consequences were +likely to be far-reaching and important. One of the rustlers had +fallen and his companion had escaped. His story of the fight would +place the blame wholly upon the stockmen and inflame the feeling +between the rustlers and ranchmen, already at a dangerous intensity. + +Capt. Asbury was out with his men for the purpose of arresting several +of the most notorious of the offenders against the law. Those rustlers +were sufficiently powerful to make trouble. If they were given time to +organize they could sweep the captain and his little party from the +earth. There was reason to believe they would do that very thing, +now that Duke Vesey was at liberty to spread his account of the last +outrage. + +Capt. Asbury held a brief consultation with his men, all, including +Sterry, taking part. The consensus of opinion was that they ought to +effect a junction with some of the larger parties of stockmen known to +be abroad, or withdraw to some safe point like Buffalo, Riverside, or +the nearest military station. + +Ira Inman, Larch Cadmus and the others were on the "war-path," and at +no great distance. Morning would probably find them in sight, if the +stockmen should stay where they were. + +Capt. Asbury decided to ride to the westward, in the hope of effecting +a junction with friends or of reaching a point where they would be +secure against their assailants. + +The night was well advanced, but their horses had done comparatively +little travelling and were capable of a good deal more. The captain +took the lead, holding only occasional converse with his men as he +swung along at an easy pace; but he, like the rest, was on the lookout +for danger, which was liable to approach from any point of the +compass. + +A marked change showed itself in the temperature. The weather, as will +be remembered, had been unusually mild earlier in the evening, but +it now became sharp and chilly, as though the breath from the snowy +mountain crests was wafted down upon them. + +In a valley-like depression, an hour later, where there was an +abundance of grass, beside a flowing stream of water, the party went +into camp, with a couple of their number on guard, just as they would +have done if in a hostile country--which in point of fact was the +case. + +The night passed, however, without any disturbance, and all were astir +before sunrise. The men were provided with several days' rations, +while the succulent grass afforded the animals all the food they +needed, so there was no trouble on that score. + +Capt. Asbury and Monteith Sterry mounted their horses and rode to the +crest of the nearest elevation, which was fully 100 feet in height and +commanded a wide sweep of country. The morning was clear and bright, +and the first glance they cast to the northward revealed a stirring +sight. A horseman was less than a half-mile away, and riding at +headlong speed, as if in the extremity of mortal fright. + +"What can it mean?" asked the puzzled leader; "no one is pursuing him, +and I see no cause for his panic." + +"I suspect," replied Sterry, thoughtfully, "that he is a messenger +bringing important tidings to you." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +IMPORTANT TIDINGS. + + +It seemed strange that the messenger, if such he was, should know the +right course to follow in order to reach the camp of Capt. Asbury, for +he was riding directly toward it, and that, too, at the highest speed +of which his horse was capable. + +But Monteith Sterry had noted a fact which escaped the captain, though +he was an observant man. The horseman was not approaching the camp at +the moment the couple reached the crest of the elevation and began +scrutinizing the surrounding country; he was going at right angles to +it, but (as it afterward proved) he carried a glass, with which, at +that moment, he was also scanning the horizon for something he was +very anxious to find. + +Fortunately he caught sight of the couple, and though he could not be +assured of their identity at so great a distance, the suspicion of +the truth as to Capt. Asbury caused him to put his animal to his best +speed. + +In a brief time he rode up. While some rods away he recognized the +captain and saluted him. A little nearer approach and he identified +Sterry, who was astonished beyond measure to discover that he was his +old friend, Dick Hawkridge, toward whose ranch he had ridden on the +preceding evening. + +"You're out early, Dick," was the salutation of Sterry, as his old +friend reined up beside him and extended his hand. + +"And are riding hard," added Capt. Asbury, who liked the young man. + +"I ride hard," replied Hawkridge, gravely, "because there is need of +it; I was looking for you." + +"And why looking for me?" inquired the captain. + +"Because you and your men are in great peril." + +"Ah. What might be its nature?" + +"From the rustlers." + +"I was trying to persuade myself that it was they who were in peril +from us, but you put it differently." + +"It might be as you wish if you had twenty-five or fifty men; but with +less than a dozen, and more than twice that number looking for you, +discretion is the better part of valor." + +"Tell me, Hawkridge, how all this interesting information came to +you," continued Capt. Asbury. + +"My ranch is not far to the northward, my cattle are ranging among the +foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, and all my hands are with them. I +sat up late last night, going over my accounts and trying to get them +into shape, and it was past midnight when two rustlers rode up. I +supposed they meant to stay all night and invited them in. I have +never had any trouble with them, and they had two purposes in +calling. One was to give me a little advice, and the other to secure +information." + +"Their advice, I suppose, was that you cast in your fortunes with +them, and take up the business of branding mavericks and altering +other brands." + +"Hardly that, but it was that I should keep out of the trouble, for +there are going to be ugly times. Now you know that, however much I +may wish to let things proceed smoothly, I will never identify myself +with the law-breakers. I gave my callers to understand that, and I +think they respect my position. + +"It seems to me," added Hawkridge, thoughtfully, "that there have been +some woeful mistakes made. The Cattle Association have organized +an expedition to rid Johnson, Natroma and Converse Counties of +cattle-thieves, as they call them. They have imported twenty-five +picked men from Texas, every one of whom is a fighter and dead shot, +with Capt. Smith, an ex-U.S. marshal, as their leader. One of the +party may be taken as a type of the rest. He is Scott Davis, once a +guard on the Deadwood coach, and he carries a gun with twenty notches +on the stock, each representing the death of a road-agent or other +outlaw. + +"The expedition left Cheyenne some days ago and is somewhere in this +section. Strong as it is, it is doomed to defeat, for I don't care +how brave and skilful those fellows are, they are no more so than the +rustlers, who far outnumber them. + +"However, it isn't that which concerns you and me just now, though it +may do so later. The rustlers have learned that you are out with a +small party, and they are after you." + +Capt. Asbury was a brave man, and he did not start on hearing this +announcement, for he had been expecting it from the first; but he +was prudent as well as daring, and he knew his young friend did not +underestimate the danger of himself and companions. + +"Have they learned anything about last night's doings?" asked Sterry. + +"That's what started me off after you in such a hurry. My callers +stayed more than two hours, and were about leaving when who should +ride up but Duke Vesey, with his story of the killing of his comrade, +Jack Perkins, by you and your men." + +"I suppose he called it a murder," remarked Capt. Asbury, +sarcastically. + +"Yes, the worst kind, too. I knew he was drawing a long bow, but he +will tell it to others, and it will spread like wildfire. He was +looking for Ira Inman, Larch Cadmus and his party. There are more of +them than you and others are aware of, riding up and down the country, +ripe for any mischief. From what I know, Inman and a dozen of the most +desperate rustlers are in the neighborhood, and as the two fellows who +were at my ranch volunteered to help Vesey find them they will do it +pretty soon, if they have not already done so. Vesey declared it as +his belief that you would be discovered not far from his burned home, +so as soon as they left I mounted my best horse and started to give +you warning." + +"I appreciate your kindness, Hawkridge; how did you know the right +direction?" + +"I knew the course to Vesey's ranch, and was speeding that way when +I caught sight of you and Sterry on the top of this hill. I took a +squint through my glass, was pretty sure who it was, and then came +like mad. I didn't suspect it was you though, Mont, until I almost ran +against you." + +"Did Vesey say anything about me?" asked Sterry, with a meaning glance +at the captain. + +"He said you had acted like a white man in some dispute, but he didn't +give the particulars and I didn't question him. He is intensely bitter +against the captain and his party, and declares that not one of them +shall get out of the country alive; and, captain, Duke Vesey is a man +of his word." + +"Then I suppose I may consider myself disposed of," replied Asbury, +with a laugh. + +"Not as bad as that, but it depends upon yourself." + +"What do you advise?" + +"Start southward at once with your men; if you meet the Texans and +their friends, join them if you choose; it will make their strength so +much the greater, and they need it all. If you fail to meet them, +keep on till you cross the Platte and strike Fort Fetterman. In other +words, captain, you have no business to be where you are." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +AT BAY. + + +Capt. Asbury drew a cigar from his pocket and lit it, first offering +one to each of his companions. He puffed in silence for a minute or +two, evidently absorbed in thought. He was a veteran of the civil war, +and had learned to be cool in dangerous crises. + +"Hawkridge," he remarked, removing his cigar, "you are right in the +main, although not wholly so." + +"I await correction." + +"Doubtless it is all true what you say about the festive rustlers +roaming up and down the land seeking whom they may devour, but you +forget that, leaving out the quarter of a hundred from the Lone Star +State, there are also other bands of stockmen abroad. Now, if we could +effect a junction with one or two of those companies, why, you'll +admit, the aspect of affairs will be changed." + +"Unquestionably; but consider how slight the chance--" + +"On the contrary, I think the prospect is good. Now, if you'll be kind +enough to level your glass to the eastward, possibly you will observe +something interesting." + +Both young men quickly turned their heads in the direction indicated, +and there, sure enough, was descried a body of horsemen, probably a +mile distant, approaching on a gallop. + +Hawkridge levelled his glass. While thus engaged, Capt. Asbury +signalled to his men to mount and be ready to move on a moment's call. + +It was well to be ready for any emergency. + +Dick Hawkridge studied the horsemen closely for some minutes without +speaking. Then, with his eye still at the glass, he repeated slowly, +as if to himself: + +"There are thirteen of them, and the spotted horse at the head I am +sure belongs to Ira Inman; the whole party are rustlers." + +He lowered the binocular and looked at the captain, adding: + +"I suspected it; their party is but a little stronger than yours, for +Mont and I will stand with you, but it seems to me it would be foolish +to risk a fight in the open." + +"I am willing to retreat, but I don't intend to be run out of Wyoming +by all the rustlers between Sheridan and Cheyenne. I am willing, +however," he added, with a smile, "to make a strategical movement to +the rear until we strike some place where there's a show for defence; +do you know of any such place?" + +"My house is well fitted for that, and is not far off." + +"All right; lead on." + +By this time the rest of the party had ridden to the top of the hill, +where the situation was quickly made clear to them. They looked off at +the party of rustlers, and several expressed the wish that the captain +would stay and fight them; but he replied that they were quite certain +to get enough of fighting before they were many days older, and he +followed Hawkridge. + +At sight of the flight, the rustlers uttered tantalizing shouts +and discharged their Winchesters in the air. At the same time they +increased the speed of their animals; but, as they were no better +mounted than the stockmen, there was little chance of overtaking them. + +The surface was undulating, the ground being well covered with verdure +even thus early in the spring. Sometimes pursuers and fugitives were +out of sight of each other for a minute or two, but not long enough to +affect the situation. + +The course was northwest, and Hawkridge was hopeful that they would +reach his ranch in an hour or a little more. And this they probably +would have done had they not been interrupted, or rather checked, +by the unexpected appearance of a third company of horsemen, almost +directly in front of the stockmen. + +"It may be they are friends," said Capt. Asbury, instantly bringing +his horse down to a walk, as did the others. + +But the hope was delusive. A brief scrutiny of the strangers through +the glass by Dick Hawkridge left no doubt that they, too, were +rustlers, probably engaged on the same errand as Inman and his men. + +This, of course, overthrew the plan of taking refuge at the ranch of +Hawkridge, with a view of defending themselves, for to push on insured +a collision with the party in front. They seemed to be about as +numerous as Inman's company, and as the latter were sure to arrive +before anything could be accomplished by the most spirited attack on +the rustlers, it would have