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Baker +</TITLE> + +<STYLE TYPE="text/css"> +BODY { color: Black; + background: White; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + text-align: justify } + +P {text-indent: 4% } + +P.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +P.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-size: small } + +P.letter {font-size: small ; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.salutation {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.closing {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.footnote {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +P.transnote {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.index {font-size: small ; + text-indent: -5% ; + margin-left: 5% ; + margin-top: 0% ; + margin-bottom: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +P.intro {font-size: medium ; + text-indent: -5% ; + margin-left: 5% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +P.dedication {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 15%; + text-align: justify } + +P.published {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 15% } + +P.quote {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 4% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +P.report {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 4% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +P.report2 {font-size: small ; + text-indent: 4% ; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.finis { text-align: center ; + font-size: larger; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +H3.h3left { margin-left: 0%; + margin-right: 1%; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: left ; + clear: left ; + text-align: center } + +H3.h3right { margin-left: 1%; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: right ; + clear: right ; + text-align: center } + +H3.h3center { margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: none ; + clear: both ; + text-align: center } + +H4.h4left { margin-left: 0%; + margin-right: 1%; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: left ; + clear: left ; + text-align: center } + +H4.h4right { margin-left: 1%; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: right ; + clear: right ; + text-align: center } + +H4.h4center { margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: none ; + clear: both ; + text-align: center } + +H5.h5left { margin-left: 0%; + margin-right: 1%; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: left ; + clear: left ; + text-align: center } + +H5.h5right { margin-left: 1%; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: right ; + clear: right ; + text-align: center } + +H5.h5center { margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: none ; + clear: both ; + text-align: center } + +IMG.imgleft { float: left; + clear: left; + margin-left: 0; + margin-bottom: 0; + margin-top: 1%; + margin-right: 1%; + padding: 0; + text-align: center } + +IMG.imgright {float: right; + clear: right; + margin-left: 1%; + margin-bottom: 0; + margin-top: 1%; + margin-right: 0; + padding: 0; + text-align: center } + +IMG.imgcenter { margin-left: auto; + margin-bottom: 0; + margin-top: 1%; + margin-right: auto; } + +.pagenum { position: absolute; + left: 1%; + font-size: 95%; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; } + +.sidenote { left: 0%; + font-size: 65%; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0%; + width: 17%; + float: left; + clear: left; + padding-left: 0%; + padding-right: 2%; + padding-top: 2%; + padding-bottom: 2%; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; } + + + +</STYLE> + +</HEAD> + +<BODY> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Boy Ranchers on Roaring River, by Willard F. Baker + +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: The Boy Ranchers on Roaring River + or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers + +Author: Willard F. Baker + +Illustrator: Howard L. Hastings + +Release Date: October 29, 2008 [EBook #27096] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + +</pre> + + +<BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +[Transcriber's note: Extensive research found no evidence<BR> +that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]<BR> +</H3> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="img-cover"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-cover.jpg" ALT="Cover art" BORDER="2" WIDTH="503" HEIGHT="759"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 503px"> +Cover art +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR> + +<A NAME="img-front"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT=""AND WIN HE DID." _Boy Ranchers on Roaring River._" BORDER="2" WIDTH="420" HEIGHT="647"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 420px"> +"AND WIN HE DID." _Boy Ranchers on Roaring River._ +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +THE +<BR> +BOY RANCHERS +<BR> +ON ROARING RIVER +</H1> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +OR +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +<I>Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers</I> +</H3> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By +</H3> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +WILLARD F. BAKER +</H2> + +<BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +Author of +<BR><BR> +"The Boy Ranchers,"<BR> +"The Boy Ranchers in Camp,"<BR> +"The Boy Ranchers at Spur Creek,"<BR> +"The Boy Ranchers in the Desert," etc.<BR> +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +<I>ILLUSTRATED</I> +</H3> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +NEW YORK +<BR> +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES +<BR> +By WILLARD F. BAKER +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +12mo. Cloth. Frontispiece +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS +Or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP<BR> +Or the Water Fight at Diamond X<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL<BR> +Or Diamond X after Cattle Rustlers<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS<BR> +Or Diamond X Trailing the Yaquis<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK<BR> +Or Diamond X Fighting the Sheep Herders<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT<BR> +Or Diamond X and the Lost Mine<BR> +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER<BR> +Or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers<BR> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, New York +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +COPYRIGHT, 1926, BY +<BR> +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY +<BR> +THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER +<BR> +Printed in U. S. A. +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +CONTENTS +</H2> + +<TABLE ALIGN="center" WIDTH="80%"> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">CHAPTER</TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> </TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">A DANGEROUS MISSION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">THE HIDDEN GUNMAN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">ARRIVAL AT THE RANCH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">THE THREAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">A SHEEPLESS SHEEP RANCH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">CYCLONE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">DELTON RETURNS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">BUD FINDS A NOTE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">JOE HAWKINS'S VISIT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">THE STORY OF SMUGGLING</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">TRAPPED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">TO-MORROW NIGHT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">BILLEE DOBB'S STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">BUD'S ESCAPE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">A NIGHT OF WAITING</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">SMUGGLING OPERATIONS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">THE CHASE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">DOWN AND OUT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">CLOSING IN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">FLYING BULLETS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">A RING OF FIRE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">YELLIN' KID FINDS HIS BRONC</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +THE BOY RANCHERS<BR>ON ROARING RIVER +</H1> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A DANGEROUS MISSION +</H3> + +<P> +"Hold up there, you pint o' peanuts! Hold up, I say! Well, for the +love of spread eagle! I suppose you boys are lookin' for a job; eh?" +</P> + +<P> +The speaker, a typical, raw-boned cowboy, looked down from his pony at +three boys seated on a bench at the side of the cook-house. +</P> + +<P> +"Whether we are or not, we've got it, Kid," answered one of the seated +trio, a well set-up youth with light hair. "And the funny part of it +is, we don't know what the job is." +</P> + +<P> +"Huh! Got a job and you don't know what it is? Well, Nort, guess I'll +have to look into this," and the cowboy whom Nort addressed as +"Kid"—or, to give him his full nick-name, "Yellin' Kid"—swung lightly +from his saddle. "Hold up there, you pony, you!" this as the Kid's +mount started to prance about wildly. "Just got this here dust-raiser, +and she ain't used to my ways yet," he chuckled. "Hy' ya', Dick, and +Bud! How's the boy, Nort? By golly, ranchin' is sure doin' you +fellers good! You-all got some powerful grip!" +</P> + +<P> +The three boys, Nort and Dick Shannon, and their cousin Bud Merkel, +grinned widely. They were all of the same mold—clean-cut, +straight-shooting lads, their faces bronzed from the prairie sun, and +their eyes as clear as the blue sky above them. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Kid, ranching has done us good—in more ways than one. In fact +it's done us up brown." And Bud laughed a little ruefully. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter? Rustlers, or disease?" The Kid's face expressed +instant concern as he mentioned these two nightmares of the rancher's +life. +</P> + +<P> +"No, not either—but something almost as bad. You tell him, Nort," +suggested Bud. +</P> + +<P> +"You started it—you might as well finish out, Bud. You know as much +about it as I do." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, get Dick to. He hasn't said a word yet." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, for Pete's sake, <I>somebody</I> tell me before I drop dead from +excitement!" burst out Yellin' Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"All right—I'll tell you, Kid," Dick started. "Last week we were to +deliver a herd of longhorns to J. K. Jackson, over to Double-O ranch. +Sold 'em at a good fat price, too, that would have put us on our feet +for the rest of the year. Well, we sent four of our men to ride 'em +in. I went along with 'em. We started about sun-up, calculatin' to +reach the Double-O before night, and everything was lovely. 'Long +about noon we reached the gorge near Galgo. I suggested we ride the +cattle as far from the gorge as we could get, 'cause I know how easy a +herd of long-horns are started. But no, nothin' would do Sam Holiday +but going as near to the big cut as possible, to save time. Sam's our +new foreman, you know, and I didn't want to assert myself over him. So +we drove 'em close to the edge. I told Sam once or twice to keep +away—but oh, no! everything would be all right, and we'd have the +cattle in by five o'clock. Well, we had 'em in by five o'clock all +right. But not at the Double-O! +</P> + +<P> +"Just as we were passing the deepest part of the cut we heard a most +awful Bang! and I knew in a minute what it was. Stump-blasting. Yes, +I knew what it was—but the cattle didn't. And nobody had time to tell +them, either. The steers on the extreme right made a sudden lunge—and +in three minutes it was all over. Nothin' left but an old cow who +broke her leg in the first rush. And the rest—every blessed one of +'em—two hundred feet down, lyin' dead or dyin' in the bottom of the +gorge!" +</P> + +<P> +The Kid was the first to break in on the morose stillness Dick's speech +had invoked. +</P> + +<P> +"Well now, say, boys, that's right sorrowful—yes, sir, that's what I +call right sorrowful! I sure am sorry for you-all! A whole herd of +cattle gone to the dogs! Well, well—that's sad. Say, is there +anything I can do to—you know, sort of help out—like, well, maybe——" +</P> + +<P> +"No thanks, Kid," spoke up Dick quickly. His glance told the Kid that +he realized what the half-spoken offer meant. In the west one man +understands his friend more by feeling than by words. "Real good of +you to offer, though. No, I guess we'll make out all right. Can't +have easy riding all the time. I imagine Mr. Merkel has something for +us to do. He sent for us to come over to his ranch. So here we are. +That was the job I told you about." +</P> + +<P> +"A blind job, hey? Well, I guess it's O. K. or the boss wouldn't be +mixed up in it. Anyway, here's your chance to find out. Here comes +Mr. Merkel now." +</P> + +<P> +A tall, pleasant-faced man, hair slightly grayed at the temples, strode +out of the ranchhouse toward the four waiting cowboys. His resemblance +to Bud—especially around the eyes—was easily noticeable. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, Nort and Dick! How are you, son? Say, boy, you're getting +hard as a rock! What have you men been feeding Bud—leather? He sure +looks, as though it was coming through!" The kindly eyes of the older +man lighted with pride as he grasped the hand of his son. +</P> + +<P> +"No, Dad—I guess hard luck toughened me up," said Bud, but his smile +belied the meaning of his words. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I heard about your accident, boys—and that's partly why I sent +for you. I thought you might have time to do a little business for me." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I guess I'll step along, Mr. Merkel," the Kid said, as he +realized he might be intruding on a private conversation. "I got that +fence fixed up all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Did you? Good! No, Kid, you stay right here. You're in on this too. +Where's Billee Dobb? I want him to hear what I have to say." +</P> + +<P> +"He's 'round back, boss. I'll get him." +</P> + +<P> +"Bring him in the house, Kid. My room. Come on, boys—we'll get +settled inside and wait for the Kid and Billee." +</P> + +<P> +As the boys followed Mr. Merkel each one wondered what it was all +about. Dick voiced the thought of all as he whispered: +</P> + +<P> +"Say, what's up? You know, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nope! I'm as much in the dark as you are. Dad never said anything to +me. We'll soon know, though." +</P> + +<P> +By this time they had reached the ranchhouse. As soon as the Kid +arrived with Old Billee Dobb—a grizzled product of ranching who had +been with the Diamond X from its start—Mr. Merkel motioned them to be +seated and began: +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon the first thing you men want to know is the reason for this +gathering. Well, it's nothing very mysterious. I bought a sheep ranch +out near Roaring River, and I want you five to take hold of it for me. +Now—just a minute. I know what you're going to say, Kid—that sheep +nursing is no job for a cowman. But you haven't heard the rest of it. +There's been some very funny things happening out near that ranch. +I've had a letter from the government official over at Candelaria +asking whether I intend to manage those sheep, myself, and if I do +would I let him know before I take charge. Now, I'm not going to say +just what is the trouble, as I'm not actually sure myself. But I have +a hunch. And that's the reason I want you five—men I can trust—to +take charge there. Will you?" +</P> + +<P> +His listeners looked at each other. In the eyes of each—with the +possible exception of Old Billee Dobb—the light of adventure was +shining. Whatever scruples the Kid had about "sheep nursing" had +vanished with the word "trouble." And he was the first to speak: +</P> + +<P> +"Sure we will! What do you say, boys? Do we go out? How about it, +Dick and Nort? What do you say, Bud? Billee here is just achin' for +the experience!" And the Kid laughed, for Billee Dobb's tendency to +pretend displeasure at every change of conditions was well known. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes I am—not! Like as not we'll all get shot full of holes. But if +you fellers want to go—guess I'll have to trail along to take care of +you-all!" +</P> + +<P> +"Listen to him—Just try to hold him back if there's any shootin' goin' +on!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then I take it you'll go?" Mr. Merkel asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Dad—I'm sure we'll all be glad to take charge out there for +you," answered Bud. "I don't suppose you could tell us any more about +this government business now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid not, son—I want to be sure of my ground before I make any +statements. Well, I guess that's settled. You'll leave to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +Since this was the last night the Kid and Old Billee were to spend on +the Diamond X, it seemed fitting to the rest of the boys that there +should be some sort of an entertainment. An entertainment to a cowboy +means principally music—so after supper the boys gathered around a +roaring log fire and sang themselves hoarse. After Slim Degnan, the +foreman, and Fat Milton, his chubby assistant, had rendered their duet, +and Snake Purdee had given his famous imitation of a prima donna +singing "Bury Me Not," Bud, with Nort and Dick, decided to take a +stroll about the place to see if anything had changed. Their own +particular ranch was several miles removed from Diamond X, owned by Mr. +Merkel. +</P> + +<P> +"See your Dad got a new building up," observed Dick, as they came to a +newly-painted shack, clearly visible in the bright moonlight. +</P> + +<P> +"So he has. Looks like a new bunk house. Perhaps he——" +</P> + +<P> +"Listen! There's somebody inside! No one is supposed to be in there +at night. It isn't open yet." This from Nort, in a low tone. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's find out who it is," Bud whispered. +</P> + +<P> +Silently three boys crept toward the door. Two voices could be plainly +heard, and as they came closer they could distinguish words. One voice +was that of a foreigner—evidently a Mexican. The other spoke with a +typical cowboy accent. +</P> + +<P> +"You have got the money ready—yes?" the boys heard the Mexican say. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure—as soon as you deliver the Chinks you get the money. But no +double-crossin'—remember that!" and the speaker emphasized his +statement by clicking his revolver ominously. +</P> + +<P> +"Don' you worry—you get the Chinks all right. Shuss—there's someone +outside!" +</P> + +<P> +The boys knew they had been discovered, and made a sudden rush for the +door of the shack, to see the two men who were inside. But the Mexican +and his companion were too quick for them. They ran through a back +door, and all the three boys could see of them was two dark forms +disappearing in the bushes. +</P> + +<P> +"They beat us to it," Dick said in a disappointed voice. "But if ever +I hear that Mexican accent again I'll sure remember it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Me too!" asserted Bud, positively, if not grammatically. "No use +hanging around here any longer. We've got to get started early in the +morning, and it might be a good idea to get in a little bunk-fatigue. +Let's hit the hay, boys!" And wondering and speculating on the meaning +of what they had seen and heard, the three went to bed. +</P> + +<P> +The next day dawned clear and cool, and the boys arose with the sun. +On their way down to breakfast they met the Yellin' Kid. He was +evidently the bearer of startling tidings, as his face was more flushed +than usual, and his eyes were shining with excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"Heard the news?" he burst out. Then, without waiting for an answer, +he went on: +</P> + +<P> +"The marshal at Roaring River has been shot by a gang of Chink +smugglers! They captured one, but the rest got away with an auto load +of Chinks! Roaring River, boys—that's where we're going!" +</P> + +<P> +Chink smugglers! That conversation in the new bunk house last +night—in a flash it all came back to the boys. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Dick, I'll bet that's what we heard the Mex talking about!" cried +Bud. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE +</H3> + +<P> +Yellin' Kid looked at Bud in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"You heard someone talkin' about this here shootin', Bud?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Not exactly about the shooting of the marshal, but last night Nort and +Dick and myself were wandering down by the new shack that Dad put up, +and inside two men were talking—one of them was a Mexican. We heard +this Mex say something about getting some money for the delivery of +Chinks. That sure means smuggling, doesn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's what it means all right. Couldn't you see who the two men +were?" the Kid wanted to know. +</P> + +<P> +"We tried to, but they got away," said Dick. "We went in the front +door and they ran out the back." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw say, do you know what I think, fellows? I'll bet what we heard was +just some rancher asking a friend to send him a Chinese cook," +suggested Nort, with a faint grin. +</P> + +<P> +"Cook, hey? Why did they sneak in a deserted bunk house to talk about +a cook? And how about that remark of 'double crossin'?' And what did +they run for? Why?" demanded Dick. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, all right—all right!" cried Nort, who was now grinning widely. +"Have it your own way, Dick. It was probably a great Mexican plot to +send a million Chinese to this country and form an army to capture +Texas. And after they captured Texas they'd set up a kingdom and the +king would have Snake Purdee sing 'Bury Me Not' for him every morning +before breakfast." +</P> + +<P> +"You can jolly all you like, Nort—just the same, I'm willing to lay +odds that we see some excitement when we reach Roaring River. Let's +go, boys—that bacon will be frozen by the time we get to breakfast." +And Dick led the way toward the dining room. +</P> + +<P> +Although they were cautioned several times by "Ma" Merkel to eat more +slowly, the boys hurried through the meal. Each of them was "rarin' to +go," as Kid expressed it, and lingering over the ordinary occupation of +eating seemed a waste of time. Within an hour the five—Bud Merkel, +Nort and Dick Shannon, Yellin' Kid and Old Billee Dobb—were standing +by their ponies, ready to spring to the saddles and be off. +</P> + +<P> +There was a sudden cloud of dust as the five urged their mounts into a +gallop. With one last yell to those watching, they streaked across the +ground in a typical "cowboy start." Within two minutes they were lost +to view behind a ridge. +</P> + +<P> +Now for a moment let us leave them while we learn something of their +earlier adventures. The three boys, Bud Merkel, and his eastern +cousins Nort and Dick Shannon, were introduced to you in the first book +of this series, called "The Boy Ranchers; or Solving the Mystery at +Diamond X." In that book was related how Nort and Dick Shannon went on +their vacations to the Diamond X ranch, owned by Mr. Merkel, Bud's +father. While there they were confronted with a strange situation, +regarding the searchings of a college scientist, Dr. Hendryx Wright, +who was discovered digging near the Diamond X holdings. At first it +was thought that he was looking for a lost gold mine, but later +developments brought to light the fact that his purpose was to unearth +the bones of a prehistoric monster for his college museum. +</P> + +<P> +The adventures of the boys while on the ranch were also concerned with +Del Pinzo, a villainous half-breed, who nearly succeeded in bringing +the career of all to a sudden close. After successfully overcoming all +their difficulties, Nort and Dick decided to form a partnership with +their cousin Bud, and they located on a ranch in "Happy Valley" which +Bud's father bought for them. +</P> + +<P> +In the several volumes following was related how the boy ranchers went +to camp, and how they took the trail, and the exciting times they had +in rounding up a band of Yaqui Indians who had escaped from their +reservation and were raising havoc with the neighboring territory. +Following this the boys went to Spur Creek, where they had many +startling adventures among the sheep herders. The book immediately +preceding this present one is called "The Boy Ranchers in the Desert," +and tells of the difficulties they had in their search for some lost +gold. +</P> + +<P> +After the first wild dash, the five travelers pulled their ponies into +that long loping stride which carries the cowboy for days and days over +many miles. Bud and Dick were in the lead, with Nort and Kid and Old +Billee Dobb following close behind. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Kid," Bud called back, after a while, "what would you do if you +saw a smuggler come along now with a herd of Chinks with him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Tell you what I'd do, Bud," Yellin' Kid replied, "I'd stop the Chinks +and find out what happened to a shirt I sent out to be washed the last +time I was in Dallas!" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean that shirt with the yellow dots on, Kid?" Dick asked with a +grin. "If that's the one, I can tell you what became of it. They +thought it was an oil painting that got in the wash by mistake, and +they had it framed and hung up in the picture gallery!" +</P> + +<P> +"Never you mind about the color of that shirt, Dick—it was a shrinking +violet compared with the vest you bought over to Alamito. Purple and +green—wow! First time I saw it it was three o'clock in the afternoon, +and I had to look at a watch to make sure it wasn't morning. Thought +the sun was comin' up." +</P> + +<P> +"Got you that time, Dick!" Nort laughed. "That's one you owe him. +Say, is that a new pony you're ridin', Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep! What do you think of her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Looks good. How far can she go on a gallon?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twice as far as yours can—and twice as fast!" +</P> + +<P> +"Think so? Try it—see that bush up ahead? Race you to there!" +</P> + +<P> +"Right! Let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, hey! Wait a minute, you fellows! We're not goin' on a picnic, +you know. We've got a good long ride before us. Take it easy." This +from Billee. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter, Billee? Gettin' old?" asked Bud mischievously. +</P> + +<P> +"Old? Who, me? Say, young feller, I can give you a head start half +way to that bush and still beat you there!" +</P> + +<P> +"How about me? If there's a race, I'm in it too!" cried Dick. +</P> + +<P> +"All right. Tell you what—we'll start from here, and the last man +there has to kiss a sheep!" +</P> + +<P> +"Right! All set? Ready—go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ye-e-e-ow!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yip-yip-yip-yipee-ee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ride 'em cowboy!" +</P> + +<P> +"Leggo that leather!" +</P> + +<P> +"Gangway—gangway!" +</P> + +<P> +The five riders flashed over the ground almost on a line. Kid's mount +was running easily, head well up. Dick pulled a little ahead. Nort +just touched his pony with the spurs, and in a moment he was even with +Dick. There was a sudden rush behind them—and Old Billee Dobb, hat +fanning his pony's withers, hair streaming in the wind, streaked to the +front! +</P> + +<P> +"Look at the old boy go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Stay at it, Billee—stay at it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Two bits he wins!" +</P> + +<P> +And win he did. He reached the bush a full length ahead of the others, +who were laughing so hard they could hardly stay on their horses. The +spectacle of the gaunt, elderly man sitting straight up in the saddle, +teeth clenched and bowed legs wrapped around his pony, was too much for +them. They leaned on their pommels weakly and roared with laughter. +</P> + +<P> +"Attaboy, Billee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Golly—did you see the old boy streak it out!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, cracky! hold me up, somebody, or I'll fall off!" +</P> + +<P> +"Now—who's gettin'—old!" panted Billee. "Beat me, hey? Not in—a +million years!" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you say, boys—we give Billee a salute!" +</P> + +<P> +Four guns flashed out of the holsters and were raised aloft. +</P> + +<P> +"Bang!" +</P> + +<P> +They roared as one. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure sounds like a celebration," chuckled Nort as he blew the few +remaining grains of burnt powder from his smoking barrel, and replaced +the gun. "Billee, accept my congratulations!" +</P> + +<P> +"Granted, youngster—if that's what I'm supposed to say," Billee +retorted, his eyes twinkling. "And just remember—a man's not old out +here until he can't ride no more." +</P> + +<P> +"You look as though you might be good for several hundred years yet, if +that's the case," laughed Dick. "Anyway, you sure showed me a few +things. Say, that race made me pretty thirsty. Is there a water hole +near here, Kid, or shall I use my canteen?" +</P> + +<P> +"Save it—I think I can find water for you. Guess the ponies could use +a little too. Let's see now—'pears to me there should be a water hole +right over here to the left. You boys stay here while I go look. Be +back in a jiffy." +</P> + +<P> +Leaving the four on the trail, Yellin' Kid rode swiftly away to the +left. Water holes are few and far between in that section, and a +cowboy who rides a country a great deal knows the location of every +single one. Often that knowledge means the saving of a human life. +</P> + +<P> +The Kid had been gone ten minutes when Bud said: +</P> + +<P> +"Thought Yellin' Kid said he'd be right back? I guess he's all right +though. He knows the country about here pretty well, doesn't he, +Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Like the palm of his hand, Bud—like the palm of his hand! But maybe +his pony broke his leg in a prairie dog hole—seein' as how it's a new +pony, he might do that. Tell you—I'll just have a look. You fellows +wait here for me." +</P> + +<P> +The three boys watched Billee ride off in the direction the Kid had +taken. It was a deserted, lonesome place. +</P> + +<P> +Fifteen minutes later Billee rode back—alone. +</P> + +<P> +"The Kid show up yet?" he asked as he pulled up. +</P> + +<P> +"No—couldn't you find him?" Dick asked, a look of anxiety on his face. +</P> + +<P> +"Nope! Neither hide nor hair! Something sure must have happened. The +Kid isn't one to go wanderin' off and get lost. I'm afraid he's in +trouble, boys!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR +</H3> + +<P> +The three looked at each other in alarm. +</P> + +<P> +"Golly, I never thought anything could happen to the Kid," Bud said +slowly. "He was brought up in this country, and always said he could +find his way about blindfolded." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps the water hole was farther away than he thought," suggested +Nort hopefully. "It's easy for any man to go astray on a matter of +distance, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, maybe—but I doubt it. What I think happened is that his pony +stumbled into a hole and lamed hisself. Well—we'll have to go looking +for him, that's all. Nort, you and Dick branch out here to the right. +Bud, you take the left trail. I'll try straight ahead. Now remember +your trails, boys—we don't want no more accidents to happen. We'll +all meet here in one hour. If anything happens, fire three shots. Git +along there!" And Billee Dobb, together with the rest set out to find +Yellin' Kid who was so mysteriously and unaccountably lost. +</P> + +<P> +Nort, who was riding with Dick, was the first to pick up a possible +clew. +</P> + +<P> +"Looks as though someone passed here in a hurry," he said as he pointed +to a newly beaten path through some heavy brush. "Now if I was just +going along easy like I'd have ridden 'round that bush. The pony that +went through there got a few scratches." +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder if it could have been the Kid?" Nort mused. "Though why he +should be in such an all-fired hurry I can't understand. Unless he was +chasing someone." +</P> + +<P> +"Or being chased," Dick added. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps he met a smuggler, Dick." +</P> + +<P> +"Smuggler—'way up here? Not a chance! Say, Nort, you've got +smugglers on the brain. You seem to think they ride around with big +signs pinned on them—'I am a smuggler—shoot me.' Suppose the Kid did +meet a smuggler—how'd he know him from any other man?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's right—guess he wouldn't," admitted Nort, a trifle +shamefacedly. "But you know what he told us about that marshal being +shot." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, but marshals get shot nearly every day, somewhere—and maybe +it wasn't a Chink smuggler that shot him after all—maybe it was just +an ordinary gang of rustlers." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you can say what you like, Dick, but I'll lay odds we see some +excitement when we reach Roaring River." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll see some excitement sooner than that, if we don't find the Kid. +See here—if he made this trail, he was going fast—and in this +direction. Let's get on our way." +</P> + +<P> +"Better go back, do you think?" Nort asked as he looked up toward the +sun. "We've been gone at least an hour, and Billee said to return +within that time." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," Dick responded, a little sadly, for he and Yellin' Kid were +close friends. "I sure hope the Kid's all right. Perhaps some of the +others picked him up." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps. Let's hope so. At any rate, we haven't had much +success—and I doubt even that the torn brush we saw was done by the +Kid." +</P> + +<P> +"Can't tell, he may have ridden through there and then taken a sudden +turn to the right or left. Or back again, for that matter. Well, +let's get started." +</P> + +<P> +As the two arrived at the agreed meeting place there was no need to ask +the others if they had had any luck. The Kid was nowhere in sight. +</P> + +<P> +"We saw a trail through some bushes that might have been made by the +Kid, Billee," said Nort to the old rancher. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and it might have been made by any number of other things, too," +Billee declared, in a despondent tone. "Not that I am sure it <I>wasn't</I> +the Kid's trail. It <I>might</I> have been—but that doesn't help us much. +No, I guess the only thing for us to do is to go right on lookin'—and +hopin' he's O.K." +</P> + +<P> +It was almost dusk when the four gathered together again. The Kid was +still missing, and anxiety was written on the faces of all as they +prepared to camp for the night. Each man carried a blanket with him, +and also a small snack of food and a canteen of water. As darkness +settled down a fire was started, and huddled in their blankets the boy +ranchers prepared to make the best of it. +</P> + +<P> +The silence of the night hung close over the four blanketed figures. +The firelight threw weird shadows about them, but above the stars shone +calmly on, quietly reassuring. A light breeze rustled softly through +the mesquite bushes. Now and then a coyote yowled in the distance. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Bud jerked upright. He nudged Dick, who was lying beside him. +</P> + +<P> +"Dick!" he whispered, so as not to disturb the others, "do you hear +anything?" +</P> + +<P> +"Eh? What? What's that? You speak to me?" Dick muttered sleepily. +</P> + +<P> +"Listen! Can't you hear a noise like a horse walking?" +</P> + +<P> +Dick sat up, now wide awake. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, I believe I do! Wait a minute—" and he tossed some wood on the +fire—"let's have a look!" +</P> + +<P> +"Kid?" Bud called hopefully. +</P> + +<P> +The approaching pony gave a sudden leap forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Yea boy!" yelled its rider. "Home again!" +</P> + +<P> +"It is the Kid!" Dick cried exultingly. +</P> + +<P> +"Nort! Billee! The Kid's back!" +</P> + +<P> +In a moment Yellin' Kid was surrounded by the four who shot questions +at him as fast as they could talk. +</P> + +<P> +"Where in the name of the spread eagle have you been?" +</P> + +<P> +"What happened?" +</P> + +<P> +"Did you get lost?" +</P> + +<P> +"Are you all right?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, hey! Not so fast! Gimme time! Wait 'til I get down off this +here pony. Oh, baby—that feels good." And the Kid stretched long and +high. "What a ride! Say—got anything to eat?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! Sink your teeth in this," Billee said, handing him a cold beef +sandwich from his kit. "And here's some water. Are you all right, +Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Me? Sure! Except tired and hungry. Been ridin' most of the day an' +night. S'pose you-all would like to know what it's all about, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you haven't anything to do at present, you might let us in on +the secret. We looked all over Texas for you," Dick said, grinning, +happy now, that their lost comrade had returned. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a second while I put this little paint pony of mine over with the +others. Old boy—you sure had some journey to-day!" and the Kid rubbed +the horse's nose. "Stood up well, too. To-morrow I'll give you a big +feed—what you need now is rest—like me. Well, boys, guess I'll turn +in." +</P> + +<P> +"You'll what?" +</P> + +<P> +"You will not—not until we hear what happened!" +</P> + +<P> +"He'll turn in—well for the love of Pete!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right boys—all right!" the Kid laughed. "Seems you want to hear +something about my trip, hey? Well, to start from the beginning, the +day dawned clear an' bright. The wind was ticklin' my ears as I +rode——" +</P> + +<P> +"Cut it out!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let's have the story, you locoed dust-raiser!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, we'll cut the kiddin'. Tell you what really happened. I +found the water hole where I thought it would be, and I found something +else, too. There was a horse standin' near it, and by the side of the +horse was a Chink—on his hands an' knees, crawlin' around on the +ground. Thinks I, here's a crazy man. So I rides up slow, and when I +got up close I asks he Chink what he's lookin' for. He don't pay no +attention to me whatever. I gets off my horse and says it again. Then +the crazy Chink looks up at me and says "Chock Gee." That's all. Just +"Chock Gee." Me, not knowin' Chinese, I can't tell what he's after. +But I see it won't do no good to insist on knowin' so I starts to help +him up, thinking maybe he's hurt. Soon as I touched him, what does the +crazy Chink do but jump like a cat for his saddle, give my paint a +terrible crack with his quirt, and set off like a scared rabbit, my +pony after him, leavin' me stranded, high an' dry!" +</P> + +<P> +The Kid looked at his eager listeners and grinned. +</P> + +<P> +"That new pony of mine—she's sure got some speed. She was out of +sight in two seconds. An' then, boys—I had to depend on the ole legs! +So I went huntin' for her. Caught her about four miles from where her +an' me parted company. Then I went huntin' for you-all, but you was +nowheres to be found. And from then 'til now, I was ridin' around, +lookin' for you." +</P> + +<P> +"And the Chink—what happened to him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Blessed if I know! But if I ever see him again I'll give him +something to remember me by." +</P> + +<P> +"So that's where you were all that time! We thought you'd been blown +to Dallas on a cyclone. Anyway, we're glad you're back. Reckon you +could stand a little sleep, eh?" Bud said. +</P> + +<P> +"You bet. I'll sling my blanket down by you, Dick, and we'll get +started for Roarin' River as early as possible. It's still a good ways +ahead. Good night, boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, you men!" +</P> + +<P> +From the darkness came a sudden voice. All five turned swiftly, five +hands reaching for revolvers together. Into the firelight rode a tall +horseman. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, boys!" he called again. "Any of you see a Chink wanderin' around +here?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE HIDDEN GUNMAN +</H3> + +<P> +"Who wants to know?" the Kid asked, staring hard at the mounted +visitor, his hand firm on the butt of his gun. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, boys, take it easy—take it easy! I've got good reason's for +wantin' to know, which same I'll explain if you give me a chance. If +you don't mind I think I'll park here for the time bein'." And he +dismounted and came closer. +</P> + +<P> +By the light of the fire the ranchers saw a tall, rangy cowboy of about +forty. Two deep-set eyes above a hooked nose gave him a hardened, +desert look which his manner emphasized. He was, evidently, one to +whom life had proved anything but a pink tea party. Yet, withal, he +had something about him which seemed to inspire trust. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, stranger, you're welcome, but we haven't much to offer," Bud +said. "We weren't expecting to camp to-night, and we're somewhat shy +on provisions. But I guess we can rustle up something for you." +</P> + +<P> +"No need of that—no need of that at all," the stranger heartily +assured them. "All I want is a little information. Guess I'd better +introduce myself first. I'm Joe Hawkins, special deputy over at +Roaring River." +</P> + +<P> +The others exchanged glances in the dim light of the fire as the +visitor continued: +</P> + +<P> +"Here's my badge. Don't know whether you heard about the trouble we +had, but if you didn't, I'll tell you. Roaring River is right on the +Mexican border, you know, and there's been a lot of Chink smugglin' +goin' on, with Roaring River as the key to the whole smugglin' +situation, so to speak. We don't know who's the boss of these +smugglers, but we'd give a lot to find out. Two thousand dollars, to +be exact. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, anyway, two days ago we had a tip that a car-load of Chinese was +about to be rushed over the border just outside of town limits. So we +got all set. Sheriff Townley and me and three other deputies hid in +the bushes where we thought the car was goin' to pass. But we lost out. +</P> + +<P> +"The car came by all right—and we hopped into the roadway to stop +them. They never stopped a-tall. Goin' like a crazy steer they flew +by on two wheels, lettin' ride with every gun they had. Got poor +Townley good. We buried him yesterday. So—now you know what it's all +about." +</P> + +<P> +"And the car—did you see it again?" Dick; asked excitedly. +</P> + +<P> +"No—but last night a Chink came to town and got oiled-up on pulque, +and said a few things more than he meant to. When I jumped him he lit +out for the open spaces. This morning I thought I'd take a look +around, and see if I could spot him. Sure enough I did, but the old +yellow-skin got away before I could reach him. I don't suppose you +boys saw anything of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well now, that's mighty strange," drawled the Kid. "It so happens +that I <I>did</I> see your man—at least I'll take odds that he was the one +you're after. This afternoon I was trapin' around for that water hole +over yonder about three miles—you know the one," and the Kid told of +his adventure with the "crazy Chink." +</P> + +<P> +"That's him, for all the money in the world!" the deputy exclaimed. +"Lookin' for a 'chock gee' was he? I'll chock gee him if I catch him." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, what's all this about a 'chock gee'?" Nort wanted to know. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it's a government immigration office paper every Chink in this +country is supposed to have, showin' they're here legitimately. Those +that haven't got 'em try to get one from another Chink, and there's +unlawful trading goin' on all the time." +</P> + +<P> +"Like a passport, eh?" Billee Dobb suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"Something like that. Where you men bound for—if you don't mind me +askin'?" +</P> + +<P> +"To a ranch just outside of Roaring River," spoke up Bud. "My father, +over at Diamond X, bought it, and we're going to take charge." +</P> + +<P> +"Your father Mr. Merkel?" Joe Hawkins asked suddenly, with new interest. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—do you know him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not exactly. But I know of him. When I heard that the Shootin' Star +was changin' hands I wrote to Mack Caffery, the boy on the job over at +Candelaria, askin' him to get in touch with the new owner. That's how +I got the name Merkel. Did your dad hear from him, do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, he did. So that's what Dad meant when he said there might be +trouble, eh? Well—we're ready for whatever comes. What do you say, +boys?" +</P> + +<P> +"Right!" the others chorused. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, mister, what was that there you said about two thousand dollars?" +Billee Dobb broke in. +</P> + +<P> +"There's two thousand dollars' reward, offered by the government, for +the capture, dead or alive, of the head of the Chink smugglers," the +deputy said impressively. +</P> + +<P> +"Two thousand bucks! Say, boys, with that you could buy yourself a new +herd of cattle, to make up somewhat for the bunch you lost!" cried +Yellin' Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"We sure could—and then some," Bud agreed. "But I guess there's not +much chance of us collecting the reward. We'll be busy enough at the +ranch without trying to round up any smugglers. Say, Mr.—what did you +say your name was?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hawkins—Joe Hawkins." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, how about bunking with us to-night? We can all start out in the +morning together, and perhaps we'll come across your Chinese friend. +It's pretty late now, and you can't make Roaring River 'til long after +daylight." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, now, men, that's right kind of you to suggest that—but I don't +want to butt in. I can just——" +</P> + +<P> +"You're not butting in at all!" insisted Bud. "We'll be glad to have +you. Got a blanket?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I got a blanket, thanks. Thought I might need it on this Chink +hunt of mine. Well, since you boys don't mind, I'll put up my pony and +flop down here by the fire. Feels good at a time like this. +Good-night, all!" +</P> + +<P> +The remainder of the night was uneventful. The six slept soundly, +tired out as they were, and with the morning they all awoke refreshed +and eager to be on the way. After a meager breakfast they set out for +the water hole the Kid knew of, as they wanted to let their steeds +drink before starting for the Shooting Star, which was the name of +their new ranch. Joe Hawkins went with them. +</P> + +<P> +"What time do you calculate we'll hit the ranch, Kid?" Bud asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Be there in about three hours, Bud. It isn't so far from the water +hole. Why? You anxious to begin sheep herdin'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not exactly," Bud laughed. "But I do want to see what the place looks +like. Hope we don't have to do much repairing." +</P> + +<P> +"No, the Shooting Star is in pretty fair shape," Joe Hawkins said. +"Your father got a good buy—if you can get hold of it all right." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean, get hold of it all right?" asked Bud curiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the feller that's got it now isn't exactly a pleasant customer. +There's something queer about him—we've been watchin' the Shooting +Star for over a month now. I couldn't say for sure that there's +anything wrong—but it looks suspicious. That's the reason I wanted to +have the government official find out who the new owner was going to +be. I'm right glad I met up with you boys. You may be able to help me +out some time." +</P> + +<P> +"And collect that reward," Billee Dobb put in. His mind seemed set on +the two thousand dollars the deputy had spoken of. +</P> + +<P> +"You might," admitted Hawkins. "It's waiting for the person who brings +in the head of the smuggling system." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we'll do our best," the Kid said, with a side glance at Bud. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Kid, we're not down here to capture smugglers!" cried Bud. +"We've got to take charge of the Shooting Star. Of course, if we <I>do</I> +happen to run across——" +</P> + +<P> +"I knew that would get a rise out of you!" laughed the Kid. "Catch Bud +duckin' any excitement! Why, even Billee here wants to trail the +smugglers—don't you, Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never you mind!" came back the old rancher. "Want another race?" +</P> + +<P> +"'At-ta-boy, Billee!" Nort yelled. "Guess that'll hold him! You +didn't know Billee Dobb was a champion racer, did you?" Nort said to +Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"I didn't, no," responded the deputy with a smile. "But I believe it. +Takes old birds like us to show these youngsters up, eh, Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure does!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, here we are," declared the Kid, as they came in sight of the +water hole. "Right down there is where I saw the Chink on his hands +and knees. Hey, take it easy there!" This to his pony, who strained +toward the water. "I know you're thirsty, but so are the others. +Easy—easy!" The Kid dismounted and led the panting horse toward the +water. Leaning over he filled his hat, and held it to the mouth of his +pony. "Start in on that. Slow! Or you don't get any. 'At-ta-boy. +Here's another hatful for you. Feel as though you can control yourself +now? All right—go to it!" By this time the intelligent animal got +the idea, and drank in small mouthfuls. The other ponies, restrained +by their masters from drinking too fast, did the same. +</P> + +<P> +"So it was here that you saw the Chink, eh!" asked Joe Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"Yep—right in this spot. He was leanin' over here by this little +bush, lookin' for—" the Kid stopped suddenly and picked up something +from the ground. It was a folded paper. The Kid looked it over +swiftly. +</P> + +<P> +"Lookin' for—<I>this</I>!" he exclaimed, holding it out. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Let's have a look!" +</P> + +<P> +The deputy walked over to the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Mind if I see it?" he said quietly. +</P> + +<P> +Without a word the Kid handed it over. He recognized the fact that it +was the deputy's right to demand it. +</P> + +<P> +"That's what the Chink was looking for," Hawkins declared after a +moment. "See here! This paper——" +</P> + +<P> +"Bang! Bang!" +</P> + +<P> +"Duck!" cried the Kid. His hand reached for his gun as he hit the +ground. +</P> + +<P> +"Bang!" +</P> + +<P> +Billee's hat went sailing from his head. +</P> + +<P> +"He means business!" Dick yelled. "Down, everybody!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ARRIVAL AT THE RANCH +</H3> + +<P> +Another report rang out, and a bullet went singing overhead. By this +time guns were out ready for action. From behind a small knoll, about +one hundred and fifty yards away, hazy smoke could be seen arising. +</P> + +<P> +"Dick, you stay here and keep me covered," said the Kid in a low voice. +The boys were all hugging the ground in the shelter of the brush. "I'm +goin' to sneak around an' see if I can't connect with the onery skunk +that's doin' the shootin'." +</P> + +<P> +"Take it easy, Kid," Dick cautioned. "You can't tell how many men +there are over there." +</P> + +<P> +"Right! Now you pass the word to the others to keep that hill peppered +with lead. As soon as you see a sign of life, let ride. If you can +keep whoever's doin' all this out of sight, I'll have a chance. So +long!" +</P> + +<P> +Yellin' Kid had started. With a simple "so long" he was off on a +mission which might—and very likely would—end in his death. Men who +spend their lives on the prairies have no time for heroics. They do +their job—and say nothing. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the Kid crept forward. The hidden gunman seemed to be +withholding his fire. In the brush by the water hole lay the five +watching men—Billee Dobb and Joe Hawkins with long-barreled Colts +ready for action, Dick, Nort and Bud squinting along the barrels of +their shorter guns. Closer, closer, the Kid crawled. Seventy-five +yards! Seventy! Now, Kid—now—— +</P> + +<P> +"Well, by the ghost of my aunt Lizzie's cat!" +</P> + +<P> +The Kid was standing upright, his mouth open, his gun hanging loosely +by his side. +</P> + +<P> +Not a soul was in sight! +</P> + +<P> +A quick look about verified this. The country beyond the knoll was +perfectly flat, and for over five hundred yards was bare of even the +smallest bush. Whoever the mysterious shooter was, he had, apparently, +vanished into thin air. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, you guys, come over here!" yelled the Kid. "We been blazed at by +a ghost!" +</P> + +<P> +One by one the men by the water hole got to their feet. +</P> + +<P> +Dick was the first to reach the Kid's side. +</P> + +<P> +"He's right, boys!" called back Dick, as he saw the empty space behind +the little hill. "Nobody here. But let's have a look at the ground. +We can tell if it's been disturbed, anyway." +</P> + +<P> +A careful search revealed not only the traces of someone having lain +down on the loose earth, but also two empty shells. +</P> + +<P> +"That makes me feel a little better!" cried the Kid as he saw this. "I +don't hanker to be shot at by someone I can't see. Now the thing to do +is to find out what happened to our late playmate." +</P> + +<P> +"He's gone, ain't he?" asked Billee Dobb incredulously, as he came +shuffling along. Off his horse Billee was a bit awkward. +</P> + +<P> +"You don't say! Well, now, I never noticed that! Say, Billee, you a +de-tect-a-tive by any chance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Go on, laugh, Kid! You spent enough time sneakin' up on a whole lot +of nothin', didn't ye?" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think about this, Mr. Hawkins?" Bud asked of the deputy, +who was looking around quietly. +</P> + +<P> +"Not much, youngster, not much! Seems mighty funny to me. Doesn't +hardly appear likely that a man could get away in this flat country +without us seeing him. But that's what happened all right. Never knew +a cowpuncher to have that much sneakin' ability in him." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe it wasn't a cowboy," Nort suggested. "Maybe it was a—Chink." +</P> + +<P> +"Never knew a Chink to use a forty-four in my life," the Kid declared. +"These here shells come from a gun big enough to knock a Chinee clean +off his slippers. Nope, this here job was done by a puncher—or—" and +he stopped a moment—"or a Greaser." +</P> + +<P> +"A Mexican!" cried Bud. "Say, Dick, remember the conversation we heard +in Dad's new bunk house? Maybe it was the same Mex that did the +shooting!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's this all about, boys?" asked Joe Hawkins. "Anything I ought to +know?" +</P> + +<P> +"It might help you," offered Dick. "It was two nights ago." And he +told of hearing the voices in the shack. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I don't know. I don't mind telling you that the crowd we're +after for the smugglin' is Mexican—at least we're pretty sure they +are. Think you'd recognize the voices if you heard them again?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certain sure I could tell that Greaser's tones in a million," Dick +declared. "I'll never forget him." +</P> + +<P> +After another survey of the terrain, it was decided to start for the +Shooting Star ranch. Joe Hawkins said he would ride to Roaring River +with them and make his report, and see if anything had developed in +town. So, filling their canteens, the six set off. +</P> + +<P> +On the way the Kid offered a tale of a tarantula fight. These bouts +were carefully arranged by the cowboys, the scene being set in a deep +washbowl. Two females were the combatants, and the one who first +amputated all the legs of the other was declared the winner. +Occasionally a particularly vicious spider would forsake his natural +enemy and leap high at one of the spectators, inflicting a painful, +though not necessarily dangerous, bite. Hence these contests were not +without excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"I used to have a pet tarantula I called Jenny," told Yellin' Kid. +"She was absolutely the meanest critter I ever see! She could just +about straddle a saucer, that's how big she was. Had a coat of hair +like a grizzly. She won five fights for me, and I was all set to match +her against a spider some puncher brought all the way from Oklahoma, +when she took a sudden likin' to Jeff Peters, and her ca-reer was +brought to a sudden close. I cried fer near a week—but Jeff, he was +more sore than what I was. She got him good before he killed her!" +And the Kid chuckled rememberingly. +</P> + +<P> +By this time the riders had come in sight of Roaring River. They had +all been through the town, if it might be so dignified by a name, and +of course Joe Hawkins lived there, so it was no new sight to them. But +it was a change from the surroundings the Boy Ranchers had been used +to, and when they remembered that it was here all the smuggling was +going on, all were conscious of a feeling of excitement. They decided +to feed-up in town before going to the ranch, which lay about three +miles out. +</P> + +<P> +They headed for "Herb's Eating Place," the one and only restaurant with +tables. The meals they ordered would have done justice to a hungry +bear. +</P> + +<P> +"We have arrived!" cried Bud, when he swallowed sufficiently to allow +himself to talk. "After a long and hazardous journey through the +bad-lands of Texas, we finally came to this little gem, nestling among +the hills, resplendent in——" +</P> + +<P> +"Roas' biff, roas' pork, and lem'," Nort finished. "How do you get +that way? Food always do that to you? Look at the Kid here. Not +saying a word." +</P> + +<P> +"Good reason for that," laughed Bud. "He couldn't talk if he wanted +to. Hey, Kid, they serve supper here, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"Yea? But I'm takin' no chances! This place may not be here to-night. +Wow! What a meal! Help me up, boys! Help me up!" And the Kid +struggled slowly to his feet. "Guess that'll hold me for a while," he +sighed. +</P> + +<P> +"How about some more pie, Kid?" asked Dick with a grin on his face. +</P> + +<P> +"Pie? More pie? Well, now—what kind is there left?" +</P> + +<P> +"Apple, and apple, and—apple." +</P> + +<P> +"Huh! Don't like them. Guess I'll take apple. Yes, a small piece of +apple would just about finish me off." +</P> + +<P> +Billee Dobb put down his fork and gazed up at the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Did I understand you to relate that you was goin' to eat some more +pie?" he asked carefully. +</P> + +<P> +"You did—why?" +</P> + +<P> +The veteran rancher arose and, walking over to another table, he seized +a bunch of artificial flowers that were set in a vase. Carrying them +over to the Kid, he held them reverently out before him. +</P> + +<P> +"My little offering," he murmured, "to one who will be with us no +longer." +</P> + +<P> +The diners in the restaurant, all of whom were observing the scene, let +out a roar of laughter. It was so ludicrous to see the old puncher +indulge in a joke that it seemed twice as funny as if anyone else had +done it. Billee Dobb certainly scored heavily. +</P> + +<P> +As the ranchers were leaving the restaurant they passed a Mexican who +was coming in. Dick looked sharply at him. Something about the shape +of his back seemed vaguely familiar, and the boy was about to say +something when Joe Hawkins, who was the last out, exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"Did you see that Greaser just going in Herb's? One of the worst men +in town. I'm telling you because he works on the next place to yours. +If I were you I'd leave him entirely alone. Not that you'll have +trouble with him—but forewarned, you know. Well, boys here's where I +leave you. Got to get back to the office, and see how things are. I +reckon I'll see you right soon, as you're so close, and anything I can +do for you, let me know ime-jit! Think I'll take a run out to your +place within the next week, and see how you make out. Well, <I>adios</I>, +boys. Good luck!" +</P> + +<P> +With a wave of his hand he was off. The boys were sorry to see him +leave, for he was very pleasant company. +</P> + +<P> +"I have an idea he'll be a good friend," declared Nort as they rode +toward the ranch. "And if anything turns up, we may need a couple of +such friends." +</P> + +<P> +"He's regular, all right," the Kid agreed. "Looks as though he could +handle himself in a fight, too. Doesn't talk much, but when he +does—he says something. Yep, he suits me to a T." +</P> + +<P> +"Good thing we met him," Dick said. "Well, boys, here we are!" +</P> + +<P> +In front lay the ranch. As the five drew closer, they could see that +the houses were well built. It was indeed in good shape. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, here comes somebody that's sure in a hurry," Billee Dobb said +suddenly. "Wonder what he wants?" +</P> + +<P> +Riding toward them, dust raising under his bronco's feet, came a lone +horseman. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE THREAT +</H3> + +<P> +Pulling their ponies to a halt, the five gazed curiously at the +approaching rider. As he drew closer, they noticed he carried a +sawed-off "scatter-gun," otherwise a shotgun. This in itself was +strange. No true Westerner ever sports one of these, and they are +looked upon with derision by the regular "gun-totin'" cowboy. A +long-barreled Colt is the puncher's favorite weapon. +</P> + +<P> +The stranger reined up sharply as he came within talking distance and +looked piercingly at the ranchers as he called out: +</P> + +<P> +"Anything I can do for you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I don' know," answered the Kid slowly. "You might, and then +again you might not. What happens to be your special line?" +</P> + +<P> +The stranger scowled. +</P> + +<P> +"That's my business. What I'm aimin' to find out is, what's yours?" +</P> + +<P> +"This is the Shooting Star, isn't it?" broke in Bud. +</P> + +<P> +"It is." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we're the new owners. My name is Bud Merkel—my father just +bought this ranch, and we came over to take possession. This is Dick +Shannon, and his brother Nort. Billee Dobb and Yellin' Kid on my +right. Will that do you? Now how about tellin' us who you are?" +</P> + +<P> +"Me? Oh, Jim'll do, I guess. I happen to be the boss hand on this +here sheep ranch. So you're the new owners, hey? Wonder what old 'J. +D.' will have to say to that. You got papers, I suppose?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. Here is the bill of sale, and——" +</P> + +<P> +"Take it easy, Bud, take it easy," Billie Dobb cautioned in a low tone +of voice. "I don't exactly care for this feller's looks." +</P> + +<P> +"Who's 'J. D.'—the one tendin' the ranch now?" asked the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Yea—only he's not exactly tendin' it. He's here, and something tells +me he's goin' to stay here—new owners or not. 'J. D.' don't care much +about owners. What he's interested in is keepin' what he's got. And +as far as I can see, he's still got the Shootin' Star." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't like to dispute your word," Nort said hotly, "but we might +have something to say about that ourselves. Come on, boys, let's ride +in." +</P> + +<P> +"Just a minute—just a minute! Where you-all countin' on headin' for?" +sneered the lone horseman. +</P> + +<P> +"The ranch house, of course!" +</P> + +<P> +"Now just you let me give you-all a little piece of advice. I won't +charge nothin' for it, and it <I>might</I> be useful. If I was you boys, +I'd turn <I>right</I> around and ride the other way. Tell you what you do, +youngster—" this to Bud—"you tell your father you couldn't find the +ranch." +</P> + +<P> +There was a moment's ominous silence. The Kid was the first to speak. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, now, stranger, that's kind of you. Yes, sir, I think that's +right kind of you to take an interest in us like that," he drawled. +"But you know how it is. We sort of want to find out things for +ourselves. So if you don't mind—" his tone changed suddenly. "We'll +be gettin' along to the ranch. Out of the way, puncher! Let's go, +boys!" +</P> + +<P> +The stranger's eyes narrowed. He half raised his rifle, then +apparently thinking better of it, let it drop again. As the five moved +forward he rode slowly along in the rear. +</P> + +<P> +They reached the corral at the side of the house, and Bud and Dick +dismounted. Nort, Billee, and the Kid stayed on their ponies. Walking +to the door of the house, Bud knocked boldly. There was no answer. He +knocked again, this time a little harder. Still no result. +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder if there's anyone around?" asked Dick. "Suppose we take a look +at the side." +</P> + +<P> +"Here's someone," Bud declared as there was a sound of a key grating in +a lock. "They certainly keep things tight down here." +</P> + +<P> +The door opened slowly. In its frame stood a man of slight build, and, +by cowboy standards, dressed effeminately. He wore a "boiled" collar, +small black string tie, low cut vest and gray trousers. His long black +hair, with a slight shine on it, was brushed straight back. +</P> + +<P> +"What'll you have, gents?" he asked. "Lookin' for me?" +</P> + +<P> +"We're looking for the man in charge of the ranch," Dick said slowly. +"If you can qualify, then I guess it's you we want to see." +</P> + +<P> +"Right! And what can I do for you?" +</P> + +<P> +"This will tell you," spoke Bud, handing him a copy of the bill of sale +for the ranch. "We're the new owners. You rent the place, don't you? +I believe the deed says your term was up last month. Sorry to have to +put you out, but business is business. Can you get ready to shift by +to-morrow morning, do you think? We'll make out down in town for +to-night." +</P> + +<P> +The man in the doorway didn't answer. He read over the paper Bud had +handed him and then looked up. His expression was anything but +friendly. +</P> + +<P> +"And I'm supposed to beat it out of here, hey?" he asked coldly. +</P> + +<P> +"Afraid so," answered Bud. +</P> + +<P> +The man suddenly stepped to one side. +</P> + +<P> +"Come in a minute, boys," he suggested. It was evident that his manner +had undergone a change. He seemed more friendly. +</P> + +<P> +"You just get in?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—we were delayed on the way, or we would have gotten here sooner." +</P> + +<P> +"Sit down, boys." +</P> + +<P> +As the slightly-built man was drawing up chairs Bud cast a quick glance +at Dick. "Watch out"! his look signaled. But there seemed no need for +suspicion. "J. D.," as they had heard him called, appeared harmless. +</P> + +<P> +"I take it you boys are sensible?" he began when they were seated. +</P> + +<P> +"Hope so," Dick answered with a slight grin. "We've never been in any +asylum that I know of." +</P> + +<P> +"Check! Now I'd like to talk business with you. First of all, could +you use one thousand dollars?" +</P> + +<P> +At this surprising query Dick and Bud started. One thousand dollars! +It represented a small fortune. Bud thought of the herd of cattle they +had just lost and was about to reply affirmatively, when he felt, +rather than saw, a cautioning look come into Dick's eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"That's a lot of money," declared Dick, before Bud could speak. "We +could certainly use it, but you know it pays to be careful how one +earns it. Robbery is a bit out of our line." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, it's nothing like that—nothing like that at all," the other +assured them quickly. "This thousand that I speak of can be yours for +just doing me a favor." +</P> + +<P> +"Sounds like a high price to pay for a favor," Dick said. "But let's +hear the proposition." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! It's simply this: you boys let me stay on at the ranch here, +for, say, six more months, and as rental I'll pay you one grand." +</P> + +<P> +"But certainly this place can't be worth that much to you," broke in +Bud thoughtlessly. It was a very unwise remark, for it was obvious +that this excessive figure was offered for something more than the mere +use of the ranch. "J. D." had made the mistake of going too high in +his offer, and it instantly awoke suspicion in the minds of Dick and +Bud. But now that Bud had blurted out this suspicion, the possibility +of being able to secretly find out why they had been offered a thousand +for the place disappeared. The cards were on the table. +</P> + +<P> +"As to that, I'm the best judge," "J. D." said sharply. "If you want +to accept, say so. If you don't—well——." +</P> + +<P> +"Can we have until to-morrow to think it over?" asked Dick. +</P> + +<P> +"Nope—sorry, but I have to have your answer now. All you have to do +is to sign the present owner's name to a renewal clause—and since he's +your father, he won't object to that," said the man, turning to Bud. +</P> + +<P> +Evidently he was anxious to get things settled as soon as +possible—perhaps before the boys had a chance to investigate. +</P> + +<P> +Dick looked at Bud, and saw that he had permission to take things into +his own hands. Dick arose. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sir, we can't do it, and that's that. We were sent out here to +take charge of this ranch, and we're going to do it, unless Mr. Merkel +tells us to do otherwise. You must get in touch with him if you want a +renewal of your lease. And until that time we must take control here. +We are sorry, but we must ask you to make ready to leave by to-morrow +morning." +</P> + +<P> +The man seated opposite did not move. +</P> + +<P> +"Is that your last word?" he asked, slowly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, it is. If we can offer you any assistance in getting ready we'll +be glad to do it." +</P> + +<P> +The man made no response. He arose suddenly, walked over to the door +and flung it open. Then he turned to the two boys and with a sneer +upon his face, said: +</P> + +<P> +"Very well! You've had your say, and now I'll make my little speech. +You guys come over here and think all you have to do is to tell me to +move out, and you move in. I don't know who you are—never saw you +before. For that matter I don't want to know. You show me some kind +of a paper that you may have written yourselves, and expect me to +accept it as a bill of sale. Well, that's out. I don't go. +</P> + +<P> +"And another thing! I don' know how many men you brought with you, but +I've got twelve here that will stick close to me. So don't start +anything. Good-day, gents!" +</P> + +<P> +It was a moment before Bud and Dick realized the import of what had +just been said. Then, tight-lipped, they started for the door. +Neither said a word as they passed out, and behind them the door +slammed shut. +</P> + +<P> +As they approached the three waiting by the corral they must have shown +by their expressions that things had not gone well, for Nort said: +</P> + +<P> +"What's the trouble, Dick?" +</P> + +<P> +"Let's ride around a bit," spoke the Kid quickly. The rider with the +saw-off shot-gun was still within hearing. "Great weather we're +havin', ain't it? Though it might rain soon," and he looked over to +where the other sat with one leg resting against his saddle horn. +</P> + +<P> +"Not so good, hey?" this cowboy called over. "Come see us again, when +you can stay longer," and he chuckled at his joke. +</P> + +<P> +"We will," answered Nort grimly. "In fact, we intend to——" +</P> + +<P> +"Now do you know, I think it looks a mite like rain myself," +interrupted Billee Dobb in a musing tone of voice. "Them clouds over +there are pretty heavy. You say you want to ride around a bit, Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yea. Just a little. Let's go, men." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A SHEEPLESS SHEEP RANCH +</H3> + +<P> +With as few words as possible Bud told the Kid of their talk with "J. +D." Riding slowly along, the Kid made no comment for several minutes. +Finally Dick burst out: +</P> + +<P> +"For Pete's sake, Kid, let's hear you say something! Don't you think +it's mighty queer behavior for a tenant of a sheep ranch? The way I +understand the facts, he hired the place to raise sheep on, about +thirteen months ago. Now when his year is up he refuses to get off. +There are plenty of other farms further back from the border he could +get. I don't think your father bought the sheep with this ranch, did +he, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe he contracted with the owner that one thousand heads of +woolies were to be sent to him within a month of taking possession. +This tenant, whoever he is, will walk his sheep when he goes, of +course. I thought it was unusual to hire a ranch to raise sheep on for +only one year, but Dad said the sheep get some sort of a disease if +they're not walked frequently, and I guess this fellow sort of figured +on trying it out for a year before settling down to a permanent place. +The owner of the ranch lives up north somewhere, and Dad simply bought +him out. Why Dad wanted to go in for woolies I don't know, but he must +have had his reasons." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we won't have to start sheep nursin' right away," Nort said. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have to get this 'J. D.' out before we can do anything," +declared Bud. "What do you think about it, Kid? I don't want to run +to Dad at the first sign of trouble, but it looks as though we had a +job on our hands before we really begin herding." +</P> + +<P> +Yellin' Kid pushed his sombrero to the back of his head and looked up. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, boys, I'll tell you," he said slowly. "While Bud and Dick were +inside gassin' I took a good look around. And I'll tell you a funny +thing; I didn't see no sign of sheep ever being on this here ranch at +all. No feedin' troughs, no hurdles, no nothin'. Billee, how about +it? Did this look like a sheep ranch to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not any," the veteran puncher answered laconically. "Of course I'm no +sheep expert, but I can tell a sheep ranch when I see one. Usually +they have a feedin' ground around somewhere, for the woolies to feed in +durin' the winter. And they have troughs to put the fodder in when +they can't get to the range to graze, for sheep are dam perticular what +they eat off of. Maybe it was away 'round the back somewhere, but I +couldn't spot it." +</P> + +<P> +"That's what I thought," went on the Kid. "Of course he may have sold +all the sheep a while back, and cleared his truck away at the same +time, but it don't hardly seem likely he could get rid of all traces. +Where ever sheep go, you can usually tell they been there." He paused +reflectively and added: +</P> + +<P> +"Sort of queer that deputy we met didn't say something about there +bein' no sheep here. Did you tell him we was expectin' to find a sheep +ranch?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now that you mention it, I don't believe I did," Bud answered. "I +said we were going to take charge of a ranch. He probably thought we +were bringing the cattle over later." +</P> + +<P> +"Probably. So your friend in the house told you he'd give one thousand +bucks if you'd let him stay, did he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep. That made me suspicious right away, and I foolishly spoke up and +told him as much. Then he said it was his affair if he wanted to pay +that much to stay on. I knew that Dad wouldn't want me to allow him to +do that without his permission, so I refused—asked him if I could let +him know later. But no, that wouldn't do. He wanted me to sign an +extension right away. Then when I told him I couldn't do that, he +threatened to stay anyway, and practically dared us to put him off." +</P> + +<P> +"He did, hey? That sort of puts it up to us, don't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"You know what I think would be a good idee?" Billee Dobb broke in. +"We ought to go down and have a talk with Joe Hawkins. Tell him what +we found, and ask him if he's got any advice he'd like to dish up. +Seemed to me he was a pretty reliable feller." +</P> + +<P> +"Not bad—not bad," said Yellin' Kid approvingly. "He said he'd be +glad to help us any time. Not that we're goin' to need any help +gettin' this dude off," he added quickly. "But it might be a good idea +to have the law on our side." +</P> + +<P> +"We can see him and get him to sign a dispossess notice," Nort +suggested. "I don't know whether he knows what that is, but it's just +a paper saying we have a right to put out whoever is on the land." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll do that, Nort," agreed Dick. "Then we can start right. Let's +get on, fellows. It's getting late, and we want to catch Hawkins +before he leaves for home." +</P> + +<P> +Spurring their broncoes to a faster pace, the five made their way +toward the town. The suggestion that they were to confer with the +friendly deputy seemed a wise one, not because they were afraid to +tackle the job of removing "J. D." alone, but because they wanted to +know just how things stood. Perhaps by inquiry they could gain some +clew as to why the tenant refused to vacate. If he sincerely wanted an +extension of his lease to legitimately conduct the business of +ranching, he was going about it in a queer way. +</P> + +<P> +As the riders reached the town, they stopped a cow puncher and asked +where they could find Joe Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"Right down the street a ways," they were told. "Can't miss it. Jail, +court house and sheriff's office all in one. Some shootin' been goin' +on?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not that we know of," Dick laughed. +</P> + +<P> +"Though there might be soon," said Bud impetuously. +</P> + +<P> +"How's that? You figgerin' on pluggin' someone, youngster?" the cowboy +inquired with a grin. +</P> + +<P> +"Not hardly," the Kid spoke quickly. "We just want to see Hawkins +about some land. Thanks for the info." +</P> + +<P> +Their friend looked back at Bud and grinned again as he rode away. +</P> + +<P> +"Evidently thinks you're an amateur bad man," said Billee Dobb. +"You'll have a reputation in this town before you know it, Bud." +</P> + +<P> +By this time they had reached the sheriff's office. All dismounted and +went in. +</P> + +<P> +They found Hawkins seated in a chair talking to another man who was +leaning against the side wall gazing out of the window. The deputy +sprang to his feet as he saw the boys, the light of welcome in his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Come in, boys, come in. Jerry, I'd like you to meet some new friends +of mine. This here is Bud Merkel. Over here is—er——" +</P> + +<P> +"My cousins, Nort and Dick Shannon," finished Bud. "And Billee Dobb +and Yellin' Kid—if he ever had another name I've forgotten it, and I +guess he has too." +</P> + +<P> +The deputy's friend laughed and Joe said: +</P> + +<P> +"This is Jerry Adler, boys. Say, I thought you fellers were headed for +the Shootin' Star?" +</P> + +<P> +"We were," Bud answered, "but something happened that we want to ask +you about." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess I'll be goin'," said Jerry Adler. "I'll drop in to-morrow about +that matter, Joe. No hurry, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Jerry. Glad to see you any time. Now, boys," and he +turned to the five standing near him, "what can I do for you? Or is it +just a friendly visit? If it is, I'm right glad you stopped in. Now +that you're here, you must come over to my place for supper. Got the +best cook you ever saw." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks, Mr. Hawkins," responded Bud. "We may take advantage of that +later. But just now we want to ask your advice." +</P> + +<P> +"Go right to it, Bud. If I can help you I'll sure do it!" +</P> + +<P> +"When we went over to the Shooting Star," Bud began, "we expected to +find a sheep ranch. Instead we find a place that could be used for +sheep, but certainly isn't now. We went in and showed our credentials, +and asked the occupant, who was called 'J. D.,' I think, if he could +move out by to-morrow, so we could get ready to move in. +</P> + +<P> +"Whoever this 'J. D.' is, he isn't a cow puncher, nor a herder either. +He's dressed like a Chicago dude," stated Bud. +</P> + +<P> +The deputy nodded understandingly. Evidently he was not surprised at +Bud's description of the Shooting Star and its tenant. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, as I say, we asked him to leave. He not only refused, but +threatened trouble if we tried to put him out. Said he had twelve men +who'd help him, too. So we thought, if you'd give us a dispossess +notice, we could go up there with authority and if he still turned +ugly—well—we could do as we thought fit." +</P> + +<P> +"I see. He told you he wouldn't leave?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"He has no right to stay there, has he?" +</P> + +<P> +"None at all. He rented the ranch from the man who formerly owned it, +but his lease was up a month ago. Dad bought the place free and clear. +We were to manage it for him, and take charge of the sheep when they +came in. I believe they are to be driven over in about two weeks." +</P> + +<P> +"In about two weeks? Well, boys, I can't exactly say I'm surprised at +your story. I don't mind sayin' we've been puzzled at the actions of +this 'J. D.'—James Delton, I think his name is—for some time now. +When he first came he did have some sheep—not many, and he sold them a +month after he took the ranch. Since then it's been empty, though, as +he says, he's got a number of hands on the place. They keep it in good +shape, as you may have noticed. But what his business is nobody seems +to know. Of course out here a man doesn't go pryin' into other +people's affairs unless he's fairly certain there's something wrong. +I'll go to Shooting Star with you!" +</P> + +<P> +Taking his belt and pistol holster from a hanger, the deputy led the +way from the office. Mounted once more, the party swung away toward +the Shooting Star ranch. Nort looked over at the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Why that smile, Kid?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Was I smilin'? I didn't know it. Say, Nort, looks as though we might +hand ourselves somethin' of a time before we finish with this 'J. D.' +feller." +</P> + +<P> +"And you're kind of hopin' we do, hey Kid? The last time I saw you +smile like that was just before we had that fight with the Del Pinzo +gang. Hope you don't expect another ruckus out here, as bad as that +one." +</P> + +<P> +"And if we did, I suppose you'd run away and hide your head," laughed +the Kid derisively. "Yes you would not! You'd be in the thick of it +with the rest of us." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," admitted Nort with a grin. "However, I really don't think +we'll have any trouble. From Bud's description of Delton he's sort of +a weak-kneed type. We'll just have to tell him what's what, and I'm +sure he'll back down." +</P> + +<P> +"Can't tell," the Kid averred. "Those Dudes have sometimes got a mean +lot of fight in them." +</P> + +<P> +Up ahead Joe Hawkins and Bud were talking in low tones. Finally Bud +turned about and called to the rest: +</P> + +<P> +"Close up a minute, fellows. Mr. Hawkins has something to say before +we reach the ranch." +</P> + +<P> +"It's just this," began the deputy, when they had gathered around him. +"The way I figure, there's no sense of us all going in to see Delton. +If we call on him like a delegation, he'll get het up, and be more +disagreeable than if we went about this thing quietly. Now Bud and I +will go in. You four stay around the corral, and Kid and Billee, while +you're waiting, you might take a ride around and size up the place. +See if you can discover traces of sheep bein' here in the last six +months, and whatever else you can find out. All right, boys, here we +are. Remember what I told you, Kid. Let's go, Bud!" +</P> + +<P> +The two dismounted. Turning their horses over to Nort, they walked +toward the ranch house. The deputy stepped to the door and knocked. +</P> + +<P> +"He took quite a while to answer when we were here before," Bud +suggested. "Better knock again." +</P> + +<P> +The deputy did so. +</P> + +<P> +"'Pears like he don't care for no visitors. Wonder if we can see +anything by lookin' in the window?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll have a try," volunteered Bud. Stepping to the side of the house +he peered in the casement. +</P> + +<P> +"Too dark," he reported. "Can't see a thing!" +</P> + +<P> +"Must be somebody around," Hawkins declared, as he knocked again, this +time more loudly. +</P> + +<P> +Within all was quiet. +</P> + +<P> +"Funny," he commented. Then suddenly he turned the doorknob. The door +swung open. After a quick glance the deputy walked in. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a soul in sight!" he called after a minute. "The place is sure +deserted. Not only have they got no sheep on this place, but even the +men are gone now!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CYCLONE +</H3> + +<P> +Following the deputy into the house, Bud looked about. The place +<I>felt</I> vacant. It had an atmosphere of emptiness. The furniture in +the rooms had a tossed-about appearance, as though the occupants had +made a hurried exit. A cheap vase lay on the floor by the mantel, +broken. Rugs were kicked up. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what do you think of that?" Bud said slowly. "They're gone! +Vamoosed! And quick, too. Must have done some tall hustlin' to get +out in that short time. Wonder what the idea was? Do you think Delton +might be around back, or somewhere outside?" +</P> + +<P> +"Better look, anyway." Hawkins stepped to the doorway and suddenly let +out a yell. +</P> + +<P> +"Yo-o-o-o, Kid! Over here!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yo-o!" came the answer. "Right there!" and Yellin' Kid, together with +Billee Dobb, rode to the ranch house. +</P> + +<P> +"What'll you have!" the Kid called as he came up. +</P> + +<P> +"Take a ride around the place and see if you can locate someone; will +you? The house is empty." +</P> + +<P> +"Right! Billee, you ride to the left and I'll go this way. Back in +two shakes." +</P> + +<P> +"Mighty queer where everyone has disappeared to," Hawkins commented. +"When you were here before, Bud, did they look as though they were +getting ready to light out?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nope—just the opposite. As I told you, Delton insisted that he was +going to stay. I can't imagine what scared them off. Unless Delton +decided discretion was the better part of valor. It certainly doesn't +seem logical that they'd make tracks like this, after what Delton said." +</P> + +<P> +"Here comes the Kid. Got someone with him; hasn't he?" asked Bud. +</P> + +<P> +"He sure has—a Mex, I'd say." +</P> + +<P> +"The lone survivor!" the Kid yelled as he rode toward them. "Bud, +recognize him?" and he pushed the Mexican, whom he held by the collar, +forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, he's the fellow we saw in the restaurant! Remember, Mr. Hawkins? +The one you pointed out; isn't he?" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean Pete Alvido? Come 'ere, son—let's have a look at you." The +deputy peered closely. "Nope! Sure looks like Pete, but it isn't. +'Nough like him to be his brother, though. Hey, Mex, what's your name? +What are you doin' around here?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican didn't answer. He simply shrugged his shoulders, and stood +silent, his face expressionless. +</P> + +<P> +"Speak up, boy! What's your name?" +</P> + +<P> +Still no reply. +</P> + +<P> +"Lost your tongue, Mex?" the Kid broke in. "Take my advice, and answer +when you're spoken to." The Kid touched his gun suggestively. Not +that he would have thought of enforcing his half-uttered threat, but he +simply wanted to show the Mexican they meant business. +</P> + +<P> +At this the man gesticulated toward his throat, and a guttural sound +came from his lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Why the pore cuss means he's dumb!" exclaimed Billee Dobb, who had +ridden in. "Can't speak! Hey you! No spik? No <I>habla</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican shook his head forcibly. +</P> + +<P> +"A dumb Greaser!" cried the Kid. "Well, he's not much of a find. He's +the only one left of this outfit, though. Hey, Mex! Where's the boss? +Gone?" +</P> + +<P> +With a widespread gesture of his arms the man indicated his lack of +knowledge of the subject. At least he seemed to understand a little +English. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't get much out of him," Hawkins commented. "Well, boys, seems +like you'll have no more trouble takin' possession of the Shootin' +Star. It's yours. Say—" and he turned to their captive. "What's +your job? Vaquero? Herder? Cook?" At the last word the Mexican +nodded vigorously. "You're in luck, boys. Here's a cook all ready for +you. Got any food inside? Eats?" the deputy asked the Mexican. He +was answered with another affirmative shake of the head. +</P> + +<P> +"Now you're all fixed up for the night. Might as well call in the +other two. What's their name again? Shannon, isn't it? Kid, you give +'em a yell. You seem to be able to do that particularly well." +</P> + +<P> +Nort and Dick came riding over in response to the Kid's summons. +</P> + +<P> +"Who's this you got, Kid?" asked Nort. "Some friend of yours? Why, +he's the Mexican we saw in Herb's!" +</P> + +<P> +"No he isn't—that's what I thought too," Bud said. "Mr. Hawkins says +it's another—though it sure looks like him. This one's dumb." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean—stupid?" +</P> + +<P> +"No—can't talk. At least he says he can't—I mean he wants us to +understand that he can't." Bud corrected himself. +</P> + +<P> +"I've got to be getting back," interrupted the deputy. "I suppose you +men will settle here, now that you've got a cook and food. That is, if +he'll cook for you and you want to take a chance that he won't poison +you. Hey, you—cook for <I>hombres</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +Again that vigorous nod. +</P> + +<P> +"Seems agreeable enough. Now if you want anything, you know where to +reach me. If it's at night, you'll find me down the street 'bout half +a mile from the office, on the same side. Anyone will tell you where +Joe Hawkins's place is. So long, boys. Again, good luck." +</P> + +<P> +"Good-bye, Mr. Hawkins. We're much obliged to you for riding over with +us." +</P> + +<P> +"Glad to do it, Bud. Any time at all. Git along there, bronc. +<I>Adios</I>!" +</P> + +<P> +"So-long!" +</P> + +<P> +"'Bye!" +</P> + +<P> +"At last we're here," Nort declared. "No trace of anyone around; hey +Bud? Wonder what became of them. I wouldn't mind seeing our little +friend with the sawed-off shot-gun again." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's not look for trouble," Dick suggested. "I think what happened +was that this fellow you call 'J. D.' decided to take the opportunity +to get out without trouble. I don't believe we'll see him again." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe not. We've got enough to worry about without him. Kid, suppose +you take charge of getting things ready for the night. Those sheep +won't be here for a week or so, and in the meantime we can fix things +up a bit. To-morrow I'll go scouting around for a good sheepman. +There ought to be plenty in town. All right, Kid, we're under your +orders." +</P> + +<P> +"Check! Nort, you take the horses to the corral and see that they get +fed. I guess you'll find some feed around somewhere—there's a barn +down there a piece—look there. Dick, you go see what sort of sleepin' +quarters they got here. It might be well for us to stay here in the +house for the night. We can settle on a bunk house later. The rest of +you can make yourselves generally useful. I'll go 'tend to the eats. +Mex, we need food! Where's the kitchen?" +</P> + +<P> +Apparently understanding, the Mexican led the way toward the rear, +followed by the Kid. The lay-out of the place was a great deal like +that of the ordinary cattle ranch. Indeed, if one were not wholly +familiar with the types of dwellings which dot the Texas border, he +would be hard put to show the difference between a cattle and a sheep +ranch. The corral of the cattle ranch would be built of stronger +boards, and on the sheep ranch, or "farm," there would be huge vats for +"dipping" the sheep, to cure them of any disease they might have +contracted. +</P> + +<P> +But except for these minor differences the two ranches are much the +same. Of course the personnel of the sheep ranch would not be as +extensive as that of the cattle ranch—one herder being able to +adequately care for two thousand head of sheep. In shearing time the +ranch hands are increased, to take care of this added labor. +</P> + +<P> +So it is not strange to find five hands prepared to take over the +management of a whole sheep ranch. Naturally it would be necessary to +hire some "sheep man" to handle the technical part of the venture, for +sheep are delicate creatures, and a green manager could easily lose his +whole herd in short order. +</P> + +<P> +It was now five o'clock. With a fire roaring in the kitchen and the +ranchers hurrying here and there about the place, it seemed home-like +and cheerful. +</P> + +<P> +"Be all set in half an hour," the Kid called to Bud as he stepped out +in the yard for a moment. "Found plenty of bacon and beans, and enough +other stuff to make a pretty fair meal. Reckon you-all can eat, if +you're anything like me. What do you think of the place, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty fair, Kid, pretty fair. Looks as though we may be able to make +something of it. I've been thinking of buying a radio outfit to keep +us company on long winter evenings. You know we bring in the sheep +then, and we'll have to stick close to home to take care of them." +</P> + +<P> +"A wireless! A sparkin' outfit! What are you goin' to do, Bud, put +them woolies to sleep with music?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hardly that," Bud laughed. "You'll be glad we got it when you hear +some of the big fights being reported, just as though you were at the +ringside. But apart from that, what do you make of this situation, +Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean comin' back here an' not findin' anybody? Gee, I don't know, +Bud! Might be any one of several reasons why this 'J. D.' bird skipped +out. 'Course I didn't actually see him, but something tells me he +couldn't stand a close look-in to his ways and means of business. +</P> + +<P> +"'Course I shouldn't run down a guy that I never saw. But there's been +a lot of funny work goin' on in these parts, and if anyone wanted to be +crooked, this is the best place in the world for it. You know this +ranch property is right on the border line between Mexico and U. S." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Kid, look how dark it's getting all of a sudden," Bud interrupted +as he looked up into the sky and tested with his hand the direction of +the slight breeze blowing. "Wind's in the east. Rain, I guess. +Getting hotter, too. Why yes, Kid, I guess you're right about this +ranch being a good place to pull shady work. But I don't believe we'll +have any trouble." +</P> + +<P> +The Kid whirled around. The next moment he was on his way inside. +</P> + +<P> +"Get the others together!" he yelled. "There's a cyclone comin'!" +</P> + +<P> +Bud scarcely heard him. He stood still, fascinated by the tremendous +spectacle. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +DELTON RETURNS +</H3> + +<P> +Cyclones are somewhat rare visitors on the prairies, but when they do +come they make up for lost time. Bud, though he had lived the greater +part of his life on the range, had never seen one. Now he stood with +his face to the east, drinking in the awesome sight. +</P> + +<P> +The eastern sky was covered with a blanket of black, ominous-looking +clouds, which quickly expanded and filled the whole heavens with their +darkness. The breeze had died away and a deathlike stillness hung in +the air. Nature seemed to be hesitating, gathering up her forces for a +tremendous onslaught. Suddenly the black clouds in the east were +tinted to a coppery color, which slowly turned to a dark green. And +still Bud stood, oblivious to all else save the grandeur of the scene +before him. +</P> + +<P> +Within the ranch house the men were scurrying about, shutting windows, +glancing out now and then to see the progress of the approaching storm. +</P> + +<P> +Billee Dobb ran to where the Kid was struggling with one of the sashes. +</P> + +<P> +"How about the horses!" he yelled. Though there wasn't a sound +without, by a curious phenomena the men talked in shouts, as though +they were trying to make themselves heard above a roaring. +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't Nort out there?" the Kid answered, also loudly. "Better make +certain, Billee! They'll be killed sure if the funnel takes them +sideways!" +</P> + +<P> +"If the funnel hits us we won't care whether we ever saw a bronc or +not!" answered the veteran rancher. "We'll all be usin' wings then, +not ponies. I'll take a look outside." +</P> + +<P> +"Take Dick with you! I'm finished here. We've only got about six +minutes before she hits. What a fine welcome this is! We no sooner +get settled, after havin' a time doin' that, when we're all set to get +blown away." +</P> + +<P> +The Kid was hurrying to the back of the house. He hesitated as he +reached the kitchen, and looked in. +</P> + +<P> +"By the ghost of my aunt Lizzie's cat!" he cried as he saw through the +doorway. "If that crazy Mex ain't still fryin' bacon just as calm as +if he was on Fifth Avenoo! Hey, you locoed Greaser, big wind comin'!" +He gesticulated vigorously. "Whosh-whosh! Whee! Zip-zip-bang! All +over! Savvy?" He stopped his dramatic explanation of the oncoming +cyclone to see if the Mexican understood. To his surprise the cook +nodded several times and pointed toward the sky, turning his other arm +windmill fashion. His lips gave forth a whistling sound. After this +demonstration he motioned to his bacon, rubbed his stomach, shrugged +his shoulders, and went on with his cooking. No words could have said +plainer: +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! I know. Cyclone coming. What of it? Can't stop it now. Must +eat. Might as well stay here and cook. Hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you're not a cool customer!" the Kid cried, shoving his hands +deep into his pockets and tilting back on his heels. "Cook! Go ahead +an' cook! You might just as well say hello to St. Peter with a fryin' +pan in your hand as not. How does she look, Nort?" he asked as the boy +rancher came in the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Not so good! Where's Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Bud? I thought he was with you. Maybe he's helping with the +broncoes. I'll take a squint here in back—" as the Kid stepped into +the yard he saw Bud—standing silent, widened eyes staring at the sky. +The Kid started back in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Another guy that's gone locoed! First the cook, and then you! Hey, +Nort, take a look at Bud. He's in a trance or something! Wake up, +time to get up!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wonderful!" murmured Bud, without turning his head. "Isn't that +wonderful, Kid? See those colors! The most marvelous thing I ever +saw. If I could only paint that! It would be a sensation!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sensation ain't all you'll be if you don't start movin' quick!" the +Kid declared. "Nort, take Bud with you and see if everything is all O. +K. We've got about three minutes before the show starts. I think +we'll be able to tell if the funnel is goin' to hit us, and if it does, +we've got to let things ride and head for the cellar." +</P> + +<P> +He stopped suddenly. The five leaned forward, tense, still. +</P> + +<P> +A low moaning filled the air. First like the drone of a huge +bumble-bee, it gradually increased in intensity. The ranchers strained +their eyes toward the east, where the copper tint had merged to a +sickly green. A light breeze sprang up, hot, suffocating. +</P> + +<P> +"Here she comes, boys! Heads up! Get ready to make a dive for the +cellar!" +</P> + +<P> +All looked around to make sure that the door of the cyclone cellar—a +dugout ten feet from the house—was within easy reach. They moved a +bit closer. +</P> + +<P> +Then it happened. From out of the greenish clouds tore a huge black +funnel, tip down, capped with a wreath of lightning. With a roar it +beat its way across the prairie. As it rushed along it took with it +all movable things. Lined with brushes, trees and dust, it seemed to +head straight for the ranch. +</P> + +<P> +The five waited no longer. With a leap they reached the cyclone +cellar. The Kid was the last in, and just before he disappeared below +ground he looked again at the roaring funnel of wind. It was almost +upon them. In another moment, unless a near-miracle occurred, there +would be nothing left of the Shooting Star but a few timbers. The +ranch lay directly in the path. +</P> + +<P> +Cyclones are freaks of nature. Even as the Kid watched, hoping that +the terrible funnel might be diverted, nature gave a demonstration of +one of its most startling feats. The funnel lifted. +</P> + +<P> +Within three hundred yards of the ranch the tip raised above the +ground. As though a giant hand had pulled it up into the heavens, the +whirling, twisting cyclone merged into the blackness overhead. A +tremendous pressure beat against the Kid's body. The air about was +tingling with electricity. And there, directly above the Kid's head, +sailed the terrible funnel, Its tip held harmlessly aloft from contact +with the ground, thundering and screaming in disappointed rage. For +several seconds the "twister" remained suspended. Then two hundred +yards past the ranch it dipped to earth again, and went smashing along +on its mission of destruction and death. +</P> + +<P> +The ranch was saved. +</P> + +<P> +The Kid silently led the way out of the cellar. As the five stood once +more above ground, they looked about at the surroundings. Off in the +distance the cyclone could be seen whirling along, gradually growing +smaller and smaller as it departed. As they watched the terror +disappear, a prayer of thankfulness was in the heart of each. It was +indeed a near-miracle that had saved the ranch from complete +annihilation. +</P> + +<P> +Bud was the first to speak. His utterance was not exactly fraught with +elegancy, but it expressed the feelings of all. +</P> + +<P> +"Whew!" he said with a long, drawn-out sigh. +</P> + +<P> +"And then some!" cried Dick. "What a show that was!" +</P> + +<P> +"Boy!" Billee Dobb breathed. "I'm sure glad we got missed! When I saw +that ole baby comin', I says 'raise yore sights, buster, raise yore +sights! You got the wrong range!' An' blamed if she didn't raise, +too!" +</P> + +<P> +A laugh started—the kind that relieves the soul after a tense and +dangerous moment. Bud broke out in a loud guffaw. Then the Kid let +loose—and for two minutes the air re-echoed with the shouts of glee of +the five ranchers. Nothing really to laugh at; this laughter was not +exactly in appreciation of Billee's remark. It was more in the nature +of a celebration. +</P> + +<P> +"Whusch!" cried Bud weakly, when he could get his breath. "You crazy +coot! So you're the one that lifted the cyclone, hey? Well, you sure +did a good job of it!" +</P> + +<P> +The ranchers made their way over to where the horses had been tied. +</P> + +<P> +"O. K.!" Dick yelled as he came up. "They're all there. Not a hair on +'em touched. Bet they thought it was the end of the world, though!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure!" assented Nort. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, now, old hoss!" Dick said soothingly as he stroked the nose of +his pony. "Scared, eh? Well, I don't blame you a bit. Look at this +one shake! Take it easy, boy—it's all over. Easy, there! Feel +better now? That's the stuff—walk around a bit. Do you good. +Steady! Steady!" +</P> + +<P> +The horses were quickly calmed. Assured by the presence of their +masters that they were safe, they soon stopped quivering, and breathed +easier. A good horse trusts implicitly in his rider. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll take 'em over nearer the house," declared the Kid. "They'll feel +better when they get movin'. By the way—wonder what happened to our +cook? Last time I saw him he was fryin' bacon. Take a run to the +kitchen, Dick, and look, will you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure. Say, there's one shack down," Dick said as he pointed to the +wreck of a small building. +</P> + +<P> +"Probably was a bunk house. We won't need one of those for a while, +anyway. Well, will you look at that roof!" The Kid indicated another +out-house. Its roof was turned directly around, so that the back was +where the front should be. Not a board on it was broken. +</P> + +<P> +"Looks like a crazy-house down at Coney Island!" laughed Nort. "Dick, +I thought you were going to see about eats? I'm starved." +</P> + +<P> +Dick walked toward the kitchen. Before he got there the aroma of +cooking bacon told the waiting cowboys that the Mexican was still on +the job. +</P> + +<P> +"Must have the whole place full of food by this time," Bud commented. +"Think I'll take another look around, Kid. Billee, you want to come +along? I just want to make sure we haven't missed anything." +</P> + +<P> +The two set off on a tour of inspection. It was growing dark now, and +it would soon be too late to repair that night anything that was +damaged. +</P> + +<P> +"Guess we haven't lost much," Bud said to the veteran rancher. "We're +pretty lucky, eh, Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure are! We'll just look around the corner of this building, +however, and then go back. I'm sort of hungry myself." +</P> + +<P> +"Me too. Hope that Mex has—" Bud broke off suddenly. He peered hard +at the earth in the shadow of the shack. Then he walked swiftly over. +</P> + +<P> +On the ground lay the body of a man, face down. Bud grasped him gently +by the arm and turned him over. On his forehead was a long cut, from +which blood was flowing. Bud looked sharply at his face, then started +back in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I'll be jiggered!" he said slowly. "It's Delton!" +</P> + +<P> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BUD FINDS A NOTE +</H3> + +<P> +Billee Dobb approached deliberately and gazed long and earnestly into +the face of the recumbent man. +</P> + +<P> +"So that's Delton, is it?" he said. "He sure took a funny way to come +back. Wonder if he's—" the rancher stooped swiftly and laid his hand +on the breast of the man. "Nope! Still living. We'd better get him +to the house soon as possible. Grab hold there, Bud." +</P> + +<P> +Lifting him as gently as they could, so they might not cause the blood +to flow more strongly, they carried the injured man toward the ranch +house. They laid him on the couch in the living-room, which was known +as the "parlor," and generally reserved for funerals. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll get some water and bandages—if I can find any," said Bud when he +had disposed of his burden. +</P> + +<P> +"That white shirt of the Kid's will do," Billee suggested as Bud made +for the door. "He's got it rolled up in his saddle pack." +</P> + +<P> +The man on the couch seemed to be breathing more strongly now. The +blood from the cut had partly clotted, and the flow was greatly +diminished. But a glance at his face showed that he was in a very weak +condition. +</P> + +<P> +"Must have been lyin' out there quite a spell," Billee commented, as +Bud returned with the shirt and a basin of water. The news of the +unconscious visitor had traveled fast, for Dick, Nort and the Kid +followed Bud into the room. +</P> + +<P> +"Who is he?" asked the Kid as he bent over. "Little feller, ain't he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Recognize him, Dick?" Bud said, kneeling down by the man's side and +dipping one end of the shirt in his basin. +</P> + +<P> +"No, can't say that I—yes I do, too! It's the fellow that was here +when we came—the one who offered us the thousand! It's 'J. D.'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Right. We found him lying over by a shack, dead to the world. Billee +and I carried him in here. Seems to have a nasty cut, but I don't +believe it's dangerous. Way he talked to me here awhile ago, he's too +ornery to die." +</P> + +<P> +"Must have been caught in the big wind," Nort said. "Hit by a board, +probably." +</P> + +<P> +"So that's Delton, hey?" Yellin' Kid drawled. "Well, mister, I'm +pleased to make your acquaintance. You don't look pertikerly dangerous +to me. But you can't tell about these quiet ones. Liable to fly up +any minute. Don't wash that blood off, Bud! Leave it lay. Have him +bleedin' again if you don't watch out. Nort, mosey out an' see if that +dumb Mex has got the coffee ready. Bring in some, will you? Leave the +'Canned cow' out of it. When this boy wakes up he wants something +strong." +</P> + +<P> +The man's eyes opened for a minute, then closed again. The dusk +outside was settling rapidly now, and the room was growing darker. +Dick ran to the kitchen and returned with a lighted candle, which he +held close to the head of the recumbent figure. By this time their +visitor had regained consciousness, and was staring wide-eyed at the +group surrounding the couch—three men leaning expectantly over his +body, while a fourth held a lighted candle aloft like a weird statue. +Little wonder that a man awaking to such surroundings would be somewhat +bewildered. +</P> + +<P> +"How do you feel, mister?" Yellin' Kid asked solicitously when he saw +that Delton was conscious. +</P> + +<P> +"Not so—good," was the jerky answer. "Stomach—sick—head feels—" +</P> + +<P> +"Swally this," urged Billee holding to his lips the steaming coffee +Nort had brought from the kitchen. "Sure it's hot! Don't want cold +sody, do ya? 'At's-a-boy—drink 'er down! Better now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yea," the man answered in a weak voice. "What happened? Woolworth +tower fall on me? Wow! What a head! Seems to me I remember takin' a +subway train at Times Square—or was that last year? Can't just think +straight now——" +</P> + +<P> +"New York," whispered Bud to Dick. "Thought he didn't look like a +westerner!" +</P> + +<P> +"Just you lay quiet," advised Yellin' Kid. "Won't do you a bit of good +to talk now. Got lots of time to do that. You stay here to-night, +an'——" +</P> + +<P> +"I remember now! That storm! I was riding over toward the Shootin' +Star ranch, when the sky got black, and that dumb-bell horse of mine +started to act up. The next minute I got hit by a ton of bricks." +</P> + +<P> +He was silent a moment, thinking. +</P> + +<P> +"Say—" he suddenly propped himself up on one elbow and glanced around. +"I know where I am! Yes. And I know you—and you!" pointing at Bud +and Dick. "You're the two galoots that—oh!" he finished weakly, and +sank back. He closed his eyes again. It was not evident to the +watchers whether he had really fainted, or whether he realized he was +talking too much. +</P> + +<P> +At all events it was useless to expect him to say more. At Bud's +suggestion he was carried upstairs, and after his heavier clothing had +been removed he was laid in one of the beds. He seemed to be resting +easily, and if his sleepy attitude was simulated at first, it certainly +was not now, as his regular breathing and relaxed condition indicated. +</P> + +<P> +"Better let him sleep," Dick said in a low voice. "He'll be all right +when he wakes up. The bleeding from his head has stopped, and if he +had anything else the matter he would have told us. I think we'd all +better eat. Let's get out of here, anyway—we'll disturb him if we +talk much." +</P> + +<P> +"Eat!" exclaimed the Kid when they had all left the room wherein Delton +lay. "Let's see now—have I heard that word before, or did I dream it? +Believe me, when I sit down to this chow nothin' is goin' to drag me +away—fire, wind or flood! Seems like that Mex cook of ours is a +hoodoo. Every time we start to eat something happens." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess we'll go through with it all right this time," Dick remarked +with a laugh. "Here we are, boys. Set! And go to it! Enough bacon +here for an army. Kid, go easy on that bread! You want to choke?" +</P> + +<P> +The five were seated around a table in the rear of the house. In the +middle of the table was a huge plate of bacon, and next to this was a +mess of beans, steaming hot. Bread, butter, coffee and condensed milk +or "Canned cow" completed the repast. +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder where the Mex got all this food?" Nort asked as he reached for +the bread. "Real good, anyhow. Guess we'd better keep the Greaser, if +he'll stay." +</P> + +<P> +"Keep him 'til we get settled," added Dick. "I don't exactly like his +looks. He's too much like the Mex that Joe Hawkins pointed out—the +one he said to watch out for—remember?—to suit me." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be tryin' to find trouble, Dick," advised Bud. "That Mex is +just as good as the next one. But it is funny why he should be +lingering around here when all the rest lit out. And to have this food +all ready for us. Well——" +</P> + +<P> +"Got a few suspicions up your own sleeve, eh?" laughed Dick. +</P> + +<P> +"Boys," Billee said slowly, "I want to tell you something. You +remember what your Dad said about smugglin', Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +At the word the men at the table gave a slight start. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, smugglin'. You'd forgot all about it, hadn't ye? Well, I ain't. +While we were in Hawkins's office I noticed a bill-head on his desk. I +took it. Here it is." +</P> + +<P> +He passed over the paper to the Kid. The others got up and leaned over +the Kid's shoulder, reading it. +</P> + +<P> +"Two thousand dollars' reward," said the Kid haltingly, "for the a-rest +and con-viction of—the person whose picture is below, and who is known +in New York as Dapper Dan Craven. He is wanted for smuggling Chinese. +Escaped custody at——" +</P> + +<P> +He stopped. His eyes sought the picture. +</P> + +<P> +"By the ghost of my aunt Lizzy's cat!" he exclaimed. "If it ain't our +friend Delton!" +</P> + +<P> +Bud reached over and slowly took the paper from the Kid's nerveless +hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Delton!" he cried, as he saw the picture. "Just as sure as I'm +living, that's who it is!" +</P> + +<P> +"But why didn't Hawkins arrest him, then?" Nort asked in a puzzled tone +of voice. "He knew where he was. He could have come out any time and +put the bracelets on him and he'd have his man." +</P> + +<P> +"Now, boys, if you'll give me a little time, I'll—" started Billee +Dobb in a calm voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Go ahead!" +</P> + +<P> +"We're listenin'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, in the first place, I don't think Joe Hawkins ever saw this +Delton. You know what a hard job we had gettin' to the ranch—I bet if +we had had Hawkins with us we would have had to fight our way in. +That's what that guard was out for—the one that tried to stop us. He +knew we weren't deputies, so he let us go through. +</P> + +<P> +"Also, that bill was just printed and sent to Hawkins. Perhaps he +didn't have time to look at it. And say—that accounts for Delton's +quick get-away, too. One of his men rode in an' told him that there +was a price on him, and he got, fast. He must have made this ranch his +headquarters. No wonder he didn't have no sheep around! Boys, we can +expect some right excitin' things to happen, in the next few weeks!" +</P> + +<P> +Silence followed Billee's long speech. The veteran rancher had thrown +a veritable bombshell into camp. Delton—the man lying asleep +upstairs—the head of the smugglers! Two thousand dollars' reward! +Why, all they had to do was to tie him up and carry him to town—over +to the deputy's house. Capturing the smuggling king the first night at +the Shooting Star! It seemed too good to be true. +</P> + +<P> +"There's a catch in it somewhere," commented Dick. "No man with a +reward like that on his head is going to dump himself into our hands." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not? It wasn't his fault. He came sneakin' around the place to +spy on us and got caught by the cyclone. Then a board or something hit +him on the head and he fell where we found him. Nothing strange about +that! We got him and got him good! Wow, what can't we do with two +thousand dollars!" +</P> + +<P> +"There's one thing we forgot, boys," the Kid broke in. +</P> + +<P> +"And what's that?" +</P> + +<P> +"We're downstairs, an' Delton is upstairs." +</P> + +<P> +"That's soon fixed!" Bud cried, as he sprang for the steps. "Let's go, +boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"Take it easy!" cautioned the Kid quickly. "What's the use of scarin' +him? We'll just go up there and truss him up while he's asleep. Won't +hurt him. That cut on the head was all that ailed him. Now, take your +time!" +</P> + +<P> +The ranchers moved quietly toward the room in which they had left +Delton. As he reached the door, Bud opened it slowly and peered in. +Not a sound. Then he stuck his head in a bit further. Still no +action. In the darkness he could see the outline of the bed but +faintly. +</P> + +<P> +Softly he turned the covers down. Farther—farther! Then he let out a +yell. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, come here! Quick!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's the trouble?" The Kid called as he entered the room. +</P> + +<P> +"He's gone! He beat it! Look!" +</P> + +<P> +In the bed, molded into the shape of a man, were two pillows. Delton +had escaped, leaving the pillows in such a way as to make it appear +that he was still in the bed. +</P> + +<P> +"Here's a note!" Bud cried. "He left it on one of the pillows. Let's +have that candle, Dick." +</P> + +<P> +By the flickering spluttering light of the candle Bud read aloud: +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"Sorry I got to go so sudden, but this bed is too hard. I wouldn't +sleep well. If you guys want a little advice, you'll move along out of +this section. It ain't healthy. A word to the wise. J. D." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +JOE HAWKINS'S VISIT +</H3> + +<P> +"Can you beat that!" Nort ejaculated when Bud finished reading. +"Nerve—that Delton certainly has his share of it!" +</P> + +<P> +The feeling which the note aroused was not just one of disappointment. +The Kid seemed highly amused at the turn events had taken. Billee Dobb +assumed an "I-told-you-so" expression which sat comically on his +grizzled features. The rest looked slightly bewildered. +</P> + +<P> +"Got away, didn't he?" Dick asked in a flat tone of voice. "Through +the window, I guess. Yep. Slid down the rain water leader. Well——" +</P> + +<P> +"An' he took with him your wireless and your new bunch of cattle," the +Kid remarked sardonically. "Never count the chickens before they +scratch. Mr. Delton is a slicker article than we figgered on." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's see the note a minute, Bud," Nort said. "Huh—'bed too +hard—couldn't sleep!' Wise sort of a bird; isn't he? Say, he must +have written this as soon as we left the room." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because if he waited too long he couldn't have seen to write—too +dark. That means he's far away by this time. He probably——" +</P> + +<P> +"The horses! Ten to one he grabbed one of them an' beat it!" Yellin' +Kid cried. +</P> + +<P> +Without further parley the boys and men filed from the room and made +for the corral. The horses had been tied to a pole nearest the house, +and they were not long in reaching them. They could be easily seen in +the moonlight which now flooded the prairie. +</P> + +<P> +"Mine's there!" Bud yelled as he came within view of the animals. +"Guess you're wrong, Kid. Seems like there's—no there isn't, either! +Only four! Whose mount is missing?" +</P> + +<P> +"You might know it," the Kid said disgustedly. "The coot took +mine—out of all that bunch to pick from, he had to rustle my new +bronc! By golly, if ever I set eyes on you again, you old——" +</P> + +<P> +"Take it easy!" laughed Bud. "Could be a lot worse. He might have +turned the rest of 'em loose, too." +</P> + +<P> +"No use beefin' about it," said Billee Dobb. "All over now. He's +gone—an' so's the Kid's bronc. Talk about it in the morning. Me, I'm +tired!" +</P> + +<P> +The night passed uneventfully. At sun-up the Kid appeared at the door +of Bud's room and grinned in at him. +</P> + +<P> +"Ready for work?" he cried. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean trailin' your horse, Kid?" Bud asked mischievously. +</P> + +<P> +The grin left Yellin' Kid's face and his eyes flashed. +</P> + +<P> +"No," he said shortly. "I'll leave that for later. When I got some +time on my hands that I want to use up in enjoyment. Then I'll go +after your friend Delton." +</P> + +<P> +"He's no friend of mine," retorted Bud. "But let's not chop about it +until after breakfast, anyway. Think that Mexican cook is on the job?" +</P> + +<P> +"Heard him movin' around a while ago, Bud. Let's go down an' see. +Billee is downstairs, and I guess Nort an' Dick are too." +</P> + +<P> +When they reached the dining room they found the others waiting for +them. +</P> + +<P> +"Sleep good, boys?" Dick asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure did. Felt like I'd never wake up. Say, steak this morning!" +Nort cried as he saw the table loaded with food. "We got <I>some</I> cook +here!" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't it strike you all kind 'a funny that the Mex has got so much +stuff on hand?" Billee Dobb wanted to know. "Course it <I>might</I> be that +this Delton feller had just stocked up before we came. Hey, Mex!" he +yelled into the kitchen. "<I>Aqui</I>! <I>Pronto</I>!" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican strolled calmly to where the five sat waiting. +</P> + +<P> +"Where you get all this?" Billee pointed to the plates of meat. +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican shrugged his shoulders and motioned toward the kitchen. +</P> + +<P> +"Boss leave it here?" +</P> + +<P> +Another shrug. +</P> + +<P> +"Now listen, Mex. You know what I mean. You nod or shake your head +when I ask you questions." Yellin' Kid walked over and stood before +the Mexican. +</P> + +<P> +"First, did you work for this guy Delton?" +</P> + +<P> +A nod. +</P> + +<P> +"Then when he beat it, you stayed here, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +A nod. +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"He can't answer that with his head, Kid," Nort broke in. +</P> + +<P> +"I know it, but maybe he can tell us by motions. Hey? Why you no go +with Delton?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican pointed toward himself, then to the kitchen. His hands +simulated the job of peeling potatoes. Then he flung both arms wide, +and moved his head in a semi-circle, eyes opened as though he were +looking for something. +</P> + +<P> +"So he went when you were in the kitchen, hey, an' didn't say nothin' +about it. Well, that sounds logical." +</P> + +<P> +"Kid, for Pete's sake, let's eat!" Bud interrupted. "You did +fine—give you a badge as a special detective. All right, Mex, +outside. Gee, you certainly are curious, Kid!" +</P> + +<P> +"I just want to know a few things, that's all," Yellin' Kid protested. +"I don't want to get poisoned. Can't tell who that Mex is—for all we +know he may be one of Delton's men left here to watch us." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, I was thinking the same thing," Dick put in. "But his graphic +explanation as to why he's here seems to be at least plausible. If, as +Billee suggested, Delton cut out when he found there was a price on his +head it doesn't seem reasonable that he'd bother taking the cook along. +How about it, Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ain't makin' no statements," the veteran rancher replied slowly. +"Want to think things out a few minutes first." +</P> + +<P> +"Billee's going to solve the great mystery for us!" Nort laughed. +"Never you mind, ole horse, you knew your stuff when you grabbed that +bill-head from Hawkins's office. The trouble with us was, we were too +slow." +</P> + +<P> +The conversation hit on the topics of the night before as the ranchers +made a healthy breakfast. When they had satisfied their hunger Bud +leaned back in his chair and said: +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what's on the program this morning, Kid? Beckon you better take +charge for a while. Then Dick can be head boss, and so on—'til we get +the sheep in. O. K.?" +</P> + +<P> +"All right with me, Bud," the Kid agreed. "One of us wants to take a +ride into town and see about gettin' hold of a sheep-man. I got to get +me a pony, too." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll go," offered Nort. "Think I'll look up Hawkins. He might like +to know what happened." +</P> + +<P> +The five walked slowly into the yard. The meal seemed to change their +ideas, and set them quietly to thinking. Bud was leaning against the +side of the ranch house. The Kid strolled over to the corral and +looked longingly at the four horses tethered there. Billee Dobb was +seated on the steps smoking his pipe, when he noticed a cloud of dust +in the distance. +</P> + +<P> +"Rider," he said, more to himself than to the others. "Got a hunch who +it is." +</P> + +<P> +The dust cloud grew quickly nearer, and from it emerged the figure of a +man on horseback. +</P> + +<P> +"Someone coming," Dick called. +</P> + +<P> +"Who is it?" Bud asked. From where he stood he was unable to see. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't know yet. Looks familiar, though. Here he comes." +</P> + +<P> +"It's Joe Hawkins!" exclaimed Bud, as the horseman rode into view. +"Hi, Joe—Mr. Hawkins, I mean." +</P> + +<P> +"Joe'll do, son," the deputy said with a smile as he dismounted. +"Looks like you was havin' a convention here." +</P> + +<P> +"Just thinking things over," the Kid, who had walked up, explained. +"Glad you came, Mr. Hawkins." +</P> + +<P> +"Thought that was you," Billee Dobb said, rising to his feet and +removing the pipe from his mouth. "Seen you way off, and says to +myself, bet that's Joe Hawkins." +</P> + +<P> +"You got good eyes," laughed the deputy. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, it wasn't exactly my eyes. I had a hunch." +</P> + +<P> +"Billee Dobb is our official detective," Bud said with a grin. "Tell +him about the hand-bill you copped, Billee." +</P> + +<P> +Explanations were in order, and with continuous interruptions the +deputy finally heard the story of the cyclone and what followed. He +questioned the boys as to the appearance and talk of Delton, and at +last confessed that he must be the man wanted. +</P> + +<P> +"Though I didn't think they knew just who he was," Hawkins added. "All +I knew was that the reward of two thousand was for the head of the +smuggling system. So they got him spotted, have they? That means we +won't have to work in the dark. It's a wonder the central office +wouldn't give a man the whole story when they're about it, instead of +lettin' it trickle through. Well, boys, it's time you knew what this +smuggling is all about, hey?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE STORY OF SMUGGLING +</H3> + +<P> +"Between this country and Mexico," began the deputy, "there's a strip +of land called the border—on one side U. S., and on the other +Greaser-land. You know all about that. Across this border run several +roads—passages into and from Mexico. And each of these roads is +patroled by United States officers. +</P> + +<P> +"These men are placed there for a purpose, and one purpose among others +is to prevent the illegal sending into the States of Chinamen. You see +only so many foreigners from each nation are allowed to settle in the +United States each year, and once that quota is reached, no more will +be admitted. Naturally there are always men who want to come to the +"Land of Plenty" and make their fortunes, but unless these men are +within the quota for that year, they are forbidden to enter. All +Chinese are forbidden entry and have been for several years. +</P> + +<P> +"But there are ways and means of getting around that situation. +Suppose a Chinaman wants to become rich. The first thing he thinks +about is America. All he has to do in America, he thinks, is to bend +over and pick up the gold pieces that are lying in heaps all over the +streets. +</P> + +<P> +"So the Chinaman makes up his mind to come to America. He goes to Foy +Lee, a slick friend of his, to find out about it. Foy Lee says 'Good +thing you see me. Sure. I fix you up. Easy. You want go America? +All light. Can do. You got fifteen hundred dollah?' Now where would +a poor Chink get fifteen hundred dollars? He tells Foy Lee there ain't +that much money in the world. So Foy Lee starts thinkin'. He rubs the +top of his head, blinks his eyes, and grunts twice. Then he says, 'you +still want go America?' 'Sure!' our Chink answers. 'All light,' says +Foy Lee. 'You come with me.' The rascal knows all the time what to +do, only he wants to make it seem hard, so he can get his little rake +off. +</P> + +<P> +"Foy Lee takes his friend to an office over on a side street in some +Chinese city. There he meets a man who guarantees him passage to U. S. +if the Chink will just sign the paper. That's all—no money nor +nuthin'—only sign the paper an' he gets to America. What is the +paper? Oh, just a promise that the Chink will pay the company that's +sending him all his future wages—less enough for food—until fifteen +hundred dollars have been paid. Just a mere matter of slavery, that's +what it amounts to. +</P> + +<P> +"But the Chink signs. What's fifteen hundred in the land of 'plenty +dollah?' Now our Chink is put on a vessel bound for Mexico. There he +is met by an agent of the same company that put him on board in China. +</P> + +<P> +"This agent takes him to a town, near the border—say Presidio, or some +such place. Then the real fun begins. The company notifies their man +at headquarters that the Chink has arrived and is ready to be shipped +across the border. Headquarters looks up the Chink's bond that he +signed in China, and which has been received through the mail, and +sends back word that everything is O. K., that the Chink, with several +others, is to be handed to a smuggler at a certain spot, to be smuggled +over the border. And when the Chink is so delivered the company's part +ends. +</P> + +<P> +"After this the Chink's fate is in the hands of the smugglers, and if +they get caught, and the poor coot is sent back to China again by the +emigration authorities, he's still got to pay that fifteen hundred, +although all he got for his money was a long ride and hard treatment. +</P> + +<P> +"The border runners take their consignment of Chinese and either pack +them in the back of an auto or wagon, or arrange to smuggle them across +some other way. If they're lucky, they get through. If not they get +hauled up by the border officers, and the runners get jail and the +Chinks are sent back to their native land. And even if they do get +through the lines the Chinks' troubles aren't over, for at any time +they're liable to be pulled in for not having what they call a 'chock +gee,' which is a government paper signifying they are here lawfully and +not by smuggling. I told you about that before. +</P> + +<P> +"And that's how the game works. These smugglers get hold of a ranch +near the border so they can hide their Chinks when they get them +across, until the time is set to turn them loose. 