been folly to incur such a risk. + +The most obvious course was to turn to the left, with no special +object except to reach some place that could be used as a means of +defence. In a country with such a varied surface it ought not to take +long to find a refuge. + +Dick Hawkridge, when leading the way to his home, acted as guide, and +now that the change was made he continued to do so because of his +familiarity with the country. Beside him rode his friend, Mont Sterry, +with Capt. Asbury and the rest following in loose order. + +It was an interesting question as to how Inman and the others would +act upon meeting, and the stockmen watched for the junction. + +At the moment the abrupt turn was made in the course of the fugitives +the two parties of rustlers did not see each other, a precipitous +ridge preventing. They must have been puzzled, therefore, to +understand the cause of the sudden change in the line of flight. + +The mystery, however, was speedily cleared up, and the rustlers +greeted each other with ringing cheers, adding a few derisive shouts +to the fleeing stockmen. They were seen to mingle for a short time +only, while they discussed the situation. Then the company, increased +to more than a score, galloped after the cattlemen. + +A fight was inevitable, for the flight and pursuit could not continue +indefinitely. Brave and confident, the rustlers were ardent for the +opportunity, while Capt. Asbury and his men were equally eager to +come upon some place which would do something toward equalizing the +strength of the combatants. + +It was humiliating thus to flee before the very men whom he had set +out to arrest, but what veteran has not been obliged to do humiliating +things in the course of his career? + +"This flight can't continue much longer," quietly remarked Monteith +Sterry to Hawkridge, at his side. + +"Why not?" + +"The men are dissatisfied and are unwilling to keep it up. We have let +those fellows approach so near that their bullets come uncomfortably +close. + +"Capt. Asbury is growing impatient; I shouldn't wonder if he gives the +order to stop and have it out with them. It will be warm work if we +do, but over that next ridge I think we shall gain sight of a good +place for making a stand." + +Something in the appearance of the surroundings was familiar to +Sterry, but he could not identify them. + +Just then two of the rustlers fired their guns, and the pinge of one +of the bullets was plainly heard. Sterry looked around and saw Capt. +Asbury compress his lips and shake his head; he did not like the way +things were going. A crisis was at hand. + +The top of the ridge being attained, all saw a large structure below, +and not far off. + +"Do you recognize it?" asked Hawkridge, with a smile. + +"No--why, yes; is it possible?" + +"You ought to know it, for, if I am not mistaken, you are considerably +interested in one member of the family." + +"I never supposed we were so near Fred Whitney's home," was the amazed +comment of Sterry, who was in doubt whether, under the circumstances, +he ought to be pleased or not. + +"There's where we'll make a stand," called out Capt. Asbury, "and let +the music begin." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +THE PRIMITIVE FORT. + + +"Move a little lively, boys," added the captain, spurring his horse +to a faster gait; "there'll be some shooting, and they're closer than +they ought to be." + +By a providential coincidence, the whole party of rustlers halted +before ascending the ridge, which would give them a view of the +building in which the stockmen were about to make a stand. They +probably saw the impossibility of overtaking the fugitives by a direct +pursuit, and paused to decide upon some different course of action. + +This was proven by what they did a few minutes later, for they +separated into two divisions, one turning to the right and the other +to the left. They seemed to think that the course of their enemies +must change soon, in which case there was a chance of heading them off +and bringing them between two fires. The rustlers were more familiar +with the country than the stockmen, and, had the chase continued, it +is likely it would have resulted as they expected. + +But, strangely enough, these people forgot the Whitney home, upon +which it may be said the horsemen stumbled the next moment. + +Down the ridge rode the dozen or more, Hawkridge, Sterry and Capt. +Asbury at the head, with the others almost upon their heels. In the +brisk morning air the frightened Jennie Whitney hastened to the door +and gazed wonderingly upon the party. + +She recognized the handsome youth, who doffed his hat, a courtesy +instantly imitated by Hawkridge, the captain, and then the rest of the +men, as they halted in front of the door, where stood the pale and +startled mother, at a loss to understand the meaning of the strange +sight. + +"Good-morning!" called Sterry. "Where's Fred?" + +"He's on the range with the men, looking after the cattle." + +"And are you and your mother alone?" + +"We are the only ones in the house. What is the meaning of all this?" +she asked, looking with astonishment at the horsemen. + +"We are pursued by a company of rustlers," replied Hawkridge; "they +are directly behind us; I started to lead our friends to my ranch, but +they headed us off, and we were compelled to apply here for shelter." + +"You are welcome," Mrs. Whitney hastened to say; "dismount and come in +as soon as you can." + +Sterry, Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury thanked her simultaneously. Time +was beyond value. They expected every instant to hear the crack of the +rifles and the shouts of their enemies on the crest of the ridge, and +could not comprehend why they were delayed. + +They dashed to the structure at the rear and a short distance from +the dwelling, into which they ran their horses, slipped off their +trappings, and hurried back to the house. + +Every one was inside and not a shot fired, nor was a rustler seen. It +was beyond explanation. + +But the stockmen were wise enough to turn to the best account the +grace thus given to them. + +They stationed themselves at the front and rear doors and windows with +loaded weapons, on the alert to wing the first rustler who showed +himself. + +Sterry found time to exchange a few words with Jennie and her mother. + +"It is too bad," he said, "to put you to this trouble and danger; but +the rustlers outnumber us more than two to one, and it was the only +hope that offered itself." + +"And glad am I that it _did_ present itself. O, if my poor husband had +been here when they attacked him!" + +"When do you expect the return of Fred?" + +"Not before night, and the hands may not come with him. He does not +dream of anything like this." + +"Nor did we, a little while ago. Had any other refuge presented itself +we would have seized it; but I never suspected we were near your home +until we came over the ridge and saw it but a few rods away." + +"But, where are they?" asked the wondering Jennie. + +"That's something I don't understand, for they were near enough for +their bullets to whistle about our ears." + +"They have seen where you took shelter and are afraid to attack you." + +"That may be; but why don't they show themselves?" + +At this moment Capt. Asbury approached. Repeating his regrets that +they should place their friends in such danger, he said: + +"As there is no saying how long we shall have to stay here, we ought +to learn the nature of our defences. Our horses are in the stables, +where, if the rustlers choose, they can get them, and they will be +pretty sure to choose to do it. They can steal to the rear of the +sheds and take them out without risk. Now, Mrs. Whitney, we have +enough rations with us to last, in a pinch, for three or four days; +how are you fixed?" + +"We have but a small quantity of food in the house--none worth +mentioning." + +"No matter how slight, it is worth mentioning. Under the +circumstances, I think we can say we are provisioned for the whole +time of the siege, which must be over in less than a week." + +"But how will it end?" asked the lady. + +The captain shrugged his shoulders. + +"Take no thought of the morrow; but what worries me is the question of +water--how about that?" + +A hurried examination disclosed that there was not quite two pailfuls +in the house. Even that was more than usual. The small stream from +which the supply was obtained was beyond the stables in which the +horses were sheltered. Water from that source was out of the question +while the siege continued. + +Several of the men had a small quantity in their canteens, but, +inasmuch as no such contingency as this was anticipated, little +preparation had been made. + +Still Capt. Asbury expressed himself gratified at the result of his +investigation. The weather was so cool that a moderate amount of +the precious fluid would prevent suffering, and he decided that, +dispensing with what ordinarily was used for cooking purposes, they +could get along quite well for three days, and possibly longer. + +The lower part of the flat building consisted of two parts, used +respectively for the kitchen and the dining and sitting-room. There +were four apartments above--one for the parents, one each for the son +and daughter, and one for visitors. These, of course, would be held +sacred for the members of the family, while the others found sleep, as +opportunity presented, below stairs. + +There were windows on all sides of the house; and the structure, while +not strong, was, of course, bullet-proof. + +Before all this was ascertained the rustlers showed themselves. But +instead of appearing on the ridge, over which the cattlemen had +ridden, half of them showed themselves on the other side, having +circled around back of the stables. + +A moment later the rest were observed on top of the ridge. Thus, with +the exception of the broad level plain stretching in the direction of +the Big Horn Mountains, it may be said that the ranch was surrounded +by the rustlers, who held the stockmen at bay. + +What would be the result? None could foresee. + +Hawkridge drew Sterry aside and said, in a guarded undertone: + +"There is only one thing to be feared." + +"What is that?" + +"It is easy for them to burn this building." + +"Do you think they will do that, when they know a couple of women are +inside?" + +"It doesn't follow that there is any necessity of their being burned, +nor indeed of any of us suffering from fire. When you touch off a barn +the rats get out, and that's what we shall have to do." + +"But they will give us a chance, first." + +"Yes, a chance to surrender, and we might have done that without +putting ourselves to all this trouble." + +"And suppose we _do_ surrender, after making the best fight we +can--what are likely to be the terms offered?" + +"They will treat the majority, including myself, as prisoners of war; +but Capt. Asbury, and probably you, will be excepted--he because +of the killing of Perkins last night, and you because you have +disregarded the warning to leave the country when ordered to do so." + +"All of which is mighty interesting to the captain and myself," +remarked Sterry, with little evidence of fear; "but we will hope for +better things." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +THE FLAG OF TRUCE. + + +In one important respect the combatants showed commendable discretion. +Although there had been considerable firing on the part of the +rustlers, none of the cattlemen were hurt. It is not unlikely that the +bullets were intended to frighten them, since such excellent marksmen +otherwise could not have discharged their weapons without execution. + +Capt. Asbury and his men had not returned a shot. When their enemies +appeared on more than one side of the building it would have been easy +to pick off several without risk to those sheltered within the house, +but he gave orders that nothing of that sort should be done. + +The bitterness between the parties was already intense. There were +hot-heads on both sides eager to open the lamentable conflict, but +were it done, there was no saying where it would end. It was wise, +therefore, that the leaders forbore from active hostilities at this +early stage of the business. + +From the front of the structure the plain stretched in the direction +of the Big Horn Mountains. It was across this that Jennie Whitney +descried, two days before, the return of her friends with the body of +her father. She now ascended to the second story and peered long and +frequently in the same direction, in the hope of catching sight of her +brother. + +Meanwhile Capt. Asbury disposed of the members of his party as best +he could. They needed no instructions from him to avoid in every way +possible annoying the ladies, who were considerate and kind. + +About midday, excitement was caused among the besieged by the +appearance of a flag of truce. A man rode over the ridge, down which +the cattlemen had come in such haste, holding a white handkerchief +fluttering over his head. His horse walked slowly and the rider +kept his gaze on the front of the house, as though in doubt of the +reception awaiting him. A hundred feet away he came to a halt, still +flourishing the peace signal above his hat. + +Capt. Asbury was the first to discover the messenger and hurriedly +arranged for the interview. + +"Inasmuch as that fellow is neither Inman, Cadmus, nor anyone of the +leaders, it is not the thing for me to meet him." + +"You have recognized him?" was the inquiring remark of Hawkridge, +glancing with a smile at the officer. + +"No. Who is he?" + +"Duke Vesey, who does not feel particularly amiable toward you." + +"I will meet him," volunteered Monteith Sterry. The captain shook his +head. + +"While that fellow is friendly to you, perhaps, others of the company +are very resentful; it isn't best to tempt them. Hawkridge, you are +the best one to act." + +"Very well; I will do so." + +The horseman had come to a stop and was gazing fixedly at the +building, as if waiting for a response to his advance. + +Jennie Whitney descended the stairs at this moment. + +"I think I see Fred coming," she said, with some agitation; "will they +do him any harm?" + +"No," replied Sterry, "they have nothing against him." + +"But the other day--" she ventured, doubtfully. + +"Was a scrimmage, likely to take place at any time; that is ended, but +they will probably hold him prisoner." + +During this brief conversation a brisk search was going on among the +three men for a white pocket-handkerchief. None of them possessed such +an article, the hue in each case being different. Hawkridge appealed +to Miss Whitney, and she produced a linen handkerchief of snowy +whiteness. + +"Just the thing," he said, drawing back the door sufficiently to allow +him to pass out. "I don't think I will be detained long. It is +understood," he added, turning to the captain, "that we don't consider +the question of surrender under any terms." + +"It will be better to report, and then decide what to do." + +Hawkridge bowed and passed out. He waved the spotless linen in front +of his face as he walked toward the horseman, and both smiled when +they recognized each other. + +"Well, Duke, what is it?" asked the footman, as though he were asking +an ordinary question of a friend. + +"I reckon you can guess. Since the two companies came together Ira +Inman is at the head of the army. Some of the boys are wild to begin +shooting, and they'll do it pretty soon. Before that, Inman decided to +offer you folks a chance to give in. That's my business." + +"You simply demand our surrender, as I understand it?" + +"You've guessed it the first time," replied Vesey, with a nod of his +head. + +"What terms do you offer?" + +"You'll be treated as prisoners of war; but," added the rustler, "it +is hardly right to say that. It's Inman's idea to hold you as hostages +for the right treatment of any of our boys that may fall into the +hands of the stockmen." + +"That is quite different. Let me ask, Duke, whether this treatment is +guaranteed to all of our folks?" + +"I wish I could say it was, Dick, but I can't; Inman makes two +exceptions--Capt. Asbury and Mont Sterry. That Sterry showed himself +so much of a man and was so square toward me when I was caught that I +would do anything I could for him. I appealed to Inman to let up on +him, but he won't; some of the boys are so mad they will shoot him on +sight." + +"And Capt. Asbury?" + +Vesey's face became hard. + +"He ought to be hanged because of the way he acted last night." + +"But what is proposed to do with him and Sterry?" + +"Give them a fair trial." + +Hawkridge shook his head with a meaning smile. + +"It won't work, Duke; there isn't a man in our company who would +consent to anything of the kind. There could be but one issue to such +a trial, and it would be nothing less than the betrayal of our leader +or a comrade by us." + +"Inman declares he will burn down the house if you refuse his terms." + +"Let him try it as soon as he pleases; you can tell him for Capt. +Asbury that his terms are rejected." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +THE UNDERGROUND MISSIVE. + + +Dick Hawkridge, standing on the ground, looked up in the bronzed face +of Duke Vesey, sitting in the saddle. + +At every window on the lower floor were faces watching the two men +that had thus met under a flag of truce. From the ridge on the right, +and the undulating ground to the left, peered the rustlers, intensely +interested in the actions of the couple, whose words were spoken in +tones too low to reach the ears of any on either side. No actors ever +had a more attentive audience than they. + +When Hawkridge announced to Vesey that his proffer was rejected (for +it was useless to report first to Capt. Asbury, as he had been told to +do), the horseman said: + +"Dick, you would have been a cur to accept such terms, though I would +do anything to even matters with that Asbury; but I want to get a +message to Mont Sterry." + +"You can trust me to carry it." + +"It is for him alone; I have it in writing. Well, good-by." + +He leaned over from the saddle and extended his hand. As Hawkridge +took it he felt something in his palm. + +"I understand," he said; "it shall be delivered." + +No one watching the couple, as nearly all were doing, suspected this +little by-play. They saluted, and Vesey spurred his pony to a gallop, +passing up the ridge and joining his friends to report, while +Hawkridge was admitted through the door, which was immediately closed +and secured behind him. + +To the captain and the others who crowded around he quickly told what +had passed. + +"Your order was to let you know the terms before giving an answer," he +added, addressing the leader, "but you see it wasn't necessary." + +A buzz of commendation left no doubt of the wisdom of his course. + +"But what about his threat to burn the building?" asked Sterry, +addressing no one in particular. + +"He will do it, or at least will try it," replied Hawkridge, "for he +doesn't intend any one shall have time to interfere, as may be the +case if he delays too long." + +"To set fire to the house," remarked the captain, who had given much +thought to the question, "they must first reach it, and that manoeuvre +will prove a costly one to them. I suspect that some other firing will +take place about that time--eh, boys?" + +The response revealed the feelings of the men, who were chafing under +their restraint. + +"But, surely," continued Sterry, "they do not mean to burn the +building while Mrs. Whitney and her daughter are within?" + +"As was said some time ago," replied Hawkridge, "that makes little +difference, since it is not to be supposed that even we will stay +inside during the conflagration. The firing is meant to drive us out, +and it will do it." + +"But there must be considerable shooting, and the ladies will be in +danger." + +"I think Inman will order us to send them out, so as to prevent harm +to them." + +"If they were Sioux or Crows they might launch burning arrows and +fire-balls; but they can't do that, and will have to run some risk in +getting the flames under way." + +"There are signs of a storm, and if the night proves dark it will be +much in their favor and against us." + +"Suppose they fire the stables," suggested one of the men. + +"They are too far off to place us in danger, unless a strong wind +should blow directly this way." + +"Well, boys," said Capt. Asbury, hopefully, "the thing isn't through +yet. I think Inman will give us another message before opening the +ball, so you may rest easy until he makes his next move." + +Meanwhile Hawkridge had managed to deliver the little twist of paper, +placed in his hand by Vesey. Inasmuch as the matter had been managed +with so much care, he deemed it right that no one should see the +transfer to his friend. + +Sterry was surprised and glanced down at the object, but, quick to +catch on, closed his palm again and took part in the conversation. It +was some minutes before he gained a chance to examine the contents +unobserved. When he did so, they proved so important that he called +Hawkridge and the captain aside and showed the letter to them. Each +read it in turn, the contents being as follows: + + "FRIEND STERRY: You acted square with me, and I will do the same + with you. Inman doesn't expect you folks to accept his terms, for + if you do it will be good-by to yourself and Capt. Asbury. It + would suit me very well to see him go, as he will if we get a + chance at him, but I can't bear the idea of anything bad happening + to you after the way you stood by me last night when that Asbury + meant to shoot me. + + "So my advice is this: Get out of where you are and leave as fast + as you know how. Queer advice, you'll think, but I'll show you how + you can follow it. A friend of mine, whom we can both trust, and + I, will be on watch to-night at the stables. It looks as if it is + going to be as dark as a wolf's mouth. + + "It won't do to move before 10 o'clock. When everything is ready I + will light a cigarette and flirt the match around my head once, as + if to put it out. That will mean that the way is open. Steal out + of the back door and dodge to the stables; your mare will be + ready, and when another chance opens you can make a break. No one + can overtake you, and I don't think it will be suspected who you + are. + + "If you succeed, I hope you will have sense enough to stay out of + Wyoming, at least until this flurry is over. If you are detected + while trying to reach the stables you can dart back, for I don't + think anyone will shoot at you, since we have orders not to do + that until after you folks begin the rumpus. + + "Inman means to set fire to the house to-night. He won't be able + to hold back the boys much longer. When ready, he will send word + and ask the two ladies to come out to him, where he will hold them + beyond reach of fire and bullet. He expects there will be the + hottest kind of shooting, and it will be a bad thing for you + folks. Capt. Asbury may as well make his will, for I'm not the + only one that will lay for him. + + "Don't forget my directions. It will not be before 10 o'clock, and + may be a little later. Don't let any one see this, and don't drop + a hint to Asbury. It is meant for your good, and you will act like + a sensible man. + + "D.V." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +ON PAROLE. + + +A new matter of interest claimed the immediate attention of the +defenders within the home of ranchman Whitney. + +It will be remembered that the sister had reported the approach of a +horseman, whom she believed to be her brother. The rider was now in +plain sight, and a brief scrutiny through the glass by Hawkridge +removed all doubt; she was right. + +He was coming at an easy, swinging gallop, straight toward his home. +He must have seen the rustlers while yet a considerable way off, for +he quickened the pace of his animal, stirred by a natural anxiety for +his loved ones and by a curiosity to know the meaning of the strange +condition of affairs. + +Had he understood matters fully, while yet at a distance, he would +have avoided a mistake which occasioned him and his friends intense +regret, and which proved irreparable. + +He did not cease his advance until within a hundred yards, when the +cattlemen, who were watching his every movement, saw him bring his +horse to a sudden halt. At the same moment a couple of rustlers moved +into view, their guns held so as to cover him. He sat motionless until +they came up, one on either side, when he was seen to be conversing +earnestly with them. + +"They have made him prisoner," remarked Hawkridge, "just as I was sure +they would." + +"Will they do him harm?" asked Mrs. Whitney, who, with Jennie, had +descended the stairs and stood with the group near the front door. + +"No," was Hawkridge's reassuring reply; "he must see the uselessness +of resistance, and we are not fighting Indians who learned warfare +from the late lamented Sitting Bull." + +It was noticed that Fred Whitney, despite the wound of a couple of +days before, no longer wore his arm in a sling. As he had said, he was +ashamed to do so. + +Brave as was the young man, he had judgment. He knew that he was at +the mercy of a score of rustlers, and quickly learned the situation. +Capt. Asbury, Monteith Sterry, Dick Hawkridge and a number of +cattlemen were besieged in his home. + +While he was holding earnest converse with his captors one of them +turned and addressed Inman, who was out of sight of the besieged, +because of the intervening ridge. His reply caused Whitney to dismount +and walk in that direction, he, too, passing out of the field of +vision. + +He was invisible for perhaps ten minutes, when he was seen coming +over the ridge toward his own door, but without his Winchester or +revolvers. A moment later he was admitted. He kissed his mother and +sister and grasped the hands of his friends, who crowded around to +congratulate him and hear what he had to say. + +"They told me everything," he replied, looking into the glowing faces, +and smiling at the anxiety depicted on several. "I have made a woeful +mistake, boys." + +"How's that?" asked several in the same breath. + +"Hankinson and Weber have moved several miles further into the +mountains, so nothing will be seen of them for several days, and +perhaps not for a week. The trouble with the rustlers makes it +necessary that we should keep closer watch than usual upon the stock, +and it is understood that they are not to leave the cattle until they +get word from me. So, as I said, they are out of the question." + +"Is that the mistake you refer to?" asked Sterry. + +"I wish it was; but a couple of hours ago, Hankinson, who had ridden +a considerable distance beyond the grazing grounds, came in with the +report that a large body of men were camped in a valley a mile or so +further on. There must be fifty at least." + +Capt. Asbury emitted a low whistle. + +"Rustlers again! By and by we'll have all there are in Wyoming +swarming about this house." + +"No; Budd visited them, and found they were cattlemen on the hunt for +rustlers. Had he known of Inman's party out here he would have given +them a pointer, but of course he doesn't dream of anything of the +kind. Now, the mistake I made is this: When I saw the horsemen +gathered about the buildings and ridge, I ought to have wheeled and +ridden as hard as I could to the stockmen. They would have been here +before night and wound up this business in a jiffy. But I kept on and +rode right into the trap set for me, and can do nothing." + +No one could question the justice of Whitney's self-condemnation, but +there was no help for it. + +"How is it you were allowed to join us?" asked Capt. Asbury. + +"I am here under parole; you see they took my horse, rifle and pistols +from me. I would not have been allowed to come to you except upon my +pledge to return within fifteen minutes." + +"And what will they do with you, my boy?" asked his mother, alarmed by +the information. + +"Nothing, so long as I remain a model prisoner; but how are you fixed +for defence?" + +He was quickly made acquainted with the situation of affairs. + +"Ah," he added, with a sigh, "if there was some way of getting