'Course I can't say +that's what this place has been used for. But it would be great for +it." +</P> + +<P> +The narrator paused and the Boy Ranchers drew long breaths of +excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, boys, what do you think about it?" +</P> + +<P> +The tall deputy looked from one to the other. He was prepared for a +deluge of questions, and they came. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't the Chinese counterfeit this 'chock gee'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who gets the fifteen hundred dollars?" +</P> + +<P> +"Has that smuggling been going on here—near the Shooting Star?" +</P> + +<P> +"Cease firing!" the deputy laughed. "I'll answer Bud's question first. +Yes, it <I>has</I> been going on here—right past Roaring River. That's how +our marshal got shot up—tryin' to stop a load of Chinks from gettin' +through. +</P> + +<P> +"That fifteen hundred, Dick, is divided between the men who actually do +the running, and the company that ships the Chinks to Mexico. The +smugglers get about five hundred a head for every man they get in. The +'chock gee' is often counterfeited, but not very successfully. It's +printed like a government bank bill, and is just as hard to fake." +</P> + +<P> +For some time the discussion about smuggling went on. The deputy told +of the different tricks resorted to by the border runners in getting +their human cargo safely into the United States, and to what lengths +they will go to prevent capture. Boats are also used to transport the +Chinese to the American seacoast, Hawkins said, and if, by chance, the +runners were caught with a load of prospective undesirable Americans +they got out of the difficulty by the simple expedient of dumping the +Chinese into the sea. +</P> + +<P> +Another method of transportation was for the smugglers to put off in a +small craft from a Mexican port, with a cargo of barrels and Chinese. +When the boat neared the United States coast the Chinese would be +nailed in the barrels and thrown overboard, to trust to the mercies of +Fate to bring them ashore. Often the wind blows in an offshore +direction, which spells death to the floating Chinese; weeks later they +are found dead, when the barrels pile up on some distant coast. +</P> + +<P> +This system of sneaking Chinese into this country was well established, +said Hawkins, and the smugglers make use of scouts in small cars before +they attempt to bring a load of Chinese across the line. These scouts +ride swiftly along the route of the proposed entry, and locate, +definitely, the position of each border patrol, so that when the run is +actually made the driver of the car filled with Chinese knows the spots +to avoid. +</P> + +<P> +Of course the Boy Ranchers were chiefly interested in the part their +new Shooting Star property might have played in this game of smuggling. +</P> + +<P> +"And the fellow that lived here is the local head of that system!" Bud +exclaimed. "Say, we let a rare bird go when he escaped." +</P> + +<P> +"We've still got a chance to get him," Dick declared. "He must be +around somewhere. That note—you saw the note we found, didn't you, +Mr. Hawkins?—well, that indicated we might look for another visit from +the coot. The Kid will be glad to see him, eh, Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"An' I don't mean maybe!" Yellin' Kid exploded. "Stealin' the best +bronc I ever had—just when I was gettin' him broken in proper—an' me +away out here in the wilderness with nothin' to ride——" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll get you a pony," the deputy offered. "There's one I know of +that's a beaut—fast and strong. Friend of mine wants to sell her." +</P> + +<P> +"I'd be sure grateful if you'd do that, mister. It sort of hits me +hard, losin' a good bronc like that." +</P> + +<P> +"It wasn't your fault, Kid," Bud hastened to say. "And Dad will insist +on buying you another. So if Mr. Hawkins knows of one that will suit +you, take it. You'll fix him up with a horse then, Mr. Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"Depend on it," the tall deputy declared. "Now to business. I've told +you boys all I knew about the way smuggling is being done around here, +but I didn't do it just to be interestin'. I want you-all to help me." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure!" +</P> + +<P> +"That's what we're here for!" +</P> + +<P> +"No, we're not, Kid," Bud corrected. "We're here to herd sheep. But +we'll certainly help Mr. Hawkins all we can." +</P> + +<P> +"Here's the dope, boys," and the deputy leaned closer. "This Delton +may or may not have been doin' business here at the ranch. If he has +been, an' I'm goin' to figger that way, his friends still expect him to +be here. He left in too much of a hurry to send out word. An' here's +where you-all come in. +</P> + +<P> +"I want you to pretend the ranch hasn't changed hands. Just lay low +for a while, not travelin' 'round much, an' we'll see what happens. I +don't mind tellin' you we got another tip, that some Chinks were goin' +to be rushed across within the next few days. Can't say just when, but +soon now. It's a big load this time, an' if things work the way I +think they will, they'll try to land them at this ranch." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean they'll think Delton is still here?" Nort inquired excitedly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. Of course I may be wrong—that may not be the plans at all. But +I've got pretty good reasons for thinkin' I'm right. We sort of +suspected that the Shootin' Star was bein' used for illegal purposes, +but we never had a chance to prove it. The place was too well guarded, +and without a warrant you can't go on another's property. I knew we'd +not find anything if we did search the place, for the Chinks are only +landed at night, and shipped away the next morning; scattered all over +the country. They all look so much alike it's hard to tell 'em apart." +</P> + +<P> +"So you never really saw Delton?" asked Nort. +</P> + +<P> +"Nope—never have. He never came to town—whatever stuff he wanted he +sent his men in for." +</P> + +<P> +"Told you!" Billee Dobb cried. "I knew he never saw the geezer! Just +like I said—nobody was allowed in here with a badge on." +</P> + +<P> +"Right again," the Kid said with a grin. "Billee's the only one of +this gang that seems to know his stuff." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that's the plan, boys," stated Mr. Hawkins. "Are you with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"You bet!" +</P> + +<P> +"Bring on the smugglers!" +</P> + +<P> +"Kid, here's your chance to find out what became of your shirt!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wait!" the deputy held up his hand. "We can't go into this thing like +that, boys! It's too dangerous. Enough men have been killed now by +the smugglers, and I don't want to add to the list. I thought a long +time before I came over this morning, and I finally decided I'd take a +chance on you. When I met you first I knew you were dependable men. +Remember—this is no joke! We've got to be ready to take what comes!" +</P> + +<P> +The faces of the boys sobered in an instant. +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you'll find you weren't far wrong," Bud said quietly. "We've +been in a few tight squeezes before—I suppose you heard of Del Pinzo?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. He was captured and jailed a while ago. Don't know +whether he got out since or not." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we are the ones who put him there," Bud went on in a quiet tone. +</P> + +<P> +"No! Why say,—I remember you now! I saw you bring him in! Well, +well! So that's the way of things! Boys, I'm sure glad I met you! +Between us we ought to make a go of this. So you captured Del Pinzo! +Now here's another job for you. What do you think of this idea?" +</P> + +<P> +The boys leaned close as they prepared to hear the deputy's plan. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TRAPPED +</H3> + +<P> +For some minutes the boys listened to the details of the deputy's +scheme. It involved danger, there was no doubt of that, but it also +gave a chance for success. If luck held in their favor—and Kid said +after the run of misfortune they had met with it was time for a change +of weather—they might hope for a rich prize—possibly Delton +himself—though this last did not seem likely. The whole success of +the plan depended on fooling the smugglers into thinking the ranch was +still held by Delton. +</P> + +<P> +"And there we are," finished Hawkins. "Any questions, boys? You-all +know what to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"All set!" Yellin' Kid answered. "Now that's over with, guess I'll +mosey down to town." +</P> + +<P> +"Rather you stayed around, Kid, if you don't mind," said the deputy. +"Anything particular you wanted?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, just to see about that bronc you mentioned. And we got to get +hold of a sheepman soon." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll fix that up for you," Hawkins offered. "Dick, how about you +riding back with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Glad to, Mr. Hawkins. Anybody want anything?" +</P> + +<P> +"Better find out about food," suggested Nort. "And we could all stand +a clean shirt or two. Before you go, Dick, we all better take +inventory. Didn't bring much, you know. What do you say, boys? Speak +up, and Dick can collect your stuff while he's in town." +</P> + +<P> +"Where's that Mex?" the Kid asked. "Wait a minute while I head for the +kitchen." +</P> + +<P> +He bounded up the steps and flung open the door. To his surprise a +figure stumbled away and ran back. But Yellin' Kid was faster, and in +a moment he had collared the man. It was the Mexican cook. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, what the mischief you doin' here? Huh? Listening weren't you?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"What, then? If you weren't listenin' what were you doin'?" +</P> + +<P> +The cook pointed toward the kitchen and then to his mouth. He spread +both hands, palms upward. +</P> + +<P> +"No more grub? Oh, I see. An' you was comin' to tell us?" +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter, Kid?" the deputy called. "Who you talking to?" +</P> + +<P> +The Kid dragged the Mexican out into the yard. +</P> + +<P> +"This bird," he said. "Cook. The one we found here. He was hidin' +behind the door—wants me to believe he came out to tell us there was +no more eats. Why you run, hey? What's the idea of that?" He +tightened his grip on the Mexican's collar. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, let the poor Greaser alone, Kid," Bud objected. "He's all right. +Just scared, that's all. The way you jerked open the door was enough +to scare anyone." +</P> + +<P> +"Yea? Maybe. Anyway, I don't like this coot's looks. Back you go, +Mex. Next time don't be snoopin' around like that. We'll get your +stuff for you." He released his grasp, and the Mexican slunk back into +the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Funny gink," commented Billee Dobb in a drawling tone of voice, as he +stared at the door through which the cook had disappeared. "Queerest +Mex I ever saw." +</P> + +<P> +"The old detective still on the job," the Kid laughed and grinned. +"Well, Mr. Hawkins wants to get started. Guess you can order a whole +stock of food, Dick. The store got a buckboard, deputy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Believe it has." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you can tell 'em what you want and they'll cart it over. Flour, +bacon, bakin' powder, canned tomatoes, some yellow clings—don't forget +them, Dick—and whatever else you can think of. Shirts can wait. All +right, boys. Stay here, Dick, I'll bring your bronc." +</P> + +<P> +"The Kid wants to handle a pony again," Nort said, when the Kid had +left. "He hated to lose that one of his." +</P> + +<P> +"Mighty fond of it," declared Bud. "While you're gone, Dick, I think +I'll take a look around and see what I can find." +</P> + +<P> +"Wouldn't go too far," Hawkins cautioned. "Here's your bronc, Dick. +Let's be on our way. See you fellers later. So long." +</P> + +<P> +The two—Dick and the deputy—rode toward the town. Billee Dobb +resumed the smoking of his pipe. The effect of the exciting plan they +had just heard seemed to have departed with the deputy, for the minds +of those at the ranch turned again to the business of sheep farming. +Billee spoke of "washes," and "dips," and of buying a few "hurdles." +These terms were Greek to the boys, being experienced as they were only +in cattle and not sheep raising, but Billee explained to them some of +the peculiarities of the "woolies." He in a varied career had seen +most of the life of the range, and it was no surprise to the boys to +find he had once herded sheep. +</P> + +<P> +As the morning wore on, the ranchers busied themselves in the doing of +many tasks about the place. The Kid made a thorough inspection of the +roofs and sides of the several shacks, to check up on the repairing +needed. Nort investigated the state of their living quarters—the bunk +and cook house. Bud decided to ride a bit through the surrounding +country, to observe the extent of their range, and to see to the fences. +</P> + +<P> +Bud was not exactly "fence riding." This means following the fence +until a break is seen, repairing it, and going on to the next break. +It is difficult and tiresome work, no task to occupy an idle morning +with. As Bud rode along, his mind was busy with the thoughts of all +that had happened in the short time the boys had been on the Shooting +Star. The plan that the deputy had outlined for the capture of the +smugglers called for work, and it had only a fair chance of success. +Nevertheless there seemed no other way to achieve results, and the +advantages of the control of the Shooting Star had to be realized early +in the game. +</P> + +<P> +"I'd like to run across Delton," thought Bud, feeling unconsciously for +his gun. His hand encountered no holster, and he suddenly realized +that he had not bothered to arm himself before starting out. +</P> + +<P> +"Just as well that I don't see Delton," he said to himself a trifle +ruefully. "Wouldn't do me a lot of good to meet him when I haven't a +ghost of a show of bringing him in. Yet I might take a chance on him +if I saw him first." The pony he was riding stepped carefully so as to +avoid prairie dog holes, which would throw him and his rider if he +stepped in one suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"Might be a good idea to turn around," thought Bud aloud. "Don't want +to leave the work of the ranch to Nort and the Kid and Billee, though +there isn't an awful lot to do yet. When those sheep come in we'll +have our hands full. Oh, well, guess I'll ride a bit farther. See how +much more work this fence needs." +</P> + +<P> +He was riding slowly now, looking carefully about him. The country +appeared vaguely familiar. Certain bushes looked as though he had seen +them before—there was a small tree that he had certainly passed some +time before. The cowboy's sight is so trained by years on the prairie +that even the shape of a bush will be remembered subconsciously. There +is so much land in the west that it is necessary to have some means to +guide oneself about, else a rider could very easily get lost along a +trail that should be familiar. +</P> + +<P> +"Seems to me I've been here before," Bud said. "Let's see now—that +bush. Know I saw that sometime. That little hill there—why—I'll bet +that is—" he spurred his mount to a faster gait and made for a small +knoll that rose in front of him. As he reached it he gave a yell. +</P> + +<P> +"I know now! This is where we got in that fight with the hidden +gunman! And over there ought to be—sure enough! The water hole! I +didn't think we were so near it. I must have come further than I +thought. Well—might as well take a look around. Right here is where +the bird that did all the shooting must have lain. Come here, bronc!" +</P> + +<P> +The boy dismounted and slipped his horse's bridle rein on his wrist. +Then he threw himself down on the sand in the position their antagonist +might have taken when he fired at them. +</P> + +<P> +"Here I am with a view of the water hole, and in a good place to shoot +from without being shot. Now I want to get away quick. What do I do? +If I roll to the left, I expose myself to fire. If I roll to the +right, I—" there was a little clump of mesquite by his right elbow. +Bud pulled himself toward this. "That would afford protection, but +once I get in here how can I get out? Now—" The boy was rolling to +the center. +</P> + +<P> +With a "Hold it, bronc!" he released the reins and his hand slid off +the clump. Suddenly a queer thing happened. Bud felt the ground below +him give way, and the next moment he found himself in a hole just large +enough to admit his body, and about four feet deep. Above him the +bushes had closed again, effectively screening him from the view of +anyone above ground. He had accidentally solved the mystery of the +gunman's strange disappearance. +</P> + +<P> +For a few seconds Bud lay still, so sudden was the shock of the fall. +He was not really stunned, however, and as soon as he recovered from +his surprise he struggled to his feet and parted the brush above him. +His horse was near by, moving slowly and cropping grass. +</P> + +<P> +Then he saw how easily it would be to escape observation by falling +into the small pit. The bush was certainly not large enough to conceal +a man, and for this reason no one would imagine it could serve to +screen a hole. It afforded a perfect hiding place. On either side was +flat prairie, and no one would suspect the presence of a hidden person +in that country. +</P> + +<P> +"So that's how it all happened!" Bud gave a low whistle. "No wonder +we missed the fellow. Say, this is one bird of a hiding place! All a +man has to do is to roll in it, like I did. Anyone who can tell this +hole is here without being in it is a better detective than I am. +</P> + +<P> +"But what a crazy spot for a hiding place! Surely whoever dug it +didn't know he'd use it to fire on us and then escape. Must have been +some other reason for making it, and then it came in handy when whoever +shot at us wanted to get away. He must have just lain quiet while we +looked around, then, when we left, he just came out and walked away. +Clever, all right. Now who'd think of a stunt like that?" +</P> + +<P> +He looked more closely at the hole. It was well walled up, and had +evidently been dug some time ago. By parting the bushes and kneeling +on a mound of earth at the bottom, a perfect sight of the surrounding +territory could be obtained. A gun could be poked through the bush and +all the ground, except a very small part directly in front of the hill, +would be covered. The person who dug it evidently had in mind the +advantages of firing from a hidden spot. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, no use in staying in here any longer. Hope that fool bronc of +mine is still there. Don't want to lose her like the Kid did his. +Won't the rest be surprised when I tell them about this! The Kid will +want to come right out and see it, and try it out. And Billee Dobb +will say 'I thought there was sumpin' like this!' Gosh, this thing is +pretty deep." Bud put both hands on the sides and pulled himself +toward the top. +</P> + +<P> +He threw one leg over the edge and was just about to spring out when +that unconscious something which often warns us of the presence of +another caused him to look up. What he saw almost caused him to fall +back into the pit again. +</P> + +<P> +Looking down at him was a man. In his hand he held a gun, the muzzle +pointed at Bud's head. And as the boy saw the man's face he uttered a +cry. +</P> + +<P> +"Delton!" +</P> + +<P> +"The same! I see you decided to visit us. Well, buddy, you're in for +a good long visit!" Delton's lips curled in a sardonic smile. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TO-MORROW NIGHT +</H3> + +<P> +Back of Delton Bud saw another man—and after a moment he recognized +him as the cowboy with the saw-off shot-gun who had warned them away +from the Shooting Star. +</P> + +<P> +"Up out of that!" Delton commanded. "Keep your hands high. Don't try +no funny work or you'll be eatin' breakfast with St. Peter." +</P> + +<P> +Discretion was easily the better part of valor, and, realizing this, +Bud made no hostile motion. He climbed meekly out of the pit. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think of our little hide-an'-seek hole, Merkel? Or +perhaps you had some experience with it before. Hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"So you're the one who shot at us!" Bud cried hotly. "Well, let me +tell you that it was a coward's trick. If you——" +</P> + +<P> +"Say, buddy, I want to tell <I>you</I> something. The less you talk the +better it will be for you." Delton's eyes held a dangerous glint. "I +don't know what you're talking about. No—never mind! Don't answer +me. Sam—" this to the puncher who stood behind Delton—"if this bird +says another word shut him up—quick!" Sam nodded and stepped a little +forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Turn around," Delton ordered shortly. As Bud turned he felt his arms +grabbed and forced back until his wrists were held firmly together. A +neckerchief was wound around his wrists and tied tightly. Then Delton +"frisked" him, or searched him, for weapons. Finding none he forced +Bud at the point of his gun to walk ahead some fifteen yards, where the +ponies stood—Bud's and the two others. +</P> + +<P> +"Upstairs, Merkel." Delton motioned toward Bud's pony. "You're goin' +for a little ride with us. Step on it, now." +</P> + +<P> +With some difficulty Bud succeeded in mounting his bronco. The little +pony was trembling, as though it realized something of what was going +on. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, sonny, how does it feel to be talked to and not be able to talk +back? Something like that Mexican cook of yours, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"The Mexican cook!" Bud turned swiftly in his saddle. +</P> + +<P> +"So he's one of your men too! I thought—" he began hotly. +</P> + +<P> +"You thought nothin'!" the one called Sam interrupted in a rough voice. +"You heard what the boss said. If you want to enjoy good health a +while longer, keep your mouth shut!" +</P> + +<P> +There was nothing for it but to obey. It would do no good to persist +in questioning his captors, and not only would he learn nothing, but +the questions would only serve to antagonize them more. +</P> + +<P> +The three rode along silently. Now and then Bud would shift in the +saddle, for it is no easy thing to ride a long ways on a nervous pony +with one's hands tied behind. Finally they seemed to reach their +destination—the house Bud had seen in the distance. It was a +ramshackle affair, with the roof partly torn away and no vestige of +paint. Evidently it had once been used for a farm house, for about it +were several other shacks, probably to store grain in. +</P> + +<P> +Delton dismounted and held the bridle of Bud's pony. +</P> + +<P> +"Your new home," he said, with a grin. "Come right in. Sorry we can't +fix you up better, but you see all the servants are away." +</P> + +<P> +The lad hesitated a moment. +</P> + +<P> +"Off you come!" Delton seized Bud by the belt and pulled. The boy +tumbled off his pony and hit the ground. +</P> + +<P> +"That wasn't—necessary!" the boy panted, as he lay there with most of +the breath knocked out of him. Luckily he had fallen on his side, and +not on his face, which would have meant a real injury, his hands tied +as they were. +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe not, but I figger it'll do you good. Give you an appetite for +dinner," and Delton laughed harshly. "Where I come from we treat 'em +worse than that." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, let him alone," Sam growled. "No use hurtin' the kid! That won't +help us any. If we get caught it won't be so good havin' a lot of +enemies." +</P> + +<P> +"Who said we were goin' to get caught?" Delton walked over to where Sam +sat on his pony. "Sam, I haven't liked your actions lately. Now you +yell about getting caught. You know what happened to that last bird +who arranged for me to meet up with the cops?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yea, I know." Sam moved uneasily in his saddle. He did not meet +Delton's eyes. "You don't think I'd tell on you, do ya—an' get twenty +years myself? Ain't likely. Anyway——" +</P> + +<P> +"All right! Pipe down. Get this kid inside. I want to see if Slim +got back yet." +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, kid. Here, I'll help you up. Hurt yourself?" Sam had +dismounted and assisted Bud to his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"No, I didn't. Thanks. What was his idea in pulling me off like that? +If ever I get him I'll remember it." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, he always pulls stunts like that. Wants everybody to know he's a +hard guy. Comes from New York, and thinks he can put it all over the +West. One thing I will say for him, he sure can shoot. That's enough, +now." +</P> + +<P> +Sam's tone changed, and a warning light came into his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"I ain't paid to talk to you. Let's go," he growled. +</P> + +<P> +He led Bud up the steps and into the house. The shades were pulled +down tight, and the gloom made it very difficult for Bud to see much. +He noticed some sort of a hat-tree in the hall, and as they walked +toward the back he saw the doors of several rooms which opened off the +lower hall. Into one of these Sam led his captive. +</P> + +<P> +"Here's where you stay," he said. "No use tryin' to get out, for the +windows are barred. And that door is oak. Here—" and Sam struggled +with the knot which bound Bud's wrists behind his back. "Make you feel +a little comfortable, anyhow. You can't do much without a gun. +There's water in that pitcher. I'll try to sneak you in some bread +about noon." +</P> + +<P> +Without another word Sam stepped out of the room and closed the door. +Bud heard a key grate in the lock, and then a bolt shot home. +</P> + +<P> +"Taking no chances," he thought. "My, it feels good to get my arms +free!" He stretched lustily. "Wonder where on earth I am? Let's take +a look at those windows. Bars, hey?" He pulled the shade aside. +Surely enough on the outside were several iron bars, making the room a +veritable jail. "They sure got me penned up here proper! Now why did +they go to all this trouble? Just because I found that pit by the +water hole? +</P> + +<P> +"That doesn't seem reasonable. Must want me for something besides +that. Guess I'll know soon enough. In the meantime I'll take a look +around. Water! That's right—I am thirsty. Funny how you forget that +when you're excited." Bud was talking to himself now. There are +people who seem to be able to puzzle things out better if the problem +is put into words than if they just revolve it over in their minds. +Bud was one of these, and as he investigated his prison he kept talking +in a low tone to himself. +</P> + +<P> +With the shades up he was able to get a better view of the room. It +was small, and had only that one window in it. The furniture consisted +of a chair and a table. The floor was bare. The walls were painted a +dull gray. Bud pushed experimentally against one of the sides, but to +no purpose. It was as solid as iron. +</P> + +<P> +There was one more thing to be tried, that was the door. Bud was +reconciled to spending at least the morning within the room, and it +made very little difference to him whether the door was of oak, as +"Sam" had said, or some softer wood. However, he thought, he might as +well take a crack at it. Try anything once, he reasoned. +</P> + +<P> +He walked over and turned the knob softly. It refused to budge an +inch. Then Bud applied more pressure. This time it turned slowly. +Hope rang in Bud's heart as he felt the latch click back, then as he +remembered hearing the door bolted his heart sank again. Still he +turned the knob as far as it would go, and pushed. The door opened +about half an inch. +</P> + +<P> +Then it stuck. Bud's hand dropped from the knob, and he ran his +fingers along the crack. Half way up they encountered cold metal—a +chain which allowed the door to open only a little, then held. Bud +seemed as securely fastened as though he had been unable to budge the +door at all. Then he thought it was possible the bolt worked on a +slide, and if he could reach through the crack and ease it out of the +slide, he would be free. +</P> + +<P> +"A knife would do the trick," he thought. "Nothing like that around +here. I wonder if my belt buckle would do?" He tried forcing it +through the crack. "Nope. Not long enough. Isn't there something +about the room I could use? Chair—that's no good. Neither is the +table. Water pitcher—can't see what good that is. Porcelain, I +guess." He ran his hand over the pitcher. +</P> + +<P> +"Yep. Well, that doesn't seem to help. Unless—" he hesitated. A +thought struck him. "If I could break it and use a piece of it like a +knife I'll bet I could scrape that bolt over! But how can I break it +without making a racket and bringing Delton and his gang rushing in?" +Bud thought a moment. Then he snapped his fingers softly, and his eyes +lit up. "I've got it!" he whispered. +</P> + +<P> +Taking off his vest and shirt he wrapped the pitcher well in them, +after pouring out the water. Then he tapped it gently against the +window-sill. It made almost no noise, so he hit it harder. After a +few tries he felt it break. As he unwrapped his bundle of shattered +porcelain he saw he had, luckily, broken a piece just the size he +wanted. He replaced his shirt and vest and with the piece of pitcher +in his hand he made once more for the door, this time with a real hope +of escaping. +</P> + +<P> +"Just the right length!" Bud exalted as he slid the narrow knife-like +porcelain through the crack in the door and against the bolt. Then he +started to coax the bolt from its slide. Softly, softly he scraped +against the iron, and to his delight felt it move ever so little. He +could not open the door to its full extent in his endeavor to slip the +bolt, for this would tighten the chain and hold the metal piece more +firmly in its slide. He had to work with his left hand holding the +door at the proper angle and his right hand using the piece of the +water pitcher. +</P> + +<P> +It was tiresome work. Several times Bud halted as he heard footsteps +in the hall outside, but they went on their way without stopping. The +porcelain was rapidly wearing down. Its edge had already become +dulled, and no longer offered the purchase on the iron that it did at +first. But finally Bud succeeded—the bolt slid back. +</P> + +<P> +Cautiously he tried the door. It opened! In obedience to Bud's push, +the door swung wide. For a moment the lad stood still, listening +intently. The low murmur of voices came to his ears. +</P> + +<P> +"Down the hall," he thought. "Must be in that large room I passed +coming in." +</P> + +<P> +He stepped gently forward. A board creaked under his foot, and froze +him into instant stillness. The murmur of voices droned on, and once +more Bud moved forward. Down the hall he tip-toed. Nearer and nearer +to the room wherein the men were talking he came. Now he was directly +opposite. The door was tightly closed, but he could make out the +conversation distinctly. +</P> + +<P> +"A cinch!" he heard someone say. "There's nothing to it! Even if Jake +doesn't know about the Shooting Star, he can run the bunch through all +right. And the sooner the better." +</P> + +<P> +"You know when the run is planned for?" someone asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! And I think we'll be lucky on the weather. Looks like rain to +me." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I hope so. It's all set for to-morrow night, then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Check! All set. To-morrow night it is." +</P> + +<P> +Outside Bud was listening intently, his heart thumping in his breast. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BILLEE DOBB'S STORY +</H3> + +<P> +Back at the Shooting Star ranch the three others, Nort, Billee Dobb and +Yellin' Kid, were occupying themselves with the business of the day. +The Kid having reported on the condition of the "shacks," Nort decided +that a new bunk house would be necessary before the shearing season to +accommodate the extra men. He and Yellin' Kid, together with Billee +Dobb, then lazed about the place, awaiting the return of Dick and Bud. +It was eleven o'clock before Dick came riding into the yard. +</P> + +<P> +"Bring any grub back with you?" +</P> + +<P> +"No. The store said the buckboard would be right over, almost as soon +as I got here. Is the kitchen all cleaned out?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty near, I guess. That's what the Mex meant when I caught him at +the door. Gee, I wish——" +</P> + +<P> +He was interrupted by a rattling and creaking, and the sound of horses +beating a fast tattoo on the hard earth. Above this bedlam arose the +sound of a voice in loud and vigorous denunciation. +</P> + +<P> +"Here she comes!" Nort cried. "The food! Say, that team must have +been stepping right along. Got here almost as soon as you did, Dick." +</P> + +<P> +With a final roar and crash of wooden timbers, and a last invocation +to: "Hold up there, you two wildcats, or I'll bust you wide open," the +cart drew up to the ranch house door. +</P> + +<P> +From its swaying side the driver, a grinning youth in a blue shirt and +red bandanna 'kerchief about his neck, climbed down. +</P> + +<P> +"Get here in time?" he called. "Sure had these here babies rollin' +right along." Then without even a halt for breath he went on: "What do +you think of this here team? Best pair of ponies in the state! Lean +down, baby, 'til I smooth those ears of yours. Down, I say! Why, you +spavin-boned piece of horse meat! Come down here or I'll chew you up! +Throw your head back at me, will you? Of all the knock-kneed, +wall-eyed chunks of locoed craziness, you're the worst. Pete, you +pink-headed, glandered cayuse, drop that neck or I'll skin you alive. +That's the stuff! Best little pair of broncoes in the state, boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"You sure got some vocabulary!" laughed Dick. "Think a lot of your +team, don't you—sometimes! Yes, you got here in plenty of time." +</P> + +<P> +"Bring them yellow clings?" the Kid asked, anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Yep! Two dozen cans of the best yellow cling peaches. An' flour, +bacon, an' all the rest. Help me unload, boys." +</P> + +<P> +With five pairs of willing hands on the job, the wagon was quickly +relieved of its load. The food was carried into the kitchen, and left +there for the cook with an admonition to: "Get busy, Mex. We're +starved!" +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks for bringing the stuff over so promptly," Dick said to the +youthful driver. "You must have hit only the high spots to get here so +quick." +</P> + +<P> +"Should say I did! One time we left the ground and stayed up while a +coyote ran under the whole length of the wagon. Can't beat this here +team of mine for speed. Well, guess I'll be gettin' back. All set, +ponies? Don't strain yourselves, now. Got plenty of time. Just go +along nice an' easy. Yes, sir, boys, I love these animals like +brothers! +</P> + +<P> +"Get along there, Pete. Get along, I say. Pete, you lop-eared +wangdoddle! Quit draggin' that other bronc around! Hear me? Dodgast +your hide, I'll blow your fool head right off your worthless carcass if +you don't quit that. You will, will you? How do you like the feel of +that? Now we're off! At-a-baby, get goin'! So long, boys! You, +Pete! Gosh darn your senseless hide, I'll—" the rest was lost. +</P> + +<P> +"He loves 'em like brothers!" shouted the Kid, holding his sides with +laughter. "Oh, boy! 'Take your time, ponies!' Sure, they'll take +their time! Bet he's half way to Roarin' River by now. Wow, what a +driver! Ho-ho—I haven't had a laugh like this in years! 'Don't +strain yourselves!' Oh, baby!" +</P> + +<P> +A cloud of dust marked the disappearance of the grinning youth with the +"best pair of ponies in the state." He left behind him an appreciative +audience. +</P> + +<P> +"Hope that Mex gets a wiggle on," Nort said when the laughter had +quieted down. "He ought to be able to rustle a pretty fair meal with +all that junk." +</P> + +<P> +"And in the meantime we might as well sit," Yellin' Kid suggested. +"Look over the landscape." +</P> + +<P> +The punchers made their way to the corral. Without explaining, each +knew the Kid's suggestion to "sit an' look over the landscape" meant a +view from the top rail of the corral, which was several feet high. +This is the cowboy's favorite resting place while waiting for "chuck." +They will sit there and survey a perfectly familiar scene until called +off by the cook's horn or the cry to "come an' git it." +</P> + +<P> +"Bud ought to be back for grub," said Dick as he swung his leg over the +top rail. +</P> + +<P> +"Ought to," Nort agreed. "Said he wasn't going far." +</P> + +<P> +"That might mean anything out here," Billee Dobb broke in, "from a +two-mile jaunt to a ride of twenty mile or more. Bud's O. K. though. +If he don't show up fer his meals he's got a good reason." +</P> + +<P> +"You're probably right," Dick said, "but with all this trouble around +here I don't like to see anyone stay away too long. If he doesn't come +in before afternoon we'll have to take a ride around and see if we +can't spot him." +</P> + +<P> +"No use crossing bridges before we come to them," Nort declared. +"After all this talk Bud will probably come riding in with a bear cub +he chased. Bud's funny that way. Anything that's a bit out of the +ordinary, and Bud will go miles out of his way to see it. Remember how +he stared at that cyclone coming until he forgot where he was?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think he's so funny," the Kid declared in a thoughtful tone. +"Just doesn't like to miss any of the show, that's all. Me, I'm like +that sometimes. A pretty sunset gets me here somehow," and the Kid +placed his hand on his stomach in a general way. +</P> + +<P> +"Have you tried eating raw onions?" Nort asked in a solicitous voice. +"They say they're awful good." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, you guys make me sick," said Yellin' Kid disgustedly. "Just as +soon as a feller gets—well—poetical like—you hop all over him." +</P> + +<P> +"Ex-cuse me, Kid! I didn't know you were getting poetical. Why, if I +had known that I wouldn't have said a word. I thought you were telling +us about your indigestion." +</P> + +<P> +"Go ahead—go ahead! I'll get you sometime, Nort. Billee, do you +think it's nice to run me around like that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Do you good," Billee said with a grin. "When I was young an' worked +out with a bunch from Two-bar Cross—the roughest outfit you'd ever +laid eyes on—I wasn't let to open my mouth without someone hoppin' +down my throat. That was a gang, let me tell you!" +</P> + +<P> +"They were the old-fashioned punchers, weren't they?" Dick asked, +winking at the Kid. "The kind that used a buck-strap and ate his +coffee out of a frying-pan." +</P> + +<P> +"Buck-strap! Buck—say, boy, if any man on that there Two-bar Cross +outfit ever heard you speak of a buck-strap they wouldn't know what you +was talkin' about. No, sir! Those boys were rough customers." +</P> + +<P> +A buck-strap is a leather thong fastened to the saddle in such a way +that if the pony suddenly bucks, its rider can hold himself on by +inserting his hand within this thong and pulling hard. The user of one +of these contraptions is never proud of it, needless to say. +</P> + +<P> +"You used to work a lot in the summer, didn't you, Billee?" the Kid +asked with a concealed grin. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and in the winter, too. Mostly in the winter. I remember one +time——" +</P> + +<P> +"Now he's off," the Kid whispered in an aside to Dick. "This'll be +good." +</P> + +<P> +"I remember once when I was ridin' for the Two-bar Cross bunch an' we +had four thousand head of cattle on the range. 'Long about December, +when the first snow starts, me an' Joe Heldig was sent out to see how +the bunch was makin' out, and if they needed anything, one of us was to +ride back an' tell the rest while the other watched. Well, we set out +about seven o'clock one morning to see if we could spot the herd. +</P> + +<P> +"It was clear an' cold when we started. Not a cloud in the sky. +Thinks I, we're pretty lucky, havin' such fine weather; that late in +the season, too. Joe Heldig, he don't say nothin'. We took with us +our blankets, some sour-dough, coffee an' bacon, an' that fryin'-pan +you was talking about, Dick. We rode along easy like, not worryin' nor +nothin', an' talkin' about the best way to skin a steer, an' whether +it's best to split two pair on the draw to try for a flush. That used +to be a trick of Joe's. +</P> + +<P> +"Around about noon it started to get warmer, an' off in the east a few +white clouds showed up. Me, I don't worry none, but I see Joe lookin' +kind of anxious now an' then. +</P> + +<P> +"We found the bunch at three o'clock, not as far out as we figgered +they'd be. Seemed pretty contented an' easy. Had a good grazin' spot, +too. An' just as we was about to call it a day I felt something wet +drop on my nose. Then another. Joe looked at me an' I looked at him. +Snow! Know what that means on the range? +</P> + +<P> +"Well, there was nothin' for it but to stick around an' see how bad it +was goin' to be. By five o'clock we knew. The flakes was comin' down +so thick you couldn't see, and a wind had sprung up. An' Joe an' me +had a bunch of cattle on our hands. I told Joe one of us better try to +make the ranch and bring back enough men to get the cattle to a +sheltered spot, so they wouldn't die. I knew we couldn't move them +alone, and where they were grazin' it was all open. So Joe started. +He knew the general direction, an' what would be sure suicide for +anyone else was just a chance for Joe, havin' lived for twenty years +right in that section. +</P> + +<P> +"I could easy keep track of the cows by their moanin'. It was real +cold now, an' the poor bunch of beeves stood in the snow with their +heads held low, with icicles hanging from their eyes, groanin' +something pitiful. They never moved. Just stood there while the snow +drifted up around their haunches. What I was afraid of was a drift. +Not a drift of snow, but a drift of cattle. +</P> + +<P> +"I knew those steers would only stay still a certain length of time, +then one of them would start movin' leaward, with the whole bunch +followin'. And they'd march that way into the snow, until every +blessed one of them dropped, and died where it fell. First the little +calves. Then the mothers, who'd stick by their babies until they died, +too. Then the cows of the herd who weren't so strong. An' last, some +big, proud long-horn would drop in his tracks an' die. An' there +wouldn't be nothin' left of the herd except dots in the snow along the +path. That's what we call a drift. +</P> + +<P> +"I knew if they ever started driftin' I couldn't save them. I could +try to turn them by rushin' my bronc into them, but it wouldn't do no +good. It needs at least six men to do that job. An' even then, if +they once get well started, I don't think they'd turn aside fer +<I>nothin'</I>. So I just sat on my pony an' waited. The snow kept gettin' +higher, and the wind colder an' colder. The cows were moanin' heavy +now. I saw 'em shift once or twice, an' my heart went in my throat, +but they settled down once more to just breathin' hard. How I did hope +that Joe made the ranch. I sort of felt that if help didn't come soon +the drift would start. It takes so long for a cow to get the idea she +wants to move, and when she gets the notion into her head, her legs +start goin' themselves, an' keep goin' until something bigger and +stronger than she is stops her. I knew that the only thing would stop +this bunch, once they started, would be death. +</P> + +<P> +"All of a sudden the moanin' of the cattle grew louder. I rode up +close to them an' saw what the reason was, and it made me catch my +breath. A big cow was steppin' slowly out, head low, right into the +gale. The drift had started. +</P> + +<P> +"I rode hard at the brute that was leadin'. She never paid no +attention to me whatever. Then I drew my gun and shot her, but the cow +behind kept right on goin'. An' back of her the rest started movin'. +Unless something happened quick the show was over. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I heard what I'd been hopin' an' prayin' for—a yell! Through +the screamin' of the wind I could hear Joe's voice whoopin' it up, an' +believe me, it was the most welcome sound I'd ever heard. The next +minute the whole gang from the ranch, in a flyin' wedge, rode right +into that bunch of long-horns, and split them wide open! +</P> + +<P> +"That saved them. They was scared out of the drift, an' we soon drove +them down behind a hill, where the wind wouldn't get at them, and they +could reach the grass through the snow. Joe had made it just in time, +though how he found the ranch in that storm is still a mystery, even to +him." +</P> + +<P> +The boys on the rail sat silent for a moment. Then out from the +kitchen of the ranch house there came the blast of a horn. +</P> + +<P> +"Grub!" Yellin' Kid shouted. "Let's eat, boys!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BUD'S ESCAPE +</H3> + +<P> +Bud stood listening, with bated breath, to the conversation on the +other side of the closed door. He heard the words "to-morrow night" +and "all set" repeated several times. With his ears strained he leaned +forward until his shoulder was almost touching the door. If they would +only talk just a little bit louder—— +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Bud lost his balance. He had been so tense that he had not +realized how precarious his position was, the smallest noise being sure +to alarm the occupants of the room. Now his foot slipped, and, with a +crash, he went headlong against the door! +</P> + +<P> +There was a quick scraping of chairs within, and voices raised in +excited outcry. Bud recoiled from the fall as fast as he might, and, +springing down the hall, he made for the front door. By this time the +plotters had emerged from the room and had seen Bud in his wild sprint +for safety. +</P> + +<P> +"Grab him!" someone shouted. "Get him, Jack! He's been listening! +Jump on his neck!" +</P> + +<P> +"Jump on him yourself! What's the matter, are you tied to the floor?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind those wise-cracks!" came Delton's voice. "Out that door +quick, and nab him!" +</P> + +<P> +Bud had reached the porch, and looked desperately about him. Where +were the horses? A sudden neigh answered his thought, and he dashed +around to the side of the house. The ponies were tethered to a rail +not one hundred yards away. Luckily Bud's horse was among them. +</P> + +<P> +"All you've got, bronc! We're holding our own, anyway. Gee!" A +report sounded behind him and he heard the whine of a bullet. "They +mean business, all right! On your way, pony!" +</P> + +<P> +The feet of his mount scarcely seemed to touch the ground, so fast did +he travel. On and on they flew, keeping their distance and even +gaining. +</P> + +<P> +"Stick to it, old boy!" Bud exhorted his bronco. "We're as good as +they are, any day! Can't last forever! Wow!" Another bullet sang +through the air. "That was a close one. If I had a gun you wouldn't +be so free with your lead. All I've got to depend on is what's under +me. But you'll do, old boy, you'll do! Step on it!" +</P> + +<P> +Across the open prairie flew the chase, Bud in the lead about five +hundred yards. His pony was tiring now, the breath was coming in short +gasps. Bud consoled himself with the thought that his followers' +mounts were probably in worse case. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a little more, bronc!" he coaxed. "Soon be home! +At-a-baby—yo-yo-yo!" He kept in cadence with his pony's gallop, and +it seemed to him that she responded with a further burst of speed. He +looked back again. Certainly he was increasing the distance between +himself and his pursuers! They appeared a greater distance from him +than when they had started. Now the country they were passing through +assumed a familiar aspect, but Bud was too excited to notice it until +he reached the water hole. +</P> + +<P> +"Luck!" he exulted. "I headed in the right direction. Don't think +I'll be followed much beyond this. Let's see—" He turned in his +saddle. To his surprise there was no one in sight. +</P> + +<P> +"Made it! Bronc, old boy, I offer you my sincere thanks! No, don't +slow down just yet. A little more—" He kept up his fast pace until +he was well beyond the water hole, then, with a final look behind him, +he pulled down to a walk. +</P> + +<P> +"Guess we're O.K. now. What a chase! Say, bronc, it's too bad we +didn't have a movie camera somewhere around. Hero being chased by the +villains. Bang—bang—another Indian bit the dust! Anyway, I'm glad +we're out of <I>that</I> mess. What was the idea of the whole thing, anyhow? +</P> + +<P> +"Don't see what they wanted with me. And 'to-morrow night'! Evidently +they figure on some sort of dirty work. Now that they know I've heard +part of their plans they may not pull anything." +</P> + +<P> +Off in the distance Bud could now see the buildings of Shooting Star. +As he rode up, the Kid was nailing a board to the lower part of the +ranch house, and had his back to Bud. He turned swiftly as he heard +the hoof-beats of Bud's horse. +</P> + +<P> +"Come in—come in!" he called. "Have a good trip? How are all the +babies—and Aunt Sarah? You must be plumb worn out, ridin' all the way +from Arken-saw on a hot day like this." +</P> + +<P> +"Quit your kidding," Bud answered with a smile. "When I tell you what +did happen you'll think I have a good right to be worn out. First, +though, is there any chuck left?" +</P> + +<P> +"What—they didn't even feed you? Well now, I thought you'd had a +chicken dinner. Sure, Bud, come on in, an' we'll get Mex on the job." +</P> + +<P> +The best they could do in the culinary line on short notice was beans, +but Bud filled up mightily on them. When the edge had been taken off +his hunger he asked the Kid: +</P> + +<P> +"Where's the rest of the bunch?" +</P> + +<P> +"Town, most of 'em. Billee Dobb is at the back fixin' his saddle. +Nort and Dick went on into town again after a load of grub came, to see +if they could pick up that sheep-man Hawkins told us about, and to grab +me off a pony. Where were you, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Therein lies a tale," answered Bud, "and I don't mean maybe. Listen, +Kid, and try to control your well-known faculties for humor 'til I get +this off my chest." +</P> + +<P> +In as few sentences as possible, Bud related to Yellin' Kid the events +of the morning. Contrary to his expectations, his story was taken as +it was told, seriously. +</P> + +<P> +"Delton, hey? Didn't see my missin' bronc around, I suppose?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I didn't, Kid. Saw enough besides that. Well, what's the dope? +What do you think about it all?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think you were pretty lucky, for one thing," declared the Kid. +"Another thing I think is that the plan they set for to-morrow +night—whatever it is, will be carried out." +</P> + +<P> +"What makes you think that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't you say you heard someone talk about 'even if Jake doesn't know +about the Shooting Star'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—I did hear that." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that means they're going to take a chance on going through with +their plan, because they can't get word to the other side that this +place has changed hands. An' they won't stop because they caught you +listenin'." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, you might be right at that, Kid. That's going some, though, to +push things like that, when they know their plan has been overheard. +Of course I didn't actually hear it all, but I heard enough to know it +has something to do with this ranch. And the time is to-morrow night." +</P> + +<P> +"That will hurry up the deputy's idea, won't it? If things break +right, we might have a chance to collect that reward." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's not think about that now. What we have to do is to get hold of +the rest and tell them what happened, and ask Mr. Hawkins if this will +change his plan. He's in town, isn't he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Should be. Dick'll know—he rode in with him." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Kid, before I forget it—I heard something that didn't sound so +good about that Mexican cook of ours. Delton let slip the hint that he +was one of his men—didn't exactly say that, but he led me to believe +he was." +</P> + +<P> +"Did, hey? Well, I've been kind of suspicious of that Greaser ever +since we found him here alone, when the rest had beat it. Don't seem +reasonable that one man would stay at a ranch that has been cleaned +out, unless he had some business there. Delton's idea may have been to +let him stay and spy on us. Think we ought to kick him out?" +</P> + +<P> +"That means we've got to find another cook. No, I think it will be all +right to let him stay if we watch him carefully. He sure is one peach +of a cook—I'll say that for him—and I don't think he'd deliberately +try to poison us." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I'm not afraid of that. Of course we could make him taste each +dish he cooks for us, like they do in stories, but he'd sure suspect +something then. I believe in keeping a secret to yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean not letting him know we suspect him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep! That's it. We can watch him if he doesn't know he's bein' +watched, but as soon as he knows we got something on him, we're +through." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right about that, Kid. Say, where did you say the others were?" +</P> + +<P> +"In town. Ought to be back soon, though. Billee Dobb is around some +place in back. Want to see him?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I'll wait till Nort and Dick get here and spill it all at once. +Let's go out." +</P> + +<P> +The two arose and walked toward the yard. As they passed through the +door the Kid looked sharply about him, but the Mexican cook was nowhere +in sight. His lesson had been learned when the Kid had caught him +listening before. +</P> + +<P> +They hadn't long to wait before they heard the approach of two riders. +Dick and Nort had returned. +</P> + +<P> +"Something happened," Nort exclaimed after he had dismounted. +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know?" Bud asked with wide-open eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"I mean to us. Why, did something happen to you, too?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you about it in a minute. Let's hear your story first." +</P> + +<P> +"Not much of a story," Dick said. "We saw Delton." +</P> + +<P> +"You did! Where?" +</P> + +<P> +"You remember that water hole the Kid found the Chinaman at?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—go ahead!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Nort and I decided to take another look at it on our second trip +back from town, so we rode over. It isn't so far from here. And as we +reached it—only about an hour ago—we saw a group of men talking. We +rode up easy, but they heard us and beat it. We saw one of them, +though. It was Delton." +</P> + +<P> +"And do you know what he was doing there?" Bud asked with a quizzical +smile. +</P> + +<P> +"What?" +</P> + +<P> +"Chasing me! I found the water hole, too, and something else and this +Delton dragged me for miles and locked me in a room. Then I got out +and his gang followed me to the water hole, where I lost them." +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, take it easy! Start from the beginning. Let's hear it, Bud." +</P> + +<P> +Nort and Dick listened eagerly as Bud once again told the tale of his +capture. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A NIGHT OF WAITING +</H3> + +<P> +"The old rascal!" Nort exclaimed after Bud had finished. "So that's +what they were doing at the water hole? If we had known that we would +have taken a chance and rushed them." +</P> + +<P> +"Just as well you didn't," Bud declared. "Wouldn't have gained +anything by it. And anyway, we don't want to upset their plans for +to-morrow night. The Kid, here, thinks they'll go through with the +idea." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be too sure," warned Dick. "It may never come off, since they +know Bud overheard them planning." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but don't you see they can't get word to the others in time?" the +Kid insisted. "They can't call it off. The other end of the smuggling +line has already made plans that they can't break, so this end has to +go through with their scheme. At least that's the way I look at it." +</P> + +<P> +"Seems reasonable," Dick agreed. "But just the same I think it's +better to be prepared." +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally. What did you find out about the sheep-man, Dick?" +</P> + +<P> +The latter spoke of one tentatively engaged and told the Kid his new +horse would be sent over in a day or so. +</P> + +<P> +The remainder of the day went quickly. When evening came the boys were +excitedly making plans for the following night. After "chuck" they +gathered around the table in the sitting room and discussed ways and +means. The Kid was in favor of drastic action. +</P> + +<P> +"No, we've got to go slowly," Dick cautioned. "This isn't strictly our +affair, you know. The government is interested in it. And it's +anything but a joking matter. The other adventures we had—at Spur +Creek and in the desert—were our own concern entirely. This is +different. Hawkins hasn't said so, but I think it means a lot to him +if we aid in capturing the smugglers." +</P> + +<P> +"Thought you were out here to herd sheep?" Billee Dobb put in. +</P> + +<P> +"We were—at first. But there's no use trying to dodge the issue—from +now on until this business is finished, we have one job on hand—to +help stop Chink smuggling. The sheep can wait." +</P> + +<P> +"That's the stuff!" Yellin' Kid burst out. "I was waitin' to hear you +say that, Dick. Might as well look things in the face! We've gotten +too deep into this to drag freight now!" +</P> + +<P> +"You're right, Kid," approved Bud. "And truth to tell, I'm not a bit +sorry. I don't care for Delton a-tall. We'll go through with this, +and finish it up right." +</P> + +<P> +"And get my ole bronc back," the Kid said loudly. +</P> + +<P> +"We might do that, too," Dick laughed. "Well, let's hit the hay. +Plenty to do to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +The night passed quietly. The punchers were up with the sun, all eager +for the task on hand. Directly breakfast was over, Dick and Bud rode +to town in order to see Hawkins. All thought it best that the deputy +should learn, as soon as possible, of the new development, for he might +want to change his plans in accordance. The boys found him in his +office. +</P> + +<P> +"Come in, boys!" he invited when Dick and Bud stood in the doorway. +"How's everything? Any more cyclones?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not yet," answered Bud with a laugh. "The weather is quiet, but +that's the only thing that is." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" the deputy asked quickly. +</P> + +<P> +Without any preliminaries Bud told the story of his capture and escape. +The deputy listened carefully, now and then asking a question. When +Bud had finished he sat silent for a moment, drumming his desk with his +fingers. Suddenly he brought his fist down with a bang and looked up. +</P> + +<P> +"That settles it!" he cried in a decided tone of voice. "Delton is +finished! From now on we go after him tooth and nail! And I want you +boys to know something. I can rely on you, of course, to keep it a +secret." Strangely the deputy's western accent seemed to leave him, +and he assumed a more cultured tone of voice. He held a shiny piece of +metal out toward Bud. "I'm from Washington—Secret Service—here's my +badge." +</P> + +<P> +Bud took it silently. It was, indeed, the badge of a federal official. +</P> + +<P> +"I took this job as an ordinary deputy to disarm suspicion," Hawkins +went on. "I knew if I came to Roaring River as a stranger I'd be +investigated, and perhaps have to give myself away. So I just got +myself appointed a deputy, and then I could work openly. No one would +suspect a western deputy of being a federal man—there's too many of +them. Now you know why I'm so interested in this smuggling. We've +simply <I>got</I> to stop it—somehow! Even the Chinese who are in this +country legitimately don't like to see their countrymen come in by the +back door. And what good are immigration laws if we can't enforce +them? I'm just telling you this to impress upon you the seriousness of +the project." +</P> + +<P> +"It is certainly no joking matter," Bud agreed, handing back the badge. +"So you're a federal man! I should think if you wanted to trace the +smugglers secretly you'd take another position than deputy." +</P> + +<P> +"You'll see how it will work out," Hawkins said. "It's sometimes best +to seem almost what you are, to avoid seeming what you really are. +Figure that one out. What I mean is, if I openly assume the aspect of +a man of the law, no one will look further than that. Understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do," responded Dick. "And now let's decide on our plan of action. +Do you think what happened to Bud will change any of the details, Mr. +Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't see why it should. In fact I think it makes our scheme all the +more advisable. Personally, I believe the run will go through +to-night. There's no doubt but that's what you heard referred to, Bud, +for I had a tip concerning the same thing. They will depend on the +element of surprise and the superiority in number to succeed. We'll +have our hands full, at any rate." +</P> + +<P> +"Somehow this doesn't seem real," mused Bud. "Here we are planning to +capture a gang of smugglers who <I>know</I> we're after them, yet they go +right ahead and play into our hands." +</P> + +<P> +"My dear boy," said Hawkins grimly, "you don't quite understand. +Delton is far from playing into our hands. In fact, if truth be told, +our chances are rather slim that we'll ever see Delton. He's no baby. +But I think we've got him beaten in one way—the gang across the border +doesn't know what we know. Now here's the situation." Dick and Bud +came closer. "A shipload of Chinks have just landed in Mexico. Never +mind how I know, but I do. These Chinese have got to be smuggled over +the border within three days, to make room for another bunch. All +right. This gang in Mexico corresponded with Delton last week, telling +him that he was to receive the Chinks on a certain night. +</P> + +<P> +"There's one thing we want to make sure of—and that is to avoid +frightening them off. Has there been much action around your ranch?" +</P> + +<P> +"None at all. We've kept things pretty quiet." +</P> + +<P> +"That's good. Tell you—I think it would be best if you fellows would +stay as close to the ranch house as possible, until this thing is over. +You see the smugglers might send out a one man auto patrol, some time +to-day or this evening, to look over the lay of the land, and if he +sees anything suspicious the chances are that he'll choose another +route to ship the Chinks over the border by. But I don't think they'll +go far from Roaring River. They got away with it so easy last time, +that they'll probably try it again. Well—" Hawkins tightened his lips +grimly—"they won't work it twice." +</P> + +<P> +"Any more instructions?" Dick asked. +</P> + +<P> +"No—I'll be over to the Shooting Star sometime this afternoon. May +bring a friend with me—Larry O'Connor—one sweet shot with a revolver. +That is if I think we need him." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we've got five men all told," Dick declared. "And all of us are +fairly used to handling guns. Target practice at tin cans keeps your +eye in, and we do lots of that." +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea, if you can afford the money for ammunition. Never know +when you'll need to rely on a well-placed shot." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you just going to ride over to the ranch openly?" Bud asked. +"Won't someone see you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Even if they do, they won't suspect anything. But to make sure I'll +wait until after dark. Guess that would be best. No attempt will be +made until well on into the night, and we'll have plenty of time to get +set for them." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we'll see you to-night?" inquired Dick as he arose. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure thing! Oh, by the way—keep an eye on that Mex cook of yours, +will you? I want him where I can grab him quick if I need him." +</P> + +<P> +"We will. Good-bye until to-night, Mr. Hawkins." +</P> + +<P> +"So-long, boys." +</P> + +<P> +Bud and Dick rode back to the Shooting Star. As soon as possible they +told the others of their talk with Hawkins, and of his being a secret +service official. Billee Dobb said he "opined as much long ago." +</P> + +<P> +The day dragged on. The boys were all slightly nervous, though they +wouldn't admit it. Several times one would catch the other fingering +his gun unconsciously. But evening finally came, and while they were +eating supper Joe Hawkins arrived. He was alone. +</P> + +<P> +"Thought you were going to bring someone with you?" Bud said when the +greetings were over. +</P> + +<P> +"Decided it wasn't necessary. We've got plenty here. Now, boys, are +you all set?" +</P> + +<P> +"All set!" the Kid said loudly. "Bring 'em on!" +</P> + +<P> +"They'll come without us bringing them," Hawkins declared a trifle +grimly. "Turn that lamp low, Dick, and let's get out of here." +</P> + +<P> +"What about the Mex?" inquired the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Bring him along," the agent declared. "Want him where I can keep an +eye on him." +</P> + +<P> +In spite of his wordless protests, the cook was dragged out of the +kitchen and made to accompany the punchers to a place near the side of +the house. And there the six men watched, each with his hand on his +gun and with ears strained for the sound of a car. There was a road +which ran past the ranch and into the town. It was over this road that +the watching men expected the smugglers to come. +</P> + +<P> +And now all settled down to a night of waiting. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +SMUGGLING OPERATIONS +</H3> + +<P> +Hardly a breath of wind stirred. The sky had become partly clouded, +blotting out the moon. Now and then a horse whinnied, softly, as +though frightened. The waiting men moved about uneasily, talking in +whispers. Nine o'clock passed. Then ten came. The air grew chill and +damp, and the clouds overhead gathered more thickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Gonna rain," said the Kid in a low voice. "We sure are favorites with +the weather man." +</P> + +<P> +"May hold off," Bud observed softly. He moved over to where Hawkins +was standing, eyes peering down the road. "What do you think of it?" +he asked the agent. +</P> + +<P> +"Not much," was the quiet answer. "Looks like rain. That means we'll +have a hard job to see them when they do come." +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, the Mex wants to go back," the Kid said, lowering his voice. +"He's cold, I guess." +</P> + +<P> +"You tell him to stay where he is, or he'll be colder yet," Hawkins +said in a grim voice. "We can't afford to take any chances now. Bring +that Mex over here. I want to talk to him." +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" Dick suddenly asked. +</P> + +<P> +They all listened tensely. In the distance they could hear a low +rumble. +</P> + +<P> +"Thunder," Nort said. "First night storm we've had in a long while." +</P> + +<P> +"Where's that Mexican?" inquired Hawkins again. "Bring him here, Kid." +</P> + +<P> +Yellin' Kid led the cook to where Hawkins was intently watching the +road. The agent turned to the Mexican and stared hard at him. +</P> + +<P> +"You know Jose Salvo?" he asked suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican nodded vigorously. Then he pointed to himself and held up +two fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"His brother? Well, what do you know about that!" plainly the secret +service agent was surprised. "No wonder you look like him! Bud, you +remember that Mexican we saw in the restaurant the first day you hit +town? The one I told you to watch out for? Well, this bird is his +brother!" +</P> + +<P> +"I thought it was the same one, when we first saw him! His brother, +eh? And what's he doin' at this ranch?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican apparently heard the question, and endeavored to answer it. +In the gloom they could see his arms and hands motioning forcibly, but +none of them were able to understand the message. +</P> + +<P> +"Better wait," suggested Billee Dobb. "The poor critter is almost +scared out of his wits. He may have a bad brother, but I think he's O. +K. himself. I'll watch him for you. Over here, Mex!" he ordered +sharply. +</P> + +<P> +The cook walked slowly over to Billee, and squatted down beside him. +He looked up at the old rancher as a calf might look for protection to +a cow. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll depend on you to see that he doesn't pull any funny work," +Hawkins said to Billee. "When the show starts we'll have our hands +full, and we don't want any slip-ups." +</P> + +<P> +Yet they could not afford to give up now. If things worked out as the +agent had hoped, they might succeed in arresting Delton and his gang. +</P> + +<P> +"And that reward will come in right handy," Billee Dobb said. +</P> + +<P> +"Will we really get a reward if we capture these smugglers?" Nort asked +Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"You certainly will! And the government will be glad to pay it, too." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't care so much about the reward as I do about getting Delton," +declared Bud, as he remembered how he was mistreated at the hands of +the smuggler. +</P> + +<P> +"An' I'd like to get my bronc back," Yellin' Kid asserted, as he moved +his arms briskly about to warm himself. +</P> + +<P> +The night wore on, minutes seeming like hours. Billee Dobb stood +motionless, leaning against the side of the ranch house, and at his +feet sat the Mexican, seemingly oblivious of the cold. Hawkins moved +slowly about, glancing every now and then down the road. The others +stood about, talking in low tones. The storm seemed to have been blown +aside, as the rumble of thunder no longer reached the ears of the +waiting men. Still the moon was covered with clouds, making the night +almost pitch-black. A soft glow from the low-turned lamp within the +ranch house was the only illumination. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, I'm goin' to take a walk around to the corral," exclaimed the Kid +suddenly. "This waitin' is gettin' me woozy. Just want to see if the +ponies are all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Watch your step," Bud cautioned. "It's pretty dark. And don't make +too much noise." +</P> + +<P> +"I ain't goin' on any picnic," Yellin' Kid answered. "Be back soon." +</P> + +<P> +He left the protection of the house and in a moment was lost sight of +in the darkness. It wasn't far to the corral, and as he approached the +horses stirred uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"All right there, ponies," the Kid called softly. At the sound of a +familiar voice the restless moving stopped, and the animals suffered +the Kid to walk in among them. +</P> + +<P> +"Lonesome, hey?" he said in a low tone. "So am I. Don't like this +hangin' around nohow! Wish we'd have some action." He stroked the +nose of one of the steeds. The horse whinnied softly in response. +"Wish I had my own cayuse here," the Kid mused. "Hated to lose her. +Best bronc I ever had. Golly, it's dark!" +</P> + +<P> +As though to dispute him the moon suddenly slid from behind the clouds. +The Kid looked about him—at the ranch house, standing gaunt and +silent, and at the little group of men waiting motionless—and at the +moonlit road, stretching far out over the prairie. There'd be no +smugglers to-night. Why, you could see for miles down that road, now. +Not a thing in—what was that? The Kid stared harder. There, about a +mile away, lurching from side to side? It must be—a car! Coming +fast, too! +</P> + +<P> +For a moment the Kid stood quietly. Then with a leap he made for the +ranch house. As he reached the men the moon disappeared again, and the +scene was blotted out. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey!" he called in a repressed yell. "They're comin'!" +</P> + +<P> +"What!" The group turned like a flash, as one man. "Who's coming? +Where?" +</P> + +<P> +"Down the road! An automobile!" +</P> + +<P> +Excitement spread like a wave. +</P> + +<P> +"Easy!" Hawkins cautioned. "Not so much noise! What did you see, Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Saw an auto comin' down the road like a locoed steer! Just when the +moon came out then, I happened to be lookin' that way, and I saw——" +</P> + +<P> +"Listen!" Bud held up his hand, forgetting that they couldn't see him +in the darkness that had now settled down again. "Don't you hear +something?" +</P> + +<P> +Through the air came the sounds of a car—the throttle wide open. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't see it, but I can hear it!" Hawkins exclaimed. "Must be driving +without lights. They sure are coming! All set, you men?" +</P> + +<P> +"One of us better get the ponies ready, in case we miss them!" the Kid +declared. "Billee, will you do that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose so," the rancher grumbled. "I allers seem t' miss the +fightin'!" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll get plenty of that," asserted Hawkins. "But let's not waste +time talking. They'll be here in two minutes. Listen, you fellows, +and listen good! Billee, you get the horses ready for a quick start. +Nort, you and the Kid get around to the other side of the house, fast. +Dick, Bud and I will stay here. +</P> + +<P> +"Now here's what's going to happen—the car will pull up right here, +and the Chinks will be unloaded. We take them—don't forget, we're +Delton's men. As soon as they hand the Chinks over to us we cover the +men in the car, and get them. Then when Delton comes we get him, +too—if we can. He should be here now—must have been a slip-up in the +time. All the better for us. Quick—do you understand?" +</P> + +<P> +The roar of the approaching car could be heard plainly now. There was +not much time left. +</P> + +<P> +"You want Nort an' me to watch the road in the other direction?" asked +the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—and we'll be here when they unload the Chinks. All right now?" +</P> + +<P> +"All set! Let's go, Nort!" +</P> + +<P> +Yellin' Kid and Nort ran swiftly to the other side of the ranch house, +in which position they would be hidden from sight of the road until +they chose to show themselves. Billee Dobb went around to the corral. +</P> + +<P> +The oncoming car was plunging along the road, and would reach the +Shooting Star ranch in another minute. It couldn't be seen, due to the +blackness of the night—the clouds seemed to have thickened in the last +few minutes—but the noise was sufficient indication of its approach. +The six men awaited its arrival with breathless excitement. If the +plan only worked! Delton would surely show up sooner or later, he +couldn't risk too long a delay—and the capture would be complete. The +boys felt their hearts beating fast as the moment approached. Guns +were out now, and ready for action. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly another sound came to the ears of the waiting ones—the sound +of rapid hoof-beats. Those on the farther side of the house from. +where the car was coming peered down the road in the direction of town. +They held their breaths. +</P> + +<P> +"Hear it?" the Kid asked excitedly of Nort. +</P> + +<P> +"Horses! and coming this way! It must be Delton—he timed it +perfectly—he'll arrive just as the car does! Kid, we've got more than +our hands full this time!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall we tell the others?" +</P> + +<P> +"No time—we've got to try and head them off, until Hawkins stops the +car, gets the Chinks and covers the smugglers! Come on, Kid!" +</P> + +<P> +The two, with guns drawn, ran down the road in the direction of the +approaching horsemen. It was a foolhardy thing to do, for they had no +means of telling how many of Delton's gang were coming. Louder and +louder sounded the gallop of the ponies, and nearer came the smugglers' +car. The night was still pitch-black. The moon was as if it had never +shone. In the distance thunder muttered, but the boys were too excited +to notice it. Overhead the clouds were growing heavier. +</P> + +<P> +"Here they come, Kid! Stop them!" +</P> + +<P> +Nort threw himself in front of one of the ponies just as the group of +horsemen were about to dash through. Yellin' Kid jumped to Nort's +side, gun drawn. +</P> + +<P> +"Hold up there!" he yelled. "Stick 'em up! High!" +</P> + +<P> +There was a vivid flash of lightning. In the glare the two challengers +saw that Delton was directly in front of them, and behind him were four +others. Delton reached for his gun. Then the heavens opened with a +crash of thunder and the rain poured down in a deluge. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE CHASE +</H3> + +<P> +Through the darkness came many and varied sounds. The thunder rolled +long and continuously. The angry voices of men rose loud and hoarse. +Along the drenched road came the smugglers' car, its exhaust roaring. +And over all the rain came down in torrents. +</P> + +<P> +"Out of the way there, you!" came a voice. "We ain't got no time for +foolin'!" +</P> + +<P> +"Stick to it, Nort!" the Kid yelled. "Don't let them through!" +</P> + +<P> +The two boys were standing in the middle of the road, guns out, +determined to prevent Delton and his men from closing in on Hawkins, +who was grimly awaiting the smuggling car. If they could be held off +until the auto pulled in and stopped, the party at the other side of +the ranch house might succeed in capturing the Chink runners. +</P> + +<P> +There was a sudden shot. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurt, Nort?" the Kid called anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Nope! Missed! Put those guns up, you! We've got you covered! Climb +down off those horses quick, or we'll fill you full of holes!" +</P> + +<P> +There was a desperate ring in the boy rancher's voice, and Delton must +have recognized this, for he yelled something to the men back of him +and they all halted. The thunder was less frequent now, although the +rain had not let up. The boys standing in the road were soaked to the +skin. Still they remained firmly in their place, listening to the roar +of the approaching car, and hoping they could hold Delton until it +reached the ranch. By the sound it was almost to the Shooting Star +ranch now. In another moment—— +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, you guys, what's the idea?" through the night came a questioning +voice. "Don't you know it's rainin' here? How about lettin' us in the +ranch to get dry?" +</P> + +<P> +"You stay where you are!" the Kid yelled. "You'll have plenty o' time +to get dry all right!" +</P> + +<P> +"Kid—here's the car! Watch out now!" Nort was at the Kid's side, but +facing the other way. "Can you see anything—any of Delton's bunch?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nope—only hear that guy that was talking! Can you?" +</P> + +<P> +"No but—what's that?" +</P> + +<P> +From the other side of the house came three shots in rapid succession. +Then someone yelled. The next moment Dick came splashing around to +where the Kid and Nort were waiting. +</P> + +<P> +"They—they fooled us!" Dick panted. "Delton and three others got to +the car before we did and warned the smugglers! They all got away!" +</P> + +<P> +"Delton!" the Kid exclaimed. "Why, we had him here——" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes you did!" came a mocking voice. "You big cheese—all you had was +a good talk! So long!" There was the splashing noise of a horse +rapidly departing for parts unknown. +</P> + +<P> +"Can—you—beat—that!" Nort ejaculated. "Fooled! Taken in like +suckers! While we stood here talking——" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and while we're standing here talking now, the smugglers are +getting farther and farther away! Come on! We've got to chase them!" +Dick turned and made for the corral. +</P> + +<P> +"Chase an auto on a horse?" the Kid yelled. "What's the sense of that?" +</P> + +<P> +"They can't go fast in this wet—and we can spot them by the noise. +Hurry up!" +</P> + +<P> +"But I ain't got no pony!" wailed the Kid. "Wish I had my bronc! What +am I supposed to do; stay here?" +</P> + +<P> +"No—one of Delton's bunch lost his seat and we've got his animal—use +that. He got away in the auto. But for the love of Pete, hurry up!" +</P> + +<P> +The rain had abated a little when the boys reached the corral. Billee +Dobb was waiting with the ponies untied and ready. It was but the work +of a moment to mount and lead the other horses over to where Hawkins +and Bud were standing. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's my new bronc?" the Kid asked as he came up. +</P> + +<P> +"Here—this do you?" Bud was holding a little black pony. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure—as long as it's got legs!" The Kid swung himself upon the +horse's back. "Right! Let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +"We've no time to lose, men!" Hawkins called out. "We messed that up +proper! This Delton is more clever than I thought he was." +</P> + +<P> +All were mounted now and ready to take up the chase. The Kid was +letting his pony walk about, and the rest were awaiting Hawkins's word +to start. +</P> + +<P> +The six riders set out into the night. Hawkins said the car had taken +a route at right angles and to the left of the road, and all went in +that direction. They pushed their ponies as fast as they dared over +the soaked prairie, hoping to catch sight of the car before they had +ridden too far. It was obvious that no auto could make great speed +over the rough surface of the plains, and to add to this rain must +certainly slow them up still more. So the punchers had a fairly good +chance of overtaking them. Delton would probably be acting as convoy +to the car, and if they were able to take that, they would capture him +also. With these thoughts in mind the ranchers beat along through the +rain, which was not now so heavy. +</P> + +<P> +"What happened?" asked Billee Dobb. +</P> + +<P> +"Just this," Bud answered. "Mr. Hawkins and I were waiting for the car +to reach us. We couldn't hear what was happening on the other side of +the house, and Mr. Hawkins and I were all set to grab the gang in it, +when four men came riding by like mad and reached the car before we +did. They yelled something, and in a second the car was off the road +and away, the horsemen after it. But one of the riders fell, and +didn't wait to get on his horse again—just hopped on the running board +of the car." +</P> + +<P> +"What were those cracks we heard?" +</P> + +<P> +"I took a couple of pot-shots at the tires, but I don't think I hit +anything. Too dark. And it was raining cats and dogs, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't I know it! Nort an' me sure had our hands full. Five men to +stop! We figured if we could hold them until you had the fellows in +the car covered, we could capture them too. Say, see any Chinks in the +car?" +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't see anything! The car turned off before we could get close +enough to see in it." +</P> + +<P> +"Too bad we couldn't work it, boys," Hawkins ruefully said. "We've +still got a chance to nab them, though. They can't get far over this +ground with a car." +</P> + +<P> +"They can lead us a merry chase," Dick asserted. "Wonder what time it +is?" +</P> + +<P> +"One o'clock," Bud suggested. "Not much more, anyway. Think they came +over this way, Mr. Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—I do. Know where we are?" +</P> + +<P> +"Comin' to the water hole, I think," answered Yellin' Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, maybe they're going to try and make for the place where they held +me!" Bud exclaimed. "That's over this way somewhere." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you find it again?" the agent asked, an anxious note in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Think so." +</P> + +<P> +"Then if we don't make out to-night we can have a try at that in the +morning." +</P> + +<P> +"How far do you want to go?" Bud asked Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's see now. I have an idea, and I want to see what you fellows +think about it. First, though, are you sure that you can find that +ranch where they held you, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Can in daylight. Maybe not at night." +</P> + +<P> +"If you started from the water hole do you think you could spot it at +night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Might. I could try it, anyway." +</P> + +<P> +"Hold up a minute, then." +</P> + +<P> +The six riders drew rein, and waited for the agent's next words. +</P> + +<P> +"It's not much use trailing them much farther. What I think they did, +is to make for that ranch house where Bud was, and stay there. Now +here's the point. Even if we did come upon them now, we'd have a hard +job taking them. I think this is a better plan. Listen, now." +</P> + +<P> +The boys drew closer around Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"This idea I have calls for two men to stay up all night. Who'll do +it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let me in on that!" +</P> + +<P> +"What is it—keeping guard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Nort, that's exactly what it is—keeping guard. Now here's the +dope. We followed that bunch pretty far. There's no doubt but that +they headed for that house, and intend to unload their Chinks there. +Now if we can only keep them in that house until morning, we can get +the whole gang—including the Chinks—like rats in a trap. Now do you +see what I mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean you want some of us to watch the place and do a little +shootin' so that they won't come out?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's it exactly, Kid! If two men can get close to the house, and +keep firing at intervals, they'll think that we've got them cold, and +will stay there long enough to allow us to get them by morning." +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter with all of us going up there now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Wouldn't do any good, and besides, someone has got to be at your +ranch. And some of us have got to get a little sleep. We may have to +do some more riding to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you think that's best, I'll do it, for one," spoke Dick. +</P> + +<P> +"And I'll go with you!" Bud exclaimed. "I owe Delton quite a good deal +for the way he hauled me off my horse!" +</P> + +<P> +"All set for this new plan then?" asked Billee. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I think that would be best," Hawkins said slowly. "Bud, you know +something about the lay-out of the place. We'll ride part of the way +with you, in case anything happens. Then when we get near it, you'll +have to go on alone. You and Dick can decide on a plan of action. We +will ride back, and return before dawn. This time we won't fail!" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll ride with us to the place now, you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Almost to it. Then I'll know the way to find it again. Come on, +let's get started!" +</P> + +<P> +The moon was now struggling to shine through the clouds as the six took +up the ride again. Bud was in the lead. They had ridden for ten +minutes when, suddenly, Bud uttered an exclamation, and pulled up his +horse. +</P> + +<P> +"Look there!" he cried, pointing. +</P> + +<P> +Ahead loomed a dark mass. The boys rode up to it. As they approached +slowly the moon finally came out fully, and before them they, saw the +wreck of an automobile. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +DOWN AND OUT +</H3> + +<P> +"It's a car!" Dick cried. "Must be the smugglers' machine, and they +wrecked it and got away! Now we know they're at that ranch!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder what happened to the Chinks?" the Kid said as he examined the +wreck more closely. The mass of twisted metal lay still in the +moonlight like some once-living thing that had met its sudden doom. +</P> + +<P> +"Probably dragged them along too," Hawkins suggested. "Yep, I think +this is the smugglers' car, all right. Looks like the one we had a +short glimpse of, just before it turned off. And, if that's the case, +our plan may succeed. Having a harbor close at hand, it's natural for +them to make for it. Now it's up to us to see that they stay there +until we capture them." +</P> + +<P> +"That's our job, and we'll do it too," Bud said in a determined tone of +voice. "Might as well get going. The longer we stay here, the more +time we give Delton." +</P> + +<P> +"True enough," commented Dick. "I wonder if anyone was hurt when this +car crashed?" +</P> + +<P> +"Doubt it," Hawkins said. "Those boys are too lucky! If they weren't +they never would have gotten away with the stunt they pulled to-night. +Imagine riding right into our hands and getting away from us! Every +time I think of it I feel like kicking myself around the block." +</P> + +<P> +"It wasn't any more your fault than the fault of the rest of us," Nort +declared. "They were too many, and too clever. Let's forget it and go +after them again, and this time we'll win. What do you say, boys?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure will!" +</P> + +<P> +"No more foolin' around for us!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, on our way," Bud called. He took one more look at the auto +lying on its side in a small depression, and spurred his horse onward. +The rest followed quickly. The night was well spent, now, and but +little time remained to reach the ranch and post the guard. However, +it was not far now, and by dint of hard riding, following directions +from Bud, they reached the vicinity of the ranch house in half an hour. +They halted well away from the house itself. +</P> + +<P> +"Take it easy now," Hawkins cautioned. "We don't want to make too much +noise. Bud, have you and Dick decided what you're to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Practically—he is going to take one side, and I'm to take the other, +and if we see anyone come out we'll fire over their heads. That'll +keep 'em in all right, for they can't see us in the dark. No one likes +to be fired on by someone he can't see—as we all found out. Now it's +time to give them some of their own medicine." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes sir!" exclaimed the Kid. "I wish I could stay with you, Dick, and +have a crack at them myself." +</P> + +<P> +"You come along with us, Kid. We'll be back before dawn, and you'll +see plenty of action then. Now is there anything you boys want before +we leave?" asked the secret service man. +</P> + +<P> +"Might bring back a snack for us," Bud suggested. "It's cold and +hungry work waiting in the dark. Not that we mind it," he added +quickly, "as long as it helps capture Delton. And if you can make it, +Mr. Hawkins, please get back as soon as you can. They may try to make +a rush for it." +</P> + +<P> +"We will—we'll be back as soon as we get things right at the ranch and +maybe snatch an hour's rest. Depends on how much time we have. But +we'll surely be back before it's light." +</P> + +<P> +This conversation was being carried on near a small group of trees, +just out of sight of the old farm or ranch house. Now Hawkins and the +rest turned their ponies toward home. Dick and Bud, of course, were +due to remain and watch Delton's retreat. +</P> + +<P> +"Now we're on our own," Bud said as he listened to the hoof-beats of +the horses gradually dying away. "Let's get up to where we can see the +house." +</P> + +<P> +"What about the broncs? Think we better leave them?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what do you think? We want them near us so we can get going +quick if we have to. Suppose we tie them as close to the house as we +can without being seen?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's a good idea. Well, there's the place. Somebody's sure in it. +All lit up!" +</P> + +<P> +The boys stood and looked at the old farm house which loomed in the +moonlight before them. It was certainly inhabited, for several lights +were glowing on the ground floor, and every now and then a figure would +pass in front of the lamps, casting a shadow plainly visible from the +outside. +</P> + +<P> +"Got a lot of nerve, walking around like that in front of lamps," Bud +commented. "Easy to take a pot-shot at them." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess they don't figure us as the kind for that sort of thing," Dick +responded. "And we're not, either—though it would serve them right if +someone did let ride at the window." +</P> + +<P> +The two boys now took up their positions agreed upon—Dick around to +the left, and Bud to the right. They were thus separated from each +other by about three hundred yards. +</P> + +<P> +"Mustn't start thinking foolish things!" Dick exclaimed to himself. +"Got enough on my mind now." He shook his head as though to rid it of +fancies which hung around it. The boy was certainly not of a morbid +type, and it was the most natural thing in the world for him to be a +bit uneasy, considering his situation. Yet he would not even admit to +himself that he was anything but wholly composed. +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder how Bud is making out?" he thought. "Perhaps I'd better sneak +over and see. But no, there's no sense in that." Thus did he dismiss +the craving for company. "Besides, I've got my job cut out for me +here." +</P> + +<P> +He looked more intently at the house, seeking to concentrate his +attention on the everyday affairs of life. Smuggling. The reward if +they caught Delton. What they could do with it. A new herd of cows. +The Kid's bronc—whether he would see it again. How Delton timed the +arrival at the Shooting Star ranch just when the smuggling car got +there. The getaway. How it did rain! +</P> + +<P> +Still, in spite of himself, that uneasy feeling was stealing over the +boy. Surely there was no one around but Bud, away over on the other +side. Of course it was night, but there was plenty of moonlight, and +there was not much chance of Delton's men prowling about. Perhaps it +was because there were trees back of him that Dick felt restless. +Might be better to move more out in the open. +</P> + +<P> +The boy arose, then suddenly froze into stillness. That peculiar +feeling that there was someone behind him became stronger. +</P> + +<P> +It seemed as though a pair of eyes were boring into his back. He +listened intently. Suddenly he heard a voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, Dick!" +</P> + +<P> +The boy turned swiftly, hand on his every nerve a quiver! +</P> + +<P> +"It's me, Dick! Billee Dobb!" +</P> + +<P> +What a relief! The boy now recognized the old rancher's voice, and the +next moment Billee appeared, walking as noiselessly as possible. +</P> + +<P> +"What on earth are you doing here, Billee?" +</P> + +<P> +"I decided to come back. Didn't want to miss all the fun." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but you weren't supposed to, were you?" +</P> + +<P> +"I told Hawkins, an' he said go ahead. So here I am." +</P> + +<P> +"So I see." Dick could now afford to laugh at his foolish fears. "But +let me tell you, you gave me a thrill for a moment. Now that you're +here, what are you going to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Watch with you. That's what I came back for." +</P> + +<P> +"Nice of you to do it, Billee. What time is it, do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +"'Bout two. Lots of time yet." +</P> + +<P> +The rancher was observing the activity within the old house. Nothing +could be seen but the passing and re-passing of the figures in front of +the windows, but for some reason it appeared that more persons were +moving about. +</P> + +<P> +"Looks as though something was goin' to happen," Billee commented in a +low voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Think so? Well, we've just got to wait, that's all." +</P> + +<P> +The time passed slowly. Billee and Dick were observing the situation +within the house as best they might, without necessarily exposing +themselves. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Dick," said the veteran rancher after an hour that seemed like a +year, "I'm goin' to investigate." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm a-goin' up and have a look inside an' see what's happenin'." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know, Billee—they might spot you and let ride with some lead." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't worry about that, Dick. They'll never know I'm there. Now you +wait here an' I'll be right back." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, for the love of Pete, be careful! We don't want anything to go +wrong." +</P> + +<P> +"Nothin's goin' wrong. Now you wait." +</P> + +<P> +Billee Dobb moved softly in the direction of the ranch house, walking +so easily it seemed as though he were stepping on wool. Unlike most +other punchers, who spend most of their time on horseback, Billee was +exceptionally surefooted. Much tramping about the country did that for +him, and there were some who said he had been active in Indian warfare, +long ago. He would be the first to deny this, however, as it would add +too much to his age. +</P> + +<P> +So while Dick waited impatiently, the rancher went toward the house, +shoulders low, making himself as inconspicuous as possible. The +distance between the house and where Dick was waiting was not far, but +it was all open, and with the moon lighting up the scene almost like +day, a person crossing might be easily seen. +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer Billee crept. Dick could see him picking his way +like a dancer, so that he might step on no branch or twig which would +break and give him away. Now he was almost at the side of the house. +Dick saw him lean forward and cautiously peer in the window. +</P> + +<P> +Then it happened. Dick saw a flash of fire from within the room, and +the roar of a gun awakened the stillness of the night. Billee +staggered back. He fell to the ground, but was up in a moment, and ran +swaying toward Dick. The door of the house flew open, and a man with a +gun in his hand burst out on the porch. Like a flash Dick had his gun +out and fired. The man ducked back as the bullet struck the side of +the house with a resounding "ping!" +</P> + +<P> +With a supreme effort Billee reached the shelter of the trees. Dick +ran to him. The old man's face was twisted with pain, and he sank to +the earth. +</P> + +<P> +"Dick—Dick—" he gasped, "they got me! They got me! I'm +down—and—out!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CLOSING IN +</H3> + +<P> +Nort, Mr. Hawkins and Yellin' Kid rode as fast as they might toward the +Shooting Star. It was their intention to reach the ranch and return as +soon as possible, after having taken a bite to eat. The idea of +resting was given up as the hours flew by. It seemed no time at all +before the stars grew dull, and the gray fingers of dawn spread out in +the east. +</P> + +<P> +"Have to hurry," Hawkins commented as he fumbled around in the dark +kitchen of the ranch. "Where in thunder is that lamp? Haven't you got +one out here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure—I think so," Nort answered. "Have to hunt for it, though. I'm +not so certain of my ground here. It's all new to me, you know. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it's not in the corner, that's sure. Let's have another match, +Kid. Ah, here we are!" The soft illumination of an oil lamp flooded +the room. "Got any non-exploding sand in this machine, Nort?" +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" +</P> + +<P> +"It's something the gold-brick artists used to sell to farmer's wives +to keep lamps from exploding. Nothing hut plain, ordinary sand, but +the directions that came with it said to always keep the lamp clean, +not to put too much oil in it, trim the wick, and so forth. Then put +the sand in and the lamp would never explode. Of course it wouldn't, +if the directions were followed. But the sand didn't help any. It was +the cleaning that did the trick. Yet the buyer bought peace of mind +and security for ten cents, so the game wasn't so bad as it sounds." +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty good!" the Kid laughed. "Never heard of that trick before, but +a feller was out here last year sellin' an electric belt, guaranteed to +take off ten pounds. All you had to do was to live on bread an' water +for five days an' run two miles every morning, wearin' the electric +belt. Didn't do no business here, though, 'cause most of the boys +wanted to put on weight, not lose it." +</P> + +<P> +"Some graft," Hawkins declared. "Well, that's neither here nor there. +Find that bread and meat, Nort?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep. Got it all fixed up. Say, by the way, I wonder where that Mex +cook of ours went?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's so too!" exclaimed Hawkins, as they hurriedly ate a lunch. +"Forgot all about him in the excitement. No use looking for him now, I +suppose. He may turn up." +</P> + +<P> +"Then again he may not," the Kid spoke grimly. "We're well rid of him, +I think. Don't like them Greasers nohow, and this one was no prize +beauty. Didn't Bud say he was one of Delton's men?" +</P> + +<P> +"Said he might be. He's not so bad, Kid. He may be dumb, but I don't +think he'd pull anything really raw." +</P> + +<P> +"You seem right interested in him, Nort." +</P> + +<P> +"No, it isn't that, but I just don't like to see you get him wrong. +Well, never mind. Let it ride. How about starting back, Mr. Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"Right. Blow out that lamp, Kid, and let's be on our way." +</P> + +<P> +The three made their way toward the door, moving by sense of touch. As +they reached their ponies, tied up near the house, the moon was a pale +disc hanging on the edge of the horizon. The chill wind of dawn +stirred restlessly, and the men shivered slightly. Though their wet +clothes had nearly dried, they were still a bit damp, and not conducive +to comfort on the open prairie. +</P> + +<P> +"Just about make it if we step along," Nort said, looking up at the +dimming stars. +</P> + +<P> +"Takes a long while to get light out here," Yellin' Kid asserted. +"We'll get there before dawn. But let's go. I'm frozen." +</P> + +<P> +The three threw their mounts into a gallop and set out once more for +Delton's ranch. +</P> + +<P> +"I had an idea that Billee Dobb wanted to stay with Bud," Nort said as +they sped along. "The old boy hates to miss any action." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I thought as long as he really wanted to go back, he might as +well go," Hawkins declared. "He might be of some help, after all. +Never can tell what will happen when you're trailing a gang like +Delton's." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean pretty rough, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! They have to be, to get along in their business. It's no +child's play, smuggling Chinese. And it's no picnic capturing them, +either." +</P> + +<P> +Over the darkened range the three rode, like avenging angels. No time +now for hesitating, and seeking a sure footing for the horses. They +must take their chance. And if one spilled—well—it was all in the +game. They must reach Bud and Dick before dawn. To Nort, sticking +tight to his galloping pony, it seemed to have been a waste of time to +ride all the way back to the Shooting Star. But on second thought he +realized that it was necessary for them to have food, for they might be +gone some time. A man can neither fight nor ride well on an empty +stomach. +</P> + +<P> +"Nearly there!" commented the Kid. No one was wasting words now. +Breath was too precious. The only sounds heard were the even beats of +the ponies' feet on the earth, and the creaking of the saddles. +Hawkins was riding well, the Kid saw, even though he did come from the +east. To the cowboy all places not west are "east," and so it was that +the Kid looked upon Washington. +</P> + +<P> +"Make it?" Nort called to the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! Coming to the water hole now." +</P> + +<P> +The Kid's thoughts were racing along, keeping pace with the horses' +flying feet. As is the case when one is engaged in work of a +monotonous nature, such as riding, one's thoughts seem to whirl about +in a circle, the same subjects recurring with regularity. The Kid was +thinking about his lost bronco. Then Delton. Then the reward. Then +back to the bronco again. And all the while the miles were +disappearing behind him. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly the Kid pulled his mount to a stop. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait!" he cautioned. "Isn't that where we left Bud, just ahead?" +</P> + +<P> +A group of trees rose in front. They had a familiar aspect. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure looks like it!" Hawkins agreed. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's take it easy. Kid, you lead, and go slow." +</P> + +<P> +The three walked their horses toward the trees. As they came nearer, +they made certain that they had reached their destination. And just in +time. The sky was graying rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +"You two wait here, and hold my new bronc," Yellin' Kid directed +softly, "an' I'll go around on foot. See how the land lays. All +right, Mr. Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Kid. Go ahead. Then come back and tell us." +</P> + +<P> +The Kid dismounted and handed his bridle rein to Nort. Then he walked +carefully into the trees, and disappeared from view. +</P> + +<P> +"See some action soon," Hawkins declared. He and Nort were waiting on +their horses about three hundred yards from where the Kid had +disappeared into the trees. "The old ranch house is right back there. +And this time I want to make sure of getting the whole gang." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you think they figured we followed them, and are all set for us?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe. Can't help that. But I'm not so sure, Nort—you know they had +to get those Chinks to a place of safety. Couldn't let them wander +around loose. And this was the only place they could go to. They had +no choice. And whether they figured we'd follow or not, they had to +dig in here." +</P> + +<P> +"They sure got away neat before," Nort said, as he thought of the +escape. "And if they hadn't wrecked their auto we'd probably never +have seen them again. Now we've got a chance." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and a little more than a chance. Wonder what's keeping the Kid. +Told him to come right back." +</P> + +<P> +"And here he comes—runnin'!" exclaimed Nort suddenly, as a figure +burst into sight. "Something must be the matter!" +</P> + +<P> +They spurred their horses toward the Kid, and met him half way. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" Hawkins asked sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"Billee Dobb!" Yellin' Kid panted. "He's—" It was an ominous pause. +</P> + +<P> +"Not so loud! Easy!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's Billee!" the Kid exclaimed in a lower voice. "They shot him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shot him! Is he dead?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not yet. Looks pretty bad. Bleedin' hard. By golly, let's go after +those yellow sneaks, an' get 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shot Billee Dobb," Nort said slowly, as though he couldn't believe it. +"Poor old Billee! Well—" he looked up sharply. "Let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +The boy's lips were closed grimly. In his eyes shone a wild light. +Whatever quarter would have been extended to the smugglers before, they +could expect none now. The chase had turned—had changed into a +personal venture. They had been seeking the capture of the smugglers +because it had been their duty. Now—— +</P> + +<P> +"Men," Hawkins spoke in a low voice, clipping his words, "let's get +started. We got work to do!" +</P> + +<P> +There was not another word spoken. Belts were tightened, and guns +loosened in their holsters. Dawn was just breaking. The three men +closed in on the ranch house in silence. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +FLYING BULLETS +</H3> + +<P> +Finally Nort spoke. +</P> + +<P> +"What about Billee?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Dick's taking care of him as best he can. Poor old geezer—" the Kid +bit his lip sharply. "He told me—he was sorry it happened, 'cause now +he'll miss the fun." +</P> + +<P> +"How did he look, Kid? I mean——" +</P> + +<P> +"Can't tell, Nort. He's hit pretty bad. Course we don't know for +sure—he's pretty old, you know——" +</P> + +<P> +"But tough as a board," Hawkins broke in. "I know his kind. Don't +worry boys. I'm sure he'll pull through O. K. Kid, is Bud coming with +us?" +</P> + +<P> +"Said he'd be right here. Want to wait he comes, before going closer?" +</P> + +<P> +There was a halt in the determined march toward the ranch house. There +seemed to be but little formal plan in the boys' attack; simply to "get +those guys an' get 'em good," as the Kid expressed it. But now that +the first shock of learning of Billee's wound had passed, all realized +how hopeless it would be to simply go up and take Delton. Some sort of +a scheme of attack was necessary if anything was to be accomplished. +</P> + +<P> +"Here's Bud now," Hawkins said as the boy rancher rode toward them. +There was a sober look on his face. +</P> + +<P> +"How goes it?" the Kid asked, anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty fair. He's got a chance, I think. Bleeding's stopped. Dick's +got him covered up with a saddle blanket over there a ways. If I get a +crack at Delton——" +</P> + +<P> +"How'd it happen, Bud?" asked Hawkins quickly. It was evident that he +wanted the boys to control themselves. It was dangerous work they were +about to start, and thought must be clear and quick, unimpeded by +external circumstance. +</P> + +<P> +"From what I gather from Dick, Billee sneaked up to take a look in one +of the windows, and someone snipped him. He just made the shelter of +the trees and fell unconscious." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, men, that means we have an additional reason for taking Delton." +Mr. Hawkins looked about him to be sure all were listening. In the +east the red rim of the morning sun was bulging over the horizon. The +time for action had come. +</P> + +<P> +"Nort, come over here a minute, will you? Hold my bridle rein while I +see if I've got that paper with me." +</P> + +<P> +The boy, wondering a little, seized the rein while Hawkins went through +his pockets. The agent's eyes were riveted on Nort's hand. It was as +steady as a rock. +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind—guess I won't need it. All right." Hawkins took the +reins from the boy, satisfied by his little ruse that Nort was not +affected by his lack of sleep. The business before them called for a +firm hand and nerve. +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins was speaking in a low voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Can you men all hear what I'm saying? If not, get closer. Now +listen. We've got to figure this thing out, or fail again. And if we +don't take Delton this time, I'm afraid we never will. At least that's +the way it seems to me. Here's what I thought. We'll ask him to +surrender and come with us peaceably. We are bound to do that. They +know by this time that we are on their heels, and can cause trouble for +them if they attempt an escape now. I believe they'll bide their time, +and make a rush for it. That's what we have to be ready for. I'm +going up there with a flag of truce, and demand that they give in to +the law." +</P> + +<P> +The agent dismounted and, drawing his gun, he tied to the barrel of it +a white handkerchief. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean to say you're goin' to walk right up there in broad daylight, +after what they did to Billee?" Yellin' Kid asked in a tone of surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"I am. It's my duty. Besides, it's safe enough. No one but a fool +would shoot a man bearing a white flag, when they're in Delton's +position. It'll go hard enough with them as it is. I have an idea +they might agree to come peaceably. +</P> + +<P> +"Well I haven't," the Kid said grimly. "The only way we'll get those +skunks out of their hole is to pull them out!" +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins shrugged his shoulders and prepared to set out. They all +walked to the edge of the trees, and just as the sun burst forth in all +its glory Hawkins started across the open space toward the ranch house. +</P> + +<P> +The boys watched him with anxious eyes. Would he cross safely, or +would he be shot down like a dog? There was no sign from the ranch +house. All activity had ceased as though the occupants had been frozen +into stillness. Nearer and nearer walked the agent, head up, the gun +with the handkerchief tied on it held in front of him. Still there was +no sign of life inside the house. When the agent reached within ten +feet of the place, the boys saw him stop and look closely at the quiet +house. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, you!" he yelled. +</P> + +<P> +"Nervy guy," the Kid commented, "He might easily get creased, standin' +there yellin'. Me, I wouldn't put it past that bunch!" +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly a window flew up and a head poked out. It was a stranger, +none of the boys ever having seen the fellow before. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you want?" the man demanded in a truculent tone. +</P> + +<P> +"I call upon you to surrender, in the name of the law!" said Hawkins. +</P> + +<P> +"You what?" Without waiting for an answer, the head drew in but the +window remained open. In a moment the head reappeared. +</P> + +<P> +"What are you talking about? Why should we surrender?" +</P> + +<P> +"You're under arrest for smuggling, and for assault and battery with +intent to kill!" +</P> + +<P> +"You don't say!" The head popped in. Then in a moment—— +</P> + +<P> +"Who are you—John Law?" +</P> + +<P> +"I happen to be a federal agent. But I'm not here to give you my +history. Do you surrender?" The boys could hear the sting in the +agent's words. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a minute." Once more the head disappeared. This time it stayed +back for some minutes. The watching boys were moving uneasily. +Finally another came to the window—it was Delton. The agent gave no +sign that he knew him. +</P> + +<P> +"Want to speak to me?" asked Delton, an imperious note in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Makes no difference who I speak to. I want to know if you'll +surrender, and give yourselves over to the law." +</P> + +<P> +"What for?" +</P> + +<P> +"You know well enough! Smuggling, and shooting!" +</P> + +<P> +"It was that bird's own fault that he got shot. What's he want to come +sneaking around for? Serves him right! As for smuggling, who said we +were smugglers?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind about that." The agent was speaking quickly now. "I ask +you once more, do you surrender?" +</P> + +<P> +Unwittingly Hawkins lowered his gun on which was the flag of truce. +There was a sudden report, and a spurt of dust arose at the agent's +feet. +</P> + +<P> +"There's our answer!" Delton yelled, and slammed down the window. +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins wasted no time in returning to the waiting boys. +</P> + +<P> +"That's that," he said grimly, and he removed the handkerchief from his +gun. "We got to go after them. Kid, where's Billee Dobb resting?" +</P> + +<P> +"Over there behind that bend. Want me to go over and see how he's +makin' out?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. In the meantime, where's that meat and bread you brought, Nort? +Everybody grab some. Got water over there for Billee, Kid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep; Dick's got a canteen full, and he's got Billee's shoulder tied up +with his shirt. We can't do anything more for him 'til we get home." +</P> + +<P> +"I hate to think of Billee lying out there hurt," Bud said a trifle +sadly. "Think we all better go over and see him?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I don't," Hawkins said decidedly. "The Kid knows what he's +talking about, and if he says we can't do anything more for Billee, +there's no use tracking over there and getting him excited. Here, now, +everybody get some of the food Nort brought." +</P> + +<P> +"Not so hungry," Bud said, looking longingly toward the window where +they had last seen Delton. +</P> + +<P> +"Eat anyway, Bud. You'll need it. And stop worrying about Billee. +I'm sure he'll make out all right." +</P> + +<P> +On his way to the injured man the Kid brought some of the bread and +meat for Dick. The others, though they protested they weren't hungry, +ate as much as Nort carried. All felt better after this refreshment. +</P> + +<P> +Within five minutes the Kid was back. +</P> + +<P> +"Better!" he called as he came up. "Dick says he's getting along O. K. +Took some of the food and wanted to know if he could be shifted to +where he could see the fireworks. He's quiet now, though. Dick's +afraid he'll start a hemorrhage if he moves around much." +</P> + +<P> +"He might, too," Bud agreed. "It's best to keep him as quiet as +possible. Well—when do we start?" +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins had been standing by the side of his pony. Now he mounted and +faced the house. +</P> + +<P> +"We start now!" he said. "First we have to decide how to close in. I +think Nort and I had better come in from the left. Kid, you and Bud +get around to the extreme right. In that way we can cover the whole +ground. Nort and I will start first, and try to make the door. +</P> + +<P> +"When I shoot, you start, Kid. If we can get into the house, the rest +is easy. I know that bunch. Fine when they're on top, but as soon as +anyone gets under their guard, they welch. That's the reason I think +we can make it. But listen—" and the agent's voice dropped. "This is +a mighty risky business. I don't want anyone to get in this against +his will. No telling what may happen. Are you boys willing to take a +chance?" +</P> + +<P> +Bud was the first to speak. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Hawkins," he said, "I think I know the others well enough to speak +for them. When we started this thing, we did so because it was our +duty, and, I might as well admit it, because of the excitement. Since +then something has happened. Billee Dobb was shot. Are you answered?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am," said the agent, with an understanding look. "All set then, +boys. Around that way, Bud. Wait for three shots, then close +in—fast. Let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +Bud and Yellin' Kid started for the right of the house. The moment had +come. Before many more minutes passed, the plan would have either +succeeded, or there would be fewer men able to walk around the ranch +house. Hawkins and Nort drew their guns, and headed their ponies to +the left, throwing them into a gallop. They crouched low in the +saddles. What was in their minds as they made ready for that desperate +charge? Fear? Hardly that. A turmoil of excitement, probably. +</P> + +<P> +As they dashed out into the open Nort gave a quick glance toward the +window. He could see nothing save darkness within. It took but a few +seconds for them to reach the side of the house. Hawkins looked over +at Nort. The boy nodded. Now! +</P> + +<P> +They raced madly toward the house. Bang! A shot rang out, and a puff +of smoke came from one of the windows. Nort's hat went sailing away as +though it were on a string. Bang! Nort saw the agent's pony falter, +then recover and go dashing on. Now they were almost to the house. It +had seemed as though one of them surely would be hit, for they were +speeding across perfectly open territory and the occupants of the house +were firing rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +But, somehow, luck was with them. They reached the porch safely. And +just as Hawkins was about to give the signal for Bud and the Kid to +attack, he saw something that stayed his hand. +</P> + +<P> +From the rear of the house a volume of black smoke was pouring. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A RING OF FIRE +</H3> + +<P> +"Wait, Nort!" Hawkins yelled. "Stick close to the house! Get in +close! Not the front—this way! This way!" +</P> + +<P> +He pulled his horse over to one side and held him as near the side wall +of the ranch house as he could get. Nort followed him, also hugging +the wall. In that way they were protected from the bullets of Delton's +men. +</P> + +<P> +"See what happened?" the agent exclaimed. "The place is on fire! Now +they've got to get out, and they'll run right into our hands. How I +hope the Kid has sense enough to stay away and nab them when they come +out!" +</P> + +<P> +The smoke was billowing out in huge clouds, now. It was a frame house, +and a firetrap if there ever was one. Now the flames licked through, +and the boards started to burn as though they had been soaked with +gasoline. +</P> + +<P> +"Can you sneak around the corner and signal to Bud?" suggested Hawkins. +"Tell him to stay back. Wonder how in thunder this fire ever got +going?" +</P> + +<P> +Nort walked his mount toward the front, still keeping as close to the +side of the house as possible. All gun-fire from within the burning +place had now ceased, but the boy was taking no chances. There were +but two windows on that side of the house, and their rooms were not +occupied, so that as long as the ranchers kept hugging the wall they +could not be shot at. The firing as they approached had evidently been +done from an angle. +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins's horse was prancing wildly about. His eyes were focused upon +the tongues of flame that spurted out of the rear of the building. +</P> + +<P> +"They can't stay in there much longer!" Hawkins yelled. "How about +their ponies? Know where they keep them?" +</P> + +<P> +"Easy to find out. Let's do it—quick. We ought to get around to +where the Kid and Bud are and join forces. Ready?" +</P> + +<P> +Hawkins nodded, and once more the two flashed across the open ground, +this time away from the danger zone. But there was no need for such +haste, for not a shot followed them. +</P> + +<P> +"The horses!" Nort yelled as he rode up. "Get them, Bud, and Delton +won't have a dog's chance!" +</P> + +<P> +"Got 'em!" Bud answered. "Soon as we saw the fire I went to where they +had them tethered and led 'em over here. There they are, by that tree. +Say, I wonder who started this thing?" +</P> + +<P> +"What makes you think someone started it?" Hawkins asked, looking at +him closely. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I figure it couldn't set itself—and it's not likely an accident +would happen." +</P> + +<P> +"Can't tell—like as not a lamp turned over. Wow, look at that roof +go! Where can those birds be keeping themselves? What chance have +they got now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Probably trying to put it out from inside. Foolish thing to do, but +they know as soon as they come out they're finished. I wouldn't +deliberately set the place on fire, but it sure solved our problem for +us." +</P> + +<P> +As the fire raged more fiercely, the ranchers looked at each other. +What had happened to Delton? Could it be that he determined to stick +it out until the last moment, and risk a horrible death? Surely he +must realize that in peaceful surrender lay his only hope. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Bud uttered a cry. +</P> + +<P> +"Here comes someone! Out of the cellar! Look!" Running toward them +was a bedraggled figure. Clothes torn, face blackened with smoke, it +presented a truly pitiful picture. As it ran it waved its arms wildly. +Something in the appearance, or possibly its gesture, caused Bud to +exclaim: +</P> + +<P> +"Say, he looks familiar! Kid, Nort—know who that is?" +</P> + +<P> +The boys looked curiously at the wretched man. Now he was almost upon +them, and they could see his eyes glaring wildly. He reached them and +fell to the ground, exhausted. Bud dismounted quickly and bent over +him. +</P> + +<P> +"Get up!" he commanded. "Let's have a look at you!" The man dragged +himself to his feet. At a sight of his face, blackened as it was by +the smoke, all started back. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what do you know about that!" the Kid cried. "It's our Mexican +cook!" +</P> + +<P> +"What are you doing here?" Nort asked sharply. "You with Delton? Hey? +Tell the truth now or I'll hit you!" +</P> + +<P> +"He can't talk!" Bud protested. "Give him a chance. He's all in. +Come here, Mex." The boy held out his arm and the Mexican seized it +and steadied himself. "Were you with Delton?" Bud asked. +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican shook his head negatively. Then he pointed to the burning +building and waved his arms wildly. +</P> + +<P> +"Steady up!" Bud commanded. "Take it easy!" +</P> + +<P> +The man took a deep breath and regained control of himself. But his +gestures were still inexplainable. After a minute of vain +gesticulating the Kid suddenly exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"I think I get it! Mex, listen here: Did you set that fire?" +</P> + +<P> +A vigorous nod of the head. The boys looked at each other in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"What for?" +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican pointed to himself, then held up two fingers. Then he +pointed to the house, and shook his fist. +</P> + +<P> +"Be means his brother!" the Kid said. "What about him, Mex? Did +Delton get hold of him?" +</P> + +<P> +Another nod, and more furious gestures. +</P> + +<P> +"I see!" cried the Kid. "He means Delton put his brother up to some +dirty work. That right, Mex?" +</P> + +<P> +Eagerly the man signified yes. +</P> + +<P> +"And he did this to get back at him. But where is Delton, Mex? Why +doesn't he come out? He'll be burned to death in there!" +</P> + +<P> +The fire had eaten its way through to the front of the house and now +the whole upper story was ablaze. It seemed impossible that any living +creature could withstand those flames. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Delton, Mex?" the Kid persisted. +</P> + +<P> +The cook pointed to the house then to the ground. +</P> + +<P> +"The cellar!" Bud cried. "He means they're hiding in the cellar! +That's the reason they can stay in there so long. We should have +thought of that before." +</P> + +<P> +"They'll soon be out," spoke Hawkins a trifle grimly. "The fire is +reaching the lower story. We may expect a rush any minute now." +</P> + +<P> +The men were standing in a group at the edge of the trees. With the +house directly in front of them, and the country about perfectly flat, +there was no chance of anyone escaping unseen. The flames mounted +higher. There was a certain amount of awe in the faces of all as they +thought of the tortures a person would endure if he were trapped in +that furnace. And for all they knew, men might be burning to death in +front of them! It was a harrowing situation. Even though they had +shot Billee Dobb, it was an inhuman thing to wish, or even think, of +them being caught in a burning building. +</P> + +<P> +If they would only come out, even though they came shooting! Bud saw a +huge tongue of flame shoot out of the roof. +</P> + +<P> +"I can't stand this any longer!" he shouted. "Those men must be +burning to death! I can't stay here and watch that. I'm going to——" +</P> + +<P> +"But what can you do?" Nort asked. "They want to stay there until +they're good and ready to leave. I don't see how we can help them. +Certainly I don't want to see anyone burned to death, but I don't think +we can do anything, except go in and get them, which we can't do; and +if they won't come out, they won't." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps they're trapped!" +</P> + +<P> +"You'd know it if they were. They'd yell or something. No matter how +much they want to escape, they won't risk getting burned. No man +would." +</P> + +<P> +"Then why don't they come out?" Bud persisted. +</P> + +<P> +"Ask me something easier! Maybe the Mex can tell us something about +it. Hey, Mex! Why they no come out?" +</P> + +<P> +But this time the cook shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands wide +in a gesture expressing ignorance. They could get no information there. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to ride over and see!" Bud exclaimed, a ring of +determination in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you want to—then I'll go with you. Kind of wonder where +they are myself." This from Nort. +</P> + +<P> +They had to force their horses to head toward the fire. The sparks +were flying high, and the heat could be plainly felt even at the +distance the boys stood. But finally Bud and Nort got the ponies +started. +</P> + +<P> +The animals approached the fire with mincing steps. The boys had to +force them continually onward, for no beast will go toward fire +willingly. A few more steps and Nort said: +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Bud, there's not much point in this. The broncs will never go +near enough for us to see anything. What say we get off and walk? I +don't think there's much chance of Delton shooting at us. If we really +want to find out anything we better get off these horses." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess that's right," agreed Bud as his mount reared high. "Fast, +though—snap to it, Nort!" +</P> + +<P> +The boys turned their ponies away from the fire and rode swiftly back. +They dismounted and without hesitation, ran again to the burning house. +They made for the side, from where the Mexican cook had staggered out. +</P> + +<P> +"There ought to be an entrance to the cellar about here," Bud panted as +he ran on. "The Mex said they were down there!" +</P> + +<P> +As they neared the building they saw that this was so. A small door +indicated the way to the cellar. The heat was tremendous, and Nort +wondered if their errand hadn't been in vain. It didn't seem possible +that there living creatures were voluntarily remaining within. +</P> + +<P> +Just as Nort was about to tell Bud his thought, a figure emerged and +staggered toward them. It was the man who had protested at Delton's +treatment of Bud when the boy had been taken, bound, to this very +house. The man was in sad case. His breath was coming in sobs, and he +maintained an upright position only by a supreme effort. One side of +his face was badly burned. +</P> + +<P> +"Help—" he gasped. "Help—men in there——" +</P> + +<P> +"What is it? Speak quick!" Bud commanded. "Can't they get out? Are +they in danger?' +</P> + +<P> +"Trapped! Delton—in there—can't move—hit on the head——" +</P> + +<P> +The next moment the man collapsed at their feet, unconscious. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD +</H3> + +<P> +"Quick, Nort! Pull him back out of the heat and call the others! +We've got to save those men!