word to +the stockmen; but I see none." + +"They will not be likely to give you a chance?" + +Fred shook his head. + +"I'm afraid I overdid the thing. I asked them to be allowed to go back +to my cattlemen, but they would not listen to it. They acted as if +they were suspicious, and told me I must stay with them until the +trouble ended, which they assured me would be soon." + +Sterry glanced significantly at Asbury and Hawkridge. He recalled that +singular message from Duke Vesey. If all went well, it might contain a +shadow of hope. It was deemed best, however, to make no reference +to it, even for the benefit of Whitney, who was questioned until he +described as exactly as he could the location of the cattlemen. + +The grace had expired. No one thought of advising Whitney to disregard +his parole, and no urging could have induced him to do it. He +affectionately kissed and embraced mother and sister, warmly shook the +hands of his friends again, assured them of his hope that all would +come out right, and then, passing through the door, was seen to walk +up the ridge and pass over the summit, to take his place among his +captors, there to await their pleasure. + +"Sterry," said Asbury, drawing him and Hawkridge aside, "you were +saying awhile ago that nothing could induce you to accept the offer of +Vesey to slip out in the darkness of the night." + +"No; as he presented it, such a flight would have been a piece of +cowardice altogether different from my flight last night. It would +have weakened your defensive force and helped no one but me." + +"Now, however, it wears a different aspect." + +"Yes, it looks providential, and promises to open the way for the +escape of all. I hardly think," added Sterry, with a smile, "that +with all of Vesey's gratitude to me he would do what he intends if he +foresaw the probable consequences, for it means nothing less than the +overthrow of Inman's plans." + +"And the baffling of his charitable intentions concerning myself," +grimly added the captain. + +"It seems to me we forgot one phase of the business," remarked +Hawkridge, "and that is the fact that the chances of failure are a +hundredfold greater than those of success." + +His companions looked questioningly at him. + +"Perhaps it will not be difficult for Vesey to secure the placing of +himself and friend at the stables, as he promises to do, but it seems +unlikely that, with a dark night and the temptation for some of us +to try to get away, they will be the only couple that will be on the +lookout at that time. But, supposing they are," added Hawkridge, +"Sterry will have to mount his horse and ride off. There will be some +of the rustlers beyond him, and how can he pass them unchallenged?" + +"If it proves too risky to try on horseback I can do it on foot," +replied Sterry; "in the darkness I will be taken for one of them, and, +if questioned, can throw them off their guard. The tramp to where the +stockmen are in camp I judge to be little if any more than five miles, +and it won't take me long to travel that after getting clear of these +people." + +"I have a strong belief that the whole scheme is doomed to failure," +said Hawkridge, and Capt. Asbury agreed with him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +THE FINAL SUMMONS. + + +Now came hours of wearisome waiting, especially to the besieged, who +found in their close quarters little freedom of movement. Some of the +men stretched out on the lower floor and slept; others talked and +engaged in games of chance, while a desultory watch was maintained, +through the doors and windows, upon the rustlers, several of whom were +continually in sight. + +Before the afternoon had half passed all doubt of the coming darkness +was removed. The sky became heavily clouded, the air was raw and +chilly, and no moon was visible. + +Several distant rifle-shots were heard an hour later, but no one +could conjecture or discover the explanation. Probably they signified +nothing. + +Fred Whitney showed himself on top of the ridge once, and waved his +hand in salutation to his friends. This was done to reassure his +mother and sister, who were anxious, despite what he had said to them. + +Many longing glances were cast across the broad plain in the direction +of the mountains. Like shipwrecked mariners scanning the horizon for +the rescuing sail, the besieged were hopeful that some good fortune +would bring the strong body of stockmen that way; but the vision was +rewarded by no such welcome sight. + +Capt. Asbury received a shock just before night closed in. So many +hours had passed without the exchange of a shot that both parties +exposed themselves freely. Had they chosen, a good many might have +been picked off; but the general understanding that the hour had not +yet come for action, threatened, at times, to change the impending +tragedy into a most ordinary situation. + +Capt. Asbury was sitting by one of the front windows, smoking his +briarwood, and looking nowhere in particular, when he saw a man +kneeling on top of the ridge and carefully sighting his gun at him. +Before the fellow could secure an aim the officer moved quickly back +out of sight, and he vanished. + +"I have no doubt it was Duke Vesey," he thought; "what a pity I did +not shoot him last night." + +He judged it not worth while to tell any of the rest of the incident, +but he took care not to tempt the fellow again by a second exposure to +his aim. + +But for this prompt action on the part of the leader, a frightful +conflict must have been precipitated. The shooting of the captain +would cause retaliation on the part of the stockmen, and it would +instantly become a question as to which could do the most execution. + +The occurrence was startling enough of itself, but Capt. Asbury +quickly recovered, only to find himself troubled by another matter, +which was more serious. + +It was the doubt whether the intended crime of Vesey was solely of his +own responsibility. Was it not likely that he had received permission +from Inman to end the suspense by shooting the captain of the +stockmen? The captain knew that he was as much detested by the leading +rustlers as by Vesey. Probably the men were growing too impatient to +be restrained much longer. + +The suspicion appeared more reasonable from the fact that, the leader +once "removed," there would remain but the single exception to those +guaranteed honorable treatment. Surrender, therefore, would be more +probable. + +No single shot could do so much to aid the rustlers as that which came +near being made. + +"This strained situation can't last much longer; I believe it will be +settled before the rise of to-morrow's sun." + +Monteith Sterry secured more than one chance of a few words with +Jennie. The sense of danger naturally draws persons closer together, +though the incentive was hardly needed in their case. + +"Monteith," said she, as they sat apart by themselves, with the shadow +of the coming night gradually closing around, "what is to be the end +of all this?" + +"I will tell you what I think," he replied, and thereupon read in a +guarded voice the letter received from Duke Vesey, after which they +burned it, that it might not fall into hands that could injure the +sender. + +"You can see that we are going to be favoured with a very dark night, +and Vesey is so anxious to befriend me that I am sure he will find the +way, though Hawkridge and the captain are less confident." + +"But suppose they recognize you?" + +"They can't do that in the darkness, and my rustling friend will not +draw me into a peril that is greater than that of staying here." + +"I feel as do Mr. Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury," she said, unable to +share his ardour. + +"Then do you wish me to stay here?" + +"I think it is safer." + +"And go up in flame and smoke?" + +"Won't you be willing to share the risk with me?" she asked, entering +into his half-jocose vein. + +"But the rustlers will save you that risk; they will give you a good +point of observation, from which you can have a fine view of the +scene." + +"Suppose mother and I refuse to leave?" + +"I am certain you will not do that," said Sterry, gravely, "for you +will be in great danger under any circumstances." + +"But if we remain they may not try to fire the house." + +He shook his head. + +"Dismiss all idea of that; do not fancy, because hours have passed +without the exchange of a shot, that there is any friendship between +the parties. By and by a gun will be fired; somebody will be hurt, and +then they will be at it like so many tigers. No, Jennie," he added, +"when the warning comes for you and your mother to withdraw you must +do so, not only for your own sake, but for ours." + +"And how yours?" + +"We--that is, the men--can fight much better when your presence causes +them no anxiety." + +"But, tell me, do not Capt. Asbury and the rest feel hopeful of +beating off the rustlers?" + +"Of course they will make a brave fight, and there is a chance of +their success, but I shudder when I think of what the cost will be to +both sides. How much better if all this can be averted." + +"True, indeed! And if I could be assured that you would succeed in +reaching the camp of the cattlemen, I would bid you Godspeed." + +"I certainly will never reach it by staying here, and I think if my +chances were doubly less they ought to be taken for the sake of the +good that will come to all." + +At this juncture, Capt. Asbury, sitting near the window, called out: + +"Here's a visitor!" + +In the gloom he was not clearly visible, even though he was seen to +advance, and heard to knock on the door. But when the latter was +opened, Fred Whitney stepped inside. + +Here the gathering darkness was more pronounced, for it was not deemed +prudent to have a light. + +"Inman has sent me with his ultimatum," said the messenger; "he says +he has given you abundant time to think over the matter, and wants +your decision." + +"What are his terms?" asked Capt. Asbury. + +"The same as before." + +"He promises to treat all of us as prisoners of war, with the +exception of Sterry and myself. We are guaranteed a trial, which is +another way of saying we shall be shot. I will allow my men to vote on +the question," added the leader. + +The indignant protests, however, compelled the officer to recall his +harsh remark. + +"Of course I knew that would be your reply," Fred hastened to say; +"and it is what Inman and Cadmus expect. I have been sent to bring my +mother and sister out of the house, for the rustlers intend to attack +you before morning. That means, too, that they intend to burn it." + +The three defenders who were in the secret saw the danger in which +this placed Sterry's intended flight. + +If the attack were made before 10 o'clock, there could be no possible +opportunity for his getting away. Some means, therefore, must be +found for deferring the assault until after that hour, if it could be +accomplished without arousing the suspicions of the rustlers. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +A STRANGE OCCURRENCE. + + +"Do you know," inquired Sterry, "how soon it is contemplated making +the attack?" + +"I have not heard Inman or Cadmus say, but from the talk of the men I +judge it will be quite soon." + +"Probably within a couple of hours?" "Sooner than that--by 9 o'clock +at the latest." + +It was the mother who now spoke: "Suppose Jennie and I decline to +leave the house?" + +"That has been considered," replied the son, "and I am sorry to say +it will make no difference. The rustlers are in an uglier mood than +before--wrathful because they have been kept idle so long. They can +claim that they have given you ample notice, and if you refuse to come +out they cannot be held blamable for the consequences." + +This would never do, and Hawkridge interposed: + +"If the attack cannot be prevented, Fred, it must be delayed." + +"On what grounds?" + +"Any that you can think of; they must not disturb us until near +midnight." + +"But I shall have to give a reason; I am as anxious as you to do my +utmost, but I do not see how I can do anything." + +The quick wit of Jennie came to the rescue. + +"Tell Capt. Inman and Larch Cadmus for me that we have a number of +articles we wish to save from destruction; ask them in the name of +mother and myself to give us time in which to gather them together." + +Fred was silent for a moment. + +"At least it will do no harm to try it, even though I do not believe +it will be of any use." + +"Ask them to make it between 11 and 12; we will then have time to +collect all we want--in fact a good deal more time than is necessary." + +"I do not see the need of this," replied the brother, who, it need not +be repeated, had no knowledge of what was in the minds of the few; +"I think I can say that if I do not return in the course of ten or +fifteen minutes, you may consider your prayer granted." + +Bidding them good-by once more, he passed out of the door and +disappeared in the darkness, which had now fully descended and shut +from sight the impatient rustlers. + +It was a peculiar situation in which the defenders, including the +mother and sister, dreaded the return of the head of the household, +but the front of the dwelling was watched with an intensity of +interest it would be hard to describe. + +"By gracious! there he is!" exclaimed Dick Hawkridge, hardly ten +minutes after Fred's departure; "it's no use." + +A shadowy figure was observed moving across the dark space in front, +but while they were waiting for him to enter the door, which was +unfastened to admit him, he passed on and vanished in the gloom +without checking his motion or speaking. + +"That wasn't Fred," whispered Jennie; "I know his walk too well." + +"It makes no difference," replied Sterry, "you can depend that he will +soon put in an appearance." + +But the slow minutes dragged along and nothing was seen of him. By and +by a faint hope began to form that the urgent request of the ladies +had been conceded, for they insisted that they could see no reason why +it should not be. + +A full hour passed, and, when it was after 9 o'clock, all doubt was +removed. The attack would not be made until close upon midnight. +Monteith Sterry would be given the chance, provided Duke Vesey showed +the way for him. + +The crisis was so near that it was deemed best to let all know what +was in contemplation. Capt. Asbury, therefore, explained it to the +men, as the daughter had explained to the mother. + +"Those fellows can't be trusted," the leader added; "they may seek to +give the impression that the delay has been granted, while preparing +to assail us when least expected. The night is dark, as you see, and +favourable to their plans. Keep the closest watch possible on all +sides of the house, for to set fire to it they must approach near +enough to touch the building." + +"Suppose we catch sight of some one stealing up?" asked one of the +cattlemen. + +"Challenge him, and if he does not give a satisfactory response, +fire." + +"What will be a satisfactory response?" + +"The voice of Fred Whitney, and I may say of Duke Vesey, or the +announcement that the individual is the bearer of a message for us. In +the latter case, of course, he will approach from the front. When you +shoot, too, boys, you mustn't throw away any shots, for this isn't +going to be child's play." + +"We understand that," was the significant response of a couple of the +stockmen. + +It was now growing so late that Sterry placed himself near the rear +door to watch for the expected signal from Vesey, feeling, as the +minutes passed, a nervousness greater than at any time before. + +Since no light burned in the house, the only means of determining the +hour was by striking a match and holding it in front of a watch. Hope +became high when 10 o'clock was at hand. + +Sterry half expected, in case everything promised well, that Vesey +would manage to give something in the nature of a preliminary signal, +but the closest scrutiny showed nothing of the kind. + +Capt. Asbury, who maintained his place near one of the front windows, +close to the door, suddenly called: + +"Come here a moment, Sterry." + +The young man stepped hastily across the room. + +"You have everything clear in your mind?" was the question which +struck the young man as slightly inopportune. + +"Yes; as clear as I can have; why do you ask?" + +"I wanted to be certain, for your task is a delicate one; we will +hold the door ajar a little while after you go, so that if anything +happens, such as their recognizing you, you will be able to dash back. +You know it won't do for you to be identified." + +"I understand," replied Sterry, who felt that he ought to be at his +post. + +He hastily stepped back, and as he did so was surprised to find the +door drawn open several inches. + +"What does that mean?" he asked of the several gathered around in the +darkness, whose faces he could not see. + +"Why," replied Hawkridge, "what does it mean, indeed? I thought you +passed out just now." + +"You see I did not. Why do you make such a remark?" + +"Some one went out," was the amazing declaration. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +THE MISSING ONE. + + +Monteith Sterry was astounded by the declaration of Dick Hawkridge +that some one had passed through the rear door while he was talking +with Capt. Asbury. + +"Who was it?" demanded he. + +"I told you we thought it was you," replied his friend. + +"But you know it wasn't," he replied, impatiently. + +"Then I have no idea who it was." + +"Some one has taken advantage of the moment I spent with the +captain--I wonder if he had anything to do with it," he added, growing +unjustly suspicious in his resentment. + +He strode across the room; and, knowing where the leader was, +demanded: + +"What is the meaning of this, Capt. Asbury?" + +"The meaning of what?" + +"While I was talking a few seconds with you some person slipped out of +the back door; do you know anything of it?" + +"It is beyond my comprehension," replied the leader in a voice which +removed all distrust of him. + +And forgetful, in his excitement, of his duty at the front, he stepped +hastily to the rear, where most of the men had crowded, despite the +orders for them to maintain a strict watch. + +"I heard you and the captain speaking," said Hawkridge, in +explanation, "but your voices were so low that I would not have +identified them anywhere. Supposing you to be where you really were, +I stepped to the rear window here and peered out in the gloom where I +knew the stable to be--" + +"Did you see anything?" interrupted Sterry. + +"Not a sign of the signal. While I was straining my eyes to pierce +the darkness the door was drawn inward slightly, and a figure moved +quickly across the space toward the stables." + +"You could not identify it?" + +"Of course not, for you see how dark it is, and there was no light; in +fact, I hardly saw it before it vanished." + +"It is as I supposed," added Sterry, angrily. "Some one fancied he had +a better chance by slipping off than in remaining here, and has looked +after his own safety. I wish I knew who it was." + +"We can soon find out," remarked Capt. Asbury; "our men are not too +numerous for me to forget their names and voices." + +He raised his tones and summoned them. + +"I don't believe they will attempt to fire the house as long as the +ladies are with us," he exclaimed; "some one of our party has been +cowardly enough to sneak off. As I call your names, answer." + +He proved the truth of what he said. He had eight companions, not +counting Hawkridge and Sterry. With little hesitation, for his memory +was instantly prompted by others, he pronounced each name, and to +every one came the prompt, unmistakable response of the owner. + +"One of those rustlers has managed to get in here undiscovered," +was the next theory of Sterry, whose temper did not improve at the +unaccountable turn of affairs. "I don't see why Inman and the rest +delay their attack, when we are only children in their hands; they can +do with us as they please--" + +All started, for at that moment a sharp rap sounded on the door. +Before opening it, Capt. Asbury called out: + +"Who's there?" + +"It is I--Fred Whitney--let me in, quick!" + +He was admitted without an instant's delay, while all crowded around +in the darkness. + +"Well, you can imagine what I have come for. I made known the request +of mother and Jennie, but Inman and Cadmus would not think of granting +it at first. I told Cadmus that it was your special request, Jennie, +adding a little ornamentation of my own, such as that you knew that +when he learned how much it could please you, he could not refuse. I +hope I did right, did I not, sister?" + +In the slight laugh which followed this question, the reply of the +young lady was not heard, and her brother continued: + +"Well, I put it so strong that Cadmus fell in with me and persuaded +Inman to do the same. They agreed to wait until 10 o'clock, but no +longer; so you see I did not accomplish all that I hoped, but it was +better than nothing. If I am not mistaken it is past 10 now." + +"Not more than a few minutes." + +"Well, at any rate, the time is up, and they have sent me to notify +you that they will wait no longer. I suppose that you, mother and +Jennie, have got together all that you can take away. As I have to +escort you back, I will carry the things, unless you smuggle in some +of the bedsteads." + +"Then it is the intention to attack as soon as the ladies are fairly +out of the way?" was the inquiring remark of Capt. Asbury. + +"You may depend that it won't be delayed ten minutes." + +"Do you know whether they will begin by shooting or trying to set fire +to the building?" + +"They haven't given me their confidence, but I don't see why they +should expect to accomplish as much with their guns as they could have +done during the day time. They will set fire to the place, no doubt." + +"It may be well to impress upon those people that we are guarding +every side, and the first rustler of whom we catch a glimpse will be +riddled." + +"They are prepared for that, of course; be careful, friends, and don't +expose yourselves more than you are obliged to, for there will be no +let-up after the ball opens. I wish I could stay with you and help you +out. I have been on the watch, ever since it grew dark, to steal off +and make a run to the stockmen's camp, but I couldn't gain the first +chance." + +"I am afraid it is too late, anyway," said the captain, "for they are +so far away that it will be over before they could arrive." + +"Well, mother," said Fred, fearing that he was staying too long, "you +and Jennie are ready, so let's go. Confound it! we must have a light +for a few minutes; I know where there's a candle." + +He ignited a match and quickly found a candle. This was lit and held +above his head, so that he could look into the faces around him. + +"There is no danger of their taking advantage of this until I leave," +he explained, "and you can blow it out before that. I see you are +there, mother; call Jennie down and let her join us." + +"Jennie is not in the house!" was the reply, which fairly took away +the breath of all. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +WHY IT WAS DONE. + + +The yellow reflection of the candle lit up a group of wondering faces +that were turned upon the mother, who stood in the middle of the room. +Her countenance was pale, for she had passed through a great deal +during the last half-hour, to say nothing of that which preceded it. + +Before any one could frame the questions in his mind, she explains: + +"I am not sure I have done right, but Jennie's departure was with +my consent. She and I talked it over and discussed it in all its +bearings, so far as we could see them, and she finally persuaded me +that it was the right thing for her to do." + +She paused, as if expecting some comment, but even Fred was silent; +and still standing, with the candle held aloft, he kept his wondering +gaze upon his parent. + +"In the first place, Jennie convinced me that Monteith would only go +to his own death by venturing out; at any rate, it would so result if +he did not receive the signal from Mr. Vesey." + +As she paused the amazed Sterry asked: + +"But why did she think I would venture unless I got the sign from +Vesey?" + +"Because you told her so. You were so confident, when she expressed +her misgivings, that you said you would wait a few minutes after 10 +o'clock and then try it, even if no signal appeared." + +"You are correct; I _did_ tell her that." + +"I consented to her plan on condition that if Mr. Vesey signalled you +should go and she should stay; if he did not do so, she was to venture +alone." + +"Why didn't she consult with me?" asked Sterry; "I could have given +her some suggestions." + +"Ah, what a question, Mont!" said Fred Whitney, with a smile, as he +comprehended the plan; "we know what suggestions you would have given +her." + +"True enough; she never would have made the attempt," he responded. + +"And," said Mrs. Whitney, "your friend has not called to you." + +"Which reminds me," exclaimed Sterry, stepping to the rear window and +peering out. But everything in the direction of the stables was as +dark and silent as the tomb. + +"So you see that if you had followed the directions of Mr. Vesey," +continued Mrs. Whitney, "no messenger would have left this place for +the camp of the stockmen." + +"I recall how closely she questioned me as to my idea of the course to +take to reach the spot. I wanted to gain her confidence and told +her everything, never suspecting that she entertained any such wild +scheme." + +"For which you cannot be blamed," remarked her brother; "but I don't +understand how she expected to slip off unobserved." + +"Nor do I," added Sterry, with a meaning glance at Capt. Asbury. + +"I assure you I am innocent of complicity in the matter, for I would +have opposed as strongly as any of you." + +"It was that single difficulty which puzzled her," said the mother, +"but Providence opened the way. While she stood trembling, with her +cloak wrapped about her, Capt. Asbury called Monteith. I whispered to +her 'Now!' and drew back the door. She stepped through, and was gone +before any one, excepting myself, suspected anything." + +"But what reason can she have for believing Vesey will favour her +plan?" asked Sterry, feeling an admiration for the daring young woman. +"He will be as much amazed as any one." + +"The rustlers have notified us to leave the building, but have not +said that they have a preference of one door over the other. If she +finds herself confronted by strangers, she can easily explain who +she is and say that her mother will soon join her. Can there be +any objection to such a course, or is she likely to suffer on that +account?" + +Who could reply unfavourably to this question? The rustlers would +simply conduct her to a place of safety, there to await the coming of +her parent. Failure could bring no embarrassment to Jennie Whitney. + +"The great difficulty, after all," remarked Capt. Asbury, "as it +occurs to me, is that if your estimable daughter presents herself +before Mr. Duke Vesey, he will refuse his help. What reason can she +give that will induce him to aid her to pass beyond the camp?" + +"I can think of none, but Jennie is hopeful that if she can see him +alone he will permit her to do as she wishes." + +"Does she contemplate walking the half-dozen miles or so to the camp +of the cattlemen?" asked Sterry, in dismay. + +"O, no; she expects to ride Mr. Sterry's mare." + +"But--but--" stammered Monteith. + +"She thought of all that," smiled the mother; "she took her saddle +with her." + +"Well, I'll be hanged if this isn't a little ahead of anything of +which I ever heard or read!" was the only comment Monteith Sterry +could make, as the full scheme unrolled before him. + +"Jennie may fail," continued the proud parent, "but if she does, her +situation and that of all of us will be no worse than before. If she +fails, then you, too, Mr. Sterry, would have failed and lost your life +without helping us." + +"I am not prepared to admit that, but my part in the business seems to +have passed beyond discussion." + +Mrs. Whitney was about to continue her words when she ceased