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter?" Dick cried as he came up. "Aren't they out of +that furnace yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"No—they're trapped inside! We've got to get them out! Billee +Dobb—is—is he dead?" +</P> + +<P> +"No—he's better! He insisted on my coming over when he saw the smoke. +Thought I might be needed. No time for talk now—we've got to get +busy!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's sure death to enter that!" Hawkins cried as another huge tongue +of flame shot heavenward, sending the boys reeling back. "You'll only +throw your lives away!" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't help it—we must do something! We can't see them burned to +death!" +</P> + +<P> +At that moment Bud felt a tug at his sleeve. He jerked around. At his +elbow was the Mexican cook. He motioned to himself, then toward the +cellar. Then he leaped forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Follow him!" Bud cried. "He knows how to get in safely!" +</P> + +<P> +With a rush the others were on the heels of the Mexican. +</P> + +<P> +"Someone has got to stay here—help them out if we do get them!" +exclaimed Hawkins. "Nort—you and Dick wait!" +</P> + +<P> +Bud was directly behind the Mexican. He saw the man disappear down +into the smoke, and taking a full breath, the boy followed. He found +himself below ground, and for a moment hesitated to get his bearings. +The air was choking, but the heat was not intolerable. The fire had +not quite reached the lower floor. +</P> + +<P> +There was no time to be lost, for any minute the building might +collapse and bury them. Bud plunged on. He could see faintly now, and +he caught a glimpse of a figure in front of him, beckoning. +</P> + +<P> +"Go—ahead!" the boy gasped. "Coming!" +</P> + +<P> +A few steps further and he stumbled against a door. At his side was +the Mexican, pointing. Bud pushed frantically, but the door refused to +budge. Then he found the reason. It was bolted. +</P> + +<P> +"You—you locked them in! You inhuman——" +</P> + +<P> +He saw the Mexican shrug his shoulders. Even in the burning building +the Latin's philosophical mind did not desert him. +</P> + +<P> +Bud struggled with the bolt. It stuck. He strove with all his +strength—and the door flew open. The boy stumbled in. His foot +struck a body stretched upon the floor. +</P> + +<P> +He reached down and lifted the unconscious man to his shoulder. Behind +him he heard a voice. It was that of Yellin' Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Give him here!" The Kid seized the limp form and passed it to someone +at his side. "We'll get 'em out like a bucket-brigade! Pass 'em to +me, Bud!" +</P> + +<P> +Through the smoke Bud groped his way. His hand encountered another +body. In a moment he lifted the man and passed him to the Kid. His +head felt as if it were bursting, but on he struggled, seeking, hands +outstretched. He passed another body out to the Kid. Another. Then +he heard a moan and turned toward it. A man lay against the wall. His +hands moved feebly, and even in the smoke and gloom Bud, could see +blood streaming from a cut on his head. The boy bent over and grasped +the man's arm. His face was within an inch of the other's. +</P> + +<P> +"Delton!" +</P> + +<P> +The boy's cry was involuntary. Here, under his very hands, was the man +who was the cause of their misfortunes—who had committed crimes, no +telling how many, and who had perhaps shot one of their comrades. And +yet Bud was risking his life to save this creature. Was it fair to +ask——? +</P> + +<P> +A low moan came from the wretched figure. Bud looked for a long moment +at the blood-stained face. Then with a sudden heave he lifted him and +staggered to the door. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll take him!" he gasped to the Kid, who had reached for the burden. +"See if there are any more!" +</P> + +<P> +He heard Yellin' Kid smashing against the walls in an effort to locate +other senseless figures. Then he followed Bud. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't find any more. Ask the Mex how many——" +</P> + +<P> +The cook heard the inquiry and flung his arms wide, indicating that the +rest had made their escape. The Kid, gasping, plunged out into the +open. +</P> + +<P> +As he gulped in great mouthfuls of the welcome fresh air the Kid heard +a sudden crash. He turned quickly. A shower of sparks and flames shot +into the air, like the eruption of a volcano. There was another roar, +and the next moment the building was in ruins. The walls had +collapsed, and nothing remained of the structure but a pile of embers. +With horror written on his face, the Kid looked wildly about him. +</P> + +<P> +"Bud!" he almost screamed. "Bud—is he in there? Get him out—get +him——" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Kid—all right—" said a voice by his side. It was Bud. +The Kid stared at him for a long minute, with a suspicious moisture in +his eyes. Then he laid his hand on Bud's shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"Thought—you were—" he said in a husky voice. And he did a strange +yet a boyish thing. He withdrew his hand from Bud's shoulder and +planted it hard under the other's ribs. +</P> + +<P> +"Baby!" he exclaimed. "We sure did clean up that place! Threw them +out like bags of corn. Anybody hurt bad?" +</P> + +<P> +The two, their faces blackened and with clothes torn, walked toward the +group of men gathered about the injured. They saw the forms stretched +on the ground, and for a moment feared that their rescue work had been +in vain. +</P> + +<P> +The boy ranchers looked at the figure upon the ground. The man groaned +and opened his eyes. He stared straight into the eyes of Bud. For a +moment hostility glared out at the boy, then Delton half closed his +eyes as though he were trying to think. The men gathered about were +quiet, watching their prisoner. He wet his lips with his tongue. +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks," he murmured, and held out his hand with a feeble gesture. +Bud reached down and grasped it with a smile. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't mention it," the boy said quickly. Then he straightened up and +looked over to Mr. Hawkins. "Say, are you thinking the same thing I +am?" he asked the agent. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean, where are the Chinks? You bet I'm wondering that! Wait, I +believe I can find out. Hey, Mex!" The agent called to the cook who +was standing on the edge of the group. "Come here! You know him?" +</P> + +<P> +He pointed to a man seated on the ground, leaning against a tree, with +one of his sleeves burned entirely away. The arm was scorched. But +with his other hand the man was calmly holding a cigarette. +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican cook looked at him and then nodded briefly. +</P> + +<P> +"He's your brother, isn't he?" +</P> + +<P> +Another careless nod. +</P> + +<P> +"Then you ask him what became of the Chinks!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Dick wanted to know. +</P> + +<P> +"Tried it—won't answer. I think his brother can make him talk." +</P> + +<P> +This proved to be correct. The cook bent over his brother and made a +few rapid motions with his fingers. The seated man muttered something. +Again the cook's fingers moved. This time his brother answered more at +length, and the cook walked in the direction of a small shed, motioning +to the others to follow. Nort and Mr. Hawkins trailed along behind. +When they reached the shack the cook pointed to it. +</P> + +<P> +"In there?" the agent asked doubtfully. It didn't seen large enough to +hold more than two men. It had probably been used to shelter a calf +when the place had been run by a farmer. +</P> + +<P> +The Mexican nodded. Hawkins stepped to the small door and jerked it +open. A bundled-up mass of humanity almost tumbled into his arms, and +when they untangled themselves, there were not two Chinese, but five! +</P> + +<P> +"How in thunderation did you all ever get in there?" Nort inquired +wonderingly. "Hey, you! Quiet down! We're not going to hurt you. +What do you think this is, a circus? Gee! They were like sardines!" +</P> + +<P> +The Chinese were as excited as rabbits, and chattered away in evident +fear. None of them spoke English, and it was some time before they +could be made to understand that no harm was intended them. +</P> + +<P> +As the agent returned to the little group of wounded and others, he saw +them centered about something and all talking at once. He quickened +his pace and in a moment saw the cause of the commotion. +</P> + +<P> +"Billee Dobb!" he exclaimed. "Golly, I'm glad to see you moving again! +How did you get over here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dick and Yellin' Kid carried me," the veteran rancher answered with a +smile. "Like a silly baby! They jest lifted me up an' brung me along. +Said I had to see the last act, anyway." +</P> + +<P> +"How are you feeling?" Hawkins asked anxiously. "I wanted to go to you +soon as I heard about it, but I couldn't, Billee." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, I know you couldn't. I was all right. Dick stayed by me until +I had to threaten him with a six-gun to get him to help you people. +Why, I'm feelin' O. K. now. Jest got me in the shoulder. Laid me out +for a spell—I ain't as young as I was—why, I remember the time when I +got an arrow full in the side—didn't phase me none—went right on and +got the guy that shot it—I was a man in them days—I remember——" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Billee, take it easy," Bud said gently. "Tell us all about it +later. You got lots of time. Thirsty?" +</P> + +<P> +"A leettle," the rancher replied with a sigh. Bud leaned over and held +his canteen to the other's lips. Billee took a long drink and sighed +again. "Tired," he said weakly. "Want to sleep." +</P> + +<P> +He lay back on the blanket. Bud drew the edges over him and motioned +the others away. "Let him sleep. Best thing in the world for him. +We'll take him back later. I don't want to move him until that wound +gets good and quiet." +</P> + +<P> +"What about these others?" Nort inquired. "We want to get them out of +the way. There are five men who can't walk. Then there's two more who +managed to get out without being burned. They're here too. We've got +to get them all back some way. Can't walk them, and we haven't enough +horses. What do you think, Mr. Hawkins?" +</P> + +<P> +"Let me see," the agent said. "It is a problem, Nort. Bud, have you a +suggestion? The sooner we can get the bunch to town the quicker we'll +get something hot to eat. And a little sleep wouldn't harm us any. +Think of anything, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if—" The boy stopped and listened intently. In the distance +he heard the sounds of horses. Then as they approached nearer the +creaking noise of a wagon traveling fast came to him. The next moment +all heard a voice yelling: +</P> + +<P> +"Get along there, boys! Watch it—watch it! Pete, you spavin-back +cayuse, come out of that! Quit side-steppin'! At a baby—now yore +goin'! Out of that hole! Out of it! Pete! Pete! You dog-eared +knock-kneed bleary-eyed paint, if you don't swing wide I'll skin you +alive! You, Pete!" +</P> + +<P> +A rattling buckboard popped into view like the presiding genius of a +jack-in-the-box. +</P> + +<P> +"It's our friend from town—from the store!" Nort exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and look who's with him!" Bud yelled. "It's Dad! Yea, Dad! +Golly, I'm glad you came! You're just in time!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +YELLIN' KID FINDS HIS BRONC +</H3> + +<P> +The wagon came to a sudden stop, and Mr. Merkel jumped out. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, son! Howdy, boys! Say—what happened here? Bud—how did you +get burned? You hurt?" There was a note of anxiety in the father's +voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a bit, Dad! Just blackened up a little. Had a fire, and we had +to pull some men out. Look at that!" +</P> + +<P> +The boy pointed to the mass of embers that was once a house. The fire +had died down until now there was only glowing bits of wood left. It +had started quickly and ended as suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"Anybody seriously burned?" Mr. Merkel looked at his son keenly, as +though to satisfy himself that he was uninjured. The father's glance +evidently convinced him that Bud was all right, for he turned quickly +and said to the others: +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Billee Dobb? I don't see him." +</P> + +<P> +"Billee is the one who is really hurt, Uncle," Nort answered. "He's +got a piece of lead in his shoulder. He's asleep now—be all right +later, I think." +</P> + +<P> +"Shot! The rascals! They'll suffer for that! You want to get Billee +to a doctor as soon as possible, before infection sets in. We'll bring +him back in the wagon." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you happen to come here, Dad?" Bud asked curiously. "I didn't +think you knew where we were." +</P> + +<P> +"I didn't, exactly. I have a confession to make, Bud. You weren't +sent out here to herd sheep. You were sent to do just what you did—to +capture the smugglers." +</P> + +<P> +"But—but why didn't you tell us?" +</P> + +<P> +"I couldn't, Bud. I gave my word to the government that I'd not let on +the reason I was sending you out here. You see, no one could tell just +what would happen. If you knew that you were sent to go after +smugglers, and you went after the wrong gang, things would be in a +pretty mess. So they concluded that it was best to leave you in the +dark. I'll admit I favored telling you, boys, but as it turned out, +the other way may have been best. Even as it was, I let slip something +about it. And when you weren't at the ranch I figured you might be in +this direction. I sort of suspected this place. Well, all's well that +ends well. Now what, boys?" +</P> + +<P> +"If we can get that wild buckboard man to drive slowly, we have a load +of passengers to take back. Oh, say, Dad, do you know Mr. Hawkins? I +don't know whether you—" Bud paused suggestively. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, indeed," Mr. Merkel said with a smile. "We're old friends. He +came to me long ago and arranged most of this scheme. Sorry we had to +do it, boys—but the government seems to know its business!" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm glad you look at it in that light, Mr. Merkel," the agent said as +he shook hands. "We have to be very, very careful—and a slip that may +seem trivial to others may mean success or failure to us. But let me +say that these boys have more than come up to expectations. I have +never seen a better——" +</P> + +<P> +"Hey, hey, take it easy!" the Kid laughed. "It might go to our heads. +But one thing, Mr. Hawkins. It's about——" +</P> + +<P> +"I know—the reward! And you get it, too, boys. As soon as we get to +town I'll give you a check that's in my office safe. You have +certainly earned it." +</P> + +<P> +"Now we can get a new bunch of longhorns!" shouted Dick gleefully. +"Great stuff! That's worth going without a night's sleep for!" +</P> + +<P> +"And the radio," Nort broke in. "We get that, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"You and your sparkin' outfit," Yellin' Kid scoffed. "You want music +with your grub, I guess!" +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Mr. Hawkins, what's the penalty for smuggling in this state?" Bud +inquired. "I just wondered——" +</P> + +<P> +"Ten years," the agent answered briefly. "Delton's due for quite a +long stretch. He'll have time to think over his errors." +</P> + +<P> +"Ten years," Bud said musingly. "Ten years in jail! Mr. Hawkins, if +we testified that Delton wasn't so bad as he's supposed to be, and +that——" +</P> + +<P> +The boy stopped. Hawkins looked at him long and hard. Then he walked +over and held out his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Son," he said simply, "that's the whitest thing I've ever seen a man +do. I'll try to fix it up for you. We'll do what we can to lighten +his sentence." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks," Bud said gratefully. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, when do we start?" Mr. Merkel asked. "If you men are hungry, +we'd better get going. Did I understand you to say we'd have a load +going back, Bud?" +</P> + +<P> +"And then some! Now let's see how we can arrange this. Billee Dobb +goes back in the buckboard. And so do the others who are badly hurt. +How many do you think can ride, Kid? You know we've got their horses +at the back, and some can come along on them." +</P> + +<P> +"Figure Delton and two of those other guys should go in the wagon. The +rest can fork the broncs. They're able. Well, let's get those fellers +that are going along with this wild man in the wagon. Think you can +take it easy a short spell?" Yellin' Kid asked the grinning driver. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure! Like an am-bu-lance. They'll never know they're ridin'." +</P> + +<P> +"All right. Now about these Chinks. Guess they'll have to get along +on the ponies." +</P> + +<P> +"But maybe they can't ride," Nort suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe they can't—but they're gonna take a lesson right now! Their +first an' last. Let's get hold of Billee an' lift him in the wagon. +Still asleep?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yep. Easy now. That does it——" +</P> + +<P> +As they raised the form of the old rancher he stirred uneasily. Then +he opened his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Boss!" he exclaimed. "What do you think of me bein' carried around +this way. Wait a minute, boys, I can walk. I want to——" +</P> + +<P> +"You're to lay right still," admonished Yellin' Kid. "Think we want +you bleedin' all over the landscape? Now go slow, an' Mr. Merkel will +shake hands with you when we get you in the wagon." +</P> + +<P> +"How are you, Billee?" the cattle owner asked warmly. "Heard you had +an accident! Well, we'll feed you up good for a couple of days and +you'll soon be on horseback again." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure will! Can't say I like this lyin' down idea. But the boys won't +let me get up." +</P> + +<P> +The buckboard carrying Billee and the other injured men went first, and +the rest of the procession followed, with Mr. Hawkins and Dick in the +extreme rear, to see that everything went well. And thus they started +for town. +</P> + +<P> +They had scarcely gotten under way when all heard the sound of a horse +behind them. They turned and saw a riderless pony galloping toward +them. +</P> + +<P> +"What the mischief—" Bud cried out as he saw the horse nearing them. +"He wants to visit! Look—his halter has been broken. Must be a +runaway. I wonder——" +</P> + +<P> +"Runaway nothin'!" yelled the Kid. "He's comin' home! That's my +bronc!" +</P> + +<P> +The horse made straight for Yellin' Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Look at that—knows me! Well! Well! Well! Come home to papa! My +bronc, sure as you're a foot high! See that spot above his eye? I'd +know it in a million! Come here, baby—where you been? Huh? I been +lookin' all over for you." +</P> + +<P> +There was a sudden exclamation from one of the smugglers who was riding +in front of the Kid. +</P> + +<P> +"Got away!" the man muttered. "Thought I tied her——" +</P> + +<P> +"So-o-o you're the coot that had her, hey? An' you tied her up tight, +hey? So she couldn't get loose? Well, let me tell you that this +little paint can bust <I>any</I> halter, if she wants to. Can't you, baby? +By golly, I——" +</P> + +<P> +"Sing it, Kid, sing it!" Dick laughed. "Do you tuck her in bed at +night, too?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, she's the best bronc I ever had!" the Kid said definitely. "An' +I'm goin' to ride her in. Dick, hang on to this pony, will you? Lead +her in for me. Well!" As he got into the saddle of his own mount. +"Here we are again, baby! Now I won't need that other horse that you +were goin' to get me, Mr. Hawkins. 'Scuse me a minute, boys——" +</P> + +<P> +He threw the bronc into a gallop and tore across the plain. Then he +wheeled and came rushing back. +</P> + +<P> +"He's happy," Nort said with a grin. "Never expected to see his bronc +again, and she runs right into his hands. Hey, you—where did you keep +her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Around the side," the man who had spoken before answered with a scowl. +"Thought I might need her in a hurry. His horse, was it? Well, he was +ridin' mine. A fair exchange is no robbery. Now he's got her back +he's got no kick comin'." +</P> + +<P> +"Hasn't, hey? Don't know about that. If he finds any marks on her——" +</P> + +<P> +"She wasn't touched," the man said quickly. "Fast enough without that." +</P> + +<P> +"Lucky for you," Nort commented, meaningly. +</P> + +<P> +After his mad dash the Kid returned in easier fashion. And so the +strange procession wended its way back to Roaring River. It took them +rather a long time to get there, as the buckboard had to be driven +slowly on account of the injured. True to his promise, the young "wild +man" held his verbally much-abused horses down to a walk. +</P> + +<P> +The smugglers were removed to jail, with the assurance from the warden +that those who were injured would be treated by a local doctor. The +Chinese were also jailed, to be held for the federal officers. +Deportment, first back to Mexico, and, eventually, back to China was +their portion. They seemed to realize it, for they were a sad and +silent bunch. +</P> + +<P> +Billee Dobb was given a room to himself in the ranch house where he +could rest and get well, and then the others washed up and "filled up," +as Nort expressed it. +</P> + +<P> +"Now comes the reward," said Mr. Hawkins, and he arranged to have it +paid to the Boy Ranchers, with Yellin' Kid and Billee Dobb sharing in +it. There was an additional reward for capturing the smuggled Chinese +as well as the smugglers, so there was a fund large enough for all to +share. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's go up and see Billee now," proposed Bud, when they had eaten and +quieted down. +</P> + +<P> +They found the old rancher restlessly picking at the coverlet of his +bed, his weather-tanned face in strange contrast to the white pillow +cases. As the boys and Mr. Merkel entered, Billee grinned. +</P> + +<P> +"Fust time I ever been t' bed by daylight in seventeen years," he said. +"Don't know what to do with myself. Now if Snake Purdee was only here, +he could——" +</P> + +<P> +"An' here I am!" exclaimed a voice outside the door. "Hello, Billee! +Heard you was receivin' callers an' I came right over. What'll you +have—a song? All right, boys—come on in! Billee wants us to sing +for him!" +</P> + +<P> +Into the room shuffled Billee's companions of Diamond X: Slim Degnan, +Fat Milton, and the rest. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, Billee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Howdy, you old de-teck-a-tive you!" +</P> + +<P> +"How's it feel to be a hero?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now boys—are you ready? Ta da—let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +They all joined in the song. And as Billee Dobb "smiled a smile" that +reached to the corners of the room, the notes of "Bury Me Not On the +Lone Prairie, With Variations," filled the house and flowed over into +the outer air. And Billee Dobb just lay there, smiling and smiling. +</P> + +<P> +As for the Boy Ranchers—they were happy, too. They had done a good +job. They had covered themselves with glory. +</P> + +<P> +"And maybe there are other jobs ahead," remarked Bud. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="finis"> +THE END +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Ranchers on Roaring River, by +Willard F. Baker + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER *** + +***** This file should be named 27096-h.htm or 27096-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/0/9/27096/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +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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Baker + +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: The Boy Ranchers on Roaring River + or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers + +Author: Willard F. Baker + +Illustrator: Howard L. Hastings + +Release Date: October 29, 2008 [EBook #27096] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + + [Transcriber's note: Extensive research found no evidence + that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] + + + + +[Illustration: Cover art] + + + + +[Frontispiece: "AND WIN HE DID." _Boy Ranchers on Roaring River._] + + + + + + +THE + +BOY RANCHERS + +ON ROARING RIVER + + +OR + +_Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers_ + + +By + +WILLARD F. BAKER + + + +Author of + + "The Boy Ranchers," + "The Boy Ranchers in Camp," + "The Boy Ranchers at Spur Creek," + "The Boy Ranchers in the Desert," etc. + + + + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + + + + +NEW YORK + +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY + + + + +THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES + +By WILLARD F. BAKER + +12mo. Cloth. Frontispiece + + +THE BOY RANCHERS + Or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X + +THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP + Or the Water Fight at Diamond X + +THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL + Or Diamond X after Cattle Rustlers + +THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS + Or Diamond X Trailing the Yaquis + +THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK + Or Diamond X Fighting the Sheep Herders + +THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT + Or Diamond X and the Lost Mine + +THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER + Or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers + + +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, New York + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1926, BY + +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY + +THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER + +Printed in U. S. A. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I A DANGEROUS MISSION + II A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + III A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR + IV THE HIDDEN GUNMAN + V ARRIVAL AT THE RANCH + VI THE THREAT + VII A SHEEPLESS SHEEP RANCH + VIII CYCLONE + IX DELTON RETURNS + X BUD FINDS A NOTE + XI JOE HAWKINS'S VISIT + XII THE STORY OF SMUGGLING + XIII TRAPPED + XIV TO-MORROW NIGHT + XV BILLEE DOBB'S STORY + XVI BUD'S ESCAPE + XVII A NIGHT OF WAITING + XVIII SMUGGLING OPERATIONS + XIX THE CHASE + XX DOWN AND OUT + XXI CLOSING IN + XXII FLYING BULLETS + XXIII A RING OF FIRE + XXIV THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD + XXV YELLIN' KID FINDS HIS BRONC + + + + +THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER + + +CHAPTER I + +A DANGEROUS MISSION + +"Hold up there, you pint o' peanuts! Hold up, I say! Well, for the +love of spread eagle! I suppose you boys are lookin' for a job; eh?" + +The speaker, a typical, raw-boned cowboy, looked down from his pony at +three boys seated on a bench at the side of the cook-house. + +"Whether we are or not, we've got it, Kid," answered one of the seated +trio, a well set-up youth with light hair. "And the funny part of it +is, we don't know what the job is." + +"Huh! Got a job and you don't know what it is? Well, Nort, guess I'll +have to look into this," and the cowboy whom Nort addressed as +"Kid"--or, to give him his full nick-name, "Yellin' Kid"--swung lightly +from his saddle. "Hold up there, you pony, you!" this as the Kid's +mount started to prance about wildly. "Just got this here dust-raiser, +and she ain't used to my ways yet," he chuckled. "Hy' ya', Dick, and +Bud! How's the boy, Nort? By golly, ranchin' is sure doin' you +fellers good! You-all got some powerful grip!" + +The three boys, Nort and Dick Shannon, and their cousin Bud Merkel, +grinned widely. They were all of the same mold--clean-cut, +straight-shooting lads, their faces bronzed from the prairie sun, and +their eyes as clear as the blue sky above them. + +"Yes, Kid, ranching has done us good--in more ways than one. In fact +it's done us up brown." And Bud laughed a little ruefully. + +"What's the matter? Rustlers, or disease?" The Kid's face expressed +instant concern as he mentioned these two nightmares of the rancher's +life. + +"No, not either--but something almost as bad. You tell him, Nort," +suggested Bud. + +"You started it--you might as well finish out, Bud. You know as much +about it as I do." + +"Aw, get Dick to. He hasn't said a word yet." + +"Well, for Pete's sake, _somebody_ tell me before I drop dead from +excitement!" burst out Yellin' Kid. + +"All right--I'll tell you, Kid," Dick started. "Last week we were to +deliver a herd of longhorns to J. K. Jackson, over to Double-O ranch. +Sold 'em at a good fat price, too, that would have put us on our feet +for the rest of the year. Well, we sent four of our men to ride 'em +in. I went along with 'em. We started about sun-up, calculatin' to +reach the Double-O before night, and everything was lovely. 'Long +about noon we reached the gorge near Galgo. I suggested we ride the +cattle as far from the gorge as we could get, 'cause I know how easy a +herd of long-horns are started. But no, nothin' would do Sam Holiday +but going as near to the big cut as possible, to save time. Sam's our +new foreman, you know, and I didn't want to assert myself over him. So +we drove 'em close to the edge. I told Sam once or twice to keep +away--but oh, no! everything would be all right, and we'd have the +cattle in by five o'clock. Well, we had 'em in by five o'clock all +right. But not at the Double-O! + +"Just as we were passing the deepest part of the cut we heard a most +awful Bang! and I knew in a minute what it was. Stump-blasting. Yes, +I knew what it was--but the cattle didn't. And nobody had time to tell +them, either. The steers on the extreme right made a sudden lunge--and +in three minutes it was all over. Nothin' left but an old cow who +broke her leg in the first rush. And the rest--every blessed one of +'em--two hundred feet down, lyin' dead or dyin' in the bottom of the +gorge!" + +The Kid was the first to break in on the morose stillness Dick's speech +had invoked. + +"Well now, say, boys, that's right sorrowful--yes, sir, that's what I +call right sorrowful! I sure am sorry for you-all! A whole herd of +cattle gone to the dogs! Well, well--that's sad. Say, is there +anything I can do to--you know, sort of help out--like, well, maybe----" + +"No thanks, Kid," spoke up Dick quickly. His glance told the Kid that +he realized what the half-spoken offer meant. In the west one man +understands his friend more by feeling than by words. "Real good of +you to offer, though. No, I guess we'll make out all right. Can't +have easy riding all the time. I imagine Mr. Merkel has something for +us to do. He sent for us to come over to his ranch. So here we are. +That was the job I told you about." + +"A blind job, hey? Well, I guess it's O. K. or the boss wouldn't be +mixed up in it. Anyway, here's your chance to find out. Here comes +Mr. Merkel now." + +A tall, pleasant-faced man, hair slightly grayed at the temples, strode +out of the ranchhouse toward the four waiting cowboys. His resemblance +to Bud--especially around the eyes--was easily noticeable. + +"Hello, Nort and Dick! How are you, son? Say, boy, you're getting +hard as a rock! What have you men been feeding Bud--leather? He sure +looks, as though it was coming through!" The kindly eyes of the older +man lighted with pride as he grasped the hand of his son. + +"No, Dad--I guess hard luck toughened me up," said Bud, but his smile +belied the meaning of his words. + +"Yes, I heard about your accident, boys--and that's partly why I sent +for you. I thought you might have time to do a little business for me." + +"Well, I guess I'll step along, Mr. Merkel," the Kid said, as he +realized he might be intruding on a private conversation. "I got that +fence fixed up all right." + +"Did you? Good! No, Kid, you stay right here. You're in on this too. +Where's Billee Dobb? I want him to hear what I have to say." + +"He's 'round back, boss. I'll get him." + +"Bring him in the house, Kid. My room. Come on, boys--we'll get +settled inside and wait for the Kid and Billee." + +As the boys followed Mr. Merkel each one wondered what it was all +about. Dick voiced the thought of all as he whispered: + +"Say, what's up? You know, Bud?" + +"Nope! I'm as much in the dark as you are. Dad never said anything to +me. We'll soon know, though." + +By this time they had reached the ranchhouse. As soon as the Kid +arrived with Old Billee Dobb--a grizzled product of ranching who had +been with the Diamond X from its start--Mr. Merkel motioned them to be +seated and began: + +"I reckon the first thing you men want to know is the reason for this +gathering. Well, it's nothing very mysterious. I bought a sheep ranch +out near Roaring River, and I want you five to take hold of it for me. +Now--just a minute. I know what you're going to say, Kid--that sheep +nursing is no job for a cowman. But you haven't heard the rest of it. +There's been some very funny things happening out near that ranch. +I've had a letter from the government official over at Candelaria +asking whether I intend to manage those sheep, myself, and if I do +would I let him know before I take charge. Now, I'm not going to say +just what is the trouble, as I'm not actually sure myself. But I have +a hunch. And that's the reason I want you five--men I can trust--to +take charge there. Will you?" + +His listeners looked at each other. In the eyes of each--with the +possible exception of Old Billee Dobb--the light of adventure was +shining. Whatever scruples the Kid had about "sheep nursing" had +vanished with the word "trouble." And he was the first to speak: + +"Sure we will! What do you say, boys? Do we go out? How about it, +Dick and Nort? What do you say, Bud? Billee here is just achin' for +the experience!" And the Kid laughed, for Billee Dobb's tendency to +pretend displeasure at every change of conditions was well known. + +"Yes I am--not! Like as not we'll all get shot full of holes. But if +you fellers want to go--guess I'll have to trail along to take care of +you-all!" + +"Listen to him--Just try to hold him back if there's any shootin' goin' +on!" + +"Then I take it you'll go?" Mr. Merkel asked. + +"Yes, Dad--I'm sure we'll all be glad to take charge out there for +you," answered Bud. "I don't suppose you could tell us any more about +this government business now?" + +"I'm afraid not, son--I want to be sure of my ground before I make any +statements. Well, I guess that's settled. You'll leave to-morrow." + +Since this was the last night the Kid and Old Billee were to spend on +the Diamond X, it seemed fitting to the rest of the boys that there +should be some sort of an entertainment. An entertainment to a cowboy +means principally music--so after supper the boys gathered around a +roaring log fire and sang themselves hoarse. After Slim Degnan, the +foreman, and Fat Milton, his chubby assistant, had rendered their duet, +and Snake Purdee had given his famous imitation of a prima donna +singing "Bury Me Not," Bud, with Nort and Dick, decided to take a +stroll about the place to see if anything had changed. Their own +particular ranch was several miles removed from Diamond X, owned by Mr. +Merkel. + +"See your Dad got a new building up," observed Dick, as they came to a +newly-painted shack, clearly visible in the bright moonlight. + +"So he has. Looks like a new bunk house. Perhaps he----" + +"Listen! There's somebody inside! No one is supposed to be in there +at night. It isn't open yet." This from Nort, in a low tone. + +"Let's find out who it is," Bud whispered. + +Silently three boys crept toward the door. Two voices could be plainly +heard, and as they came closer they could distinguish words. One voice +was that of a foreigner--evidently a Mexican. The other spoke with a +typical cowboy accent. + +"You have got the money ready--yes?" the boys heard the Mexican say. + +"Sure--as soon as you deliver the Chinks you get the money. But no +double-crossin'--remember that!" and the speaker emphasized his +statement by clicking his revolver ominously. + +"Don' you worry--you get the Chinks all right. Shuss--there's someone +outside!" + +The boys knew they had been discovered, and made a sudden rush for the +door of the shack, to see the two men who were inside. But the Mexican +and his companion were too quick for them. They ran through a back +door, and all the three boys could see of them was two dark forms +disappearing in the bushes. + +"They beat us to it," Dick said in a disappointed voice. "But if ever +I hear that Mexican accent again I'll sure remember it!" + +"Me too!" asserted Bud, positively, if not grammatically. "No use +hanging around here any longer. We've got to get started early in the +morning, and it might be a good idea to get in a little bunk-fatigue. +Let's hit the hay, boys!" And wondering and speculating on the meaning +of what they had seen and heard, the three went to bed. + +The next day dawned clear and cool, and the boys arose with the sun. +On their way down to breakfast they met the Yellin' Kid. He was +evidently the bearer of startling tidings, as his face was more flushed +than usual, and his eyes were shining with excitement. + +"Heard the news?" he burst out. Then, without waiting for an answer, +he went on: + +"The marshal at Roaring River has been shot by a gang of Chink +smugglers! They captured one, but the rest got away with an auto load +of Chinks! Roaring River, boys--that's where we're going!" + +Chink smugglers! That conversation in the new bunk house last +night--in a flash it all came back to the boys. + +"Say, Dick, I'll bet that's what we heard the Mex talking about!" cried +Bud. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + +Yellin' Kid looked at Bud in surprise. + +"You heard someone talkin' about this here shootin', Bud?" he asked. + +"Not exactly about the shooting of the marshal, but last night Nort and +Dick and myself were wandering down by the new shack that Dad put up, +and inside two men were talking--one of them was a Mexican. We heard +this Mex say something about getting some money for the delivery of +Chinks. That sure means smuggling, doesn't it?" + +"That's what it means all right. Couldn't you see who the two men +were?" the Kid wanted to know. + +"We tried to, but they got away," said Dick. "We went in the front +door and they ran out the back." + +"Aw say, do you know what I think, fellows? I'll bet what we heard was +just some rancher asking a friend to send him a Chinese cook," +suggested Nort, with a faint grin. + +"Cook, hey? Why did they sneak in a deserted bunk house to talk about +a cook? And how about that remark of 'double crossin'?' And what did +they run for? Why?" demanded Dick. + +"Oh, all right--all right!" cried Nort, who was now grinning widely. +"Have it your own way, Dick. It was probably a great Mexican plot to +send a million Chinese to this country and form an army to capture +Texas. And after they captured Texas they'd set up a kingdom and the +king would have Snake Purdee sing 'Bury Me Not' for him every morning +before breakfast." + +"You can jolly all you like, Nort--just the same, I'm willing to lay +odds that we see some excitement when we reach Roaring River. Let's +go, boys--that bacon will be frozen by the time we get to breakfast." +And Dick led the way toward the dining room. + +Although they were cautioned several times by "Ma" Merkel to eat more +slowly, the boys hurried through the meal. Each of them was "rarin' to +go," as Kid expressed it, and lingering over the ordinary occupation of +eating seemed a waste of time. Within an hour the five--Bud Merkel, +Nort and Dick Shannon, Yellin' Kid and Old Billee Dobb--were standing +by their ponies, ready to spring to the saddles and be off. + +There was a sudden cloud of dust as the five urged their mounts into a +gallop. With one last yell to those watching, they streaked across the +ground in a typical "cowboy start." Within two minutes they were lost +to view behind a ridge. + +Now for a moment let us leave them while we learn something of their +earlier adventures. The three boys, Bud Merkel, and his eastern +cousins Nort and Dick Shannon, were introduced to you in the first book +of this series, called "The Boy Ranchers; or Solving the Mystery at +Diamond X." In that book was related how Nort and Dick Shannon went on +their vacations to the Diamond X ranch, owned by Mr. Merkel, Bud's +father. While there they were confronted with a strange situation, +regarding the searchings of a college scientist, Dr. Hendryx Wright, +who was discovered digging near the Diamond X holdings. At first it +was thought that he was looking for a lost gold mine, but later +developments brought to light the fact that his purpose was to unearth +the bones of a prehistoric monster for his college museum. + +The adventures of the boys while on the ranch were also concerned with +Del Pinzo, a villainous half-breed, who nearly succeeded in bringing +the career of all to a sudden close. After successfully overcoming all +their difficulties, Nort and Dick decided to form a partnership with +their cousin Bud, and they located on a ranch in "Happy Valley" which +Bud's father bought for them. + +In the several volumes following was related how the boy ranchers went +to camp, and how they took the trail, and the exciting times they had +in rounding up a band of Yaqui Indians who had escaped from their +reservation and were raising havoc with the neighboring territory. +Following this the boys went to Spur Creek, where they had many +startling adventures among the sheep herders. The book immediately +preceding this present one is called "The Boy Ranchers in the Desert," +and tells of the difficulties they had in their search for some lost +gold. + +After the first wild dash, the five travelers pulled their ponies into +that long loping stride which carries the cowboy for days and days over +many miles. Bud and Dick were in the lead, with Nort and Kid and Old +Billee Dobb following close behind. + +"Say, Kid," Bud called back, after a while, "what would you do if you +saw a smuggler come along now with a herd of Chinks with him?" + +"Tell you what I'd do, Bud," Yellin' Kid replied, "I'd stop the Chinks +and find out what happened to a shirt I sent out to be washed the last +time I was in Dallas!" + +"You mean that shirt with the yellow dots on, Kid?" Dick asked with a +grin. "If that's the one, I can tell you what became of it. They +thought it was an oil painting that got in the wash by mistake, and +they had it framed and hung up in the picture gallery!" + +"Never you mind about the color of that shirt, Dick--it was a shrinking +violet compared with the vest you bought over to Alamito. Purple and +green--wow! First time I saw it it was three o'clock in the afternoon, +and I had to look at a watch to make sure it wasn't morning. Thought +the sun was comin' up." + +"Got you that time, Dick!" Nort laughed. "That's one you owe him. +Say, is that a new pony you're ridin', Kid?" + +"Yep! What do you think of her?" + +"Looks good. How far can she go on a gallon?" + +"Twice as far as yours can--and twice as fast!" + +"Think so? Try it--see that bush up ahead? Race you to there!" + +"Right! Let's go!" + +"Hey, hey! Wait a minute, you fellows! We're not goin' on a picnic, +you know. We've got a good long ride before us. Take it easy." This +from Billee. + +"What's the matter, Billee? Gettin' old?" asked Bud mischievously. + +"Old? Who, me? Say, young feller, I can give you a head start half +way to that bush and still beat you there!" + +"How about me? If there's a race, I'm in it too!" cried Dick. + +"All right. Tell you what--we'll start from here, and the last man +there has to kiss a sheep!" + +"Right! All set? Ready--go!" + +"Ye-e-e-ow!" + +"Yip-yip-yip-yipee-ee!" + +"Ride 'em cowboy!" + +"Leggo that leather!" + +"Gangway--gangway!" + +The five riders flashed over the ground almost on a line. Kid's mount +was running easily, head well up. Dick pulled a little ahead. Nort +just touched his pony with the spurs, and in a moment he was even with +Dick. There was a sudden rush behind them--and Old Billee Dobb, hat +fanning his pony's withers, hair streaming in the wind, streaked to the +front! + +"Look at the old boy go!" + +"Stay at it, Billee--stay at it!" + +"Two bits he wins!" + +And win he did. He reached the bush a full length ahead of the others, +who were laughing so hard they could hardly stay on their horses. The +spectacle of the gaunt, elderly man sitting straight up in the saddle, +teeth clenched and bowed legs wrapped around his pony, was too much for +them. They leaned on their pommels weakly and roared with laughter. + +"Attaboy, Billee!" + +"Golly--did you see the old boy streak it out!" + +"Oh, cracky! hold me up, somebody, or I'll fall off!" + +"Now--who's gettin'--old!" panted Billee. "Beat me, hey? Not in--a +million years!" + +"What do you say, boys--we give Billee a salute!" + +Four guns flashed out of the holsters and were raised aloft. + +"Bang!" + +They roared as one. + +"Sure sounds like a celebration," chuckled Nort as he blew the few +remaining grains of burnt powder from his smoking barrel, and replaced +the gun. "Billee, accept my congratulations!" + +"Granted, youngster--if that's what I'm supposed to say," Billee +retorted, his eyes twinkling. "And just remember--a man's not old out +here until he can't ride no more." + +"You look as though you might be good for several hundred years yet, if +that's the case," laughed Dick. "Anyway, you sure showed me a few +things. Say, that race made me pretty thirsty. Is there a water hole +near here, Kid, or shall I use my canteen?" + +"Save it--I think I can find water for you. Guess the ponies could use +a little too. Let's see now--'pears to me there should be a water hole +right over here to the left. You boys stay here while I go look. Be +back in a jiffy." + +Leaving the four on the trail, Yellin' Kid rode swiftly away to the +left. Water holes are few and far between in that section, and a +cowboy who rides a country a great deal knows the location of every +single one. Often that knowledge means the saving of a human life. + +The Kid had been gone ten minutes when Bud said: + +"Thought Yellin' Kid said he'd be right back? I guess he's all right +though. He knows the country about here pretty well, doesn't he, +Billee?" + +"Like the palm of his hand, Bud--like the palm of his hand! But maybe +his pony broke his leg in a prairie dog hole--seein' as how it's a new +pony, he might do that. Tell you--I'll just have a look. You fellows +wait here for me." + +The three boys watched Billee ride off in the direction the Kid had +taken. It was a deserted, lonesome place. + +Fifteen minutes later Billee rode back--alone. + +"The Kid show up yet?" he asked as he pulled up. + +"No--couldn't you find him?" Dick asked, a look of anxiety on his face. + +"Nope! Neither hide nor hair! Something sure must have happened. The +Kid isn't one to go wanderin' off and get lost. I'm afraid he's in +trouble, boys!" + + + + +CHAPTER III + +A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR + +The three looked at each other in alarm. + +"Golly, I never thought anything could happen to the Kid," Bud said +slowly. "He was brought up in this country, and always said he could +find his way about blindfolded." + +"Perhaps the water hole was farther away than he thought," suggested +Nort hopefully. "It's easy for any man to go astray on a matter of +distance, you know." + +"Well, maybe--but I doubt it. What I think happened is that his pony +stumbled into a hole and lamed hisself. Well--we'll have to go looking +for him, that's all. Nort, you and Dick branch out here to the right. +Bud, you take the left trail. I'll try straight ahead. Now remember +your trails, boys--we don't want no more accidents to happen. We'll +all meet here in one hour. If anything happens, fire three shots. Git +along there!" And Billee Dobb, together with the rest set out to find +Yellin' Kid who was so mysteriously and unaccountably lost. + +Nort, who was riding with Dick, was the first to pick up a possible +clew. + +"Looks as though someone passed here in a hurry," he said as he pointed +to a newly beaten path through some heavy brush. "Now if I was just +going along easy like I'd have ridden 'round that bush. The pony that +went through there got a few scratches." + +"Wonder if it could have been the Kid?" Nort mused. "Though why he +should be in such an all-fired hurry I can't understand. Unless he was +chasing someone." + +"Or being chased," Dick added. + +"Perhaps he met a smuggler, Dick." + +"Smuggler--'way up here? Not a chance! Say, Nort, you've got +smugglers on the brain. You seem to think they ride around with big +signs pinned on them--'I am a smuggler--shoot me.' Suppose the Kid did +meet a smuggler--how'd he know him from any other man?" + +"That's right--guess he wouldn't," admitted Nort, a trifle +shamefacedly. "But you know what he told us about that marshal being +shot." + +"Oh, yes, but marshals get shot nearly every day, somewhere--and maybe +it wasn't a Chink smuggler that shot him after all--maybe it was just +an ordinary gang of rustlers." + +"Well, you can say what you like, Dick, but I'll lay odds we see some +excitement when we reach Roaring River." + +"We'll see some excitement sooner than that, if we don't find the Kid. +See here--if he made this trail, he was going fast--and in this +direction. Let's get on our way." + +"Better go back, do you think?" Nort asked as he looked up toward the +sun. "We've been gone at least an hour, and Billee said to return +within that time." + +"Yes," Dick responded, a little sadly, for he and Yellin' Kid were +close friends. "I sure hope the Kid's all right. Perhaps some of the +others picked him up." + +"Perhaps. Let's hope so. At any rate, we haven't had much +success--and I doubt even that the torn brush we saw was done by the +Kid." + +"Can't tell, he may have ridden through there and then taken a sudden +turn to the right or left. Or back again, for that matter. Well, +let's get started." + +As the two arrived at the agreed meeting place there was no need to ask +the others if they had had any luck. The Kid was nowhere in sight. + +"We saw a trail through some bushes that might have been made by the +Kid, Billee," said Nort to the old rancher. + +"Yes, and it might have been made by any number of other things, too," +Billee declared, in a despondent tone. "Not that I am sure it _wasn't_ +the Kid's trail. It _might_ have been--but that doesn't help us much. +No, I guess the only thing for us to do is to go right on lookin'--and +hopin' he's O.K." + +It was almost dusk when the four gathered together again. The Kid was +still missing, and anxiety was written on the faces of all as they +prepared to camp for the night. Each man carried a blanket with him, +and also a small snack of food and a canteen of water. As darkness +settled down a fire was started, and huddled in their blankets the boy +ranchers prepared to make the best of it. + +The silence of the night hung close over the four blanketed figures. +The firelight threw weird shadows about them, but above the stars shone +calmly on, quietly reassuring. A light breeze rustled softly through +the mesquite bushes. Now and then a coyote yowled in the distance. + +Suddenly Bud jerked upright. He nudged Dick, who was lying beside him. + +"Dick!" he whispered, so as not to disturb the others, "do you hear +anything?" + +"Eh? What? What's that? You speak to me?" Dick muttered sleepily. + +"Listen! Can't you hear a noise like a horse walking?" + +Dick sat up, now wide awake. + +"Say, I believe I do! Wait a minute--" and he tossed some wood on the +fire--"let's have a look!" + +"Kid?" Bud called hopefully. + +The approaching pony gave a sudden leap forward. + +"Yea boy!" yelled its rider. "Home again!" + +"It is the Kid!" Dick cried exultingly. + +"Nort! Billee! The Kid's back!" + +In a moment Yellin' Kid was surrounded by the four who shot questions +at him as fast as they could talk. + +"Where in the name of the spread eagle have you been?" + +"What happened?" + +"Did you get lost?" + +"Are you all right?" + +"Hey, hey! Not so fast! Gimme time! Wait 'til I get down off this +here pony. Oh, baby--that feels good." And the Kid stretched long and +high. "What a ride! Say--got anything to eat?" + +"Sure! Sink your teeth in this," Billee said, handing him a cold beef +sandwich from his kit. "And here's some water. Are you all right, +Kid?" + +"Me? Sure! Except tired and hungry. Been ridin' most of the day an' +night. S'pose you-all would like to know what it's all about, hey?" + +"Well, if you haven't anything to do at present, you might let us in on +the secret. We looked all over Texas for you," Dick said, grinning, +happy now, that their lost comrade had returned. + +"Just a second while I put this little paint pony of mine over with the +others. Old boy--you sure had some journey to-day!" and the Kid rubbed +the horse's nose. "Stood up well, too. To-morrow I'll give you a big +feed--what you need now is rest--like me. Well, boys, guess I'll turn +in." + +"You'll what?" + +"You will not--not until we hear what happened!" + +"He'll turn in--well for the love of Pete!" + +"All right boys--all right!" the Kid laughed. "Seems you want to hear +something about my trip, hey? Well, to start from the beginning, the +day dawned clear an' bright. The wind was ticklin' my ears as I +rode----" + +"Cut it out!" + +"Let's have the story, you locoed dust-raiser!" + +"All right, we'll cut the kiddin'. Tell you what really happened. I +found the water hole where I thought it would be, and I found something +else, too. There was a horse standin' near it, and by the side of the +horse was a Chink--on his hands an' knees, crawlin' around on the +ground. Thinks I, here's a crazy man. So I rides up slow, and when I +got up close I asks he Chink what he's lookin' for. He don't pay no +attention to me whatever. I gets off my horse and says it again. Then +the crazy Chink looks up at me and says "Chock Gee." That's all. Just +"Chock Gee." Me, not knowin' Chinese, I can't tell what he's after. +But I see it won't do no good to insist on knowin' so I starts to help +him up, thinking maybe he's hurt. Soon as I touched him, what does the +crazy Chink do but jump like a cat for his saddle, give my paint a +terrible crack with his quirt, and set off like a scared rabbit, my +pony after him, leavin' me stranded, high an' dry!" + +The Kid looked at his eager listeners and grinned. + +"That new pony of mine--she's sure got some speed. She was out of +sight in two seconds. An' then, boys--I had to depend on the ole legs! +So I went huntin' for her. Caught her about four miles from where her +an' me parted company. Then I went huntin' for you-all, but you was +nowheres to be found. And from then 'til now, I was ridin' around, +lookin' for you." + +"And the Chink--what happened to him?" + +"Blessed if I know! But if I ever see him again I'll give him +something to remember me by." + +"So that's where you were all that time! We thought you'd been blown +to Dallas on a cyclone. Anyway, we're glad you're back. Reckon you +could stand a little sleep, eh?" Bud said. + +"You bet. I'll sling my blanket down by you, Dick, and we'll get +started for Roarin' River as early as possible. It's still a good ways +ahead. Good night, boys!" + +"Hey, you men!" + +From the darkness came a sudden voice. All five turned swiftly, five +hands reaching for revolvers together. Into the firelight rode a tall +horseman. + +"Hey, boys!" he called again. "Any of you see a Chink wanderin' around +here?" + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE HIDDEN GUNMAN + +"Who wants to know?" the Kid asked, staring hard at the mounted +visitor, his hand firm on the butt of his gun. + +"Now, boys, take it easy--take it easy! I've got good reason's for +wantin' to know, which same I'll explain if you give me a chance. If +you don't mind I think I'll park here for the time bein'." And he +dismounted and came closer. + +By the light of the fire the ranchers saw a tall, rangy cowboy of about +forty. Two deep-set eyes above a hooked nose gave him a hardened, +desert look which his manner emphasized. He was, evidently, one to +whom life had proved anything but a pink tea party. Yet, withal, he +had something about him which seemed to inspire trust. + +"Well, stranger, you're welcome, but we haven't much to offer," Bud +said. "We weren't expecting to camp to-night, and we're somewhat shy +on provisions. But I guess we can rustle up something for you." + +"No need of that--no need of that at all," the stranger heartily +assured them. "All I want is a little information. Guess I'd better +introduce myself first. I'm Joe Hawkins, special deputy over at +Roaring River." + +The others exchanged glances in the dim light of the fire as the +visitor continued: + +"Here's my badge. Don't know whether you heard about the trouble we +had, but if you didn't, I'll tell you. Roaring River is right on the +Mexican border, you know, and there's been a lot of Chink smugglin' +goin' on, with Roaring River as the key to the whole smugglin' +situation, so to speak. We don't know who's the boss of these +smugglers, but we'd give a lot to find out. Two thousand dollars, to +be exact. + +"Well, anyway, two days ago we had a tip that a car-load of Chinese was +about to be rushed over the border just outside of town limits. So we +got all set. Sheriff Townley and me and three other deputies hid in +the bushes where we thought the car was goin' to pass. But we lost out. + +"The car came by all right--and we hopped into the roadway to stop +them. They never stopped a-tall. Goin' like a crazy steer they flew +by on two wheels, lettin' ride with every gun they had. Got poor +Townley good. We buried him yesterday. So--now you know what it's all +about." + +"And the car--did you see it again?" Dick; asked excitedly. + +"No--but last night a Chink came to town and got oiled-up on pulque, +and said a few things more than he meant to. When I jumped him he lit +out for the open spaces. This morning I thought I'd take a look +around, and see if I could spot him. Sure enough I did, but the old +yellow-skin got away before I could reach him. I don't suppose you +boys saw anything of him?" + +"Well now, that's mighty strange," drawled the Kid. "It so happens +that I _did_ see your man--at least I'll take odds that he was the one +you're after. This afternoon I was trapin' around for that water hole +over yonder about three miles--you know the one," and the Kid told of +his adventure with the "crazy Chink." + +"That's him, for all the money in the world!" the deputy exclaimed. +"Lookin' for a 'chock gee' was he? I'll chock gee him if I catch him." + +"Say, what's all this about a 'chock gee'?" Nort wanted to know. + +"Well, it's a government immigration office paper every Chink in this +country is supposed to have, showin' they're here legitimately. Those +that haven't got 'em try to get one from another Chink, and there's +unlawful trading goin' on all the time." + +"Like a passport, eh?" Billee Dobb suggested. + +"Something like that. Where you men bound for--if you don't mind me +askin'?" + +"To a ranch just outside of Roaring River," spoke up Bud. "My father, +over at Diamond X, bought it, and we're going to take charge." + +"Your father Mr. Merkel?" Joe Hawkins asked suddenly, with new interest. + +"Yes--do you know him?" + +"Not exactly. But I know of him. When I heard that the Shootin' Star +was changin' hands I wrote to Mack Caffery, the boy on the job over at +Candelaria, askin' him to get in touch with the new owner. That's how +I got the name Merkel. Did your dad hear from him, do you know?" + +"Yes, he did. So that's what Dad meant when he said there might be +trouble, eh? Well--we're ready for whatever comes. What do you say, +boys?" + +"Right!" the others chorused. + +"Say, mister, what was that there you said about two thousand dollars?" +Billee Dobb broke in. + +"There's two thousand dollars' reward, offered by the government, for +the capture, dead or alive, of the head of the Chink smugglers," the +deputy said impressively. + +"Two thousand bucks! Say, boys, with that you could buy yourself a new +herd of cattle, to make up somewhat for the bunch you lost!" cried +Yellin' Kid. + +"We sure could--and then some," Bud agreed. "But I guess there's not +much chance of us collecting the reward. We'll be busy enough at the +ranch without trying to round up any smugglers. Say, Mr.--what did you +say your name was?" + +"Hawkins--Joe Hawkins." + +"Well, how about bunking with us to-night? We can all start out in the +morning together, and perhaps we'll come across your Chinese friend. +It's pretty late now, and you can't make Roaring River 'til long after +daylight." + +"Well, now, men, that's right kind of you to suggest that--but I don't +want to butt in. I can just----" + +"You're not butting in at all!" insisted Bud. "We'll be glad to have +you. Got a blanket?" + +"Oh, I got a blanket, thanks. Thought I might need it on this Chink +hunt of mine. Well, since you boys don't mind, I'll put up my pony and +flop down here by the fire. Feels good at a time like this. +Good-night, all!" + +The remainder of the night was uneventful. The six slept soundly, +tired out as they were, and with the morning they all awoke refreshed +and eager to be on the way. After a meager breakfast they set out for +the water hole the Kid knew of, as they wanted to let their steeds +drink before starting for the Shooting Star, which was the name of +their new ranch. Joe Hawkins went with them. + +"What time do you calculate we'll hit the ranch, Kid?" Bud asked. + +"Be there in about three hours, Bud. It isn't so far from the water +hole. Why? You anxious to begin sheep herdin'?" + +"Not exactly," Bud laughed. "But I do want to see what the place looks +like. Hope we don't have to do much repairing." + +"No, the Shooting Star is in pretty fair shape," Joe Hawkins said. +"Your father got a good buy--if you can get hold of it all right." + +"What do you mean, get hold of it all right?" asked Bud curiously. + +"Well, the feller that's got it now isn't exactly a pleasant customer. +There's something queer about him--we've been watchin' the Shooting +Star for over a month now. I couldn't say for sure that there's +anything wrong--but it looks suspicious. That's the reason I wanted to +have the government official find out who the new owner was going to +be. I'm right glad I met up with you boys. You may be able to help me +out some time." + +"And collect that reward," Billee Dobb put in. His mind seemed set on +the two thousand dollars the deputy had spoken of. + +"You might," admitted Hawkins. "It's waiting for the person who brings +in the head of the smuggling system." + +"Well, we'll do our best," the Kid said, with a side glance at Bud. + +"Say, Kid, we're not down here to capture smugglers!" cried Bud. +"We've got to take charge of the Shooting Star. Of course, if we _do_ +happen to run across----" + +"I knew that would get a rise out of you!" laughed the Kid. "Catch Bud +duckin' any excitement! Why, even Billee here wants to trail the +smugglers--don't you, Billee?" + +"Never you mind!" came back the old rancher. "Want another race?" + +"'At-ta-boy, Billee!" Nort yelled. "Guess that'll hold him! You +didn't know Billee Dobb was a champion racer, did you?" Nort said to +Hawkins. + +"I didn't, no," responded the deputy with a smile. "But I believe it. +Takes old birds like us to show these youngsters up, eh, Billee?" + +"Sure does!" + +"Well, here we are," declared the Kid, as they came in sight of the +water hole. "Right down there is where I saw the Chink on his hands +and knees. Hey, take it easy there!" This to his pony, who strained +toward the water. "I know you're thirsty, but so are the others. +Easy--easy!" The Kid dismounted and led the panting horse toward the +water. Leaning over he filled his hat, and held it to the mouth of his +pony. "Start in on that. Slow! Or you don't get any. 