and +faintly asked for a glass of water. Fred set down the candle and +sprang to her help ahead of anyone, holding the glass, which was +instantly brought, to her lips. + +The poor woman had undergone great trials, as will be admitted, +during the past few days. The excitement had sustained her until now +something in the nature of a reaction came. Helping her to a chair, +Fred affectionately fanned her, and did what he could to make her +rally. + +He was thus engaged when a second knock startled all. Capt. Asbury +wheeled and demanded: + +"Who's there?" + +"Duke Vesey, under a flag of truce." + +No name could have astonished the cattlemen more. This was the man +whom Sterry had expected to meet, and in whose care it was supposed +Jennie Whitney had placed herself. + +Instead of that, he was asking admittance. + +"Your flag will be respected," said Capt. Asbury, drawing back the +bolts of the door, which was next swung inward a few inches. + +The rustler stepped within, saying: + +"I have been sent by Capt. Inman to inquire the meaning of the absence +of Fred Whitney, who was sent here a considerable time ago." + +"_That_ is the cause of the delay," replied the captain, pointing to +where the young rancher was doing his utmost to revive his mother. + +The captain thought himself justified in turning the incident to +account. + +"She may not live more than half an hour. I suppose, under the +circumstances, you folks won't vote to hang her son on his return, +though it would be in keeping with your style of business." + +"No; we leave that work to such as shoot down men before their homes, +as was done last night. I didn't expect anything like this," he added +more gently; "I will go back and report. I was told to bring the +ladies, and as I can't take the elder just now, I suppose it's best to +leave both till I learn what Capt. Inman wishes." + +Monteith Sterry caught a significant glance of Vesey, while speaking, +but was utterly unable to interpret it. He, however, removed to that +side of the room, so as to place himself near him. Still the rustler +made no other sign. Too many eyes were upon him. + +One of Capt. Asbury's most noticeable points was his ability to "catch +on" to a situation like the present. He saw the look given by the +visitor, and translated it as meaning that he wished to make some +communication to the other. + +"Sterry," said the captain in his most rasping manner, "this is +the fellow you were so tender on last night, and I suppose he will +reciprocate when he gets a chance to draw a bead on you. I will leave +to you the happiness of escorting him through the door, for the +pleasure would quite overwhelm me." + +"I am willing to act the gentleman at any time," replied Sterry, +quickly seizing the opportunity of bringing himself near enough to +hear what Vesey said without any one else noting it. As he was passing +out the rustler remarked, in a quick undertone: + +"I did my best, old fellow, but it won't work; they suspect something, +and wouldn't let me go near the stable after dark. Sorry, but it's no +use." + +"But I thank you all the same," guardedly responded Sterry. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +THE HOSTAGE. + + +Despite the alarm caused by the sudden illness of Mrs. Whitney, it was +quickly apparent that nothing serious was the matter with her. + +She had succumbed temporarily to the intense strain to which she +had been subjected, and, under the considerate attention shown her, +speedily rallied, declaring herself, within five minutes after the +departure of Vesey, as well as ever. + +"No one can rejoice more than I," observed Capt. Asbury; "and, since +it is so trifling, you will not misunderstand me when I say that your +illness seems to have been providential." + +Fred and the rest looked inquiringly at the leader. + +"The man who was here has gone back with the report of what he saw, +and I think my words will cause him to represent the case--well," +added the captain, with a smile, "as it appeared at that moment. That +will secure further delay." + +"But what can it all amount to?" asked Fred in turn; "they may give +you a half-hour or so, but that does not count." + +"If your estimable mother could manage to--ah--look desperately ill +when the messenger returns, why, it might help matters." + +But the good woman shook her head. Appreciating the gravity of the +situation, she could not be a party to such a deception, even though +beneficent results might follow. + +"He saw me as I was, and thus he must see me when he comes again. My +conscience would not permit it otherwise." + +"You are right, Mrs. Whitney, and I beg your pardon," replied the +captain. + +Meanwhile, Monteith Sterry was thinking hard. Begging the indulgence +of the others, he drew Capt. Asbury aside. + +"I have decided upon an attempt," said he abruptly, "which you must +not forbid, even though your judgment may condemn it." + +"What is it?" + +"I am going to try to get away." + +"How?" was the surprised question; "what chance have you of +succeeding, when every side of the house is watched?" + +"Vesey told me, just as he was leaving, that he was not allowed to +take his place as guard at the stables, which explains why he failed +to give me the signal." + +"He is unaware of what Miss Whitney has done?" + +"I do not know of a surety, for he made no reference to it, but you +heard his remark, which indicates that he is ignorant." + +"Sterry," said the captain impressively, "the only friend you have +among the rustlers is that same Vesey, and I place less faith in +him than you do; yet you propose this wild scheme, without even the +doubtful help of that man, and still expect me to approve it." + +"You put it truthfully; I will only say that in the darkness I hope to +be taken for one of them." + +"And if you are?" + +"I will work my way beyond the lines, and then make for the camp of +the stockmen." + +"On foot or horseback?" + +"I can hardly expect to obtain a horse, but let me once gain the +chance, and I will show some sprinting." + +"You ignore the services of Miss Whitney?" + +"It was a brave and characteristic deed, but a woman acts from +intuition rather than reason. There is not a shadow of hope that she +will accomplish anything." + +"In my judgment, the prospect is as favourable for her as for you." + +"Well," replied Sterry, "I rather expected you to talk that way, so +your condemnation is discounted. I intend to pass out of the rear door +within the next three minutes; I wish you to hold it, ready to open in +the event of my deciding on a hasty return. If such return does not +follow in the course of a quarter of an hour, you may conclude that I +won't be back." + +"I have already concluded that," was the significant comment. + +The candle diffused enough illumination to show the anxious faces +turned toward the couple as they walked back from the corner to which +they had withdrawn for their brief consultation. + +In the fewest words possible the captain explained the decision of the +young man. He frankly stated that he did not believe there was any +hope of success, but Sterry was firm in his resolution, and he would +not interpose his authority. Fred Whitney was about to protest, but +the expression of his friend's face showed that it would be useless, +and he forebore. + +Mont peered through the window, near the rear door, and, so far as he +could judge, everything was favourable. Then he faced about, smiled, +and without a word waved his friends good-by. + +The door was drawn inward just enough to permit the passage of his +body, and the next instant he had vanished. + +Capt. Asbury sprang to the window and looked after him, but quick +as he was, the time was sufficient for the youth to disappear as +completely as though he were a dozen miles distant. + +"If I may be allowed," said the captain, in his most suave manner, +"I would suggest, Mr. Whitney, that you assist your mother to her +apartment up stairs. She is in need of rest, and can obtain it there +much better than here." + +The good woman glanced suspiciously at the man, half doubting +the disinterestedness of his counsel, but he looked so grave and +solicitous that she was sure she did him injustice. While she was +hesitating, Fred added: + +"It is good advice, mother; you can lie down, and when it is necessary +I will call you. Come, please." + +She could not decline, and the stalwart son, who seemed to have +forgotten all about his wounded arm, almost carried her up the short +stairs and to her room. He was so familiar with the interior that he +needed no light, and deposited her as gently as an infant on the bed, +kissed her an affectionate good-night, and promised to listen and come +to her on hearing the slightest movement in her apartment. + +"How does she seem to be?" asked Capt. Asbury, as Fred came down the +stairs. + +"As well as ever; but the little rest will be grateful. She has had +enough to try the strongest person within the last few days." + +"True indeed. I presume Vesey will soon be back with some ugly message +from Inman and Cadmus, but we have delayed matters so long that +I'm hopeful of keeping it up a while longer. Suppose, when this +enterprising rustler shows himself, you allow me to do the talking, +Fred. There is a good deal, you know, in the way you put things." + +"I understand," replied the other, with a smile. "It will come, +perhaps, more appropriately from you than me." + +It was apparent from the manner of the captain that he felt +considerable hope of success through the efforts of Miss Whitney or +Sterry, or both. Time was the great factor. It would seem that +three or four hours ought to bring the cattlemen, if either of the +messengers succeeded in getting through the lines. While there was +little doubt of the ability of the besieged being able to stand off +their assailants for a much longer time, yet there was every reason to +strain to the utmost the fortunate delay already secured. + +A conflict was certain to result in a number of deaths to each +side. Not only that, but it would intensify the bitterness already +prevailing through many portions of Wyoming and Montana between the +cowmen and rustlers, and postpone and increase the difficulty of the +adjustment of the quarrel. + +A full half-hour passed, during which the captain kept his place at +the rear door, ready to admit Sterry should he make a dash for it. He +did not appear, and when the fastenings of the structure were returned +to their place the leader's heart was more hopeful than ever. He had +just made a remark to that effect when a knocking was heard again on +the front door, accompanied by Duke Vesey's announcement that it was +himself who claimed admission. + +The captain drew back the fastenings and the rustler stepped inside, +his face showing great agitation. + +"This is a fine state of things," he said, addressing young Whitney, +Hawkridge and the captain. + +"To what do you refer?" asked Whitney. + +"You sent Mont Sterry out awhile ago, and the rustlers have caught +him; he's in their hands and will be shot at daybreak. Capt. Inman +sent me to you with that message, and to say that the fight will open +in a few minutes. You can't play your tricks any longer on us." + +It was apparent that Duke Vesey was in a rage over the mishap that had +befallen his friend. + +Capt. Asbury quietly placed himself between the fellow and the door by +which he had entered. + +"What is the meaning of that?" demanded the rustler, turning his head; +"I'm here under a flag of truce." + +"Where is it? You haven't shown any, and you can't. I shall hold you +as a hostage for the safety of Mont Sterry; whatever harm is visited +upon _him_ shall descend upon _your_ head!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +THE PRISONER. + + +It may be said that Monteith Sterry's main hope for the success of his +perilous scheme lay in its boldness. + +It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged +on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as +he made. The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in +a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it +offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have +to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation +would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them. + +But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were +doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers. It was probable, +therefore, that one or both of these individuals would try to get +away. + +Whether or not the leaders held any distrust of Vesey cannot be known; +but his little scheme for befriending Monteith Sterry was nipped in +the bud by his being retained at the front of the building, where, as +has been shown, he acted as the bearer of messages between Inman and +Capt. Asbury. + +There were men closely watching the building from the moment darkness +closed over the scene. Had Sterry attempted to steal along the side of +the house and then dodge away, he would have been detected and halted +at once. On the contrary, he moved with his usual gait in a diagonal +direction toward the stables. His object was to learn the likeliest +method of leaving the place. + +He had perhaps walked fifty feet, when some one advanced from the +gloom and called, in an undertone: + +"Halloo, who is that?" + +"It's I, Smith; who are you?" + +The name, of course, was a venture, but it was not uncommon, as the +reader knows, and more likely to be right than any other. The best of +it was, it seemed to satisfy the other, who, without announcing his +own, asked: + +"What are you doing?" + +"I've been looking around to see what I could learn." + +"Anything new?" + +"No, not as far as I can discover; they seem to have a light burning +in there, but are waiting for us." + +"I wonder they didn't give you a shot; Vesey says they are desperate, +and he brought back word that they would shoot the first of us seen +prowling about the place. I wonder you didn't catch it." + +"I took good care. When do you suppose the fight will open?" + +"Pretty soon; I s'pose you are as tired of this dallying as the rest +of us." + +"Well, it strikes me as best to wait until sure everything is ready." + +Sterry was anxious to end this pointless conversation, for the +stranger had approached quite near and peered into his face, as though +not free from suspicion. The darkness was deep, but on the other side +of the ridge a small fire was burning, from fragments brought from the +stables. Of this the adventurer meant to keep clear at all hazards. +More than one rustler knew him intimately, and it might be that he to +whom he was talking was an old acquaintance and enemy. + +How Sterry longed for the presence of Vesey! + +In a natural manner he sauntered up the ridge, as if his intention +was to return to the camp-fire, that being the course most likely to +dissipate any misgiving on the part of the other. + +The latter made no response, and Sterry kept on, thinking: + +"I'm rid of him, any way, and ought to have less trouble with others +that may wish to ask questions." + +But, glancing over his shoulder, he was startled to observe that +the man, instead of moving off, as he had supposed, was standing +motionless in the gloom, as if studying him. + +"By gracious!" concluded the youth, "he must have noticed my voice, +for, not knowing Smith, how could I imitate it?" + +The situation would have made any one uneasy, but he did not hasten +nor retard his footsteps until he reached the top of the ridge, and +was able to observe the camp-fire clearly. + +It was small, as has been said, but five or six figures were +lolling about it, smoking, talking, and passing the dismal hours as +inclination prompted. Other forms were moving hither and thither, some +of them quite close to where Sterry had halted, though none paid him +any attention. + +The young man was looking for an opening by which he could make his +way beyond the lines without attracting attention. The best prospect +seemed to be the stretch of prairie extending from the front of the +house toward the Big Horn Mountains. + +"No one appears to be on the lookout there--" + +At that instant each arm was tightly gripped, and the man with whom he +had exchanged words but a few minutes before said: + +"Mr. Smith, please go with us to the fire; my friend here is Smith, +and he is the only one in our party with that name; maybe you are his +double." + +It was useless to resist, and Sterry replied: + +"You know there are several Smiths in this country, and I ought to +have the privilege of wearing the name without objection." + +"We'll soon see," replied the first captor. + +Within the next minute Sterry was marched in front of the camp-fire, +where the full glare fell upon his countenance. + +Then a howl of exultation went up, for more than half of the rustlers +in the group recognized him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +OUT IN THE NIGHT. + + +Enough has been already told for the reader to understand the scheme +which Jennie Whitney, with the help of her mother, attempted to carry +out for the benefit of the besieged cattlemen. + +With her cloak around her shoulders and her saddle supported on one +arm, she passed quickly from the rear of her home to the stables, only +a short distance away. She had been on the alert for the signal of +Duke Vesey, and, seeing it not, was prepared to encounter some one +else. + +In this she was not disappointed, for at the moment of catching sight +of the dark mass where the horses were sheltered the figure of a man +loomed into view as though he had risen from the ground. She stopped +short, and observed, dimly, the forms of two others just behind him. + +"Halloo!" exclaimed the nearest, "how is this?" + +With peculiar emotions the young lady recognized the voice of Larch +Cadmus. She hoped this was a favourable omen, and was quick to turn it +to account. + +"Larch, is that you?" she asked, peering forward as if uncertain of +his identity. + +"I declare, it is Miss Jennie!" he exclaimed, coming forward; "how is +it you are alone?" + +"Mother did not wish to come with me," replied the daughter, trying +to avoid the necessity of direct deceit. "She will probably leave the +house pretty soon." + +The fellow was plainly embarrassed, despite the protecting gloom which +concealed his features. Jennie knew him to be one of her most ardent +admirers, though she had never liked him. Her hopes were now based +upon making use of his regard for her. + +"You have come out, Jennie, I suppose," said he, offering his hand, +which she accepted, "so as not to be in the house when the--ah, +trouble begins." + +"O, I know it will be dreadful; I want to go as far away as I can--do +you blame me, Larch?" + +"Not at all--not at all; and I hope, Jennie, you don't blame me for +all that your folks have suffered." + +"Why, Larch, why should I blame you?" asked the young lady, coming +fearfully near a fiction in making the query, for she knew many +good reasons for censuring him in her heart. "But how soon do you +intend--that is, how soon do the rest of your folks intend to attack +the cowmen?" + +"We--that is, they--expected to do so long ago, but there have been +all sorts of delays; it will come pretty soon now." + +"Where are you to place mother and me?" + +"Over the ridge, yonder; you will be out of danger; you need fear +nothing; why should you, for your mother will be with you and your +brother will be with us, so that he can take no part in the fight." + +He made no reference to Mont Sterry, and she was too wise to let fall +a hint of her anxiety concerning him. + +"But, Larch, suppose, when you set fire to the house, as I heard your +folks intended, our people rush out and attack you?" + +"Do they intend to do that?" he asked. + +"I am sure I don't know; but you can see, if they do, the shooting +will be going on all around mother and me." + +"You can pass farther out on the plain or take shelter in the stable, +among the horses." + +"But that may be too late," interposed Jennie, in well-feigned alarm. + +"You can take refuge here now." + +"I can't bear to stay in the stable, for the horses will become +terrified when the shooting begins; they may break loose and prove +more dangerous than the flying bullets." + +There was sense in this objection, and the rustler saw it. He was +anxious to propitiate the young woman, whom he admired so ardently. + +"Well, my dear, what would you like to do?" + +"Now, Larch, you won't laugh at me if I tell you," she replied, in her +most coquettish manner. + +"Laugh at you!" he protested; "this is no time for laughing; it was a +shame that those people should turn your house into a fort, when it +could do them no good. Tell me what you want and it shall be done, if +it is in my power." + +"Thanks! You are very kind, and I shall never forget this favour; I +want to mount one of the best horses in the stable and ride out so far +that I am sure to be beyond reach of danger." + +The proposition staggered the rustler--so much so that it did not +occur to him, just then, that the daughter appeared a great deal more +anxious to look after her own safety than her mother's. + +"You have a horse in the stable, haven't you?" + +"Yes, Jack is there, and he is a splendid fellow; he is the one I +want." + +"But the saddle?" + +"I have it with me; here it is; you and I will adjust it together." + +And the impulsive miss placed the saddle in his grasp before he knew +it. She certainly was rushing things. It must be admitted, too, that +she showed fine discretion. There was but one way of handling Mr. +Larch Cadmus, and she was using that way. + +He turned about and walked to the door of the stable. + +"Jack is in the second stall," she said, pausing at the entrance, "and +his bridle is on the hook near his head." + +The gloom was impenetrable, but a couple of matches gave Cadmus all +the light needed, and a minute later he brought forth the fine animal, +who whinnied with pleasure at recognizing his mistress, despite the +gloom. + +Jennie gave what help she could in saddling and bridling him, the +other two men standing a little way off in silence. She kept up an +incessant chatter, repeating her thanks to Cadmus for his kindness, +and binding him more completely captive every minute. + +But the rustler was inclined to be thoughtful, for before the animal +was ready he began to feel misgivings as to the prudence of what he +was doing. There was something odd, too, about the young lady mounting +her pony, riding alone out on the plain, and leaving her mother +behind. Then, too, she had emerged from the rear instead of the front +of the house, as he judged from her line of approach. + +Could there be any ulterior purpose in all this? If she would only +cease her chatting for a minute or two he might figure out the +problem, but the trouble was, nothing could stop her. In fact he +didn't wish her to stop, for that voice was the most musical one to +which he could listen, and he would have been glad had it sounded for +hours in his ears. + +He managed to drift dangerously near the truth. + +"Can it be that she intends to ride away for help?" he reflected. "It +has that look; but no, it is hardly that, for there isn't any help +within reach that I know of. She might find it in the course of a day +or two, but this affair will be over before daylight--I beg pardon, +what was it you said, Jennie?" + +"Why, Larch, I'm tempted to pull your ears; you are a fine gallant; +here I have been standing full ten seconds, waiting for you to help me +on the horse, and you have paid me no attention." + +"It _was_ rude, my dear; I hope you will pardon me," he replied, +stepping quickly forward, "but I am very absent-minded to-night." + +"I will pardon you, of course, for you have been so good and nice that +it would be ungrateful for me to be impatient." + +He took the Cinderella-like foot in his broad palm and cleverly +assisted her in the saddle. While he helped to adjust the reins, her +tongue rattled on harder than ever. + +"How far, Larch, will it be necessary for me to ride so as to be +sure--mind you, sure--of being out of the way when this awful business +opens?" + +"Well, I should say a hundred yards or so will be enough--" + +"Mercy! do you think so? I ought to go two or three times as far as +that; you won't object, will you? and when the shooting _does_ begin, +I can hurry Jack farther off." + +"Do as you think best; but it seems to me, Jennie, that you are +forgetting your mother--" + +"O, no; when Fred brings her out--maybe he has done so now--tell her +the direction I have gone and she will understand. Which is the best +course for me to take? I guess it don't make any difference, so I will +go this way." + +Through all this apparently aimless chatter, Miss Jennie Whitney was +using her wits. She knew a long ride was before her, and everything +would be ruined if she lost her way. There was no moon or stars to +give guidance, and she therefore carefully took her bearings while the +chance was hers. + +"I suppose it's all the same which course you follow, but I fear I am +doing wrong in allowing you to ride off--" + +"Now, don't spoil everything by regretting the handsome way in which +you have indulged my whim; I think I will ride over the ridge to the +left--" + +"Hold on, Jennie, until I can speak to Inman; he may object--" + +"You can speak to him after I am gone; good-night, Larch, and many +thanks again for your kindness." + +She rode off with her intelligent Jack on a walk until she was clear +of the camp, when she touched him into an easy gallop. + +Larch Cadmus stood looking into the gloom where she had vanished, +almost before he comprehended her intention. + +"Well, she's a puzzle!" he exclaimed to his two companions, who came +forward; "I don't know what to make of her. What do you suppose she +meant by that, boys?" + +"It's easy enough to see," replied one of them, with a laugh; "she's +gone off after help." + +"Do you think so?" asked the startled Cadmus; "where can she get it?" + +"She may bring back their hands." + +"There are only two of them," said Larch, much relieved, "and they +won't amount to anything in the rumpus. You don't imagine that she +knows of any larger force anywhere in the neighbourhood?" + +"She can't know of any, for there ain't any," was the clincher of the +rustler; "or, if there is, she can't get it here in time to do Asbury +and the rest any good." + +Cadmus was relieved by the words of his friend. Enough misgivings, +however, remained to make him say: + +"There are so many moving about that her departure don't seem to be +noticed; I'll take it as a favour if you don't mention it to any one, +for now that she is gone I am sure I never should have allowed it." + +The couple gave the promise, though their belief was that nothing +serious would follow. + +Leaving the two to keep watch at the stables, Cadmus sauntered to +where Inman was seated near the camp-fire, smoking a pipe. A little +inquiry disclosed that neither the leader nor any of his companions +had noticed the departure of the young lady. + +It was some time after this that Duke Vesey brought the report of Mrs. +Whitney's illness as an explanation of her son's delay in returning to +the camp of the rustlers. + +Exasperated, and suspecting a pretense, Inman consented to a brief +postponement of the attack. + +The next startling occurrence was the capture of Monteith Sterry while +trying to steal through the lines. As we have shown, he was identified +the instant he was brought into the reflection of the firelight, +and such precautions were taken that escape by him was out of the +question. + +When their impatience could stand it no longer, Vesey was sent to +Capt. Asbury with the message which he delivered. Instead of his +returning with a reply, Fred Whitney came back, bringing the +announcement that Vesey had entered the house without claiming the +protection of a truce, and after telling what he was directed to tell +about Monteith Sterry, Capt. Asbury had directed Whitney to notify +Capt. Inman that he would retain Vesey as a hostage, guaranteeing that +whatever harm was visited upon Sterry should descend upon the head of +Vesey. + +This message, as may be supposed, caused consternation for some +minutes in the camp of the rustlers. The feeling was quickly succeeded +by exasperation. Had Inman and Cadmus been given the opportunity, no +doubt they could have made a good argument to prove that, inasmuch +as Vesey had passed back and forth several times after his first +announcement of a flag of truce, and its acceptance by the besieged +cowmen, it was not required by the law of nations that he should +proclaim the fact while continuing to act as messenger between the +hostiles. + +On the other hand, the truth remained that he had entered the house +of the rancher with weapons in his hands and without any claim of +immunity from harm. + +The question was such a nice one, capable of so many finely-drawn +theories, that it is useless to discuss it here. Whatever decision we +might reach, we could not feel assured we were right. + +The hard fact confronted the rustlers that one of their principal +men was in the power of the cowmen and was held as a hostage for the +safety of the detested Monteith Sterry, who had been warned that he +would be shot on sight by any rustler who gained the chance. + +The unexpected phase of the situation caused a long and angry +discussion between Capt. Ira Inman and his leaders, to which, as may +be supposed, Fred Whitney and Monteith Sterry paid close attention. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +CONCLUSION. + + +"Now, Jack, do your best, for everything depends on you." + +Jennie Whitney looked around in the darkness and saw the glimmer of +the rustlers' camp-fire, fully two hundred yards to the rear, with the +shadowy figures moving to and fro. + +"They may change their minds," she added, recalling the words of Larch +Cadmus, "and decide to bring me back. Let them do it if they can!" + +The intelligent pony acted as if he understood what was expected +of him. With a light whinny at the pleasure he felt because of the +opportunity of stretching out his beautiful limbs he broke into a +swift canter, heading straight for the point where his rider believed +the friendly camp was to be found. + +She held the reins loose, knowing the danger of attempting to guide +him where it was impossible to keep the points of the compass in mind. +The way was smooth and even, although there is always danger in +going at such speed in the night. She deemed the stake warranted it, +however, and did not check the rapid pace. + +Night on every hand and not a shining star overhead. If she could find +the party of stockmen in time, so as to bring them back to her home, +their strength would overawe the rustlers, and the whole difficulty +could be arranged without the conflict which she looked upon with +unspeakable dread. + +"It will save him, too," she added, hesitating to pronounce the name +that was in her heart, which would have throbbed more painfully had +she known that in a brief while he would be helpless in the power of +the men eager for his life. "I am glad he did not venture out of the +house, when his friend could have done him no good. What will he think +of me on learning what I have done? He will say that I am rash and +foolish, and perhaps I am; will he suspect that it was to save him +that I undertook this errand, which, after all, is attended with no +risk to me worth mentioning?" + +These were pleasant musings, but the task before her was too serious +and made too close demands on her mental and physical energies for her +to indulge in them. The delightful reverie could be deferred to a more +convenient season. + +Jennie Whitney had lived long enough in the West to understand that in +times like the present it is safer to depend on the instinct of one's +heart than upon one's reason. It seemed now and then that Jack was +following the wrong direction, but she was wise in not interfering. + +The gloom was so deep that she could see barely a few paces beyond the +pointed ears in front, but when the ground showed an abrupt rise she +recalled the location and knew he had followed the exact course she +desired. + +She pulled slightly on the reins and he dropped to a walk. At the same +moment something dark moved aside, the pony diverting his own steps to +avoid it. She experienced a slight shock of fright, but recognized +the object as one of the cattle probably belonging to their own herd. +Others showed dimly here and there as the horse carefully picked his +way forward. + +"Halloo, who's that?" called a gruff voice from the darkness, the hail +proving more startling than the first surprise. + +"It is I, Jennie Whitney," replied the young lady, "and I am searching +for help." + +"Well, I'll be hanged! What's up, Miss Jennie?" + +It was Budd Hankinson who came forward on foot, his figure appearing +of gigantic proportions in the gloom. He was more alarmed than she, as +he had warrant for being, knowing, as he did, that some extraordinary +cause must have brought the girl to this place alone at that hour of +the night. + +She quickly told her story, explaining that Fred was held a prisoner +by the rustlers, else he would have hastened back to secure the +assistance for which she was looking. + +"You're a brave girl," said the honest fellow, as he laid his hand on +the reins of the pony; "there are mighty few that would have done what +you've done to-night." + +"Never mind about that, Budd, but tell me what to do." + +"Why, you mustn't do anything; I'll do the rest." + +"No, you may help me, but what is it to be?" + +"Luck's running your way, Jennie; the stockmen have moved their camp +since Fred left this morning." + +"Mercy! I thought I had only two or three miles farther to go." + +"Their camp isn't more'n half a mile off, right over the swell yonder; +we'll be there in a jiffy." + +"And you will go with me?" + +"Wal, I reckon; what sort of a chap do you take me for?" + +"Where is Weber?" + +"Three miles to the south, which is in t'other direction; we won't +have time to look him up, and it wouldn't do any good if we did. We +made a change of grazing grounds, as I s'pose Fred told you, but some +of the cattle strayed off here and I was looking 'em up when I heard +your pony." + +"Where's your horse?" + +"Not far; wait here and I'll be right back." + +He was gone but a few minutes, when he returned in the saddle. + +"It won't do to go too fast," he explained, moving forward with his +animal on a walk, "but we can keep beside each other." + +Riding thus carefully, he questioned her about the stirring incidents +at the house, and she gave him the particulars. The sagacious fellow +had seen before this how matters stood between her and Monteith +Sterry, and he knew her anxiety, but his good taste prevented any +reference to it further than to say: + +"I hope Mont will be too wise to try to slip out of the house, for if +he does he's sure to be grabbed up by them, and they won't give him a +chance for his life." + +"Do you think he will make the attempt, Budd?" + +"No, now that he knows you have started, for you've got a mighty sight +better chance to succeed than he could have. Of course he has too much +sense for anything of the kind." + +It was well that neither of them suspected the truth. + +"There they are!" + +They had reached the top of the elevation, and saw before them +the twinkling lights of several camp-fires. The stockmen, fully +understanding the nature of the work they had undertaken, conducted +themselves like a force invading a hostile country. Regular sentinels +were stationed, to prevent the insidious approach of an enemy. + +The couple rode down the hill, and, as they expected, were challenged +on the edge of the camp. Inasmuch as Budd had visited the men during +the day and formed numerous acquaintances, he had little difficulty in +making himself known. All, excepting the guards, had retired for the +night, but the visitor was conducted to the place where Maj. Sitgraves +was asleep, Jennie remaining on the outskirts with one of the +sentinels, who treated her with all courtesy. + +Maj. Sitgraves was a brave man, who had only to hear the story brought +to him by the honest cowboy to understand the urgency of the case. It +was now near midnight, and the attack at the ranch was liable to be +made at any moment. The stockmen could not reach the scene of danger +too soon. + +Almost instantly the camp was astir. It looked as if the men had +received orders to attack a force of Indians, whose location was just +made known to them, and, in point of fact, the situation was somewhat +similar, for a brisk fight appeared inevitable. Three rustlers whom +the major was particularly anxious to arrest were Ira Inman, Larch +Cadmus and Duke Vesey, and he especially wanted the first two. They +were with the party not far off, and, aside from the call for help of +the imperilled stockmen, the prospect of capturing those fellows was +sufficient warrant for a prompt movement. + +Within half an hour after Jennie Whitney's meeting with Budd Hankinson +the party of half a hundred were galloping westward, she riding at +the head, with Maj. Sitgraves and Budd, who acted as guide to the +expedition. + +Hope arose with every rod advanced, for if fighting had begun the +reports of the guns would be heard, but the listening ears failed to +catch the first hostile sound from the Whitney ranch. By and by a +point was reached which would have shown them the flash of the guns, +but the gloom remained impenetrable. + +The twinkling camp-fire, at the base of the ridge, gave just the +guidance needed, and, with Budd Hankinson's intimate knowledge of the +country, enabled the force to tell exactly where they were. + +Maj. Sitgraves decided to defer his attack until daylight, unless +the safety of the beleaguered cattlemen should force him to assault +sooner. In the darkness, with the open country around, and the +excellent animals at the command of the rustlers, most of them would +escape upon learning the strength of the assailants. At the earliest +dawn the stockmen could be so placed that, as the commander believed, +nearly if not quite all of the law-breakers would be corralled. + +Accordingly, a halt was made while yet a considerable way off, and +Budd Hankinson went forward on foot to reconnoitre. Upon his report +must depend the action of the stockmen. + +The fellow was gone more than three-quarters of an hour, and when he +came back he brought astounding news. + +Not a solitary rustler was to be found anywhere near the ranch. + +Hardly able to credit the fact, Budd picked his way to the building, +knocked, and was admitted. There the amazing truth was made known. +Capt. Ira Inman and all his men had been gone for an hour, and were +probably miles distant at that moment. + +The detention of Duke Vesey as a hostage for the safety of Monteith +Sterry proved the key to the whole situation. When Inman learned how +he had been outwitted he was enraged to the point of ordering an +attack at once, with the resolve to give mercy to no one. He even +threatened to visit his fury upon Fred Whitney, who had shown such +punctilious regard for his parole, for it would seem that under the +circumstances he would have been warranted in staying behind with his +friends. + +But before taking so rash a step, the cooler judgment of the leader +came to his rescue--He placed a high value on Duke Vesey, who had been +associated with him in several dangerous enterprises, and he knew that +any harm done to Sterry would recoil on him, just as the grim Capt. +Asbury had threatened. + +After prolonged discussion with Cadmus and others, it was decided to +offer to exchange Sterry for Vesey. The proposition was accepted, +and the exchange faithfully made, though considerable more delay was +involved. + +But while it was under way Inman learned of Jennie Whitney's flight +toward the Big Horn Mountains. Keener of wit than Larch Cadmus, he +suspected the truth at once, though he knew nothing of the proximity +of the stockmen. + +Before making the attack and attempt to burn the building he sent +out two of his best mounted men in the direction taken by her, to +investigate. They did so with such skill that neither Budd Hankinson +nor any of the stockmen suspected them. They returned with news of the +approach of a body too powerful for them to think of combating. They +therefore fled in the darkness, the promptness of the leaders probably +hastened by the knowledge that they were the parties for whom the +stockmen were looking. + +And so ended the campaign. The situation had been critical for a long +time, and there were moments, time and again, when the most trifling +incident intervened to avert a fearful conflict between men of the +same race and blood; but all had now passed, and it may be said that +not so much as a hostile shot had been exchanged. + +The main events of the troubles in Wyoming between the cowmen and +rustlers are too well remembered to require recital at our hands. The +expedition referred to in another place left Cheyenne in April for +Nolan's Ranch, a hundred or more miles distant. Within the following +month, the Sixth U.S. Cavalry brought all of them back to Cheyenne as +prisoners of war, thus saving them from extermination at the hands of +the indignant rustlers, who had them hemmed in on all sides. + +Fred Whitney sold out his ranch, near the headwaters of Powder River, +and moved eastward. He was not actuated by fear, for it will be +conceded that he proved his courage, but he desired to take his loved +mother and sister away from the sorrowful memories that must always +cling to the place. + +It will not surprise the reader to learn, further, that Monteith +Sterry found it quite convenient to make his home in the same +neighborhood with the Whitneys, and it was but a short time after this +removal eastward that a most pleasing incident occurred in the lives +of the young man and Miss Whitney, of the nature of which we are sure +the reader does not need to be told. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COWMEN AND RUSTLERS*** + + +******* This file should be named 11337.txt or 11337.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/3/11337 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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