'At-ta-boy. +Here's another hatful for you. Feel as though you can control yourself +now? All right--go to it!" By this time the intelligent animal got +the idea, and drank in small mouthfuls. The other ponies, restrained +by their masters from drinking too fast, did the same. + +"So it was here that you saw the Chink, eh!" asked Joe Hawkins. + +"Yep--right in this spot. He was leanin' over here by this little +bush, lookin' for--" the Kid stopped suddenly and picked up something +from the ground. It was a folded paper. The Kid looked it over +swiftly. + +"Lookin' for--_this_!" he exclaimed, holding it out. + +"What is it?" + +"Let's have a look!" + +The deputy walked over to the Kid. + +"Mind if I see it?" he said quietly. + +Without a word the Kid handed it over. He recognized the fact that it +was the deputy's right to demand it. + +"That's what the Chink was looking for," Hawkins declared after a +moment. "See here! This paper----" + +"Bang! Bang!" + +"Duck!" cried the Kid. His hand reached for his gun as he hit the +ground. + +"Bang!" + +Billee's hat went sailing from his head. + +"He means business!" Dick yelled. "Down, everybody!" + + + + +CHAPTER V + +ARRIVAL AT THE RANCH + +Another report rang out, and a bullet went singing overhead. By this +time guns were out ready for action. From behind a small knoll, about +one hundred and fifty yards away, hazy smoke could be seen arising. + +"Dick, you stay here and keep me covered," said the Kid in a low voice. +The boys were all hugging the ground in the shelter of the brush. "I'm +goin' to sneak around an' see if I can't connect with the onery skunk +that's doin' the shootin'." + +"Take it easy, Kid," Dick cautioned. "You can't tell how many men +there are over there." + +"Right! Now you pass the word to the others to keep that hill peppered +with lead. As soon as you see a sign of life, let ride. If you can +keep whoever's doin' all this out of sight, I'll have a chance. So +long!" + +Yellin' Kid had started. With a simple "so long" he was off on a +mission which might--and very likely would--end in his death. Men who +spend their lives on the prairies have no time for heroics. They do +their job--and say nothing. + +Slowly the Kid crept forward. The hidden gunman seemed to be +withholding his fire. In the brush by the water hole lay the five +watching men--Billee Dobb and Joe Hawkins with long-barreled Colts +ready for action, Dick, Nort and Bud squinting along the barrels of +their shorter guns. Closer, closer, the Kid crawled. Seventy-five +yards! Seventy! Now, Kid--now---- + +"Well, by the ghost of my aunt Lizzie's cat!" + +The Kid was standing upright, his mouth open, his gun hanging loosely +by his side. + +Not a soul was in sight! + +A quick look about verified this. The country beyond the knoll was +perfectly flat, and for over five hundred yards was bare of even the +smallest bush. Whoever the mysterious shooter was, he had, apparently, +vanished into thin air. + +"Hey, you guys, come over here!" yelled the Kid. "We been blazed at by +a ghost!" + +One by one the men by the water hole got to their feet. + +Dick was the first to reach the Kid's side. + +"He's right, boys!" called back Dick, as he saw the empty space behind +the little hill. "Nobody here. But let's have a look at the ground. +We can tell if it's been disturbed, anyway." + +A careful search revealed not only the traces of someone having lain +down on the loose earth, but also two empty shells. + +"That makes me feel a little better!" cried the Kid as he saw this. "I +don't hanker to be shot at by someone I can't see. Now the thing to do +is to find out what happened to our late playmate." + +"He's gone, ain't he?" asked Billee Dobb incredulously, as he came +shuffling along. Off his horse Billee was a bit awkward. + +"You don't say! Well, now, I never noticed that! Say, Billee, you a +de-tect-a-tive by any chance?" + +"Go on, laugh, Kid! You spent enough time sneakin' up on a whole lot +of nothin', didn't ye?" + +"What do you think about this, Mr. Hawkins?" Bud asked of the deputy, +who was looking around quietly. + +"Not much, youngster, not much! Seems mighty funny to me. Doesn't +hardly appear likely that a man could get away in this flat country +without us seeing him. But that's what happened all right. Never knew +a cowpuncher to have that much sneakin' ability in him." + +"Maybe it wasn't a cowboy," Nort suggested. "Maybe it was a--Chink." + +"Never knew a Chink to use a forty-four in my life," the Kid declared. +"These here shells come from a gun big enough to knock a Chinee clean +off his slippers. Nope, this here job was done by a puncher--or--" and +he stopped a moment--"or a Greaser." + +"A Mexican!" cried Bud. "Say, Dick, remember the conversation we heard +in Dad's new bunk house? Maybe it was the same Mex that did the +shooting!" + +"What's this all about, boys?" asked Joe Hawkins. "Anything I ought to +know?" + +"It might help you," offered Dick. "It was two nights ago." And he +told of hearing the voices in the shack. + +"Well, I don't know. I don't mind telling you that the crowd we're +after for the smugglin' is Mexican--at least we're pretty sure they +are. Think you'd recognize the voices if you heard them again?" + +"Certain sure I could tell that Greaser's tones in a million," Dick +declared. "I'll never forget him." + +After another survey of the terrain, it was decided to start for the +Shooting Star ranch. Joe Hawkins said he would ride to Roaring River +with them and make his report, and see if anything had developed in +town. So, filling their canteens, the six set off. + +On the way the Kid offered a tale of a tarantula fight. These bouts +were carefully arranged by the cowboys, the scene being set in a deep +washbowl. Two females were the combatants, and the one who first +amputated all the legs of the other was declared the winner. +Occasionally a particularly vicious spider would forsake his natural +enemy and leap high at one of the spectators, inflicting a painful, +though not necessarily dangerous, bite. Hence these contests were not +without excitement. + +"I used to have a pet tarantula I called Jenny," told Yellin' Kid. +"She was absolutely the meanest critter I ever see! She could just +about straddle a saucer, that's how big she was. Had a coat of hair +like a grizzly. She won five fights for me, and I was all set to match +her against a spider some puncher brought all the way from Oklahoma, +when she took a sudden likin' to Jeff Peters, and her ca-reer was +brought to a sudden close. I cried fer near a week--but Jeff, he was +more sore than what I was. She got him good before he killed her!" +And the Kid chuckled rememberingly. + +By this time the riders had come in sight of Roaring River. They had +all been through the town, if it might be so dignified by a name, and +of course Joe Hawkins lived there, so it was no new sight to them. But +it was a change from the surroundings the Boy Ranchers had been used +to, and when they remembered that it was here all the smuggling was +going on, all were conscious of a feeling of excitement. They decided +to feed-up in town before going to the ranch, which lay about three +miles out. + +They headed for "Herb's Eating Place," the one and only restaurant with +tables. The meals they ordered would have done justice to a hungry +bear. + +"We have arrived!" cried Bud, when he swallowed sufficiently to allow +himself to talk. "After a long and hazardous journey through the +bad-lands of Texas, we finally came to this little gem, nestling among +the hills, resplendent in----" + +"Roas' biff, roas' pork, and lem'," Nort finished. "How do you get +that way? Food always do that to you? Look at the Kid here. Not +saying a word." + +"Good reason for that," laughed Bud. "He couldn't talk if he wanted +to. Hey, Kid, they serve supper here, you know." + +"Yea? But I'm takin' no chances! This place may not be here to-night. +Wow! What a meal! Help me up, boys! Help me up!" And the Kid +struggled slowly to his feet. "Guess that'll hold me for a while," he +sighed. + +"How about some more pie, Kid?" asked Dick with a grin on his face. + +"Pie? More pie? Well, now--what kind is there left?" + +"Apple, and apple, and--apple." + +"Huh! Don't like them. Guess I'll take apple. Yes, a small piece of +apple would just about finish me off." + +Billee Dobb put down his fork and gazed up at the Kid. + +"Did I understand you to relate that you was goin' to eat some more +pie?" he asked carefully. + +"You did--why?" + +The veteran rancher arose and, walking over to another table, he seized +a bunch of artificial flowers that were set in a vase. Carrying them +over to the Kid, he held them reverently out before him. + +"My little offering," he murmured, "to one who will be with us no +longer." + +The diners in the restaurant, all of whom were observing the scene, let +out a roar of laughter. It was so ludicrous to see the old puncher +indulge in a joke that it seemed twice as funny as if anyone else had +done it. Billee Dobb certainly scored heavily. + +As the ranchers were leaving the restaurant they passed a Mexican who +was coming in. Dick looked sharply at him. Something about the shape +of his back seemed vaguely familiar, and the boy was about to say +something when Joe Hawkins, who was the last out, exclaimed: + +"Did you see that Greaser just going in Herb's? One of the worst men +in town. I'm telling you because he works on the next place to yours. +If I were you I'd leave him entirely alone. Not that you'll have +trouble with him--but forewarned, you know. Well, boys here's where I +leave you. Got to get back to the office, and see how things are. I +reckon I'll see you right soon, as you're so close, and anything I can +do for you, let me know ime-jit! Think I'll take a run out to your +place within the next week, and see how you make out. Well, _adios_, +boys. Good luck!" + +With a wave of his hand he was off. The boys were sorry to see him +leave, for he was very pleasant company. + +"I have an idea he'll be a good friend," declared Nort as they rode +toward the ranch. "And if anything turns up, we may need a couple of +such friends." + +"He's regular, all right," the Kid agreed. "Looks as though he could +handle himself in a fight, too. Doesn't talk much, but when he +does--he says something. Yep, he suits me to a T." + +"Good thing we met him," Dick said. "Well, boys, here we are!" + +In front lay the ranch. As the five drew closer, they could see that +the houses were well built. It was indeed in good shape. + +"Say, here comes somebody that's sure in a hurry," Billee Dobb said +suddenly. "Wonder what he wants?" + +Riding toward them, dust raising under his bronco's feet, came a lone +horseman. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE THREAT + +Pulling their ponies to a halt, the five gazed curiously at the +approaching rider. As he drew closer, they noticed he carried a +sawed-off "scatter-gun," otherwise a shotgun. This in itself was +strange. No true Westerner ever sports one of these, and they are +looked upon with derision by the regular "gun-totin'" cowboy. A +long-barreled Colt is the puncher's favorite weapon. + +The stranger reined up sharply as he came within talking distance and +looked piercingly at the ranchers as he called out: + +"Anything I can do for you?" + +"Well, I don' know," answered the Kid slowly. "You might, and then +again you might not. What happens to be your special line?" + +The stranger scowled. + +"That's my business. What I'm aimin' to find out is, what's yours?" + +"This is the Shooting Star, isn't it?" broke in Bud. + +"It is." + +"Well, we're the new owners. My name is Bud Merkel--my father just +bought this ranch, and we came over to take possession. This is Dick +Shannon, and his brother Nort. Billee Dobb and Yellin' Kid on my +right. Will that do you? Now how about tellin' us who you are?" + +"Me? Oh, Jim'll do, I guess. I happen to be the boss hand on this +here sheep ranch. So you're the new owners, hey? Wonder what old 'J. +D.' will have to say to that. You got papers, I suppose?" + +"Certainly. Here is the bill of sale, and----" + +"Take it easy, Bud, take it easy," Billie Dobb cautioned in a low tone +of voice. "I don't exactly care for this feller's looks." + +"Who's 'J. D.'--the one tendin' the ranch now?" asked the Kid. + +"Yea--only he's not exactly tendin' it. He's here, and something tells +me he's goin' to stay here--new owners or not. 'J. D.' don't care much +about owners. What he's interested in is keepin' what he's got. And +as far as I can see, he's still got the Shootin' Star." + +"I don't like to dispute your word," Nort said hotly, "but we might +have something to say about that ourselves. Come on, boys, let's ride +in." + +"Just a minute--just a minute! Where you-all countin' on headin' for?" +sneered the lone horseman. + +"The ranch house, of course!" + +"Now just you let me give you-all a little piece of advice. I won't +charge nothin' for it, and it _might_ be useful. If I was you boys, +I'd turn _right_ around and ride the other way. Tell you what you do, +youngster--" this to Bud--"you tell your father you couldn't find the +ranch." + +There was a moment's ominous silence. The Kid was the first to speak. + +"Well, now, stranger, that's kind of you. Yes, sir, I think that's +right kind of you to take an interest in us like that," he drawled. +"But you know how it is. We sort of want to find out things for +ourselves. So if you don't mind--" his tone changed suddenly. "We'll +be gettin' along to the ranch. Out of the way, puncher! Let's go, +boys!" + +The stranger's eyes narrowed. He half raised his rifle, then +apparently thinking better of it, let it drop again. As the five moved +forward he rode slowly along in the rear. + +They reached the corral at the side of the house, and Bud and Dick +dismounted. Nort, Billee, and the Kid stayed on their ponies. Walking +to the door of the house, Bud knocked boldly. There was no answer. He +knocked again, this time a little harder. Still no result. + +"Wonder if there's anyone around?" asked Dick. "Suppose we take a look +at the side." + +"Here's someone," Bud declared as there was a sound of a key grating in +a lock. "They certainly keep things tight down here." + +The door opened slowly. In its frame stood a man of slight build, and, +by cowboy standards, dressed effeminately. He wore a "boiled" collar, +small black string tie, low cut vest and gray trousers. His long black +hair, with a slight shine on it, was brushed straight back. + +"What'll you have, gents?" he asked. "Lookin' for me?" + +"We're looking for the man in charge of the ranch," Dick said slowly. +"If you can qualify, then I guess it's you we want to see." + +"Right! And what can I do for you?" + +"This will tell you," spoke Bud, handing him a copy of the bill of sale +for the ranch. "We're the new owners. You rent the place, don't you? +I believe the deed says your term was up last month. Sorry to have to +put you out, but business is business. Can you get ready to shift by +to-morrow morning, do you think? We'll make out down in town for +to-night." + +The man in the doorway didn't answer. He read over the paper Bud had +handed him and then looked up. His expression was anything but +friendly. + +"And I'm supposed to beat it out of here, hey?" he asked coldly. + +"Afraid so," answered Bud. + +The man suddenly stepped to one side. + +"Come in a minute, boys," he suggested. It was evident that his manner +had undergone a change. He seemed more friendly. + +"You just get in?" he asked. + +"Yes--we were delayed on the way, or we would have gotten here sooner." + +"Sit down, boys." + +As the slightly-built man was drawing up chairs Bud cast a quick glance +at Dick. "Watch out"! his look signaled. But there seemed no need for +suspicion. "J. D.," as they had heard him called, appeared harmless. + +"I take it you boys are sensible?" he began when they were seated. + +"Hope so," Dick answered with a slight grin. "We've never been in any +asylum that I know of." + +"Check! Now I'd like to talk business with you. First of all, could +you use one thousand dollars?" + +At this surprising query Dick and Bud started. One thousand dollars! +It represented a small fortune. Bud thought of the herd of cattle they +had just lost and was about to reply affirmatively, when he felt, +rather than saw, a cautioning look come into Dick's eyes. + +"That's a lot of money," declared Dick, before Bud could speak. "We +could certainly use it, but you know it pays to be careful how one +earns it. Robbery is a bit out of our line." + +"Oh, it's nothing like that--nothing like that at all," the other +assured them quickly. "This thousand that I speak of can be yours for +just doing me a favor." + +"Sounds like a high price to pay for a favor," Dick said. "But let's +hear the proposition." + +"Sure! It's simply this: you boys let me stay on at the ranch here, +for, say, six more months, and as rental I'll pay you one grand." + +"But certainly this place can't be worth that much to you," broke in +Bud thoughtlessly. It was a very unwise remark, for it was obvious +that this excessive figure was offered for something more than the mere +use of the ranch. "J. D." had made the mistake of going too high in +his offer, and it instantly awoke suspicion in the minds of Dick and +Bud. But now that Bud had blurted out this suspicion, the possibility +of being able to secretly find out why they had been offered a thousand +for the place disappeared. The cards were on the table. + +"As to that, I'm the best judge," "J. D." said sharply. "If you want +to accept, say so. If you don't--well----." + +"Can we have until to-morrow to think it over?" asked Dick. + +"Nope--sorry, but I have to have your answer now. All you have to do +is to sign the present owner's name to a renewal clause--and since he's +your father, he won't object to that," said the man, turning to Bud. + +Evidently he was anxious to get things settled as soon as +possible--perhaps before the boys had a chance to investigate. + +Dick looked at Bud, and saw that he had permission to take things into +his own hands. Dick arose. + +"Well, sir, we can't do it, and that's that. We were sent out here to +take charge of this ranch, and we're going to do it, unless Mr. Merkel +tells us to do otherwise. You must get in touch with him if you want a +renewal of your lease. And until that time we must take control here. +We are sorry, but we must ask you to make ready to leave by to-morrow +morning." + +The man seated opposite did not move. + +"Is that your last word?" he asked, slowly. + +"Yes, it is. If we can offer you any assistance in getting ready we'll +be glad to do it." + +The man made no response. He arose suddenly, walked over to the door +and flung it open. Then he turned to the two boys and with a sneer +upon his face, said: + +"Very well! You've had your say, and now I'll make my little speech. +You guys come over here and think all you have to do is to tell me to +move out, and you move in. I don't know who you are--never saw you +before. For that matter I don't want to know. You show me some kind +of a paper that you may have written yourselves, and expect me to +accept it as a bill of sale. Well, that's out. I don't go. + +"And another thing! I don' know how many men you brought with you, but +I've got twelve here that will stick close to me. So don't start +anything. Good-day, gents!" + +It was a moment before Bud and Dick realized the import of what had +just been said. Then, tight-lipped, they started for the door. +Neither said a word as they passed out, and behind them the door +slammed shut. + +As they approached the three waiting by the corral they must have shown +by their expressions that things had not gone well, for Nort said: + +"What's the trouble, Dick?" + +"Let's ride around a bit," spoke the Kid quickly. The rider with the +saw-off shot-gun was still within hearing. "Great weather we're +havin', ain't it? Though it might rain soon," and he looked over to +where the other sat with one leg resting against his saddle horn. + +"Not so good, hey?" this cowboy called over. "Come see us again, when +you can stay longer," and he chuckled at his joke. + +"We will," answered Nort grimly. "In fact, we intend to----" + +"Now do you know, I think it looks a mite like rain myself," +interrupted Billee Dobb in a musing tone of voice. "Them clouds over +there are pretty heavy. You say you want to ride around a bit, Kid?" + +"Yea. Just a little. Let's go, men." + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A SHEEPLESS SHEEP RANCH + +With as few words as possible Bud told the Kid of their talk with "J. +D." Riding slowly along, the Kid made no comment for several minutes. +Finally Dick burst out: + +"For Pete's sake, Kid, let's hear you say something! Don't you think +it's mighty queer behavior for a tenant of a sheep ranch? The way I +understand the facts, he hired the place to raise sheep on, about +thirteen months ago. Now when his year is up he refuses to get off. +There are plenty of other farms further back from the border he could +get. I don't think your father bought the sheep with this ranch, did +he, Bud?" + +"I believe he contracted with the owner that one thousand heads of +woolies were to be sent to him within a month of taking possession. +This tenant, whoever he is, will walk his sheep when he goes, of +course. I thought it was unusual to hire a ranch to raise sheep on for +only one year, but Dad said the sheep get some sort of a disease if +they're not walked frequently, and I guess this fellow sort of figured +on trying it out for a year before settling down to a permanent place. +The owner of the ranch lives up north somewhere, and Dad simply bought +him out. Why Dad wanted to go in for woolies I don't know, but he must +have had his reasons." + +"Then we won't have to start sheep nursin' right away," Nort said. + +"We'll have to get this 'J. D.' out before we can do anything," +declared Bud. "What do you think about it, Kid? I don't want to run +to Dad at the first sign of trouble, but it looks as though we had a +job on our hands before we really begin herding." + +Yellin' Kid pushed his sombrero to the back of his head and looked up. + +"Well, boys, I'll tell you," he said slowly. "While Bud and Dick were +inside gassin' I took a good look around. And I'll tell you a funny +thing; I didn't see no sign of sheep ever being on this here ranch at +all. No feedin' troughs, no hurdles, no nothin'. Billee, how about +it? Did this look like a sheep ranch to you?" + +"Not any," the veteran puncher answered laconically. "Of course I'm no +sheep expert, but I can tell a sheep ranch when I see one. Usually +they have a feedin' ground around somewhere, for the woolies to feed in +durin' the winter. And they have troughs to put the fodder in when +they can't get to the range to graze, for sheep are dam perticular what +they eat off of. Maybe it was away 'round the back somewhere, but I +couldn't spot it." + +"That's what I thought," went on the Kid. "Of course he may have sold +all the sheep a while back, and cleared his truck away at the same +time, but it don't hardly seem likely he could get rid of all traces. +Where ever sheep go, you can usually tell they been there." He paused +reflectively and added: + +"Sort of queer that deputy we met didn't say something about there +bein' no sheep here. Did you tell him we was expectin' to find a sheep +ranch?" + +"Now that you mention it, I don't believe I did," Bud answered. "I +said we were going to take charge of a ranch. He probably thought we +were bringing the cattle over later." + +"Probably. So your friend in the house told you he'd give one thousand +bucks if you'd let him stay, did he?" + +"Yep. That made me suspicious right away, and I foolishly spoke up and +told him as much. Then he said it was his affair if he wanted to pay +that much to stay on. I knew that Dad wouldn't want me to allow him to +do that without his permission, so I refused--asked him if I could let +him know later. But no, that wouldn't do. He wanted me to sign an +extension right away. Then when I told him I couldn't do that, he +threatened to stay anyway, and practically dared us to put him off." + +"He did, hey? That sort of puts it up to us, don't it?" + +"You know what I think would be a good idee?" Billee Dobb broke in. +"We ought to go down and have a talk with Joe Hawkins. Tell him what +we found, and ask him if he's got any advice he'd like to dish up. +Seemed to me he was a pretty reliable feller." + +"Not bad--not bad," said Yellin' Kid approvingly. "He said he'd be +glad to help us any time. Not that we're goin' to need any help +gettin' this dude off," he added quickly. "But it might be a good idea +to have the law on our side." + +"We can see him and get him to sign a dispossess notice," Nort +suggested. "I don't know whether he knows what that is, but it's just +a paper saying we have a right to put out whoever is on the land." + +"We'll do that, Nort," agreed Dick. "Then we can start right. Let's +get on, fellows. It's getting late, and we want to catch Hawkins +before he leaves for home." + +Spurring their broncoes to a faster pace, the five made their way +toward the town. The suggestion that they were to confer with the +friendly deputy seemed a wise one, not because they were afraid to +tackle the job of removing "J. D." alone, but because they wanted to +know just how things stood. Perhaps by inquiry they could gain some +clew as to why the tenant refused to vacate. If he sincerely wanted an +extension of his lease to legitimately conduct the business of +ranching, he was going about it in a queer way. + +As the riders reached the town, they stopped a cow puncher and asked +where they could find Joe Hawkins. + +"Right down the street a ways," they were told. "Can't miss it. Jail, +court house and sheriff's office all in one. Some shootin' been goin' +on?" + +"Not that we know of," Dick laughed. + +"Though there might be soon," said Bud impetuously. + +"How's that? You figgerin' on pluggin' someone, youngster?" the cowboy +inquired with a grin. + +"Not hardly," the Kid spoke quickly. "We just want to see Hawkins +about some land. Thanks for the info." + +Their friend looked back at Bud and grinned again as he rode away. + +"Evidently thinks you're an amateur bad man," said Billee Dobb. +"You'll have a reputation in this town before you know it, Bud." + +By this time they had reached the sheriff's office. All dismounted and +went in. + +They found Hawkins seated in a chair talking to another man who was +leaning against the side wall gazing out of the window. The deputy +sprang to his feet as he saw the boys, the light of welcome in his eyes. + +"Come in, boys, come in. Jerry, I'd like you to meet some new friends +of mine. This here is Bud Merkel. Over here is--er----" + +"My cousins, Nort and Dick Shannon," finished Bud. "And Billee Dobb +and Yellin' Kid--if he ever had another name I've forgotten it, and I +guess he has too." + +The deputy's friend laughed and Joe said: + +"This is Jerry Adler, boys. Say, I thought you fellers were headed for +the Shootin' Star?" + +"We were," Bud answered, "but something happened that we want to ask +you about." + +"Guess I'll be goin'," said Jerry Adler. "I'll drop in to-morrow about +that matter, Joe. No hurry, you know." + +"All right, Jerry. Glad to see you any time. Now, boys," and he +turned to the five standing near him, "what can I do for you? Or is it +just a friendly visit? If it is, I'm right glad you stopped in. Now +that you're here, you must come over to my place for supper. Got the +best cook you ever saw." + +"Thanks, Mr. Hawkins," responded Bud. "We may take advantage of that +later. But just now we want to ask your advice." + +"Go right to it, Bud. If I can help you I'll sure do it!" + +"When we went over to the Shooting Star," Bud began, "we expected to +find a sheep ranch. Instead we find a place that could be used for +sheep, but certainly isn't now. We went in and showed our credentials, +and asked the occupant, who was called 'J. D.,' I think, if he could +move out by to-morrow, so we could get ready to move in. + +"Whoever this 'J. D.' is, he isn't a cow puncher, nor a herder either. +He's dressed like a Chicago dude," stated Bud. + +The deputy nodded understandingly. Evidently he was not surprised at +Bud's description of the Shooting Star and its tenant. + +"Well, as I say, we asked him to leave. He not only refused, but +threatened trouble if we tried to put him out. Said he had twelve men +who'd help him, too. So we thought, if you'd give us a dispossess +notice, we could go up there with authority and if he still turned +ugly--well--we could do as we thought fit." + +"I see. He told you he wouldn't leave?" + +"Yes." + +"He has no right to stay there, has he?" + +"None at all. He rented the ranch from the man who formerly owned it, +but his lease was up a month ago. Dad bought the place free and clear. +We were to manage it for him, and take charge of the sheep when they +came in. I believe they are to be driven over in about two weeks." + +"In about two weeks? Well, boys, I can't exactly say I'm surprised at +your story. I don't mind sayin' we've been puzzled at the actions of +this 'J. D.'--James Delton, I think his name is--for some time now. +When he first came he did have some sheep--not many, and he sold them a +month after he took the ranch. Since then it's been empty, though, as +he says, he's got a number of hands on the place. They keep it in good +shape, as you may have noticed. But what his business is nobody seems +to know. Of course out here a man doesn't go pryin' into other +people's affairs unless he's fairly certain there's something wrong. +I'll go to Shooting Star with you!" + +Taking his belt and pistol holster from a hanger, the deputy led the +way from the office. Mounted once more, the party swung away toward +the Shooting Star ranch. Nort looked over at the Kid. + +"Why that smile, Kid?" he asked. + +"Was I smilin'? I didn't know it. Say, Nort, looks as though we might +hand ourselves somethin' of a time before we finish with this 'J. D.' +feller." + +"And you're kind of hopin' we do, hey Kid? The last time I saw you +smile like that was just before we had that fight with the Del Pinzo +gang. Hope you don't expect another ruckus out here, as bad as that +one." + +"And if we did, I suppose you'd run away and hide your head," laughed +the Kid derisively. "Yes you would not! You'd be in the thick of it +with the rest of us." + +"Perhaps," admitted Nort with a grin. "However, I really don't think +we'll have any trouble. From Bud's description of Delton he's sort of +a weak-kneed type. We'll just have to tell him what's what, and I'm +sure he'll back down." + +"Can't tell," the Kid averred. "Those Dudes have sometimes got a mean +lot of fight in them." + +Up ahead Joe Hawkins and Bud were talking in low tones. Finally Bud +turned about and called to the rest: + +"Close up a minute, fellows. Mr. Hawkins has something to say before +we reach the ranch." + +"It's just this," began the deputy, when they had gathered around him. +"The way I figure, there's no sense of us all going in to see Delton. +If we call on him like a delegation, he'll get het up, and be more +disagreeable than if we went about this thing quietly. Now Bud and I +will go in. You four stay around the corral, and Kid and Billee, while +you're waiting, you might take a ride around and size up the place. +See if you can discover traces of sheep bein' here in the last six +months, and whatever else you can find out. All right, boys, here we +are. Remember what I told you, Kid. Let's go, Bud!" + +The two dismounted. Turning their horses over to Nort, they walked +toward the ranch house. The deputy stepped to the door and knocked. + +"He took quite a while to answer when we were here before," Bud +suggested. "Better knock again." + +The deputy did so. + +"'Pears like he don't care for no visitors. Wonder if we can see +anything by lookin' in the window?" + +"I'll have a try," volunteered Bud. Stepping to the side of the house +he peered in the casement. + +"Too dark," he reported. "Can't see a thing!" + +"Must be somebody around," Hawkins declared, as he knocked again, this +time more loudly. + +Within all was quiet. + +"Funny," he commented. Then suddenly he turned the doorknob. The door +swung open. After a quick glance the deputy walked in. + +"Not a soul in sight!" he called after a minute. "The place is sure +deserted. Not only have they got no sheep on this place, but even the +men are gone now!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +CYCLONE + +Following the deputy into the house, Bud looked about. The place +_felt_ vacant. It had an atmosphere of emptiness. The furniture in +the rooms had a tossed-about appearance, as though the occupants had +made a hurried exit. A cheap vase lay on the floor by the mantel, +broken. Rugs were kicked up. + +"Well, what do you think of that?" Bud said slowly. "They're gone! +Vamoosed! And quick, too. Must have done some tall hustlin' to get +out in that short time. Wonder what the idea was? Do you think Delton +might be around back, or somewhere outside?" + +"Better look, anyway." Hawkins stepped to the doorway and suddenly let +out a yell. + +"Yo-o-o-o, Kid! Over here!" + +"Yo-o!" came the answer. "Right there!" and Yellin' Kid, together with +Billee Dobb, rode to the ranch house. + +"What'll you have!" the Kid called as he came up. + +"Take a ride around the place and see if you can locate someone; will +you? The house is empty." + +"Right! Billee, you ride to the left and I'll go this way. Back in +two shakes." + +"Mighty queer where everyone has disappeared to," Hawkins commented. +"When you were here before, Bud, did they look as though they were +getting ready to light out?" + +"Nope--just the opposite. As I told you, Delton insisted that he was +going to stay. I can't imagine what scared them off. Unless Delton +decided discretion was the better part of valor. It certainly doesn't +seem logical that they'd make tracks like this, after what Delton said." + +"Here comes the Kid. Got someone with him; hasn't he?" asked Bud. + +"He sure has--a Mex, I'd say." + +"The lone survivor!" the Kid yelled as he rode toward them. "Bud, +recognize him?" and he pushed the Mexican, whom he held by the collar, +forward. + +"Why, he's the fellow we saw in the restaurant! Remember, Mr. Hawkins? +The one you pointed out; isn't he?" + +"You mean Pete Alvido? Come 'ere, son--let's have a look at you." The +deputy peered closely. "Nope! Sure looks like Pete, but it isn't. +'Nough like him to be his brother, though. Hey, Mex, what's your name? +What are you doin' around here?" + +The Mexican didn't answer. He simply shrugged his shoulders, and stood +silent, his face expressionless. + +"Speak up, boy! What's your name?" + +Still no reply. + +"Lost your tongue, Mex?" the Kid broke in. "Take my advice, and answer +when you're spoken to." The Kid touched his gun suggestively. Not +that he would have thought of enforcing his half-uttered threat, but he +simply wanted to show the Mexican they meant business. + +At this the man gesticulated toward his throat, and a guttural sound +came from his lips. + +"Why the pore cuss means he's dumb!" exclaimed Billee Dobb, who had +ridden in. "Can't speak! Hey you! No spik? No _habla_?" + +The Mexican shook his head forcibly. + +"A dumb Greaser!" cried the Kid. "Well, he's not much of a find. He's +the only one left of this outfit, though. Hey, Mex! Where's the boss? +Gone?" + +With a widespread gesture of his arms the man indicated his lack of +knowledge of the subject. At least he seemed to understand a little +English. + +"Can't get much out of him," Hawkins commented. "Well, boys, seems +like you'll have no more trouble takin' possession of the Shootin' +Star. It's yours. Say--" and he turned to their captive. "What's +your job? Vaquero? Herder? Cook?" At the last word the Mexican +nodded vigorously. "You're in luck, boys. Here's a cook all ready for +you. Got any food inside? Eats?" the deputy asked the Mexican. He +was answered with another affirmative shake of the head. + +"Now you're all fixed up for the night. Might as well call in the +other two. What's their name again? Shannon, isn't it? Kid, you give +'em a yell. You seem to be able to do that particularly well." + +Nort and Dick came riding over in response to the Kid's summons. + +"Who's this you got, Kid?" asked Nort. "Some friend of yours? Why, +he's the Mexican we saw in Herb's!" + +"No he isn't--that's what I thought too," Bud said. "Mr. Hawkins says +it's another--though it sure looks like him. This one's dumb." + +"What do you mean--stupid?" + +"No--can't talk. At least he says he can't--I mean he wants us to +understand that he can't." Bud corrected himself. + +"I've got to be getting back," interrupted the deputy. "I suppose you +men will settle here, now that you've got a cook and food. That is, if +he'll cook for you and you want to take a chance that he won't poison +you. Hey, you--cook for _hombres_?" + +Again that vigorous nod. + +"Seems agreeable enough. Now if you want anything, you know where to +reach me. If it's at night, you'll find me down the street 'bout half +a mile from the office, on the same side. Anyone will tell you where +Joe Hawkins's place is. So long, boys. Again, good luck." + +"Good-bye, Mr. Hawkins. We're much obliged to you for riding over with +us." + +"Glad to do it, Bud. Any time at all. Git along there, bronc. +_Adios_!" + +"So-long!" + +"'Bye!" + +"At last we're here," Nort declared. "No trace of anyone around; hey +Bud? Wonder what became of them. I wouldn't mind seeing our little +friend with the sawed-off shot-gun again." + +"Let's not look for trouble," Dick suggested. "I think what happened +was that this fellow you call 'J. D.' decided to take the opportunity +to get out without trouble. I don't believe we'll see him again." + +"Maybe not. We've got enough to worry about without him. Kid, suppose +you take charge of getting things ready for the night. Those sheep +won't be here for a week or so, and in the meantime we can fix things +up a bit. To-morrow I'll go scouting around for a good sheepman. +There ought to be plenty in town. All right, Kid, we're under your +orders." + +"Check! Nort, you take the horses to the corral and see that they get +fed. I guess you'll find some feed around somewhere--there's a barn +down there a piece--look there. Dick, you go see what sort of sleepin' +quarters they got here. It might be well for us to stay here in the +house for the night. We can settle on a bunk house later. The rest of +you can make yourselves generally useful. I'll go 'tend to the eats. +Mex, we need food! Where's the kitchen?" + +Apparently understanding, the Mexican led the way toward the rear, +followed by the Kid. The lay-out of the place was a great deal like +that of the ordinary cattle ranch. Indeed, if one were not wholly +familiar with the types of dwellings which dot the Texas border, he +would be hard put to show the difference between a cattle and a sheep +ranch. The corral of the cattle ranch would be built of stronger +boards, and on the sheep ranch, or "farm," there would be huge vats for +"dipping" the sheep, to cure them of any disease they might have +contracted. + +But except for these minor differences the two ranches are much the +same. Of course the personnel of the sheep ranch would not be as +extensive as that of the cattle ranch--one herder being able to +adequately care for two thousand head of sheep. In shearing time the +ranch hands are increased, to take care of this added labor. + +So it is not strange to find five hands prepared to take over the +management of a whole sheep ranch. Naturally it would be necessary to +hire some "sheep man" to handle the technical part of the venture, for +sheep are delicate creatures, and a green manager could easily lose his +whole herd in short order. + +It was now five o'clock. With a fire roaring in the kitchen and the +ranchers hurrying here and there about the place, it seemed home-like +and cheerful. + +"Be all set in half an hour," the Kid called to Bud as he stepped out +in the yard for a moment. "Found plenty of bacon and beans, and enough +other stuff to make a pretty fair meal. Reckon you-all can eat, if +you're anything like me. What do you think of the place, Bud?" + +"Pretty fair, Kid, pretty fair. Looks as though we may be able to make +something of it. I've been thinking of buying a radio outfit to keep +us company on long winter evenings. You know we bring in the sheep +then, and we'll have to stick close to home to take care of them." + +"A wireless! A sparkin' outfit! What are you goin' to do, Bud, put +them woolies to sleep with music?" + +"Hardly that," Bud laughed. "You'll be glad we got it when you hear +some of the big fights being reported, just as though you were at the +ringside. But apart from that, what do you make of this situation, +Kid?" + +"You mean comin' back here an' not findin' anybody? Gee, I don't know, +Bud! Might be any one of several reasons why this 'J. D.' bird skipped +out. 'Course I didn't actually see him, but something tells me he +couldn't stand a close look-in to his ways and means of business. + +"'Course I shouldn't run down a guy that I never saw. But there's been +a lot of funny work goin' on in these parts, and if anyone wanted to be +crooked, this is the best place in the world for it. You know this +ranch property is right on the border line between Mexico and U. S." + +"Say, Kid, look how dark it's getting all of a sudden," Bud interrupted +as he looked up into the sky and tested with his hand the direction of +the slight breeze blowing. "Wind's in the east. Rain, I guess. +Getting hotter, too. Why yes, Kid, I guess you're right about this +ranch being a good place to pull shady work. But I don't believe we'll +have any trouble." + +The Kid whirled around. The next moment he was on his way inside. + +"Get the others together!" he yelled. "There's a cyclone comin'!" + +Bud scarcely heard him. He stood still, fascinated by the tremendous +spectacle. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +DELTON RETURNS + +Cyclones are somewhat rare visitors on the prairies, but when they do +come they make up for lost time. Bud, though he had lived the greater +part of his life on the range, had never seen one. Now he stood with +his face to the east, drinking in the awesome sight. + +The eastern sky was covered with a blanket of black, ominous-looking +clouds, which quickly expanded and filled the whole heavens with their +darkness. The breeze had died away and a deathlike stillness hung in +the air. Nature seemed to be hesitating, gathering up her forces for a +tremendous onslaught. Suddenly the black clouds in the east were +tinted to a coppery color, which slowly turned to a dark green. And +still Bud stood, oblivious to all else save the grandeur of the scene +before him. + +Within the ranch house the men were scurrying about, shutting windows, +glancing out now and then to see the progress of the approaching storm. + +Billee Dobb ran to where the Kid was struggling with one of the sashes. + +"How about the horses!" he yelled. Though there wasn't a sound +without, by a curious phenomena the men talked in shouts, as though +they were trying to make themselves heard above a roaring. + +"Isn't Nort out there?" the Kid answered, also loudly. "Better make +certain, Billee! They'll be killed sure if the funnel takes them +sideways!" + +"If the funnel hits us we won't care whether we ever saw a bronc or +not!" answered the veteran rancher. "We'll all be usin' wings then, +not ponies. I'll take a look outside." + +"Take Dick with you! I'm finished here. We've only got about six +minutes before she hits. What a fine welcome this is! We no sooner +get settled, after havin' a time doin' that, when we're all set to get +blown away." + +The Kid was hurrying to the back of the house. He hesitated as he +reached the kitchen, and looked in. + +"By the ghost of my aunt Lizzie's cat!" he cried as he saw through the +doorway. "If that crazy Mex ain't still fryin' bacon just as calm as +if he was on Fifth Avenoo! Hey, you locoed Greaser, big wind comin'!" +He gesticulated vigorously. "Whosh-whosh! Whee! Zip-zip-bang! All +over! Savvy?" He stopped his dramatic explanation of the oncoming +cyclone to see if the Mexican understood. To his surprise the cook +nodded several times and pointed toward the sky, turning his other arm +windmill fashion. His lips gave forth a whistling sound. After this +demonstration he motioned to his bacon, rubbed his stomach, shrugged +his shoulders, and went on with his cooking. No words could have said +plainer: + +"Sure! I know. Cyclone coming. What of it? Can't stop it now. Must +eat. Might as well stay here and cook. Hey?" + +"Well, if you're not a cool customer!" the Kid cried, shoving his hands +deep into his pockets and tilting back on his heels. "Cook! Go ahead +an' cook! You might just as well say hello to St. Peter with a fryin' +pan in your hand as not. How does she look, Nort?" he asked as the boy +rancher came in the door. + +"Not so good! Where's Bud?" + +"Bud? I thought he was with you. Maybe he's helping with the +broncoes. I'll take a squint here in back--" as the Kid stepped into +the yard he saw Bud--standing silent, widened eyes staring at the sky. +The Kid started back in surprise. + +"Another guy that's gone locoed! First the cook, and then you! Hey, +Nort, take a look at Bud. He's in a trance or something! Wake up, +time to get up!" + +"Wonderful!" murmured Bud, without turning his head. "Isn't that +wonderful, Kid? See those colors! The most marvelous thing I ever +saw. If I could only paint that! It would be a sensation!" + +"Sensation ain't all you'll be if you don't start movin' quick!" the +Kid declared. "Nort, take Bud with you and see if everything is all O. +K. We've got about three minutes before the show starts. I think +we'll be able to tell if the funnel is goin' to hit us, and if it does, +we've got to let things ride and head for the cellar." + +He stopped suddenly. The five leaned forward, tense, still. + +A low moaning filled the air. First like the drone of a huge +bumble-bee, it gradually increased in intensity. The ranchers strained +their eyes toward the east, where the copper tint had merged to a +sickly green. A light breeze sprang up, hot, suffocating. + +"Here she comes, boys! Heads up! Get ready to make a dive for the +cellar!" + +All looked around to make sure that the door of the cyclone cellar--a +dugout ten feet from the house--was within easy reach. They moved a +bit closer. + +Then it happened. From out of the greenish clouds tore a huge black +funnel, tip down, capped with a wreath of lightning. With a roar it +beat its way across the prairie. As it rushed along it took with it +all movable things. Lined with brushes, trees and dust, it seemed to +head straight for the ranch. + +The five waited no longer. With a leap they reached the cyclone +cellar. The Kid was the last in, and just before he disappeared below +ground he looked again at the roaring funnel of wind. It was almost +upon them. In another moment, unless a near-miracle occurred, there +would be nothing left of the Shooting Star but a few timbers. The +ranch lay directly in the path. + +Cyclones are freaks of nature. Even as the Kid watched, hoping that +the terrible funnel might be diverted, nature gave a demonstration of +one of its most startling feats. The funnel lifted. + +Within three hundred yards of the ranch the tip raised above the +ground. As though a giant hand had pulled it up into the heavens, the +whirling, twisting cyclone merged into the blackness overhead. A +tremendous pressure beat against the Kid's body. The air about was +tingling with electricity. And there, directly above the Kid's head, +sailed the terrible funnel, Its tip held harmlessly aloft from contact +with the ground, thundering and screaming in disappointed rage. For +several seconds the "twister" remained suspended. Then two hundred +yards past the ranch it dipped to earth again, and went smashing along +on its mission of destruction and death. + +The ranch was saved. + +The Kid silently led the way out of the cellar. As the five stood once +more above ground, they looked about at the surroundings. Off in the +distance the cyclone could be seen whirling along, gradually growing +smaller and smaller as it departed. As they watched the terror +disappear, a prayer of thankfulness was in the heart of each. It was +indeed a near-miracle that had saved the ranch from complete +annihilation. + +Bud was the first to speak. His utterance was not exactly fraught with +elegancy, but it expressed the feelings of all. + +"Whew!" he said with a long, drawn-out sigh. + +"And then some!" cried Dick. "What a show that was!" + +"Boy!" Billee Dobb breathed. "I'm sure glad we got missed! When I saw +that ole baby comin', I says 'raise yore sights, buster, raise yore +sights! You got the wrong range!' An' blamed if she didn't raise, +too!" + +A laugh started--the kind that relieves the soul after a tense and +dangerous moment. Bud broke out in a loud guffaw. Then the Kid let +loose--and for two minutes the air re-echoed with the shouts of glee of +the five ranchers. Nothing really to laugh at; this laughter was not +exactly in appreciation of Billee's remark. It was more in the nature +of a celebration. + +"Whusch!" cried Bud weakly, when he could get his breath. "You crazy +coot! So you're the one that lifted the cyclone, hey? Well, you sure +did a good job of it!" + +The ranchers made their way over to where the horses had been tied. + +"O. K.!" Dick yelled as he came up. "They're all there. Not a hair on +'em touched. Bet they thought it was the end of the world, though!" + +"Sure!" assented Nort. + +"Now, now, old hoss!" Dick said soothingly as he stroked the nose of +his pony. "Scared, eh? Well, I don't blame you a bit. Look at this +one shake! Take it easy, boy--it's all over. Easy, there! Feel +better now? That's the stuff--walk around a bit. Do you good. +Steady! Steady!" + +The horses were quickly calmed. Assured by the presence of their +masters that they were safe, they soon stopped quivering, and breathed +easier. A good horse trusts implicitly in his rider. + +"I'll take 'em over nearer the house," declared the Kid. "They'll feel +better when they get movin'. By the way--wonder what happened to our +cook? Last time I saw him he was fryin' bacon. Take a run to the +kitchen, Dick, and look, will you?" + +"Sure. Say, there's one shack down," Dick said as he pointed to the +wreck of a small building. + +"Probably was a bunk house. We won't need one of those for a while, +anyway. Well, will you look at that roof!" The Kid indicated another +out-house. Its roof was turned directly around, so that the back was +where the front should be. Not a board on it was broken. + +"Looks like a crazy-house down at Coney Island!" laughed Nort. "Dick, +I thought you were going to see about eats? I'm starved." + +Dick walked toward the kitchen. Before he got there the aroma of +cooking bacon told the waiting cowboys that the Mexican was still on +the job. + +"Must have the whole place full of food by this time," Bud commented. +"Think I'll take another look around, Kid. Billee, you want to come +along? I just want to make sure we haven't missed anything." + +The two set off on a tour of inspection. It was growing dark now, and +it would soon be too late to repair that night anything that was +damaged. + +"Guess we haven't lost much," Bud said to the veteran rancher. "We're +pretty lucky, eh, Billee?" + +"Sure are! We'll just look around the corner of this building, +however, and then go back. I'm sort of hungry myself." + +"Me too. Hope that Mex has--" Bud broke off suddenly. He peered hard +at the earth in the shadow of the shack. Then he walked swiftly over. + +On the ground lay the body of a man, face down. Bud grasped him gently +by the arm and turned him over. On his forehead was a long cut, from +which blood was flowing. Bud looked sharply at his face, then started +back in surprise. + +"Well, I'll be jiggered!" he said slowly. "It's Delton!" + + + + + +CHAPTER X + +BUD FINDS A NOTE + +Billee Dobb approached deliberately and gazed long and earnestly into +the face of the recumbent man. + +"So that's Delton, is it?" he said. "He sure took a funny way to come +back. Wonder if he's--" the rancher stooped swiftly and laid his hand +on the breast of the man. "Nope! Still living. We'd better get him +to the house soon as possible. Grab hold there, Bud." + +Lifting him as gently as they could, so they might not cause the blood +to flow more strongly, they carried the injured man toward the ranch +house. They laid him on the couch in the living-room, which was known +as the "parlor," and generally reserved for funerals. + +"I'll get some water and bandages--if I can find any," said Bud when he +had disposed of his burden. + +"That white shirt of the Kid's will do," Billee suggested as Bud made +for the door. "He's got it rolled up in his saddle pack." + +The man on the couch seemed to be breathing more strongly now. The +blood from the cut had partly clotted, and the flow was greatly +diminished. But a glance at his face showed that he was in a very weak +condition. + +"Must have been lyin' out there quite a spell," Billee commented, as +Bud returned with the shirt and a basin of water. The news of the +unconscious visitor had traveled fast, for Dick, Nort and the Kid +followed Bud into the room. + +"Who is he?" asked the Kid as he bent over. "Little feller, ain't he?" + +"Recognize him, Dick?" Bud said, kneeling down by the man's side and +dipping one end of the shirt in his basin. + +"No, can't say that I--yes I do, too! It's the fellow that was here +when we came--the one who offered us the thousand! It's 'J. D.'!" + +"Right. We found him lying over by a shack, dead to the world. Billee +and I carried him in here. Seems to have a nasty cut, but I don't +believe it's dangerous. Way he talked to me here awhile ago, he's too +ornery to die." + +"Must have been caught in the big wind," Nort said. "Hit by a board, +probably." + +"So that's Delton, hey?" Yellin' Kid drawled. "Well, mister, I'm +pleased to make your acquaintance. You don't look pertikerly dangerous +to me. But you can't tell about these quiet ones. Liable to fly up +any minute. Don't wash that blood off, Bud! Leave it lay. Have him +bleedin' again if you don't watch out. Nort, mosey out an' see if that +dumb Mex has got the coffee ready. Bring in some, will you? Leave the +'Canned cow' out of it. When this boy wakes up he wants something +strong." + +The man's eyes opened for a minute, then closed again. The dusk +outside was settling rapidly now, and the room was growing darker. +Dick ran to the kitchen and returned with a lighted candle, which he +held close to the head of the recumbent figure. By this time their +visitor had regained consciousness, and was staring wide-eyed at the +group surrounding the couch--three men leaning expectantly over his +body, while a fourth held a lighted candle aloft like a weird statue. +Little wonder that a man awaking to such surroundings would be somewhat +bewildered. + +"How do you feel, mister?" Yellin' Kid asked solicitously when he saw +that Delton was conscious. + +"Not so--good," was the jerky answer. "Stomach--sick--head feels--" + +"Swally this," urged Billee holding to his lips the steaming coffee +Nort had brought from the kitchen. "Sure it's hot! Don't want cold +sody, do ya? 'At's-a-boy--drink 'er down! Better now?" + +"Yea," the man answered in a weak voice. "What happened? Woolworth +tower fall on me? Wow! What a head! Seems to me I remember takin' a +subway train at Times Square--or was that last year? Can't just think +straight now----" + +"New York," whispered Bud to Dick. "Thought he didn't look like a +westerner!" + +"Just you lay quiet," advised Yellin' Kid. "Won't do you a bit of good +to talk now. Got lots of time to do that. You stay here to-night, +an'----" + +"I remember now! That storm! I was riding over toward the Shootin' +Star ranch, when the sky got black, and that dumb-bell horse of mine +started to act up. The next minute I got hit by a ton of bricks." + +He was silent a moment, thinking. + +"Say--" he suddenly propped himself up on one elbow and glanced around. +"I know where I am! Yes. And I know you--and you!" pointing at Bud +and Dick. "You're the two galoots that--oh!" he finished weakly, and +sank back. He closed his eyes again. It was not evident to the +watchers whether he had really fainted, or whether he realized he was +talking too much. + +At all events it was useless to expect him to say more. At Bud's +suggestion he was carried upstairs, and after his heavier clothing had +been removed he was laid in one of the beds. He seemed to be resting +easily, and if his sleepy attitude was simulated at first, it certainly +was not now, as his regular breathing and relaxed condition indicated. + +"Better let him sleep," Dick said in a low voice. "He'll be all right +when he wakes up. The bleeding from his head has stopped, and if he +had anything else the matter he would have told us. I think we'd all +better eat. Let's get out of here, anyway--we'll disturb him if we +talk much." + +"Eat!" exclaimed the Kid when they had all left the room wherein Delton +lay. "Let's see now--have I heard that word before, or did I dream it? +Believe me, when I sit down to this chow nothin' is goin' to drag me +away--fire, wind or flood! Seems like that Mex cook of ours is a +hoodoo. Every time we start to eat something happens." + +"Guess we'll go through with it all right this time," Dick remarked +with a laugh. "Here we are, boys. Set! And go to it! Enough bacon +here for an army. Kid, go easy on that bread! You want to choke?" + +The five were seated around a table in the rear of the house. In the +middle of the table was a huge plate of bacon, and next to this was a +mess of beans, steaming hot. Bread, butter, coffee and condensed milk +or "Canned cow" completed the repast. + +"Wonder where the Mex got all this food?" Nort asked as he reached for +the bread. "Real good, anyhow. Guess we'd better keep the Greaser, if +he'll stay." + +"Keep him 'til we get settled," added Dick. "I don't exactly like his +looks. He's too much like the Mex that Joe Hawkins pointed out--the +one he said to watch out for--remember?--to suit me." + +"Don't be tryin' to find trouble, Dick," advised Bud. "That Mex is +just as good as the next one. But it is funny why he should be +lingering around here when all the rest lit out. And to have this food +all ready for us. Well----" + +"Got a few suspicions up your own sleeve, eh?" laughed Dick. + +"Boys," Billee said slowly, "I want to tell you something. You +remember what your Dad said about smugglin', Bud?" + +At the word the men at the table gave a slight start. + +"Yes, smugglin'. You'd forgot all about it, hadn't ye? Well, I ain't. +While we were in Hawkins's office I noticed a bill-head on his desk. I +took it. Here it is." + +He passed over the paper to the Kid. The others got up and leaned over +the Kid's shoulder, reading it. + +"Two thousand dollars' reward," said the Kid haltingly, "for the a-rest +and con-viction of--the person whose picture is below, and who is known +in New York as Dapper Dan Craven. He is wanted for smuggling Chinese. +Escaped custody at----" + +He stopped. His eyes sought the picture. + +"By the ghost of my aunt Lizzy's cat!" he exclaimed. "If it ain't our +friend Delton!" + +Bud reached over and slowly took the paper from the Kid's nerveless +hand. + +"Delton!" he cried, as he saw the picture. "Just as sure as I'm +living, that's who it is!" + +"But why didn't Hawkins arrest him, then?" Nort asked in a puzzled tone +of voice. "He knew where he was. He could have come out any time and +put the bracelets on him and he'd have his man." + +"Now, boys, if you'll give me a little time, I'll--" started Billee +Dobb in a calm voice. + +"Go ahead!" + +"We're listenin'!" + +"Well, in the first place, I don't think Joe Hawkins ever saw this +Delton. You know what a hard job we had gettin' to the ranch--I bet if +we had had Hawkins with us we would have had to fight our way in. +That's what that guard was out for--the one that tried to stop us. He +knew we weren't deputies, so he let us go through. + +"Also, that bill was just printed and sent to Hawkins. Perhaps he +didn't have time to look at it. And say--that accounts for Delton's +quick get-away, too. One of his men rode in an' told him that there +was a price on him, and he got, fast. He must have made this ranch his +headquarters. No wonder he didn't have no sheep around! Boys, we can +expect some right excitin' things to happen, in the next few weeks!" + +Silence followed Billee's long speech. The veteran rancher had thrown +a veritable bombshell into camp. Delton--the man lying asleep +upstairs--the head of the smugglers! Two thousand dollars' reward! +Why, all they had to do was to tie him up and carry him to town--over +to the deputy's house. Capturing the smuggling king the first night at +the Shooting Star! It seemed too good to be true. + +"There's a catch in it somewhere," commented Dick. "No man with a +reward like that on his head is going to dump himself into our hands." + +"Why not? It wasn't his fault. He came sneakin' around the place to +spy on us and got caught by the cyclone. Then a board or something hit +him on the head and he fell where we found him. Nothing strange about +that! We got him and got him good! Wow, what can't we do with two +thousand dollars!" + +"There's one thing we forgot, boys," the Kid broke in. + +"And what's that?" + +"We're downstairs, an' Delton is upstairs." + +"That's soon fixed!" Bud cried, as he sprang for the steps. "Let's go, +boys!" + +"Take it easy!" cautioned the Kid quickly. "What's the use of scarin' +him? We'll just go up there and truss him up while he's asleep. Won't +hurt him. That cut on the head was all that ailed him. Now, take your +time!" + +The ranchers moved quietly toward the room in which they had left +Delton. As he reached the door, Bud opened it slowly and peered in. +Not a sound. Then he stuck his head in a bit further. Still no +action. In the darkness he could see the outline of the bed but +faintly. + +Softly he turned the covers down. Farther--farther! Then he let out a +yell. + +"Hey, come here! Quick!" + +"What's the trouble?" The Kid called as he entered the room. + +"He's gone! He beat it! Look!" + +In the bed, molded into the shape of a man, were two pillows. Delton +had escaped, leaving the pillows in such a way as to make it appear +that he was still in the bed. + +"Here's a note!" Bud cried. "He left it on one of the pillows. Let's +have that candle, Dick." + +By the flickering spluttering light of the candle Bud read aloud: + + +"Sorry I got to go so sudden, but this bed is too hard. I wouldn't +sleep well. If you guys want a little advice, you'll move along out of +this section. It ain't healthy. A word to the wise. J. D." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +JOE HAWKINS'S VISIT + +"Can you beat that!" Nort ejaculated when Bud finished reading. +"Nerve--that Delton certainly has his share of it!" + +The feeling which the note aroused was not just one of disappointment. +The Kid seemed highly amused at the turn events had taken. Billee Dobb +assumed an "I-told-you-so" expression which sat comically on his +grizzled features. The rest looked slightly bewildered. + +"Got away, didn't he?" Dick asked in a flat tone of voice. "Through +the window, I guess. Yep. Slid down the rain water leader. Well----" + +"An' he took with him your wireless and your new bunch of cattle," the +Kid remarked sardonically. "Never count the chickens before they +scratch. Mr. Delton is a slicker article than we figgered on." + +"Let's see the note a minute, Bud," Nort said. "Huh--'bed too +hard--couldn't sleep!' Wise sort of a bird; isn't he? Say, he must +have written this as soon as we left the room." + +"Why?" + +"Because if he waited too long he couldn't have seen to write--too +dark. That means he's far away by this time. He probably----" + +"The horses! Ten to one he grabbed one of them an' beat it!" Yellin' +Kid cried. + +Without further parley the boys and men filed from the room and made +for the corral. The horses had been tied to a pole nearest the house, +and they were not long in reaching them. They could be easily seen in +the moonlight which now flooded the prairie. + +"Mine's there!" Bud yelled as he came within view of the animals. +"Guess you're wrong, Kid. Seems like there's--no there isn't, either! +Only four! Whose mount is missing?" + +"You might know it," the Kid said disgustedly. "The coot took +mine--out of all that bunch to pick from, he had to rustle my new +bronc! By golly, if ever I set eyes on you again, you old----" + +"Take it easy!" laughed Bud. "Could be a lot worse. He might have +turned the rest of 'em loose, too." + +"No use beefin' about it," said Billee Dobb. "All over now. He's +gone--an' so's the Kid's bronc. Talk about it in the morning. Me, I'm +tired!" + +The night passed uneventfully. At sun-up the Kid appeared at the door +of Bud's room and grinned in at him. + +"Ready for work?" he cried. + +"You mean trailin' your horse, Kid?" Bud asked mischievously. + +The grin left Yellin' Kid's face and his eyes flashed. + +"No," he said shortly. "I'll leave that for later. When I got some +time on my hands that I want to use up in enjoyment. Then I'll go +after your friend Delton." + +"He's no friend of mine," retorted Bud. "But let's not chop about it +until after breakfast, anyway. Think that Mexican cook is on the job?" + +"Heard him movin' around a while ago, Bud. Let's go down an' see. +Billee is downstairs, and I guess Nort an' Dick are too." + +When they reached the dining room they found the others waiting for +them. + +"Sleep good, boys?" Dick asked. + +"Sure did. Felt like I'd never wake up. Say, steak this morning!" +Nort cried as he saw the table loaded with food. "We got _some_ cook +here!" + +"Don't it strike you all kind 'a funny that the Mex has got so much +stuff on hand?" Billee Dobb wanted to know. "Course it _might_ be that +this Delton feller had just stocked up before we came. Hey, Mex!" he +yelled into the kitchen. "_Aqui_! _Pronto_!" + +The Mexican strolled calmly to where the five sat waiting. + +"Where you get all this?" Billee pointed to the plates of meat. + +The Mexican shrugged his shoulders and motioned toward the kitchen. + +"Boss leave it here?" + +Another shrug. + +"Now listen, Mex. You know what I mean. You nod or shake your head +when I ask you questions." Yellin' Kid walked over and stood before +the Mexican. + +"First, did you work for this guy Delton?" + +A nod. + +"Then when he beat it, you stayed here, hey?" + +A nod. + +"Why?" + +"He can't answer that with his head, Kid," Nort broke in. + +"I know it, but maybe he can tell us by motions. Hey? Why you no go +with Delton?" + +The Mexican pointed toward himself, then to the kitchen. His hands +simulated the job of peeling potatoes. Then he flung both arms wide, +and moved his head in a semi-circle, eyes opened as though he were +looking for something. + +"So he went when you were in the kitchen, hey, an' didn't say nothin' +about it. Well, that sounds logical." + +"Kid, for Pete's sake, let's eat!" Bud interrupted. "You did +fine--give you a badge as a special detective. All right, Mex, +outside. Gee, you certainly are curious, Kid!" + +"I just want to know a few things, that's all," Yellin' Kid protested. +"I don't want to get poisoned. Can't tell who that Mex is--for all we +know he may be one of Delton's men left here to watch us." + +"Say, I was thinking the same thing," Dick put in. "But his graphic +explanation as to why he's here seems to be at least plausible. If, as +Billee suggested, Delton cut out when he found there was a price on his +head it doesn't seem reasonable that he'd bother taking the cook along. +How about it, Billee?" + +"Ain't makin' no statements," the veteran rancher replied slowly. +"Want to think things out a few minutes first." + +"Billee's going to solve the great mystery for us!" Nort laughed. +"Never you mind, ole horse, you knew your stuff when you grabbed that +bill-head from Hawkins's office. The trouble with us was, we were too +slow." + +The conversation hit on the topics of the night before as the ranchers +made a healthy breakfast. When they had satisfied their hunger Bud +leaned back in his chair and said: + +"Well, what's on the program this morning, Kid? Beckon you better take +charge for a while. Then Dick can be head boss, and so on--'til we get +the sheep in. O. K.?" + +"All right with me, Bud," the Kid agreed. "One of us wants to take a +ride into town and see about gettin' hold of a sheep-man. I got to get +me a pony, too." + +"I'll go," offered Nort. "Think I'll look up Hawkins. He might like +to know what happened." + +The five walked slowly into the yard. The meal seemed to change their +ideas, and set them quietly to thinking. Bud was leaning against the +side of the ranch house. The Kid strolled over to the corral and +looked longingly at the four horses tethered there. Billee Dobb was +seated on the steps smoking his pipe, when he noticed a cloud of dust +in the distance. + +"Rider," he said, more to himself than to the others. "Got a hunch who +it is." + +The dust cloud grew quickly nearer, and from it emerged the figure of a +man on horseback. + +"Someone coming," Dick called. + +"Who is it?" Bud asked. From where he stood he was unable to see. + +"Don't know yet. Looks familiar, though. Here he comes." + +"It's Joe Hawkins!" exclaimed Bud, as the horseman rode into view. +"Hi, Joe--Mr. Hawkins, I mean." + +"Joe'll do, son," the deputy said with a smile as he dismounted. +"Looks like you was havin' a convention here." + +"Just thinking things over," the Kid, who had walked up, explained. +"Glad you came, Mr. Hawkins." + +"Thought that was you," Billee Dobb said, rising to his feet and +removing the pipe from his mouth. "Seen you way off, and says to +myself, bet that's Joe Hawkins." + +"You got good eyes," laughed the deputy. + +"Oh, it wasn't exactly my eyes. I had a hunch." + +"Billee Dobb is our official detective," Bud said with a grin. "Tell +him about the hand-bill you copped, Billee." + +Explanations were in order, and with continuous interruptions the +deputy finally heard the story of the cyclone and what followed. He +questioned the boys as to the appearance and talk of Delton, and at +last confessed that he must be the man wanted. + +"Though I didn't think they knew just who he was," Hawkins added. "All +I knew was that the reward of two thousand was for the head of the +smuggling system. So they got him spotted, have they? That means we +won't have to work in the dark. It's a wonder the central office +wouldn't give a man the whole story when they're about it, instead of +lettin' it trickle through. Well, boys, it's time you knew what this +smuggling is all about, hey?" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE STORY OF SMUGGLING + +"Between this country and Mexico," began the deputy, "there's a strip +of land called the border--on one side U. S., and on the other +Greaser-land. You know all about that. Across this border run several +roads--passages into and from Mexico. And each of these roads is +patroled by United States officers. + +"These men are placed there for a purpose, and one purpose among others +is to prevent the illegal sending into the States of Chinamen. You see +only so many foreigners from each nation are allowed to settle in the +United States each year, and once that quota is reached, no more will +be admitted. Naturally there are always men who want to come to the +"Land of Plenty" and make their fortunes, but unless these men are +within the quota for that year, they are forbidden to enter. All +Chinese are forbidden entry and have been for several years. + +"But there are ways and means of getting around that situation. +Suppose a Chinaman wants to become rich. The first thing he thinks +about is America. All he has to do in America, he thinks, is to bend +over and pick up the gold pieces that are lying in heaps all over the +streets. + +"So the Chinaman makes up his mind to come to America. He goes to Foy +Lee, a slick friend of his, to find out about it. Foy Lee says 'Good +thing you see me. Sure. I fix you up. Easy. You want go America? +All light. Can do. You got fifteen hundred dollah?' Now where would +a poor Chink get fifteen hundred dollars? He tells Foy Lee there ain't +that much money in the world. So Foy Lee starts thinkin'. He rubs the +top of his head, blinks his eyes, and grunts twice. Then he says, 'you +still want go America?' 'Sure!' our Chink answers. 'All light,' says +Foy Lee. 'You come with me.' The rascal knows all the time what to +do, only he wants to make it seem hard, so he can get his little rake +off. + +"Foy Lee takes his friend to an office over on a side street in some +Chinese city. There he meets a man who guarantees him passage to U. S. +if the Chink will just sign the paper. That's all--no money nor +nuthin'--only sign the paper an' he gets to America. What is the +paper? Oh, just a promise that the Chink will pay the company that's +sending him all his future wages--less enough for food--until fifteen +hundred dollars have been paid. Just a mere matter of slavery, that's +what it amounts to. + +"But the Chink signs. What's fifteen hundred in the land of 'plenty +dollah?' Now our Chink is put on a vessel bound for Mexico. There he +is met by an agent of the same company that put him on board in China. + +"This agent takes him to a town, near the border--say Presidio, or some +such place. Then the real fun begins. The company notifies their man +at headquarters that the Chink has arrived and is ready to be shipped +across the border. Headquarters looks up the Chink's bond that he +signed in China, and which has been received through the mail, and +sends back word that everything is O. K., that the Chink, with several +others, is to be handed to a smuggler at a certain spot, to be smuggled +over the border. And when the Chink is so delivered the company's part +ends. + +"After this the Chink's fate is in the hands of the smugglers, and if +they get caught, and the poor coot is sent back to China again by the +emigration authorities, he's still got to pay that fifteen hundred, +although all he got for his money was a long ride and hard treatment. + +"The border runners take their consignment of Chinese and either pack +them in the back of an auto or wagon, or arrange to smuggle them across +some other way. If they're lucky, they get through. If not they get +hauled up by the border officers, and the runners get jail and the +Chinks are sent back to their native land. And even if they do get +through the lines the Chinks' troubles aren't over, for at any time +they're liable to be pulled in for not having what they call a 'chock +gee,' which is a government paper signifying they are here lawfully and +not by smuggling. I told you about that before. + +"And that's how the game works. These smugglers get hold of a ranch +near the border so they can hide their Chinks when they get them +across, until the time is set to turn them loose. 'Course I can't say +that's what this place has been used for. But it would be great for +it." + +The narrator paused and the Boy Ranchers drew long breaths of +excitement. + +"Well, boys, what do you think about it?" + +The tall deputy looked from one to the other. He was prepared for a +deluge of questions, and they came. + +"Can't the Chinese counterfeit this 'chock gee'?" + +"Who gets the fifteen hundred dollars?" + +"Has that smuggling been going on here--near the Shooting Star?" + +"Cease firing!" the deputy laughed. "I'll answer Bud's question first. +Yes, it _has_ been going on here--right past Roaring River. That's how +our marshal got shot up--tryin' to stop a load of Chinks from gettin' +through. + +"That fifteen hundred, Dick, is divided between the men who actually do +the running, and the company that ships the Chinks to Mexico. The +smugglers get about five hundred a head for every man they get in. The +'chock gee' is often counterfeited, but not very successfully. It's +printed like a government bank bill, and is just as hard to fake." + +For some time the discussion about smuggling went on. The deputy told +of the different tricks resorted to by the border runners in getting +their human cargo safely into the United States, and to what lengths +they will go to prevent capture. Boats are also used to transport the +Chinese to the American seacoast, Hawkins said, and if, by chance, the +runners were caught with a load of prospective undesirable Americans +they got out of the difficulty by the simple expedient of dumping the +Chinese into the sea. + +Another method of transportation was for the smugglers to put off in a +small craft from a Mexican port, with a cargo of barrels and Chinese. +When the boat neared the United States coast the Chinese would be +nailed in the barrels and thrown overboard, to trust to the mercies of +Fate to bring them ashore. Often the wind blows in an offshore +direction, which spells death to the floating Chinese; weeks later they +are found dead, when the barrels pile up on some distant coast. + +This system of sneaking Chinese into this country was well established, +said Hawkins, and the smugglers make use of scouts in small cars before +they attempt to bring a load of Chinese across the line. These scouts +ride swiftly along the route of the proposed entry, and locate, +definitely, the position of each border patrol, so that when the run is +actually made the driver of the car filled with Chinese knows the spots +to avoid. + +Of course the Boy Ranchers were chiefly interested in the part their +new Shooting Star property might have played in this game of smuggling. + +"And the fellow that lived here is the local head of that system!" Bud +exclaimed. "Say, we let a rare bird go when he escaped." + +"We've still got a chance to get him," Dick declared. "He must be +around somewhere. That note--you saw the note we found, didn't you, +Mr. Hawkins?--well, that indicated we might look for another visit from +the coot. The Kid will be glad to see him, eh, Kid?" + +"An' I don't mean maybe!" Yellin' Kid exploded. "Stealin' the best +bronc I ever had--just when I was gettin' him broken in proper--an' me +away out here in the wilderness with nothin' to ride----" + +"I'll get you a pony," the deputy offered. "There's one I know of +that's a beaut--fast and strong. Friend of mine wants to sell her." + +"I'd be sure grateful if you'd do that, mister. It sort of hits me +hard, losin' a good bronc like that." + +"It wasn't your fault, Kid," Bud hastened to say. "And Dad will insist +on buying you another. So if Mr. Hawkins knows of one that will suit +you, take it. You'll fix him up with a horse then, Mr. Hawkins?" + +"Depend on it," the tall deputy declared. "Now to business. I've told +you boys all I knew about the way smuggling is being done around here, +but I didn't do it just to be interestin'. I want you-all to help me." + +"Sure!" + +"That's what we're here for!" + +"No, we're not, Kid," Bud corrected. "We're here to herd sheep. But +we'll certainly help Mr. Hawkins all we can." + +"Here's the dope, boys," and the deputy leaned closer. "This Delton +may or may not have been doin' business here at the ranch. If he has +been, an' I'm goin' to figger that way, his friends still expect him to +be here. He left in too much of a hurry to send out word. An' here's +where you-all come in. + +"I want you to pretend the ranch hasn't changed hands. Just lay low +for a while, not travelin' 'round much, an' we'll see what happens. I +don't mind tellin' you we got another tip, that some Chinks were goin' +to be rushed across within the next few days. Can't say just when, but +soon now. It's a big load this time, an' if things work the way I +think they will, they'll try to land them at this ranch." + +"You mean they'll think Delton is still here?" Nort inquired excitedly. + +"Yes. Of course I may be wrong--that may not be the plans at all. But +I've got pretty good reasons for thinkin' I'm right. We sort of +suspected that the Shootin' Star was bein' used for illegal purposes, +but we never had a chance to prove it. The place was too well guarded, +and without a warrant you can't go on another's property. I knew we'd +not find anything if we did search the place, for the Chinks are only +landed at night, and shipped away the next morning; scattered all over +the country. They all look so much alike it's hard to tell 'em apart." + +"So you never really saw Delton?" asked Nort. + +"Nope--never have. He never came to town--whatever stuff he wanted he +sent his men in for." + +"Told you!" Billee Dobb cried. "I knew he never saw the geezer! Just +like I said--nobody was allowed in here with a badge on." + +"Right again," the Kid said with a grin. "Billee's the only one of +this gang that seems to know his stuff." + +"Well, that's the plan, boys," stated Mr. Hawkins. "Are you with me?" + +"You bet!" + +"Bring on the smugglers!" + +"Kid, here's your chance to find out what became of your shirt!" + +"Wait!" the deputy held up his hand. "We can't go into this thing like +that, boys! It's too dangerous. Enough men have been killed now by +the smugglers, and I don't want to add to the list. I thought a long +time before I came over this morning, and I finally decided I'd take a +chance on you. When I met you first I knew you were dependable men. +Remember--this is no joke! We've got to be ready to take what comes!" + +The faces of the boys sobered in an instant. + +"I guess you'll find you weren't far wrong," Bud said quietly. "We've +been in a few tight squeezes before--I suppose you heard of Del Pinzo?" + +"Certainly. He was captured and jailed a while ago. Don't know +whether he got out since or not." + +"Well, we are the ones who put him there," Bud went on in a quiet tone. + +"No! Why say,--I remember you now! I saw you bring him in! Well, +well! So that's the way of things! Boys, I'm sure glad I met you! +Between us we ought to make a go of this. So you captured Del Pinzo! +Now here's another job for you. What do you think of this idea?" + +The boys leaned close as they prepared to hear the deputy's plan. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +TRAPPED + +For some minutes the boys listened to the details of the deputy's +scheme. It involved danger, there was no doubt of that, but it also +gave a chance for success. If luck held in their favor--and Kid said +after the run of misfortune they had met with it was time for a change +of weather--they might hope for a rich prize--possibly Delton +himself--though this last did not seem likely. The whole success of +the plan depended on fooling the smugglers into thinking the ranch was +still held by Delton. + +"And there we are," finished Hawkins. "Any questions, boys? You-all +know what to do?" + +"All set!" Yellin' Kid answered. "Now that's over with, guess I'll +mosey down to town." + +"Rather you stayed around, Kid, if you don't mind," said the deputy. +"Anything particular you wanted?" + +"Well, just to see about that bronc you mentioned. And we got to get +hold of a sheepman soon." + +"I'll fix that up for you," Hawkins offered. "Dick, how about you +riding back with me?" + +"Glad to, Mr. Hawkins. Anybody want anything?" + +"Better find out about food," suggested Nort. "And we could all stand +a clean shirt or two. Before you go, Dick, we all better take +inventory. Didn't bring much, you know. What do you say, boys? Speak +up, and Dick can collect your stuff while he's in town." + +"Where's that Mex?" the Kid asked. "Wait a minute while I head for the +kitchen." + +He bounded up the steps and flung open the door. To his surprise a +figure stumbled away and ran back. But Yellin' Kid was faster, and in +a moment he had collared the man. It was the Mexican cook. + +"Hey, what the mischief you doin' here? Huh? Listening weren't you?" + +The Mexican shook his head. + +"What, then? If you weren't listenin' what were you doin'?" + +The cook pointed toward the kitchen and then to his mouth. He spread +both hands, palms upward. + +"No more grub? Oh, I see. An' you was comin' to tell us?" + +"What's the matter, Kid?" the deputy called. "Who you talking to?" + +The Kid dragged the Mexican out into the yard. + +"This bird," he said. "Cook. The one we found here. He was hidin' +behind the door--wants me to believe he came out to tell us there was +no more eats. Why you run, hey? What's the idea of that?" He +tightened his grip on the Mexican's collar. + +"Oh, let the poor Greaser alone, Kid," Bud objected. "He's all right. +Just scared, that's all. The way you jerked open the door was enough +to scare anyone." + +"Yea? Maybe. Anyway, I don't like this coot's looks. Back you go, +Mex. Next time don't be snoopin' around like that. We'll get your +stuff for you." He released his grasp, and the Mexican slunk back into +the house. + +"Funny gink," commented Billee Dobb in a drawling tone of voice, as he +stared at the door through which the cook had disappeared. "Queerest +Mex I ever saw." + +"The old detective still on the job," the Kid laughed and grinned. +"Well, Mr. Hawkins wants to get started. Guess you can order a whole +stock of food, Dick. The store got a buckboard, deputy?" + +"Believe it has." + +"Then you can tell 'em what you want and they'll cart it over. Flour, +bacon, bakin' powder, canned tomatoes, some yellow clings--don't forget +them, Dick--and whatever else you can think of. Shirts can wait. All +right, boys. Stay here, Dick, I'll bring your bronc." + +"The Kid wants to handle a pony again," Nort said, when the Kid had +left. "He hated to lose that one of his." + +"Mighty fond of it," declared Bud. "While you're gone, Dick, I think +I'll take a look around and see what I can find." + +"Wouldn't go too far," Hawkins cautioned. "Here's your bronc, Dick. +Let's be on our way. See you fellers later. So long." + +The two--Dick and the deputy--rode toward the town. Billee Dobb +resumed the smoking of his pipe. The effect of the exciting plan they +had just heard seemed to have departed with the deputy, for the minds +of those at the ranch turned again to the business of sheep farming. +Billee spoke of "washes," and "dips," and of buying a few "hurdles." +These terms were Greek to the boys, being experienced as they were only +in cattle and not sheep raising, but Billee explained to them some of +the peculiarities of the "woolies." He in a varied career had seen +most of the life of the range, and it was no surprise to the boys to +find he had once herded sheep. + +As the morning wore on, the ranchers busied themselves in the doing of +many tasks about the place. The Kid made a thorough inspection of the +roofs and sides of the several shacks, to check up on the repairing +needed. Nort investigated the state of their living quarters--the bunk +and cook house. Bud decided to ride a bit through the surrounding +country, to observe the extent of their range, and to see to the fences. + +Bud was not exactly "fence riding." This means following the fence +until a break is seen, repairing it, and going on to the next break. +It is difficult and tiresome work, no task to occupy an idle morning +with. As Bud rode along, his mind was busy with the thoughts of all +that had happened in the short time the boys had been on the Shooting +Star. The plan that the deputy had outlined for the capture of the +smugglers called for work, and it had only a fair chance of success. +Nevertheless there seemed no other way to achieve results, and the +advantages of the control of the Shooting Star had to be realized early +in the game. + +"I'd like to run across Delton," thought Bud, feeling unconsciously for +his gun. His hand encountered no holster, and he suddenly realized +that he had not bothered to arm himself before starting out. + +"Just as well that I don't see Delton," he said to himself a trifle +ruefully. "Wouldn't do me a lot of good to meet him when I haven't a +ghost of a show of bringing him in. Yet I might take a chance on him +if I saw him first." The pony he was riding stepped carefully so as to +avoid prairie dog holes, which would throw him and his rider if he +stepped in one suddenly. + +"Might be a good idea to turn around," thought Bud aloud. "Don't want +to leave the work of the ranch to Nort and the Kid and Billee, though +there isn't an awful lot to do yet. When those sheep come in we'll +have our hands full. Oh, well, guess I'll ride a bit farther. See how +much more work this fence needs." + +He was riding slowly now, looking carefully about him. The country +appeared vaguely familiar. Certain bushes looked as though he had seen +them before--there was a small tree that he had certainly passed some +time before. The cowboy's sight is so trained by years on the prairie +that even the shape of a bush will be remembered subconsciously. There +is so much land in the west that it is necessary to have some means to +guide oneself about, else a rider could very easily get lost along a +trail that should be familiar. + +"Seems to me I've been here before," Bud said. "Let's see now--that +bush. Know I saw that sometime. That little hill there--why--I'll bet +that is--" he spurred his mount to a faster gait and made for a small +knoll that rose in front of him. As he reached it he gave a yell. + +"I know now! This is where we got in that fight with the hidden +gunman! And over there ought to be--sure enough! The water hole! I +didn't think we were so near it. I must have come further than I +thought. Well--might as well take a look around. Right here is where +the bird that did all the shooting must have lain. Come here, bronc!" + +The boy dismounted and slipped his horse's bridle rein on his wrist. +Then he threw himself down on the sand in the position their antagonist +might have taken when he fired at them. + +"Here I am with a view of the water hole, and in a good place to shoot +from without being shot. Now I want to get away quick. What do I do? +If I roll to the left, I expose myself to fire. If I roll to the +right, I--" there was a little clump of mesquite by his right elbow. +Bud pulled himself toward this. "That would afford protection, but +once I get in here how can I get out? Now--" The boy was rolling to +the center. + +With a "Hold it, bronc!" he released the reins and his hand slid off +the clump. Suddenly a queer thing happened. Bud felt the ground below +him give way, and the next moment he found himself in a hole just large +enough to admit his body, and about four feet deep. Above him the +bushes had closed again, effectively screening him from the view of +anyone above ground. He had accidentally solved the mystery of the +gunman's strange disappearance. + +For a few seconds Bud lay still, so sudden was the shock of the fall. +He was not really stunned, however, and as soon as he recovered from +his surprise he struggled to his feet and parted the brush above him. +His horse was near by, moving slowly and cropping grass. + +Then he saw how easily it would be to escape observation by falling +into the small pit. The bush was certainly not large enough to conceal +a man, and for this reason no one would imagine it could serve to +screen a hole. It afforded a perfect hiding place. On either side was +flat prairie, and no one would suspect the presence of a hidden person +in that country. + +"So that's how it all happened!" Bud gave a low whistle. "No wonder +we missed the fellow. Say, this is one bird of a hiding place! All a +man has to do is to roll in it, like I did. Anyone who can tell this +hole is here without being in it is a better detective than I am. + +"But what a crazy spot for a hiding place! Surely whoever dug it +didn't know he'd use it to fire on us and then escape. Must have been +some other reason for making it, and then it came in handy when whoever +shot at us wanted to get away. He must have just lain quiet while we +looked around, then, when we left, he just came out and walked away. +Clever, all right. Now who'd think of a stunt like that?" + +He looked more closely at the hole. It was well walled up, and had +evidently been dug some time ago. By parting the bushes and kneeling +on a mound of earth at the bottom, a perfect sight of the surrounding +territory could be obtained. A gun could be poked through the bush and +all the ground, except a very small part directly in front of the hill, +would be covered. The person who dug it evidently had in mind the +advantages of firing from a hidden spot. + +"Well, no use in staying in here any longer. Hope that fool bronc of +mine is still there. Don't want to lose her like the Kid did his. +Won't the rest be surprised when I tell them about this! The Kid will +want to come right out and see it, and try it out. And Billee Dobb +will say 'I thought there was sumpin' like this!' Gosh, this thing is +pretty deep." Bud put both hands on the sides and pulled himself +toward the top. + +He threw one leg over the edge and was just about to spring out when +that unconscious something which often warns us of the presence of +another caused him to look up. What he saw almost caused him to fall +back into the pit again. + +Looking down at him was a man. In his hand he held a gun, the muzzle +pointed at Bud's head. And as the boy saw the man's face he uttered a +cry. + +"Delton!" + +"The same! I see you decided to visit us. Well, buddy, you're in for +a good long visit!" Delton's lips curled in a sardonic smile. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +TO-MORROW NIGHT + +Back of Delton Bud saw another man--and after a moment he recognized +him as the cowboy with the saw-off shot-gun who had warned them away +from the Shooting Star. + +"Up out of that!" Delton commanded. "Keep your hands high. Don't try +no funny work or you'll be eatin' breakfast with St. Peter." + +Discretion was easily the better part of valor, and, realizing this, +Bud made no hostile motion. He climbed meekly out of the pit. + +"What do you think of our little hide-an'-seek hole, Merkel? Or +perhaps you had some experience with it before. Hey?" + +"So you're the one who shot at us!" Bud cried hotly. "Well, let me +tell you that it was a coward's trick. If you----" + +"Say, buddy, I want to tell _you_ something. The less you talk the +better it will be for you." Delton's eyes held a dangerous glint. "I +don't know what you're talking about. No--never mind! Don't answer +me. Sam--" this to the puncher who stood behind Delton--"if this bird +says another word shut him up--quick!" Sam nodded and stepped a little +forward. + +"Turn around," Delton ordered shortly. As Bud turned he felt his arms +grabbed and forced back until his wrists were held firmly together. A +neckerchief was wound around his wrists and tied tightly. Then Delton +"frisked" him, or searched him, for weapons. Finding none he forced +Bud at the point of his gun to walk ahead some fifteen yards, where the +ponies stood--Bud's and the two others. + +"Upstairs, Merkel." Delton motioned toward Bud's pony. "You're goin' +for a little ride with us. Step on it, now." + +With some difficulty Bud succeeded in mounting his bronco. The little +pony was trembling, as though it realized something of what was going +on. + +"Well, sonny, how does it feel to be talked to and not be able to talk +back? Something like that Mexican cook of yours, hey?" + +"The Mexican cook!" Bud turned swiftly in his saddle. + +"So he's one of your men too! I thought--" he began hotly. + +"You thought nothin'!" the one called Sam interrupted in a rough voice. +"You heard what the boss said. If you want to enjoy good health a +while longer, keep your mouth shut!" + +There was nothing for it but to obey. It would do no good to persist +in questioning his captors, and not only would he learn nothing, but +the questions would only serve to antagonize them more. + +The three rode along silently. Now and then Bud would shift in the +saddle, for it is no easy thing to ride a long ways on a nervous pony +with one's hands tied behind. Finally they seemed to reach their +destination--the house Bud had seen in the distance. It was a +ramshackle affair, with the roof partly torn away and no vestige of +paint. Evidently it had once been used for a farm house, for about it +were several other shacks, probably to store grain in. + +Delton dismounted and held the bridle of Bud's pony. + +"Your new home," he said, with a grin. "Come right in. Sorry we can't +fix you up better, but you see all the servants are away." + +The lad hesitated a moment. + +"Off you come!" Delton seized Bud by the belt and pulled. The boy +tumbled off his pony and hit the ground. + +"That wasn't--necessary!" the boy panted, as he lay there with most of +the breath knocked out of him. Luckily he had fallen on his side, and +not on his face, which would have meant a real injury, his hands tied +as they were. + +"Maybe not, but I figger it'll do you good. Give you an appetite for +dinner," and Delton laughed harshly. "Where I come from we treat 'em +worse than that." + +"Aw, let him alone," Sam growled. "No use hurtin' the kid! That won't +help us any. If we get caught it won't be so good havin' a lot of +enemies." + +"Who said we were goin' to get caught?" Delton walked over to where Sam +sat on his pony. "Sam, I haven't liked your actions lately. Now you +yell about getting caught. You know what happened to that last bird +who arranged for me to meet up with the cops?" + +"Yea, I know." Sam moved uneasily in his saddle. He did not meet +Delton's eyes. "You don't think I'd tell on you, do ya--an' get twenty +years myself? Ain't likely. Anyway----" + +"All right! Pipe down. Get this kid inside. I want to see if Slim +got back yet." + +"Come on, kid. Here, I'll help you up. Hurt yourself?" Sam had +dismounted and assisted Bud to his feet. + +"No, I didn't. Thanks. What was his idea in pulling me off like that? +If ever I get him I'll remember it." + +"Oh, he always pulls stunts like that. Wants everybody to know he's a +hard guy. Comes from New York, and thinks he can put it all over the +West. One thing I will say for him, he sure can shoot. That's enough, +now." + +Sam's tone changed, and a warning light came into his eyes. + +"I ain't paid to talk to you. Let's go," he growled. + +He led Bud up the steps and into the house. The shades were pulled +down tight, and the gloom made it very difficult for Bud to see much. +He noticed some sort of a hat-tree in the hall, and as they walked +toward the back he saw the doors of several rooms which opened off the +lower hall. Into one of these Sam led his captive. + +"Here's where you stay," he said. "No use tryin' to get out, for the +windows are barred. And that door is oak. Here--" and Sam struggled +with the knot which bound Bud's wrists behind his back. "Make you feel +a little comfortable, anyhow. You can't do much without a gun. +There's water in that pitcher. I'll try to sneak you in some bread +about noon." + +Without another word Sam stepped out of the room and closed the door. +Bud heard a key grate in the lock, and then a bolt shot home. + +"Taking no chances," he thought. "My, it feels good to get my arms +free!" He stretched lustily. "Wonder where on earth I am? Let's take +a look at those windows. Bars, hey?" He pulled the shade aside. +Surely enough on the outside were several iron bars, making the room a +veritable jail. "They sure got me penned up here proper! Now why did +they go to all this trouble? Just because I found that pit by the +water hole? + +"That doesn't seem reasonable. Must want me for something besides +that. Guess I'll know soon enough. In the meantime I'll take a look +around. Water! That's right--I am thirsty. Funny how you forget that +when you're excited." Bud was talking to himself now. There are +people who seem to be able to puzzle things out better if the problem +is put into words than if they just revolve it over in their minds. +Bud was one of these, and as he investigated his prison he kept talking +in a low tone to himself. + +With the shades up he was able to get a better view of the room. It +was small, and had only that one window in it. The furniture consisted +of a chair and a table. The floor was bare. The walls were painted a +dull gray. Bud pushed experimentally against one of the sides, but to +no purpose. It was as solid as iron. + +There was one more thing to be tried, that was the door. Bud was +reconciled to spending at least the morning within the room, and it +made very little difference to him whether the door was of oak, as +"Sam" had said, or some softer wood. However, he thought, he might as +well take a crack at it. Try anything once, he reasoned. + +He walked over and turned the knob softly. It refused to budge an +inch. Then Bud applied more pressure. This time it turned slowly. +Hope rang in Bud's heart as he felt the latch click back, then as he +remembered hearing the door bolted his heart sank again. Still he +turned the knob as far as it would go, and pushed. The door opened +about half an inch. + +Then it stuck. Bud's hand dropped from the knob, and he ran his +fingers along the crack. Half way up they encountered cold metal--a +chain which allowed the door to open only a little, then held. Bud +seemed as securely fastened as though he had been unable to budge the +door at all. Then he thought it was possible the bolt worked on a +slide, and if he could reach through the crack and ease it out of the +slide, he would be free. + +"A knife would do the trick," he thought. "Nothing like that around +here. I wonder if my belt buckle would do?" He tried forcing it +through the crack. "Nope. Not long enough. Isn't there something +about the room I could use? Chair--that's no good. Neither is the +table. Water pitcher--can't see what good that is. Porcelain, I +guess." He ran his hand over the pitcher. + +"Yep. Well, that doesn't seem to help. Unless--" he hesitated. A +thought struck him. "If I could break it and use a piece of it like a +knife I'll bet I could scrape that bolt over! But how can I break it +without making a racket and bringing Delton and his gang rushing in?" +Bud thought a moment. Then he snapped his fingers softly, and his eyes +lit up. "I've got it!" he whispered. + +Taking off his vest and shirt he wrapped the pitcher well in them, +after pouring out the water. Then he tapped it gently against the +window-sill. It made almost no noise, so he hit it harder. After a +few tries he felt it break. As he unwrapped his bundle of shattered +porcelain he saw he had, luckily, broken a piece just the size he +wanted. He replaced his shirt and vest and with the piece of pitcher +in his hand he made once more for the door, this time with a real hope +of escaping. + +"Just the right length!" Bud exalted as he slid the narrow knife-like +porcelain through the crack in the door and against the bolt. Then he +started to coax the bolt from its slide. Softly, softly he scraped +against the iron, and to his delight felt it move ever so little. He +could not open the door to its full extent in his endeavor to slip the +bolt, for this would tighten the chain and hold the metal piece more +firmly in its slide. He had to work with his left hand holding the +door at the proper angle and his right hand using the piece of the +water pitcher. + +It was tiresome work. Several times Bud halted as he heard footsteps +in the hall outside, but they went on their way without stopping. The +porcelain was rapidly wearing down. Its edge had already become +dulled, and no longer offered the purchase on the iron that it did at +first. But finally Bud succeeded--the bolt slid back. + +Cautiously he tried the door. It opened! In obedience to Bud's push, +the door swung wide. For a moment the lad stood still, listening +intently. The low murmur of voices came to his ears. + +"Down the hall," he thought. "Must be in that large room I passed +coming in." + +He stepped gently forward. A board creaked under his foot, and froze +him into instant stillness. The murmur of voices droned on, and once +more Bud moved forward. Down the hall he tip-toed. Nearer and nearer +to the room wherein the men were talking he came. Now he was directly +opposite. The door was tightly closed, but he could make out the +conversation distinctly. + +"A cinch!" he heard someone say. "There's nothing to it! Even if Jake +doesn't know about the Shooting Star, he can run the bunch through all +right. And the sooner the better." + +"You know when the run is planned for?" someone asked. + +"Sure! And I think we'll be lucky on the weather. Looks like rain to +me." + +"Well, I hope so. It's all set for to-morrow night, then?" + +"Check! All set. To-morrow night it is." + +Outside Bud was listening intently, his heart thumping in his breast. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +BILLEE DOBB'S STORY + +Back at the Shooting Star ranch the three others, Nort, Billee Dobb and +Yellin' Kid, were occupying themselves with the business of the day. +The Kid having reported on the condition of the "shacks," Nort decided +that a new bunk house would be necessary before the shearing season to +accommodate the extra men. He and Yellin' Kid, together with Billee +Dobb, then lazed about the place, awaiting the return of Dick and Bud. +It was eleven o'clock before Dick came riding into the yard. + +"Bring any grub back with you?" + +"No. The store said the buckboard would be right over, almost as soon +as I got here. Is the kitchen all cleaned out?" + +"Pretty near, I guess. That's what the Mex meant when I caught him at +the door. Gee, I wish----" + +He was interrupted by a rattling and creaking, and the sound of horses +beating a fast tattoo on the hard earth. Above this bedlam arose the +sound of a voice in loud and vigorous denunciation. + +"Here she comes!" Nort cried. "The food! Say, that team must have +been stepping right along. Got here almost as soon as you did, Dick." + +With a final roar and crash of wooden timbers, and a last invocation +to: "Hold up there, you two wildcats, or I'll bust you wide open," the +cart drew up to the ranch house door. + +From its swaying side the driver, a grinning youth in a blue shirt and +red bandanna 'kerchief about his neck, climbed down. + +"Get here in time?" he called. "Sure had these here babies rollin' +right along." Then without even a halt for breath he went on: "What do +you think of this here team? Best pair of ponies in the state! Lean +down, baby, 'til I smooth those ears of yours. Down, I say! Why, you +spavin-boned piece of horse meat! Come down here or I'll chew you up! +Throw your head back at me, will you? Of all the knock-kneed, +wall-eyed chunks of locoed craziness, you're the worst. Pete, you +pink-headed, glandered cayuse, drop that neck or I'll skin you alive. +That's the stuff! Best little pair of broncoes in the state, boys!" + +"You sure got some vocabulary!" laughed Dick. "Think a lot of your +team, don't you--sometimes! Yes, you got here in plenty of time." + +"Bring them yellow clings?" the Kid asked, anxiously. + +"Yep! Two dozen cans of the best yellow cling peaches. An' flour, +bacon, an' all the rest. Help me unload, boys." + +With five pairs of willing hands on the job, the wagon was quickly +relieved of its load. The food was carried into the kitchen, and left +there for the cook with an admonition to: "Get busy, Mex. We're +starved!" + +"Thanks for bringing the stuff over so promptly," Dick said to the +youthful driver. "You must have hit only the high spots to get here so +quick." + +"Should say I did! One time we left the ground and stayed up while a +coyote ran under the whole length of the wagon. Can't beat this here +team of mine for speed. Well, guess I'll be gettin' back. All set, +ponies? Don't strain yourselves, now. Got plenty of time. Just go +along nice an' easy. Yes, sir, boys, I love these animals like +brothers! + +"Get along there, Pete. Get along, I say. Pete, you lop-eared +wangdoddle! Quit draggin' that other bronc around! Hear me? Dodgast +your hide, I'll blow your fool head right off your worthless carcass if +you don't quit that. You will, will you? How do you like the feel of +that? Now we're off! At-a-baby, get goin'! So long, boys! You, +Pete! Gosh darn your senseless hide, I'll--" the rest was lost. + +"He loves 'em like brothers!" shouted the Kid, holding his sides with +laughter. "Oh, boy! 'Take your time, ponies!' Sure, they'll take +their time! Bet he's half way to Roarin' River by now. Wow, what a +driver! Ho-ho--I haven't had a laugh like this in years! 'Don't +strain yourselves!' Oh, baby!" + +A cloud of dust marked the disappearance of the grinning youth with the +"best pair of ponies in the state." He left behind him an appreciative +audience. + +"Hope that Mex gets a wiggle on," Nort said when the laughter had +quieted down. "He ought to be able to rustle a pretty fair meal with +all that junk." + +"And in the meantime we might as well sit," Yellin' Kid suggested. +"Look over the landscape." + +The punchers made their way to the corral. Without explaining, each +knew the Kid's suggestion to "sit an' look over the landscape" meant a +view from the top rail of the corral, which was several feet high. +This is the cowboy's favorite resting place while waiting for "chuck." +They will sit there and survey a perfectly familiar scene until called +off by the cook's horn or the cry to "come an' git it." + +"Bud ought to be back for grub," said Dick as he swung his leg over the +top rail. + +"Ought to," Nort agreed. "Said he wasn't going far." + +"That might mean anything out here," Billee Dobb broke in, "from a +two-mile jaunt to a ride of twenty mile or more. Bud's O. K. though. +If he don't show up fer his meals he's got a good reason." + +"You're probably right," Dick said, "but with all this trouble around +here I don't like to see anyone stay away too long. If he doesn't come +in before afternoon we'll have to take a ride around and see if we +can't spot him." + +"No use crossing bridges before we come to them," Nort declared. +"After all this talk Bud will probably come riding in with a bear cub +he chased. Bud's funny that way. Anything that's a bit out of the +ordinary, and Bud will go miles out of his way to see it. Remember how +he stared at that cyclone coming until he forgot where he was?" + +"I don't think he's so funny," the Kid declared in a thoughtful tone. +"Just doesn't like to miss any of the show, that's all. Me, I'm like +that sometimes. A pretty sunset gets me here somehow," and the Kid +placed his hand on his stomach in a general way. + +"Have you tried eating raw onions?" Nort asked in a solicitous voice. +"They say they're awful good." + +"Aw, you guys make me sick," said Yellin' Kid disgustedly. "Just as +soon as a feller gets--well--poetical like--you hop all over him." + +"Ex-cuse me, Kid! I didn't know you were getting poetical. Why, if I +had known that I wouldn't have said a word. I thought you were telling +us about your indigestion." + +"Go ahead--go ahead! I'll get you sometime, Nort. Billee, do you +think it's nice to run me around like that?" + +"Do you good," Billee said with a grin. "When I was young an' worked +out with a bunch from Two-bar Cross--the roughest outfit you'd ever +laid eyes on--I wasn't let to open my mouth without someone hoppin' +down my throat. That was a gang, let me tell you!" + +"They were the old-fashioned punchers, weren't they?" Dick asked, +winking at the Kid. "The kind that used a buck-strap and ate his +coffee out of a frying-pan." + +"Buck-strap! Buck--say, boy, if any man on that there Two-bar Cross +outfit ever heard you speak of a buck-strap they wouldn't know what you +was talkin' about. No, sir! Those boys were rough customers." + +A buck-strap is a leather thong fastened to the saddle in such a way +that if the pony suddenly bucks, its rider can hold himself on by +inserting his hand within this thong and pulling hard. The user of one +of these contraptions is never proud of it, needless to say. + +"You used to work a lot in the summer, didn't you, Billee?" the Kid +asked with a concealed grin. + +"Yes, and in the winter, too. Mostly in the winter. I remember one +time----" + +"Now he's off," the Kid whispered in an aside to Dick. "This'll be +good." + +"I remember once when I was ridin' for the Two-bar Cross bunch an' we +had four thousand head of cattle on the range. 'Long about December, +when the first snow starts, me an' Joe Heldig was sent out to see how +the bunch was makin' out, and if they needed anything, one of us was to +ride back an' tell the rest while the other watched. Well, we set out +about seven o'clock one morning to see if we could spot the herd. + +"It was clear an' cold when we started. Not a cloud in the sky. +Thinks I, we're pretty lucky, havin' such fine weather; that late in +the season, too. Joe Heldig, he don't say nothin'. We took with us +our blankets, some sour-dough, coffee an' bacon, an' that fryin'-pan +you was talking about, Dick. We rode along easy like, not worryin' nor +nothin', an' talkin' about the best way to skin a steer, an' whether +it's best to split two pair on the draw to try for a flush. That used +to be a trick of Joe's. + +"Around about noon it started to get warmer, an' off in the east a few +white clouds showed up. Me, I don't worry none, but I see Joe lookin' +kind of anxious now an' then. + +"We found the bunch at three o'clock, not as far out as we figgered +they'd be. Seemed pretty contented an' easy. Had a good grazin' spot, +too. An' just as we was about to call it a day I felt something wet +drop on my nose. Then another. Joe looked at me an' I looked at him. +Snow! Know what that means on the range? + +"Well, there was nothin' for it but to stick around an' see how bad it +was goin' to be. By five o'clock we knew. The flakes was comin' down +so thick you couldn't see, and a wind had sprung up. An' Joe an' me +had a bunch of cattle on our hands. I told Joe one of us better try to +make the ranch and bring back enough men to get the cattle to a +sheltered spot, so they wouldn't die. I knew we couldn't move them +alone, and where they were grazin' it was all open. So Joe started. +He knew the general direction, an' what would be sure suicide for +anyone else was just a chance for Joe, havin' lived for twenty years +right in that section. + +"I could easy keep track of the cows by their moanin'. It was real +cold now, an' the poor bunch of beeves stood in the snow with their +heads held low, with icicles hanging from their eyes, groanin' +something pitiful. They never moved. Just stood there while the snow +drifted up around their haunches. What I was afraid of was a drift. +Not a drift of snow, but a drift of cattle. + +"I knew those steers would only stay still a certain length of time, +then one of them would start movin' leaward, with the whole bunch +followin'. And they'd march that way into the snow, until every +blessed one of them dropped, and died where it fell. First the little +calves. Then the mothers, who'd stick by their babies until they died, +too. Then the cows of the herd who weren't so strong. An' last, some +big, proud long-horn would drop in his tracks an' die. An' there +wouldn't be nothin' left of the herd except dots in the snow along the +path. That's what we call a drift. + +"I knew if they ever started driftin' I couldn't save them. I could +try to turn them by rushin' my bronc into them, but it wouldn't do no +good. It needs at least six men to do that job. An' even then, if +they once get well started, I don't think they'd turn aside fer +_nothin'_. So I just sat on my pony an' waited. The snow kept gettin' +higher, and the wind colder an' colder. The cows were moanin' heavy +now. I saw 'em shift once or twice, an' my heart went in my throat, +but they settled down once more to just breathin' hard. How I did hope +that Joe made the ranch. I sort of felt that if help didn't come soon +the drift would start. It takes so long for a cow to get the idea she +wants to move, and when she gets the notion into her head, her legs +start goin' themselves, an' keep goin' until something bigger and +stronger than she is stops her. I knew that the only thing would stop +this bunch, once they started, would be death. + +"All of a sudden the moanin' of the cattle grew louder. I rode up +close to them an' saw what the reason was, and it made me catch my +breath. A big cow was steppin' slowly out, head low, right into the +gale. The drift had started. + +"I rode hard at the brute that was leadin'. She never paid no +attention to me whatever. Then I drew my gun and shot her, but the cow +behind kept right on goin'. An' back of her the rest started movin'. +Unless something happened quick the show was over. + +"Then I heard what I'd been hopin' an' prayin' for--a yell! Through +the screamin' of the wind I could hear Joe's voice whoopin' it up, an' +believe me, it was the most welcome sound I'd ever heard. The next +minute the whole gang from the ranch, in a flyin' wedge, rode right +into that bunch of long-horns, and split them wide open! + +"That saved them. They was scared out of the drift, an' we soon drove +them down behind a hill, where the wind wouldn't get at them, and they +could reach the grass through the snow. Joe had made it just in time, +though how he found the ranch in that storm is still a mystery, even to +him." + +The boys on the rail sat silent for a moment. Then out from the +kitchen of the ranch house there came the blast of a horn. + +"Grub!" Yellin' Kid shouted. "Let's eat, boys!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +BUD'S ESCAPE + +Bud stood listening, with bated breath, to the conversation on the +other side of the closed door. He heard the words "to-morrow night" +and "all set" repeated several times. With his ears strained he leaned +forward until his shoulder was almost touching the door. If they would +only talk just a little bit louder---- + +Suddenly Bud lost his balance. He had been so tense that he had not +realized how precarious his position was, the smallest noise being sure +to alarm the occupants of the room. Now his foot slipped, and, with a +crash, he went headlong against the door! + +There was a quick scraping of chairs within, and voices raised in +excited outcry. Bud recoiled from the fall as fast as he might, and, +springing down the hall, he made for the front door. By this time the +plotters had emerged from the room and had seen Bud in his wild sprint +for safety. + +"Grab him!" someone shouted. "Get him, Jack! He's been listening! +Jump on his neck!" + +"Jump on him yourself! What's the matter, are you tied to the floor?" + +"Never mind those wise-cracks!" came Delton's voice. "Out that door +quick, and nab him!" + +Bud had reached the porch, and looked desperately about him. Where +were the horses? A sudden neigh answered his thought, and he dashed +around to the side of the house. The ponies were tethered to a rail +not one hundred yards away. Luckily Bud's horse was among them. + +"All you've got, bronc! We're holding our own, anyway. Gee!" A +report sounded behind him and he heard the whine of a bullet. "They +mean business, all right! On your way, pony!" + +The feet of his mount scarcely seemed to touch the ground, so fast did +he travel. On and on they flew, keeping their distance and even +gaining. + +"Stick to it, old boy!" Bud exhorted his bronco. "We're as good as +they are, any day! Can't last forever! Wow!" Another bullet sang +through the air. "That was a close one. If I had a gun you wouldn't +be so free with your lead. All I've got to depend on is what's under +me. But you'll do, old boy, you'll do! Step on it!" + +Across the open prairie flew the chase, Bud in the lead about five +hundred yards. His pony was tiring now, the breath was coming in short +gasps. Bud consoled himself with the thought that his followers' +mounts were probably in worse case. + +"Just a little more, bronc!" he coaxed. "Soon be home! +At-a-baby--yo-yo-yo!" He kept in cadence with his pony's gallop, and +it seemed to him that she responded with a further burst of speed. He +looked back again. Certainly he was increasing the distance between +himself and his pursuers! They appeared a greater distance from him +than when they had started. Now the country they were passing through +assumed a familiar aspect, but Bud was too excited to notice it until +he reached the water hole. + +"Luck!" he exulted. "I headed in the right direction. Don't think +I'll be followed much beyond this. Let's see--" He turned in his +saddle. To his surprise there was no one in sight. + +"Made it! Bronc, old boy, I offer you my sincere thanks! No, don't +slow down just yet. A little more--" He kept up his fast pace until +he was well beyond the water hole, then, with a final look behind him, +he pulled down to a walk. + +"Guess we're O.K. now. What a chase! Say, bronc, it's too bad we +didn't have a movie camera somewhere around. Hero being chased by the +villains. Bang--bang--another Indian bit the dust! Anyway, I'm glad +we're out of _that_ mess. What was the idea of the whole thing, anyhow? + +"Don't see what they wanted with me. And 'to-morrow night'! Evidently +they figure on some sort of dirty work. Now that they know I've heard +part of their plans they may not pull anything." + +Off in the distance Bud could now see the buildings of Shooting Star. +As he rode up, the Kid was nailing a board to the lower part of the +ranch house, and had his back to Bud. He turned swiftly as he heard +the hoof-beats of Bud's horse. + +"Come in--come in!" he called. "Have a good trip? How are all the +babies--and Aunt Sarah? You must be plumb worn out, ridin' all the way +from Arken-saw on a hot day like this." + +"Quit your kidding," Bud answered with a smile. "When I tell you what +did happen you'll think I have a good right to be worn out. First, +though, is there any chuck left?" + +"What--they didn't even feed you? Well now, I thought you'd had a +chicken dinner. Sure, Bud, come on in, an' we'll get Mex on the job." + +The best they could do in the culinary line on short notice was beans, +but Bud filled up mightily on them. When the edge had been taken off +his hunger he asked the Kid: + +"Where's the rest of the bunch?" + +"Town, most of 'em. Billee Dobb is at the back fixin' his saddle. +Nort and Dick went on into town again after a load of grub came, to see +if they could pick up that sheep-man Hawkins told us about, and to grab +me off a pony. Where were you, Bud?" + +"Therein lies a tale," answered Bud, "and I don't mean maybe. Listen, +Kid, and try to control your well-known faculties for humor 'til I get +this off my chest." + +In as few sentences as possible, Bud related to Yellin' Kid the events +of the morning. Contrary to his expectations, his story was taken as +it was told, seriously. + +"Delton, hey? Didn't see my missin' bronc around, I suppose?" + +"No, I didn't, Kid. Saw enough besides that. Well, what's the dope? +What do you think about it all?" + +"I think you were pretty lucky, for one thing," declared the Kid. +"Another thing I think is that the plan they set for to-morrow +night--whatever it is, will be carried out." + +"What makes you think that?" + +"Didn't you say you heard someone talk about 'even if Jake doesn't know +about the Shooting Star'?" + +"Yes--I did hear that." + +"Well, that means they're going to take a chance on going through with +their plan, because they can't get word to the other side that this +place has changed hands. An' they won't stop because they caught you +listenin'." + +"Say, you might be right at that, Kid. That's going some, though, to +push things like that, when they know their plan has been overheard. +Of course I didn't actually hear it all, but I heard enough to know it +has something to do with this ranch. And the time is to-morrow night." + +"That will hurry up the deputy's idea, won't it? If things break +right, we might have a chance to collect that reward." + +"Let's not think about that now. What we have to do is to get hold of +the rest and tell them what happened, and ask Mr. Hawkins if this will +change his plan. He's in town, isn't he?" + +"Should be. Dick'll know--he rode in with him." + +"Say, Kid, before I forget it--I heard something that didn't sound so +good about that Mexican cook of ours. Delton let slip the hint that he +was one of his men--didn't exactly say that, but he led me to believe +he was." + +"Did, hey? Well, I've been kind of suspicious of that Greaser ever +since we found him here alone, when the rest had beat it. Don't seem +reasonable that one man would stay at a ranch that has been cleaned +out, unless he had some business there. Delton's idea may have been to +let him stay and spy on us. Think we ought to kick him out?" + +"That means we've got to find another cook. No, I think it will be all +right to let him stay if we watch him carefully. He sure is one peach +of a cook--I'll say that for him--and I don't think he'd deliberately +try to poison us." + +"Oh, I'm not afraid of that. Of course we could make him taste each +dish he cooks for us, like they do in stories, but he'd sure suspect +something then. I believe in keeping a secret to yourself." + +"You mean not letting him know we suspect him?" + +"Yep! That's it. We can watch him if he doesn't know he's bein' +watched, but as soon as he knows we got something on him, we're +through." + +"You're right about that, Kid. Say, where did you say the others were?" + +"In town. Ought to be back soon, though. Billee Dobb is around some +place in back. Want to see him?" + +"No, I'll wait till Nort and Dick get here and spill it all at once. +Let's go out." + +The two arose and walked toward the yard. As they passed through the +door the Kid looked sharply about him, but the Mexican cook was nowhere +in sight. His lesson had been learned when the Kid had caught him +listening before. + +They hadn't long to wait before they heard the approach of two riders. +Dick and Nort had returned. + +"Something happened," Nort exclaimed after he had dismounted. + +"How do you know?" Bud asked with wide-open eyes. + +"I mean to us. Why, did something happen to you, too?" + +"I'll tell you about it in a minute. Let's hear your story first." + +"Not much of a story," Dick said. "We saw Delton." + +"You did! Where?" + +"You remember that water hole the Kid found the Chinaman at?" + +"Yes--go ahead!" + +"Well, Nort and I decided to take another look at it on our second trip +back from town, so we rode over. It isn't so far from here. And as we +reached it--only about an hour ago--we saw a group of men talking. We +rode up easy, but they heard us and beat it. We saw one of them, +though. It was Delton." + +"And do you know what he was doing there?" Bud asked with a quizzical +smile. + +"What?" + +"Chasing me! I found the water hole, too, and something else and this +Delton dragged me for miles and locked me in a room. Then I got out +and his gang followed me to the water hole, where I lost them." + +"Hey, take it easy! Start from the beginning. Let's hear it, Bud." + +Nort and Dick listened eagerly as Bud once again told the tale of his +capture. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A NIGHT OF WAITING + +"The old rascal!" Nort exclaimed after Bud had finished. "So that's +what they were doing at the water hole? If we had known that we would +have taken a chance and rushed them." + +"Just as well you didn't," Bud declared. "Wouldn't have gained +anything by it. And anyway, we don't want to upset their plans for +to-morrow night. The Kid, here, thinks they'll go through with the +idea." + +"Don't be too sure," warned Dick. "It may never come off, since they +know Bud overheard them planning." + +"Yes, but don't you see they can't get word to the others in time?" the +Kid insisted. "They can't call it off. The other end of the smuggling +line has already made plans that they can't break, so this end has to +go through with their scheme. At least that's the way I look at it." + +"Seems reasonable," Dick agreed. "But just the same I think it's +better to be prepared." + +"Naturally. What did you find out about the sheep-man, Dick?" + +The latter spoke of one tentatively engaged and told the Kid his new +horse would be sent over in a day or so. + +The remainder of the day went quickly. When evening came the boys were +excitedly making plans for the following night. After "chuck" they +gathered around the table in the sitting room and discussed ways and +means. The Kid was in favor of drastic action. + +"No, we've got to go slowly," Dick cautioned. "This isn't strictly our +affair, you know. The government is interested in it. And it's +anything but a joking matter. The other adventures we had--at Spur +Creek and in the desert--were our own concern entirely. This is +different. Hawkins hasn't said so, but I think it means a lot to him +if we aid in capturing the smugglers." + +"Thought you were out here to herd sheep?" Billee Dobb put in. + +"We were--at first. But there's no use trying to dodge the issue--from +now on until this business is finished, we have one job on hand--to +help stop Chink smuggling. The sheep can wait." + +"That's the stuff!" Yellin' Kid burst out. "I was waitin' to hear you +say that, Dick. Might as well look things in the face! We've gotten +too deep into this to drag freight now!" + +"You're right, Kid," approved Bud. "And truth to tell, I'm not a bit +sorry. I don't care for Delton a-tall. We'll go through with this, +and finish it up right." + +"And get my ole bronc back," the Kid said loudly. + +"We might do that, too," Dick laughed. "Well, let's hit the hay. +Plenty to do to-morrow." + +The night passed quietly. The punchers were up with the sun, all eager +for the task on hand. Directly breakfast was over, Dick and Bud rode +to town in order to see Hawkins. All thought it best that the deputy +should learn, as soon as possible, of the new development, for he might +want to change his plans in accordance. The boys found him in his +office. + +"Come in, boys!" he invited when Dick and Bud stood in the doorway. +"How's everything? Any more cyclones?" + +"Not yet," answered Bud with a laugh. "The weather is quiet, but +that's the only thing that is." + +"What do you mean?" the deputy asked quickly. + +Without any preliminaries Bud told the story of his capture and escape. +The deputy listened carefully, now and then asking a question. When +Bud had finished he sat silent for a moment, drumming his desk with his +fingers. Suddenly he brought his fist down with a bang and looked up. + +"That settles it!" he cried in a decided tone of voice. "Delton is +finished! From now on we go after him tooth and nail! And I want you +boys to know something. I can rely on you, of course, to keep it a +secret." Strangely the deputy's western accent seemed to leave him, +and he assumed a more cultured tone of voice. He held a shiny piece of +metal out toward Bud. "I'm from Washington--Secret Service--here's my +badge." + +Bud took it silently. It was, indeed, the badge of a federal official. + +"I took this job as an ordinary deputy to disarm suspicion," Hawkins +went on. "I knew if I came to Roaring River as a stranger I'd be +investigated, and perhaps have to give myself away. So I just got +myself appointed a deputy, and then I could work openly. No one would +suspect a western deputy of being a federal man--there's too many of +them. Now you know why I'm so interested in this smuggling. We've +simply _got_ to stop it--somehow! Even the Chinese who are in this +country legitimately don't like to see their countrymen come in by the +back door. And what good are immigration laws if we can't enforce +them? I'm just telling you this to impress upon you the seriousness of +the project." + +"It is certainly no joking matter," Bud agreed, handing back the badge. +"So you're a federal man! I should think if you wanted to trace the +smugglers secretly you'd take another position than deputy." + +"You'll see how it will work out," Hawkins said. "It's sometimes best +to seem almost what you are, to avoid seeming what you really are. +Figure that one out. What I mean is, if I openly assume the aspect of +a man of the law, no one will look further than that. Understand?" + +"I do," responded Dick. "And now let's decide on our plan of action. +Do you think what happened to Bud will change any of the details, Mr. +Hawkins?" + +"Don't see why it should. In fact I think it makes our scheme all the +more advisable. Personally, I believe the run will go through +to-night. There's no doubt but that's what you heard referred to, Bud, +for I had a tip concerning the same thing. They will depend on the +element of surprise and the superiority in number to succeed. We'll +have our hands full, at any rate." + +"Somehow this doesn't seem real," mused Bud. "Here we are planning to +capture a gang of smugglers who _know_ we're after them, yet they go +right ahead and play into our hands." + +"My dear boy," said Hawkins grimly, "you don't quite understand. +Delton is far from playing into our hands. In fact, if truth be told, +our chances are rather slim that we'll ever see Delton. He's no baby. +But I think we've got him beaten in one way--the gang across the border +doesn't know what we know. Now here's the situation." Dick and Bud +came closer. "A shipload of Chinks have just landed in Mexico. Never +mind how I know, but I do. These Chinese have got to be smuggled over +the border within three days, to make room for another bunch. All +right. This gang in Mexico corresponded with Delton last week, telling +him that he was to receive the Chinks on a certain night. + +"There's one thing we want to make sure of--and that is to avoid +frightening them off. Has there been much action around your ranch?" + +"None at all. We've kept things pretty quiet." + +"That's good. Tell you--I think it would be best if you fellows would +stay as close to the ranch house as possible, until this thing is over. +You see the smugglers might send out a one man auto patrol, some time +to-day or this evening, to look over the lay of the land, and if he +sees anything suspicious the chances are that he'll choose another +route to ship the Chinks over the border by. But I don't think they'll +go far from Roaring River. They got away with it so easy last time, +that they'll probably try it again. Well--" Hawkins tightened his lips +grimly--"they won't work it twice." + +"Any more instructions?" Dick asked. + +"No--I'll be over to the Shooting Star sometime this afternoon. May +bring a friend with me--Larry O'Connor--one sweet shot with a revolver. +That is if I think we need him." + +"Well, we've got five men all told," Dick declared. "And all of us are +fairly used to handling guns. Target practice at tin cans keeps your +eye in, and we do lots of that." + +"Good idea, if you can afford the money for ammunition. Never know +when you'll need to rely on a well-placed shot." + +"Are you just going to ride over to the ranch openly?" Bud asked. +"Won't someone see you?" + +"Even if they do, they won't suspect anything. But to make sure I'll +wait until after dark. Guess that would be best. No attempt will be +made until well on into the night, and we'll have plenty of time to get +set for them." + +"Then we'll see you to-night?" inquired Dick as he arose. + +"Sure thing! Oh, by the way--keep an eye on that Mex cook of yours, +will you? I want him where I can grab him quick if I need him." + +"We will. Good-bye until to-night, Mr. Hawkins." + +"So-long, boys." + +Bud and Dick rode back to the Shooting Star. As soon as possible they +told the others of their talk with Hawkins, and of his being a secret +service official. Billee Dobb said he "opined as much long ago." + +The day dragged on. The boys were all slightly nervous, though they +wouldn't admit it. Several times one would catch the other fingering +his gun unconsciously. But evening finally came, and while they were +eating supper Joe Hawkins arrived. He was alone. + +"Thought you were going to bring someone with you?" Bud said when the +greetings were over. + +"Decided it wasn't necessary. We've got plenty here. Now, boys, are +you all set?" + +"All set!" the Kid said loudly. "Bring 'em on!" + +"They'll come without us bringing them," Hawkins declared a trifle +grimly. "Turn that lamp low, Dick, and let's get out of here." + +"What about the Mex?" inquired the Kid. + +"Bring him along," the agent declared. "Want him where I can keep an +eye on him." + +In spite of his wordless protests, the cook was dragged out of the +kitchen and made to accompany the punchers to a place near the side of +the house. And there the six men watched, each with his hand on his +gun and with ears strained for the sound of a car. There was a road +which ran past the ranch and into the town. It was over this road that +the watching men expected the smugglers to come. + +And now all settled down to a night of waiting. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +SMUGGLING OPERATIONS + +Hardly a breath of wind stirred. The sky had become partly clouded, +blotting out the moon. Now and then a horse whinnied, softly, as +though frightened. The waiting men moved about uneasily, talking in +whispers. Nine o'clock passed. Then ten came. The air grew chill and +damp, and the clouds overhead gathered more thickly. + +"Gonna rain," said the Kid in a low voice. "We sure are favorites with +the weather man." + +"May hold off," Bud observed softly. He moved over to where Hawkins +was standing, eyes peering down the road. "What do you think of it?" +he asked the agent. + +"Not much," was the quiet answer. "Looks like rain. That means we'll +have a hard job to see them when they do come." + +"Hey, the Mex wants to go back," the Kid said, lowering his voice. +"He's cold, I guess." + +"You tell him to stay where he is, or he'll be colder yet," Hawkins +said in a grim voice. "We can't afford to take any chances now. Bring +that Mex over here. I want to talk to him." + +"What's that?" Dick suddenly asked. + +They all listened tensely. In the distance they could hear a low +rumble. + +"Thunder," Nort said. "First night storm we've had in a long while." + +"Where's that Mexican?" inquired Hawkins again. "Bring him here, Kid." + +Yellin' Kid led the cook to where Hawkins was intently watching the +road. The agent turned to the Mexican and stared hard at him. + +"You know Jose Salvo?" he asked suddenly. + +The Mexican nodded vigorously. Then he pointed to himself and held up +two fingers. + +"His brother? Well, what do you know about that!" plainly the secret +service agent was surprised. "No wonder you look like him! Bud, you +remember that Mexican we saw in the restaurant the first day you hit +town? The one I told you to watch out for? Well, this bird is his +brother!" + +"I thought it was the same one, when we first saw him! His brother, +eh? And what's he doin' at this ranch?" + +The Mexican apparently heard the question, and endeavored to answer it. +In the gloom they could see his arms and hands motioning forcibly, but +none of them were able to understand the message. + +"Better wait," suggested Billee Dobb. "The poor critter is almost +scared out of his wits. He may have a bad brother, but I think he's O. +K. himself. I'll watch him for you. Over here, Mex!" he ordered +sharply. + +The cook walked slowly over to Billee, and squatted down beside him. +He looked up at the old rancher as a calf might look for protection to +a cow. + +"I'll depend on you to see that he doesn't pull any funny work," +Hawkins said to Billee. "When the show starts we'll have our hands +full, and we don't want any slip-ups." + +Yet they could not afford to give up now. If things worked out as the +agent had hoped, they might succeed in arresting Delton and his gang. + +"And that reward will come in right handy," Billee Dobb said. + +"Will we really get a reward if we capture these smugglers?" Nort asked +Hawkins. + +"You certainly will! And the government will be glad to pay it, too." + +"I don't care so much about the reward as I do about getting Delton," +declared Bud, as he remembered how he was mistreated at the hands of +the smuggler. + +"An' I'd like to get my bronc back," Yellin' Kid asserted, as he moved +his arms briskly about to warm himself. + +The night wore on, minutes seeming like hours. Billee Dobb stood +motionless, leaning against the side of the ranch house, and at his +feet sat the Mexican, seemingly oblivious of the cold. Hawkins moved +slowly about, glancing every now and then down the road. The others +stood about, talking in low tones. The storm seemed to have been blown +aside, as the rumble of thunder no longer reached the ears of the +waiting men. Still the moon was covered with clouds, making the night +almost pitch-black. A soft glow from the low-turned lamp within the +ranch house was the only illumination. + +"Say, I'm goin' to take a walk around to the corral," exclaimed the Kid +suddenly. "This waitin' is gettin' me woozy. Just want to see if the +ponies are all right." + +"Watch your step," Bud cautioned. "It's pretty dark. And don't make +too much noise." + +"I ain't goin' on any picnic," Yellin' Kid answered. "Be back soon." + +He left the protection of the house and in a moment was lost sight of +in the darkness. It wasn't far to the corral, and as he approached the +horses stirred uneasily. + +"All right there, ponies," the Kid called softly. At the sound of a +familiar voice the restless moving stopped, and the animals suffered +the Kid to walk in among them. + +"Lonesome, hey?" he said in a low tone. "So am I. Don't like this +hangin' around nohow! Wish we'd have some action." He stroked the +nose of one of the steeds. The horse whinnied softly in response. +"Wish I had my own cayuse here," the Kid mused. "Hated to lose her. +Best bronc I ever had. Golly, it's dark!" + +As though to dispute him the moon suddenly slid from behind the clouds. +The Kid looked about him--at the ranch house, standing gaunt and +silent, and at the little group of men waiting motionless--and at the +moonlit road, stretching far out over the prairie. There'd be no +smugglers to-night. Why, you could see for miles down that road, now. +Not a thing in--what was that? The Kid stared harder. There, about a +mile away, lurching from side to side? It must be--a car! Coming +fast, too! + +For a moment the Kid stood quietly. Then with a leap he made for the +ranch house. As he reached the men the moon disappeared again, and the +scene was blotted out. + +"Hey!" he called in a repressed yell. "They're comin'!" + +"What!" The group turned like a flash, as one man. "Who's coming? +Where?" + +"Down the road! An automobile!" + +Excitement spread like a wave. + +"Easy!" Hawkins cautioned. "Not so much noise! What did you see, Kid?" + +"Saw an auto comin' down the road like a locoed steer! Just when the +moon came out then, I happened to be lookin' that way, and I saw----" + +"Listen!" Bud held up his hand, forgetting that they couldn't see him +in the darkness that had now settled down again. "Don't you hear +something?" + +Through the air came the sounds of a car--the throttle wide open. + +"Can't see it, but I can hear it!" Hawkins exclaimed. "Must be driving +without lights. They sure are coming! All set, you men?" + +"One of us better get the ponies ready, in case we miss them!" the Kid +declared. "Billee, will you do that?" + +"Suppose so," the rancher grumbled. "I allers seem t' miss the +fightin'!" + +"You'll get plenty of that," asserted Hawkins. "But let's not waste +time talking. They'll be here in two minutes. Listen, you fellows, +and listen good! Billee, you get the horses ready for a quick start. +Nort, you and the Kid get around to the other side of the house, fast. +Dick, Bud and I will stay here. + +"Now here's what's going to happen--the car will pull up right here, +and the Chinks will be unloaded. We take them--don't forget, we're +Delton's men. As soon as they hand the Chinks over to us we cover the +men in the car, and get them. Then when Delton comes we get him, +too--if we can. He should be here now--must have been a slip-up in the +time. All the better for us. Quick--do you understand?" + +The roar of the approaching car could be heard plainly now. There was +not much time left. + +"You want Nort an' me to watch the road in the other direction?" asked +the Kid. + +"Yes--and we'll be here when they unload the Chinks. All right now?" + +"All set! Let's go, Nort!" + +Yellin' Kid and Nort ran swiftly to the other side of the ranch house, +in which position they would be hidden from sight of the road until +they chose to show themselves. Billee Dobb went around to the corral. + +The oncoming car was plunging along the road, and would reach the +Shooting Star ranch in another minute. It couldn't be seen, due to the +blackness of the night--the clouds seemed to have thickened in the last +few minutes--but the noise was sufficient indication of its approach. +The six men awaited its arrival with breathless excitement. If the +plan only worked! Delton would surely show up sooner or later, he +couldn't risk too long a delay--and the capture would be complete. The +boys felt their hearts beating fast as the moment approached. Guns +were out now, and ready for action. + +Suddenly another sound came to the ears of the waiting ones--the sound +of rapid hoof-beats. Those on the farther side of the house from. +where the car was coming peered down the road in the direction of town. +They held their breaths. + +"Hear it?" the Kid asked excitedly of Nort. + +"Horses! and coming this way! It must be Delton--he timed it +perfectly--he'll arrive just as the car does! Kid, we've got more than +our hands full this time!" + +"Shall we tell the others?" + +"No time--we've got to try and head them off, until Hawkins stops the +car, gets the Chinks and covers the smugglers! Come on, Kid!" + +The two, with guns drawn, ran down the road in the direction of the +approaching horsemen. It was a foolhardy thing to do, for they had no +means of telling how many of Delton's gang were coming. Louder and +louder sounded the gallop of the ponies, and nearer came the smugglers' +car. The night was still pitch-black. The moon was as if it had never +shone. In the distance thunder muttered, but the boys were too excited +to notice it. Overhead the clouds were growing heavier. + +"Here they come, Kid! Stop them!" + +Nort threw himself in front of one of the ponies just as the group of +horsemen were about to dash through. Yellin' Kid jumped to Nort's +side, gun drawn. + +"Hold up there!" he yelled. "Stick 'em up! High!" + +There was a vivid flash of lightning. In the glare the two challengers +saw that Delton was directly in front of them, and behind him were four +others. Delton reached for his gun. Then the heavens opened with a +crash of thunder and the rain poured down in a deluge. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE CHASE + +Through the darkness came many and varied sounds. The thunder rolled +long and continuously. The angry voices of men rose loud and hoarse. +Along the drenched road came the smugglers' car, its exhaust roaring. +And over all the rain came down in torrents. + +"Out of the way there, you!" came a voice. "We ain't got no time for +foolin'!" + +"Stick to it, Nort!" the Kid yelled. "Don't let them through!" + +The two boys were standing in the middle of the road, guns out, +determined to prevent Delton and his men from closing in on Hawkins, +who was grimly awaiting the smuggling car. If they could be held off +until the auto pulled in and stopped, the party at the other side of +the ranch house might succeed in capturing the Chink runners. + +There was a sudden shot. + +"Hurt, Nort?" the Kid called anxiously. + +"Nope! Missed! Put those guns up, you! We've got you covered! Climb +down off those horses quick, or we'll fill you full of holes!" + +There was a desperate ring in the boy rancher's voice, and Delton must +have recognized this, for he yelled something to the men back of him +and they all halted. The thunder was less frequent now, although the +rain had not let up. The boys standing in the road were soaked to the +skin. Still they remained firmly in their place, listening to the roar +of the approaching car, and hoping they could hold Delton until it +reached the ranch. By the sound it was almost to the Shooting Star +ranch now. In another moment---- + +"Hey, you guys, what's the idea?" through the night came a questioning +voice. "Don't you know it's rainin' here? How about lettin' us in the +ranch to get dry?" + +"You stay where you are!" the Kid yelled. "You'll have plenty o' time +to get dry all right!" + +"Kid--here's the car! Watch out now!" Nort was at the Kid's side, but +facing the other way. "Can you see anything--any of Delton's bunch?" + +"Nope--only hear that guy that was talking! Can you?" + +"No but--what's that?" + +From the other side of the house came three shots in rapid succession. +Then someone yelled. The next moment Dick came splashing around to +where the Kid and Nort were waiting. + +"They--they fooled us!" Dick panted. "Delton and three others got to +the car before we did and warned the smugglers! They all got away!" + +"Delton!" the Kid exclaimed. "Why, we had him here----" + +"Yes you did!" came a mocking voice. "You big cheese--all you had was +a good talk! So long!" There was the splashing noise of a horse +rapidly departing for parts unknown. + +"Can--you--beat--that!" Nort ejaculated. "Fooled! Taken in like +suckers! While we stood here talking----" + +"Yes, and while we're standing here talking now, the smugglers are +getting farther and farther away! Come on! We've got to chase them!" +Dick turned and made for the corral. + +"Chase an auto on a horse?" the Kid yelled. "What's the sense of that?" + +"They can't go fast in this wet--and we can spot them by the noise. +Hurry up!" + +"But I ain't got no pony!" wailed the Kid. "Wish I had my bronc! What +am I supposed to do; stay here?" + +"No--one of Delton's bunch lost his seat and we've got his animal--use +that. He got away in the auto. But for the love of Pete, hurry up!" + +The rain had abated a little when the boys reached the corral. Billee +Dobb was waiting with the ponies untied and ready. It was but the work +of a moment to mount and lead the other horses over to where Hawkins +and Bud were standing. + +"Where's my new bronc?" the Kid asked as he came up. + +"Here--this do you?" Bud was holding a little black pony. + +"Sure--as long as it's got legs!" The Kid swung himself upon the +horse's back. "Right! Let's go!" + +"We've no time to lose, men!" Hawkins called out. "We messed that up +proper! This Delton is more clever than I thought he was." + +All were mounted now and ready to take up the chase. The Kid was +letting his pony walk about, and the rest were awaiting Hawkins's word +to start. + +The six riders set out into the night. Hawkins said the car had taken +a route at right angles and to the left of the road, and all went in +that direction. They pushed their ponies as fast as they dared over +the soaked prairie, hoping to catch sight of the car before they had +ridden too far. It was obvious that no auto could make great speed +over the rough surface of the plains, and to add to this rain must +certainly slow them up still more. So the punchers had a fairly good +chance of overtaking them. Delton would probably be acting as convoy +to the car, and if they were able to take that, they would capture him +also. With these thoughts in mind the ranchers beat along through the +rain, which was not now so heavy. + +"What happened?" asked Billee Dobb. + +"Just this," Bud answered. "Mr. Hawkins and I were waiting for the car +to reach us. We couldn't hear what was happening on the other side of +the house, and Mr. Hawkins and I were all set to grab the gang in it, +when four men came riding by like mad and reached the car before we +did. They yelled something, and in a second the car was off the road +and away, the horsemen after it. But one of the riders fell, and +didn't wait to get on his horse again--just hopped on the running board +of the car." + +"What were those cracks we heard?" + +"I took a couple of pot-shots at the tires, but I don't think I hit +anything. Too dark. And it was raining cats and dogs, you know." + +"Don't I know it! Nort an' me sure had our hands full. Five men to +stop! We figured if we could hold them until you had the fellows in +the car covered, we could capture them too. Say, see any Chinks in the +car?" + +"Didn't see anything! The car turned off before we could get close +enough to see in it." + +"Too bad we couldn't work it, boys," Hawkins ruefully said. "We've +still got a chance to nab them, though. They can't get far over this +ground with a car." + +"They can lead us a merry chase," Dick asserted. "Wonder what time it +is?" + +"One o'clock," Bud suggested. "Not much more, anyway. Think they came +over this way, Mr. Hawkins?" + +"Yes--I do. Know where we are?" + +"Comin' to the water hole, I think," answered Yellin' Kid. + +"Say, maybe they're going to try and make for the place where they held +me!" Bud exclaimed. "That's over this way somewhere." + +"Can you find it again?" the agent asked, an anxious note in his voice. + +"Think so." + +"Then if we don't make out to-night we can have a try at that in the +morning." + +"How far do you want to go?" Bud asked Hawkins. + +"Let's see now. I have an idea, and I want to see what you fellows +think about it. First, though, are you sure that you can find that +ranch where they held you, Bud?" + +"Can in daylight. Maybe not at night." + +"If you started from the water hole do you think you could spot it at +night?" + +"Might. I could try it, anyway." + +"Hold up a minute, then." + +The six riders drew rein, and waited for the agent's next words. + +"It's not much use trailing them much farther. What I think they did, +is to make for that ranch house where Bud was, and stay there. Now +here's the point. Even if we did come upon them now, we'd have a hard +job taking them. I think this is a better plan. Listen, now." + +The boys drew closer around Hawkins. + +"This idea I have calls for two men to stay up all night. Who'll do +it?" + +"Me!" + +"Let me in on that!" + +"What is it--keeping guard?" + +"Yes, Nort, that's exactly what it is--keeping guard. Now here's the +dope. We followed that bunch pretty far. There's no doubt but that +they headed for that house, and intend to unload their Chinks there. +Now if we can only keep them in that house until morning, we can get +the whole gang--including the Chinks--like rats in a trap. Now do you +see what I mean?" + +"You mean you want some of us to watch the place and do a little +shootin' so that they won't come out?" + +"That's it exactly, Kid! If two men can get close to the house, and +keep firing at intervals, they'll think that we've got them cold, and +will stay there long enough to allow us to get them by morning." + +"What's the matter with all of us going up there now?" + +"Wouldn't do any good, and besides, someone has got to be at your +ranch. And some of us have got to get a little sleep. We may have to +do some more riding to-morrow." + +"Well, if you think that's best, I'll do it, for one," spoke Dick. + +"And I'll go with you!" Bud exclaimed. "I owe Delton quite a good deal +for the way he hauled me off my horse!" + +"All set for this new plan then?" asked Billee. + +"Yes, I think that would be best," Hawkins said slowly. "Bud, you know +something about the lay-out of the place. We'll ride part of the way +with you, in case anything happens. Then when we get near it, you'll +have to go on alone. You and Dick can decide on a plan of action. We +will ride back, and return before dawn. This time we won't fail!" + +"You'll ride with us to the place now, you mean?" + +"Almost to it. Then I'll know the way to find it again. Come on, +let's get started!" + +The moon was now struggling to shine through the clouds as the six took +up the ride again. Bud was in the lead. They had ridden for ten +minutes when, suddenly, Bud uttered an exclamation, and pulled up his +horse. + +"Look there!" he cried, pointing. + +Ahead loomed a dark mass. The boys rode up to it. As they approached +slowly the moon finally came out fully, and before them they, saw the +wreck of an automobile. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +DOWN AND OUT + +"It's a car!" Dick cried. "Must be the smugglers' machine, and they +wrecked it and got away! Now we know they're at that ranch!" + +"Wonder what happened to the Chinks?" the Kid said as he examined the +wreck more closely. The mass of twisted metal lay still in the +moonlight like some once-living thing that had met its sudden doom. + +"Probably dragged them along too," Hawkins suggested. "Yep, I think +this is the smugglers' car, all right. Looks like the one we had a +short glimpse of, just before it turned off. And, if that's the case, +our plan may succeed. Having a harbor close at hand, it's natural for +them to make for it. Now it's up to us to see that they stay there +until we capture them." + +"That's our job, and we'll do it too," Bud said in a determined tone of +voice. "Might as well get going. The longer we stay here, the more +time we give Delton." + +"True enough," commented Dick. "I wonder if anyone was hurt when this +car crashed?" + +"Doubt it," Hawkins said. "Those boys are too lucky! If they weren't +they never would have gotten away with the stunt they pulled to-night. +Imagine riding right into our hands and getting away from us! Every +time I think of it I feel like kicking myself around the block." + +"It wasn't any more your fault than the fault of the rest of us," Nort +declared. "They were too many, and too clever. Let's forget it and go +after them again, and this time we'll win. What do you say, boys?" + +"Sure will!" + +"No more foolin' around for us!" + +"Well, on our way," Bud called. He took one more look at the auto +lying on its side in a small depression, and spurred his horse onward. +The rest followed quickly. The night was well spent, now, and but +little time remained to reach the ranch and post the guard. However, +it was not far now, and by dint of hard riding, following directions +from Bud, they reached the vicinity of the ranch house in half an hour. +They halted well away from the house itself. + +"Take it easy now," Hawkins cautioned. "We don't want to make too much +noise. Bud, have you and Dick decided what you're to do?" + +"Practically--he is going to take one side, and I'm to take the other, +and if we see anyone come out we'll fire over their heads. That'll +keep 'em in all right, for they can't see us in the dark. No one likes +to be fired on by someone he can't see--as we all found out. Now it's +time to give them some of their own medicine." + +"Yes sir!" exclaimed the Kid. "I wish I could stay with you, Dick, and +have a crack at them myself." + +"You come along with us, Kid. We'll be back before dawn, and you'll +see plenty of action then. Now is there anything you boys want before +we leave?" asked the secret service man. + +"Might bring back a snack for us," Bud suggested. "It's cold and +hungry work waiting in the dark. Not that we mind it," he added +quickly, "as long as it helps capture Delton. And if you can make it, +Mr. Hawkins, please get back as soon as you can. They may try to make +a rush for it." + +"We will--we'll be back as soon as we get things right at the ranch and +maybe snatch an hour's rest. Depends on how much time we have. But +we'll surely be back before it's light." + +This conversation was being carried on near a small group of trees, +just out of sight of the old farm or ranch house. Now Hawkins and the +rest turned their ponies toward home. Dick and Bud, of course, were +due to remain and watch Delton's retreat. + +"Now we're on our own," Bud said as he listened to the hoof-beats of +the horses gradually dying away. "Let's get up to where we can see the +house." + +"What about the broncs? Think we better leave them?" + +"Well, what do you think? We want them near us so we can get going +quick if we have to. Suppose we tie them as close to the house as we +can without being seen?" + +"That's a good idea. Well, there's the place. Somebody's sure in it. +All lit up!" + +The boys stood and looked at the old farm house which loomed in the +moonlight before them. It was certainly inhabited, for several lights +were glowing on the ground floor, and every now and then a figure would +pass in front of the lamps, casting a shadow plainly visible from the +outside. + +"Got a lot of nerve, walking around like that in front of lamps," Bud +commented. "Easy to take a pot-shot at them." + +"Guess they don't figure us as the kind for that sort of thing," Dick +responded. "And we're not, either--though it would serve them right if +someone did let ride at the window." + +The two boys now took up their positions agreed upon--Dick around to +the left, and Bud to the right. They were thus separated from each +other by about three hundred yards. + +"Mustn't start thinking foolish things!" Dick exclaimed to himself. +"Got enough on my mind now." He shook his head as though to rid it of +fancies which hung around it. The boy was certainly not of a morbid +type, and it was the most natural thing in the world for him to be a +bit uneasy, considering his situation. Yet he would not even admit to +himself that he was anything but wholly composed. + +"Wonder how Bud is making out?" he thought. "Perhaps I'd better sneak +over and see. But no, there's no sense in that." Thus did he dismiss +the craving for company. "Besides, I've got my job cut out for me +here." + +He looked more intently at the house, seeking to concentrate his +attention on the everyday affairs of life. Smuggling. The reward if +they caught Delton. What they could do with it. A new herd of cows. +The Kid's bronc--whether he would see it again. How Delton timed the +arrival at the Shooting Star ranch just when the smuggling car got +there. The getaway. How it did rain! + +Still, in spite of himself, that uneasy feeling was stealing over the +boy. Surely there was no one around but Bud, away over on the other +side. Of course it was night, but there was plenty of moonlight, and +there was not much chance of Delton's men prowling about. Perhaps it +was because there were trees back of him that Dick felt restless. +Might be better to move more out in the open. + +The boy arose, then suddenly froze into stillness. That peculiar +feeling that there was someone behind him became stronger. + +It seemed as though a pair of eyes were boring into his back. He +listened intently. Suddenly he heard a voice. + +"Hey, Dick!" + +The boy turned swiftly, hand on his every nerve a quiver! + +"It's me, Dick! Billee Dobb!" + +What a relief! The boy now recognized the old rancher's voice, and the +next moment Billee appeared, walking as noiselessly as possible. + +"What on earth are you doing here, Billee?" + +"I decided to come back. Didn't want to miss all the fun." + +"Yes, but you weren't supposed to, were you?" + +"I told Hawkins, an' he said go ahead. So here I am." + +"So I see." Dick could now afford to laugh at his foolish fears. "But +let me tell you, you gave me a thrill for a moment. Now that you're +here, what are you going to do?" + +"Watch with you. That's what I came back for." + +"Nice of you to do it, Billee. What time is it, do you know?" + +"'Bout two. Lots of time yet." + +The rancher was observing the activity within the old house. Nothing +could be seen but the passing and re-passing of the figures in front of +the windows, but for some reason it appeared that more persons were +moving about. + +"Looks as though something was goin' to happen," Billee commented in a +low voice. + +"Think so? Well, we've just got to wait, that's all." + +The time passed slowly. Billee and Dick were observing the situation +within the house as best they might, without necessarily exposing +themselves. + +"Say, Dick," said the veteran rancher after an hour that seemed like a +year, "I'm goin' to investigate." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I'm a-goin' up and have a look inside an' see what's happenin'." + +"I don't know, Billee--they might spot you and let ride with some lead." + +"Don't worry about that, Dick. They'll never know I'm there. Now you +wait here an' I'll be right back." + +"Well, for the love of Pete, be careful! We don't want anything to go +wrong." + +"Nothin's goin' wrong. Now you wait." + +Billee Dobb moved softly in the direction of the ranch house, walking +so easily it seemed as though he were stepping on wool. Unlike most +other punchers, who spend most of their time on horseback, Billee was +exceptionally surefooted. Much tramping about the country did that for +him, and there were some who said he had been active in Indian warfare, +long ago. He would be the first to deny this, however, as it would add +too much to his age. + +So while Dick waited impatiently, the rancher went toward the house, +shoulders low, making himself as inconspicuous as possible. The +distance between the house and where Dick was waiting was not far, but +it was all open, and with the moon lighting up the scene almost like +day, a person crossing might be easily seen. + +Nearer and nearer Billee crept. Dick could see him picking his way +like a dancer, so that he might step on no branch or twig which would +break and give him away. Now he was almost at the side of the house. +Dick saw him lean forward and cautiously peer in the window. + +Then it happened. Dick saw a flash of fire from within the room, and +the roar of a gun awakened the stillness of the night. Billee +staggered back. He fell to the ground, but was up in a moment, and ran +swaying toward Dick. The door of the house flew open, and a man with a +gun in his hand burst out on the porch. Like a flash Dick had his gun +out and fired. The man ducked back as the bullet struck the side of +the house with a resounding "ping!" + +With a supreme effort Billee reached the shelter of the trees. Dick +ran to him. The old man's face was twisted with pain, and he sank to +the earth. + +"Dick--Dick--" he gasped, "they got me! They got me! I'm +down--and--out!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +CLOSING IN + +Nort, Mr. Hawkins and Yellin' Kid rode as fast as they might toward the +Shooting Star. It was their intention to reach the ranch and return as +soon as possible, after having taken a bite to eat. The idea of +resting was given up as the hours flew by. It seemed no time at all +before the stars grew dull, and the gray fingers of dawn spread out in +the east. + +"Have to hurry," Hawkins commented as he fumbled around in the dark +kitchen of the ranch. "Where in thunder is that lamp? Haven't you got +one out here?" + +"Sure--I think so," Nort answered. "Have to hunt for it, though. I'm +not so certain of my ground here. It's all new to me, you know. + +"Well, it's not in the corner, that's sure. Let's have another match, +Kid. Ah, here we are!" The soft illumination of an oil lamp flooded +the room. "Got any non-exploding sand in this machine, Nort?" + +"What's that?" + +"It's something the gold-brick artists used to sell to farmer's wives +to keep lamps from exploding. Nothing hut plain, ordinary sand, but +the directions that came with it said to always keep the lamp clean, +not to put too much oil in it, trim the wick, and so forth. Then put +the sand in and the lamp would never explode. Of course it wouldn't, +if the directions were followed. But the sand didn't help any. It was +the cleaning that did the trick. Yet the buyer bought peace of mind +and security for ten cents, so the game wasn't so bad as it sounds." + +"Pretty good!" the Kid laughed. "Never heard of that trick before, but +a feller was out here last year sellin' an electric belt, guaranteed to +take off ten pounds. All you had to do was to live on bread an' water +for five days an' run two miles every morning, wearin' the electric +belt. Didn't do no business here, though, 'cause most of the boys +wanted to put on weight, not lose it." + +"Some graft," Hawkins declared. "Well, that's neither here nor there. +Find that bread and meat, Nort?" + +"Yep. Got it all fixed up. Say, by the way, I wonder where that Mex +cook of ours went?" + +"That's so too!" exclaimed Hawkins, as they hurriedly ate a lunch. +"Forgot all about him in the excitement. No use looking for him now, I +suppose. He may turn up." + +"Then again he may not," the Kid spoke grimly. "We're well rid of him, +I think. Don't like them Greasers nohow, and this one was no prize +beauty. Didn't Bud say he was one of Delton's men?" + +"Said he might be. He's not so bad, Kid. He may be dumb, but I don't +think he'd pull anything really raw." + +"You seem right interested in him, Nort." + +"No, it isn't that, but I just don't like to see you get him wrong. +Well, never mind. Let it ride. How about starting back, Mr. Hawkins?" + +"Right. Blow out that lamp, Kid, and let's be on our way." + +The three made their way toward the door, moving by sense of touch. As +they reached their ponies, tied up near the house, the moon was a pale +disc hanging on the edge of the horizon. The chill wind of dawn +stirred restlessly, and the men shivered slightly. Though their wet +clothes had nearly dried, they were still a bit damp, and not conducive +to comfort on the open prairie. + +"Just about make it if we step along," Nort said, looking up at the +dimming stars. + +"Takes a long while to get light out here," Yellin' Kid asserted. +"We'll get there before dawn. But let's go. I'm frozen." + +The three threw their mounts into a gallop and set out once more for +Delton's ranch. + +"I had an idea that Billee Dobb wanted to stay with Bud," Nort said as +they sped along. "The old boy hates to miss any action." + +"Well, I thought as long as he really wanted to go back, he might as +well go," Hawkins declared. "He might be of some help, after all. +Never can tell what will happen when you're trailing a gang like +Delton's." + +"You mean pretty rough, hey?" + +"Sure! They have to be, to get along in their business. It's no +child's play, smuggling Chinese. And it's no picnic capturing them, +either." + +Over the darkened range the three rode, like avenging angels. No time +now for hesitating, and seeking a sure footing for the horses. They +must take their chance. And if one spilled--well--it was all in the +game. They must reach Bud and Dick before dawn. To Nort, sticking +tight to his galloping pony, it seemed to have been a waste of time to +ride all the way back to the Shooting Star. But on second thought he +realized that it was necessary for them to have food, for they might be +gone some time. A man can neither fight nor ride well on an empty +stomach. + +"Nearly there!" commented the Kid. No one was wasting words now. +Breath was too precious. The only sounds heard were the even beats of +the ponies' feet on the earth, and the creaking of the saddles. +Hawkins was riding well, the Kid saw, even though he did come from the +east. To the cowboy all places not west are "east," and so it was that +the Kid looked upon Washington. + +"Make it?" Nort called to the Kid. + +"Sure! Coming to the water hole now." + +The Kid's thoughts were racing along, keeping pace with the horses' +flying feet. As is the case when one is engaged in work of a +monotonous nature, such as riding, one's thoughts seem to whirl about +in a circle, the same subjects recurring with regularity. The Kid was +thinking about his lost bronco. Then Delton. Then the reward. Then +back to the bronco again. And all the while the miles were +disappearing behind him. + +Suddenly the Kid pulled his mount to a stop. + +"Wait!" he cautioned. "Isn't that where we left Bud, just ahead?" + +A group of trees rose in front. They had a familiar aspect. + +"Sure looks like it!" Hawkins agreed. + +"Let's take it easy. Kid, you lead, and go slow." + +The three walked their horses toward the trees. As they came nearer, +they made certain that they had reached their destination. And just in +time. The sky was graying rapidly. + +"You two wait here, and hold my new bronc," Yellin' Kid directed +softly, "an' I'll go around on foot. See how the land lays. All +right, Mr. Hawkins?" + +"All right, Kid. Go ahead. Then come back and tell us." + +The Kid dismounted and handed his bridle rein to Nort. Then he walked +carefully into the trees, and disappeared from view. + +"See some action soon," Hawkins declared. He and Nort were waiting on +their horses about three hundred yards from where the Kid had +disappeared into the trees. "The old ranch house is right back there. +And this time I want to make sure of getting the whole gang." + +"Don't you think they figured we followed them, and are all set for us?" + +"Maybe. Can't help that. But I'm not so sure, Nort--you know they had +to get those Chinks to a place of safety. Couldn't let them wander +around loose. And this was the only place they could go to. They had +no choice. And whether they figured we'd follow or not, they had to +dig in here." + +"They sure got away neat before," Nort said, as he thought of the +escape. "And if they hadn't wrecked their auto we'd probably never +have seen them again. Now we've got a chance." + +"Yes, and a little more than a chance. Wonder what's keeping the Kid. +Told him to come right back." + +"And here he comes--runnin'!" exclaimed Nort suddenly, as a figure +burst into sight. "Something must be the matter!" + +They spurred their horses toward the Kid, and met him half way. + +"What is it?" Hawkins asked sharply. + +"Billee Dobb!" Yellin' Kid panted. "He's--" It was an ominous pause. + +"Not so loud! Easy!" + +"It's Billee!" the Kid exclaimed in a lower voice. "They shot him!" + +"Shot him! Is he dead?" + +"Not yet. Looks pretty bad. Bleedin' hard. By golly, let's go after +those yellow sneaks, an' get 'em!" + +"Shot Billee Dobb," Nort said slowly, as though he couldn't believe it. +"Poor old Billee! Well--" he looked up sharply. "Let's go!" + +The boy's lips were closed grimly. In his eyes shone a wild light. +Whatever quarter would have been extended to the smugglers before, they +could expect none now. The chase had turned--had changed into a +personal venture. They had been seeking the capture of the smugglers +because it had been their duty. Now---- + +"Men," Hawkins spoke in a low voice, clipping his words, "let's get +started. We got work to do!" + +There was not another word spoken. Belts were tightened, and guns +loosened in their holsters. Dawn was just breaking. The three men +closed in on the ranch house in silence. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +FLYING BULLETS + +Finally Nort spoke. + +"What about Billee?" he asked. + +"Dick's taking care of him as best he can. Poor old geezer--" the Kid +bit his lip sharply. "He told me--he was sorry it happened, 'cause now +he'll miss the fun." + +"How did he look, Kid? I mean----" + +"Can't tell, Nort. He's hit pretty bad. Course we don't know for +sure--he's pretty old, you know----" + +"But tough as a board," Hawkins broke in. "I know his kind. Don't +worry boys. I'm sure he'll pull through O. K. Kid, is Bud coming with +us?" + +"Said he'd be right here. Want to wait he comes, before going closer?" + +There was a halt in the determined march toward the ranch house. There +seemed to be but little formal plan in the boys' attack; simply to "get +those guys an' get 'em good," as the Kid expressed it. But now that +the first shock of learning of Billee's wound had passed, all realized +how hopeless it would be to simply go up and take Delton. Some sort of +a scheme of attack was necessary if anything was to be accomplished. + +"Here's Bud now," Hawkins said as the boy rancher rode toward them. +There was a sober look on his face. + +"How goes it?" the Kid asked, anxiously. + +"Pretty fair. He's got a chance, I think. Bleeding's stopped. Dick's +got him covered up with a saddle blanket over there a ways. If I get a +crack at Delton----" + +"How'd it happen, Bud?" asked Hawkins quickly. It was evident that he +wanted the boys to control themselves. It was dangerous work they were +about to start, and thought must be clear and quick, unimpeded by +external circumstance. + +"From what I gather from Dick, Billee sneaked up to take a look in one +of the windows, and someone snipped him. He just made the shelter of +the trees and fell unconscious." + +"Well, men, that means we have an additional reason for taking Delton." +Mr. Hawkins looked about him to be sure all were listening. In the +east the red rim of the morning sun was bulging over the horizon. The +time for action had come. + +"Nort, come over here a minute, will you? Hold my bridle rein while I +see if I've got that paper with me." + +The boy, wondering a little, seized the rein while Hawkins went through +his pockets. The agent's eyes were riveted on Nort's hand. It was as +steady as a rock. + +"Never mind--guess I won't need it. All right." Hawkins took the +reins from the boy, satisfied by his little ruse that Nort was not +affected by his lack of sleep. The business before them called for a +firm hand and nerve. + +Hawkins was speaking in a low voice. + +"Can you men all hear what I'm saying? If not, get closer. Now +listen. We've got to figure this thing out, or fail again. And if we +don't take Delton this time, I'm afraid we never will. At least that's +the way it seems to me. Here's what I thought. We'll ask him to +surrender and come with us peaceably. We are bound to do that. They +know by this time that we are on their heels, and can cause trouble for +them if they attempt an escape now. I believe they'll bide their time, +and make a rush for it. That's what we have to be ready for. I'm +going up there with a flag of truce, and demand that they give in to +the law." + +The agent dismounted and, drawing his gun, he tied to the barrel of it +a white handkerchief. + +"You mean to say you're goin' to walk right up there in broad daylight, +after what they did to Billee?" Yellin' Kid asked in a tone of surprise. + +"I am. It's my duty. Besides, it's safe enough. No one but a fool +would shoot a man bearing a white flag, when they're in Delton's +position. It'll go hard enough with them as it is. I have an idea +they might agree to come peaceably. + +"Well I haven't," the Kid said grimly. "The only way we'll get those +skunks out of their hole is to pull them out!" + +Hawkins shrugged his shoulders and prepared to set out. They all +walked to the edge of the trees, and just as the sun burst forth in all +its glory Hawkins started across the open space toward the ranch house. + +The boys watched him with anxious eyes. Would he cross safely, or +would he be shot down like a dog? There was no sign from the ranch +house. All activity had ceased as though the occupants had been frozen +into stillness. Nearer and nearer walked the agent, head up, the gun +with the handkerchief tied on it held in front of him. Still there was +no sign of life inside the house. When the agent reached within ten +feet of the place, the boys saw him stop and look closely at the quiet +house. + +"Hey, you!" he yelled. + +"Nervy guy," the Kid commented, "He might easily get creased, standin' +there yellin'. Me, I wouldn't put it past that bunch!" + +Suddenly a window flew up and a head poked out. It was a stranger, +none of the boys ever having seen the fellow before. + +"What do you want?" the man demanded in a truculent tone. + +"I call upon you to surrender, in the name of the law!" said Hawkins. + +"You what?" Without waiting for an answer, the head drew in but the +window remained open. In a moment the head reappeared. + +"What are you talking about? Why should we surrender?" + +"You're under arrest for smuggling, and for assault and battery with +intent to kill!" + +"You don't say!" The head popped in. Then in a moment---- + +"Who are you--John Law?" + +"I happen to be a federal agent. But I'm not here to give you my +history. Do you surrender?" The boys could hear the sting in the +agent's words. + +"Wait a minute." Once more the head disappeared. This time it stayed +back for some minutes. The watching boys were moving uneasily. +Finally another came to the window--it was Delton. The agent gave no +sign that he knew him. + +"Want to speak to me?" asked Delton, an imperious note in his voice. + +"Makes no difference who I speak to. I want to know if you'll +surrender, and give yourselves over to the law." + +"What for?" + +"You know well enough! Smuggling, and shooting!" + +"It was that bird's own fault that he got shot. What's he want to come +sneaking around for? Serves him right! As for smuggling, who said we +were smugglers?" + +"Never mind about that." The agent was speaking quickly now. "I ask +you once more, do you surrender?" + +Unwittingly Hawkins lowered his gun on which was the flag of truce. +There was a sudden report, and a spurt of dust arose at the agent's +feet. + +"There's our answer!" Delton yelled, and slammed down the window. + +Hawkins wasted no time in returning to the waiting boys. + +"That's that," he said grimly, and he removed the handkerchief from his +gun. "We got to go after them. Kid, where's Billee Dobb resting?" + +"Over there behind that bend. Want me to go over and see how he's +makin' out?" + +"Yes. In the meantime, where's that meat and bread you brought, Nort? +Everybody grab some. Got water over there for Billee, Kid?" + +"Yep; Dick's got a canteen full, and he's got Billee's shoulder tied up +with his shirt. We can't do anything more for him 'til we get home." + +"I hate to think of Billee lying out there hurt," Bud said a trifle +sadly. "Think we all better go over and see him?" + +"No, I don't," Hawkins said decidedly. "The Kid knows what he's +talking about, and if he says we can't do anything more for Billee, +there's no use tracking over there and getting him excited. Here, now, +everybody get some of the food Nort brought." + +"Not so hungry," Bud said, looking longingly toward the window where +they had last seen Delton. + +"Eat anyway, Bud. You'll need it. And stop worrying about Billee. +I'm sure he'll make out all right." + +On his way to the injured man the Kid brought some of the bread and +meat for Dick. The others, though they protested they weren't hungry, +ate as much as Nort carried. All felt better after this refreshment. + +Within five minutes the Kid was back. + +"Better!" he called as he came up. "Dick says he's getting along O. K. +Took some of the food and wanted to know if he could be shifted to +where he could see the fireworks. He's quiet now, though. Dick's +afraid he'll start a hemorrhage if he moves around much." + +"He might, too," Bud agreed. "It's best to keep him as quiet as +possible. Well--when do we start?" + +Hawkins had been standing by the side of his pony. Now he mounted and +faced the house. + +"We start now!" he said. "First we have to decide how to close in. I +think Nort and I had better come in from the left. Kid, you and Bud +get around to the extreme right. In that way we can cover the whole +ground. Nort and I will start first, and try to make the door. + +"When I shoot, you start, Kid. If we can get into the house, the rest +is easy. I know that bunch. Fine when they're on top, but as soon as +anyone gets under their guard, they welch. That's the reason I think +we can make it. But listen--" and the agent's voice dropped. "This is +a mighty risky business. I don't want anyone to get in this against +his will. No telling what may happen. Are you boys willing to take a +chance?" + +Bud was the first to speak. + +"Mr. Hawkins," he said, "I think I know the others well enough to speak +for them. When we started this thing, we did so because it was our +duty, and, I might as well admit it, because of the excitement. Since +then something has happened. Billee Dobb was shot. Are you answered?" + +"I am," said the agent, with an understanding look. "All set then, +boys. Around that way, Bud. Wait for three shots, then close +in--fast. Let's go!" + +Bud and Yellin' Kid started for the right of the house. The moment had +come. Before many more minutes passed, the plan would have either +succeeded, or there would be fewer men able to walk around the ranch +house. Hawkins and Nort drew their guns, and headed their ponies to +the left, throwing them into a gallop. They crouched low in the +saddles. What was in their minds as they made ready for that desperate +charge? Fear? Hardly that. A turmoil of excitement, probably. + +As they dashed out into the open Nort gave a quick glance toward the +window. He could see nothing save darkness within. It took but a few +seconds for them to reach the side of the house. Hawkins looked over +at Nort. The boy nodded. Now! + +They raced madly toward the house. Bang! A shot rang out, and a puff +of smoke came from one of the windows. Nort's hat went sailing away as +though it were on a string. Bang! Nort saw the agent's pony falter, +then recover and go dashing on. Now they were almost to the house. It +had seemed as though one of them surely would be hit, for they were +speeding across perfectly open territory and the occupants of the house +were firing rapidly. + +But, somehow, luck was with them. They reached the porch safely. And +just as Hawkins was about to give the signal for Bud and the Kid to +attack, he saw something that stayed his hand. + +From the rear of the house a volume of black smoke was pouring. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +A RING OF FIRE + +"Wait, Nort!" Hawkins yelled. "Stick close to the house! Get in +close! Not the front--this way! This way!" + +He pulled his horse over to one side and held him as near the side wall +of the ranch house as he could get. Nort followed him, also hugging +the wall. In that way they were protected from the bullets of Delton's +men. + +"See what happened?" the agent exclaimed. "The place is on fire! Now +they've got to get out, and they'll run right into our hands. How I +hope the Kid has sense enough to stay away and nab them when they come +out!" + +The smoke was billowing out in huge clouds, now. It was a frame house, +and a firetrap if there ever was one. Now the flames licked through, +and the boards started to burn as though they had been soaked with +gasoline. + +"Can you sneak around the corner and signal to Bud?" suggested Hawkins. +"Tell him to stay back. Wonder how in thunder this fire ever got +going?" + +Nort walked his mount toward the front, still keeping as close to the +side of the house as possible. All gun-fire from within the burning +place had now ceased, but the boy was taking no chances. There were +but two windows on that side of the house, and their rooms were not +occupied, so that as long as the ranchers kept hugging the wall they +could not be shot at. The firing as they approached had evidently been +done from an angle. + +Hawkins's horse was prancing wildly about. His eyes were focused upon +the tongues of flame that spurted out of the rear of the building. + +"They can't stay in there much longer!" Hawkins yelled. "How about +their ponies? Know where they keep them?" + +"Easy to find out. Let's do it--quick. We ought to get around to +where the Kid and Bud are and join forces. Ready?" + +Hawkins nodded, and once more the two flashed across the open ground, +this time away from the danger zone. But there was no need for such +haste, for not a shot followed them. + +"The horses!" Nort yelled as he rode up. "Get them, Bud, and Delton +won't have a dog's chance!" + +"Got 'em!" Bud answered. "Soon as we saw the fire I went to where they +had them tethered and led 'em over here. There they are, by that tree. +Say, I wonder who started this thing?" + +"What makes you think someone started it?" Hawkins asked, looking at +him closely. + +"Well, I figure it couldn't set itself--and it's not likely an accident +would happen." + +"Can't tell--like as not a lamp turned over. Wow, look at that roof +go! Where can those birds be keeping themselves? What chance have +they got now?" + +"Probably trying to put it out from inside. Foolish thing to do, but +they know as soon as they come out they're finished. I wouldn't +deliberately set the place on fire, but it sure solved our problem for +us." + +As the fire raged more fiercely, the ranchers looked at each other. +What had happened to Delton? Could it be that he determined to stick +it out until the last moment, and risk a horrible death? Surely he +must realize that in peaceful surrender lay his only hope. + +Suddenly Bud uttered a cry. + +"Here comes someone! Out of the cellar! Look!" Running toward them +was a bedraggled figure. Clothes torn, face blackened with smoke, it +presented a truly pitiful picture. As it ran it waved its arms wildly. +Something in the appearance, or possibly its gesture, caused Bud to +exclaim: + +"Say, he looks familiar! Kid, Nort--know who that is?" + +The boys looked curiously at the wretched man. Now he was almost upon +them, and they could see his eyes glaring wildly. He reached them and +fell to the ground, exhausted. Bud dismounted quickly and bent over +him. + +"Get up!" he commanded. "Let's have a look at you!" The man dragged +himself to his feet. At a sight of his face, blackened as it was by +the smoke, all started back. + +"Well, what do you know about that!" the Kid cried. "It's our Mexican +cook!" + +"What are you doing here?" Nort asked sharply. "You with Delton? Hey? +Tell the truth now or I'll hit you!" + +"He can't talk!" Bud protested. "Give him a chance. He's all in. +Come here, Mex." The boy held out his arm and the Mexican seized it +and steadied himself. "Were you with Delton?" Bud asked. + +The Mexican shook his head negatively. Then he pointed to the burning +building and waved his arms wildly. + +"Steady up!" Bud commanded. "Take it easy!" + +The man took a deep breath and regained control of himself. But his +gestures were still inexplainable. After a minute of vain +gesticulating the Kid suddenly exclaimed: + +"I think I get it! Mex, listen here: Did you set that fire?" + +A vigorous nod of the head. The boys looked at each other in surprise. + +"What for?" + +The Mexican pointed to himself, then held up two fingers. Then he +pointed to the house, and shook his fist. + +"Be means his brother!" the Kid said. "What about him, Mex? Did +Delton get hold of him?" + +Another nod, and more furious gestures. + +"I see!" cried the Kid. "He means Delton put his brother up to some +dirty work. That right, Mex?" + +Eagerly the man signified yes. + +"And he did this to get back at him. But where is Delton, Mex? Why +doesn't he come out? He'll be burned to death in there!" + +The fire had eaten its way through to the front of the house and now +the whole upper story was ablaze. It seemed impossible that any living +creature could withstand those flames. + +"Where's Delton, Mex?" the Kid persisted. + +The cook pointed to the house then to the ground. + +"The cellar!" Bud cried. "He means they're hiding in the cellar! +That's the reason they can stay in there so long. We should have +thought of that before." + +"They'll soon be out," spoke Hawkins a trifle grimly. "The fire is +reaching the lower story. We may expect a rush any minute now." + +The men were standing in a group at the edge of the trees. With the +house directly in front of them, and the country about perfectly flat, +there was no chance of anyone escaping unseen. The flames mounted +higher. There was a certain amount of awe in the faces of all as they +thought of the tortures a person would endure if he were trapped in +that furnace. And for all they knew, men might be burning to death in +front of them! It was a harrowing situation. Even though they had +shot Billee Dobb, it was an inhuman thing to wish, or even think, of +them being caught in a burning building. + +If they would only come out, even though they came shooting! Bud saw a +huge tongue of flame shoot out of the roof. + +"I can't stand this any longer!" he shouted. "Those men must be +burning to death! I can't stay here and watch that. I'm going to----" + +"But what can you do?" Nort asked. "They want to stay there until +they're good and ready to leave. I don't see how we can help them. +Certainly I don't want to see anyone burned to death, but I don't think +we can do anything, except go in and get them, which we can't do; and +if they won't come out, they won't." + +"Perhaps they're trapped!" + +"You'd know it if they were. They'd yell or something. No matter how +much they want to escape, they won't risk getting burned. No man +would." + +"Then why don't they come out?" Bud persisted. + +"Ask me something easier! Maybe the Mex can tell us something about +it. Hey, Mex! Why they no come out?" + +But this time the cook shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands wide +in a gesture expressing ignorance. They could get no information there. + +"I'm going to ride over and see!" Bud exclaimed, a ring of +determination in his voice. + +"Well, if you want to--then I'll go with you. Kind of wonder where +they are myself." This from Nort. + +They had to force their horses to head toward the fire. The sparks +were flying high, and the heat could be plainly felt even at the +distance the boys stood. But finally Bud and Nort got the ponies +started. + +The animals approached the fire with mincing steps. The boys had to +force them continually onward, for no beast will go toward fire +willingly. A few more steps and Nort said: + +"Say, Bud, there's not much point in this. The broncs will never go +near enough for us to see anything. What say we get off and walk? I +don't think there's much chance of Delton shooting at us. If we really +want to find out anything we better get off these horses." + +"Guess that's right," agreed Bud as his mount reared high. "Fast, +though--snap to it, Nort!" + +The boys turned their ponies away from the fire and rode swiftly back. +They dismounted and without hesitation, ran again to the burning house. +They made for the side, from where the Mexican cook had staggered out. + +"There ought to be an entrance to the cellar about here," Bud panted as +he ran on. "The Mex said they were down there!" + +As they neared the building they saw that this was so. A small door +indicated the way to the cellar. The heat was tremendous, and Nort +wondered if their errand hadn't been in vain. It didn't seem possible +that there living creatures were voluntarily remaining within. + +Just as Nort was about to tell Bud his thought, a figure emerged and +staggered toward them. It was the man who had protested at Delton's +treatment of Bud when the boy had been taken, bound, to this very +house. The man was in sad case. His breath was coming in sobs, and he +maintained an upright position only by a supreme effort. One side of +his face was badly burned. + +"Help--" he gasped. "Help--men in there----" + +"What is it? Speak quick!" Bud commanded. "Can't they get out? Are +they in danger?' + +"Trapped! Delton--in there--can't move--hit on the head----" + +The next moment the man collapsed at their feet, unconscious. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD + +"Quick, Nort! Pull him back out of the heat and call the others! +We've got to save those men!" + +"What's the matter?" Dick cried as he came up. "Aren't they out of +that furnace yet?" + +"No--they're trapped inside! We've got to get them out! Billee +Dobb--is--is he dead?" + +"No--he's better! He insisted on my coming over when he saw the smoke. +Thought I might be needed. No time for talk now--we've got to get +busy!" + +"It's sure death to enter that!" Hawkins cried as another huge tongue +of flame shot heavenward, sending the boys reeling back. "You'll only +throw your lives away!" + +"I can't help it--we must do something! We can't see them burned to +death!" + +At that moment Bud felt a tug at his sleeve. He jerked around. At his +elbow was the Mexican cook. He motioned to himself, then toward the +cellar. Then he leaped forward. + +"Follow him!" Bud cried. "He knows how to get in safely!" + +With a rush the others were on the heels of the Mexican. + +"Someone has got to stay here--help them out if we do get them!" +exclaimed Hawkins. "Nort--you and Dick wait!" + +Bud was directly behind the Mexican. He saw the man disappear down +into the smoke, and taking a full breath, the boy followed. He found +himself below ground, and for a moment hesitated to get his bearings. +The air was choking, but the heat was not intolerable. The fire had +not quite reached the lower floor. + +There was no time to be lost, for any minute the building might +collapse and bury them. Bud plunged on. He could see faintly now, and +he caught a glimpse of a figure in front of him, beckoning. + +"Go--ahead!" the boy gasped. "Coming!" + +A few steps further and he stumbled against a door. At his side was +the Mexican, pointing. Bud pushed frantically, but the door refused to +budge. Then he found the reason. It was bolted. + +"You--you locked them in! You inhuman----" + +He saw the Mexican shrug his shoulders. Even in the burning building +the Latin's philosophical mind did not desert him. + +Bud struggled with the bolt. It stuck. He strove with all his +strength--and the door flew open. The boy stumbled in. His foot +struck a body stretched upon the floor. + +He reached down and lifted the unconscious man to his shoulder. Behind +him he heard a voice. It was that of Yellin' Kid. + +"Give him here!" The Kid seized the limp form and passed it to someone +at his side. "We'll get 'em out like a bucket-brigade! Pass 'em to +me, Bud!" + +Through the smoke Bud groped his way. His hand encountered another +body. In a moment he lifted the man and passed him to the Kid. His +head felt as if it were bursting, but on he struggled, seeking, hands +outstretched. He passed another body out to the Kid. Another. Then +he heard a moan and turned toward it. A man lay against the wall. His +hands moved feebly, and even in the smoke and gloom Bud, could see +blood streaming from a cut on his head. The boy bent over and grasped +the man's arm. His face was within an inch of the other's. + +"Delton!" + +The boy's cry was involuntary. Here, under his very hands, was the man +who was the cause of their misfortunes--who had committed crimes, no +telling how many, and who had perhaps shot one of their comrades. And +yet Bud was risking his life to save this creature. Was it fair to +ask----? + +A low moan came from the wretched figure. Bud looked for a long moment +at the blood-stained face. Then with a sudden heave he lifted him and +staggered to the door. + +"I'll take him!" he gasped to the Kid, who had reached for the burden. +"See if there are any more!" + +He heard Yellin' Kid smashing against the walls in an effort to locate +other senseless figures. Then he followed Bud. + +"Can't find any more. Ask the Mex how many----" + +The cook heard the inquiry and flung his arms wide, indicating that the +rest had made their escape. The Kid, gasping, plunged out into the +open. + +As he gulped in great mouthfuls of the welcome fresh air the Kid heard +a sudden crash. He turned quickly. A shower of sparks and flames shot +into the air, like the eruption of a volcano. There was another roar, +and the next moment the building was in ruins. The walls had +collapsed, and nothing remained of the structure but a pile of embers. +With horror written on his face, the Kid looked wildly about him. + +"Bud!" he almost screamed. "Bud--is he in there? Get him out--get +him----" + +"All right, Kid--all right--" said a voice by his side. It was Bud. +The Kid stared at him for a long minute, with a suspicious moisture in +his eyes. Then he laid his hand on Bud's shoulder. + +"Thought--you were--" he said in a husky voice. And he did a strange +yet a boyish thing. He withdrew his hand from Bud's shoulder and +planted it hard under the other's ribs. + +"Baby!" he exclaimed. "We sure did clean up that place! Threw them +out like bags of corn. Anybody hurt bad?" + +The two, their faces blackened and with clothes torn, walked toward the +group of men gathered about the injured. They saw the forms stretched +on the ground, and for a moment feared that their rescue work had been +in vain. + +The boy ranchers looked at the figure upon the ground. The man groaned +and opened his eyes. He stared straight into the eyes of Bud. For a +moment hostility glared out at the boy, then Delton half closed his +eyes as though he were trying to think. The men gathered about were +quiet, watching their prisoner. He wet his lips with his tongue. + +"Thanks," he murmured, and held out his hand with a feeble gesture. +Bud reached down and grasped it with a smile. + +"Don't mention it," the boy said quickly. Then he straightened up and +looked over to Mr. Hawkins. "Say, are you thinking the same thing I +am?" he asked the agent. + +"You mean, where are the Chinks? You bet I'm wondering that! Wait, I +believe I can find out. Hey, Mex!" The agent called to the cook who +was standing on the edge of the group. "Come here! You know him?" + +He pointed to a man seated on the ground, leaning against a tree, with +one of his sleeves burned entirely away. The arm was scorched. But +with his other hand the man was calmly holding a cigarette. + +The Mexican cook looked at him and then nodded briefly. + +"He's your brother, isn't he?" + +Another careless nod. + +"Then you ask him what became of the Chinks!" + +"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Dick wanted to know. + +"Tried it--won't answer. I think his brother can make him talk." + +This proved to be correct. The cook bent over his brother and made a +few rapid motions with his fingers. The seated man muttered something. +Again the cook's fingers moved. This time his brother answered more at +length, and the cook walked in the direction of a small shed, motioning +to the others to follow. Nort and Mr. Hawkins trailed along behind. +When they reached the shack the cook pointed to it. + +"In there?" the agent asked doubtfully. It didn't seen large enough to +hold more than two men. It had probably been used to shelter a calf +when the place had been run by a farmer. + +The Mexican nodded. Hawkins stepped to the small door and jerked it +open. A bundled-up mass of humanity almost tumbled into his arms, and +when they untangled themselves, there were not two Chinese, but five! + +"How in thunderation did you all ever get in there?" Nort inquired +wonderingly. "Hey, you! Quiet down! We're not going to hurt you. +What do you think this is, a circus? Gee! They were like sardines!" + +The Chinese were as excited as rabbits, and chattered away in evident +fear. None of them spoke English, and it was some time before they +could be made to understand that no harm was intended them. + +As the agent returned to the little group of wounded and others, he saw +them centered about something and all talking at once. He quickened +his pace and in a moment saw the cause of the commotion. + +"Billee Dobb!" he exclaimed. "Golly, I'm glad to see you moving again! +How did you get over here?" + +"Dick and Yellin' Kid carried me," the veteran rancher answered with a +smile. "Like a silly baby! They jest lifted me up an' brung me along. +Said I had to see the last act, anyway." + +"How are you feeling?" Hawkins asked anxiously. "I wanted to go to you +soon as I heard about it, but I couldn't, Billee." + +"Sure, I know you couldn't. I was all right. Dick stayed by me until +I had to threaten him with a six-gun to get him to help you people. +Why, I'm feelin' O. K. now. Jest got me in the shoulder. Laid me out +for a spell--I ain't as young as I was--why, I remember the time when I +got an arrow full in the side--didn't phase me none--went right on and +got the guy that shot it--I was a man in them days--I remember----" + +"Now, Billee, take it easy," Bud said gently. "Tell us all about it +later. You got lots of time. Thirsty?" + +"A leettle," the rancher replied with a sigh. Bud leaned over and held +his canteen to the other's lips. Billee took a long drink and sighed +again. "Tired," he said weakly. "Want to sleep." + +He lay back on the blanket. Bud drew the edges over him and motioned +the others away. "Let him sleep. Best thing in the world for him. +We'll take him back later. I don't want to move him until that wound +gets good and quiet." + +"What about these others?" Nort inquired. "We want to get them out of +the way. There are five men who can't walk. Then there's two more who +managed to get out without being burned. They're here too. We've got +to get them all back some way. Can't walk them, and we haven't enough +horses. What do you think, Mr. Hawkins?" + +"Let me see," the agent said. "It is a problem, Nort. Bud, have you a +suggestion? The sooner we can get the bunch to town the quicker we'll +get something hot to eat. And a little sleep wouldn't harm us any. +Think of anything, Bud?" + +"Well, if--" The boy stopped and listened intently. In the distance +he heard the sounds of horses. Then as they approached nearer the +creaking noise of a wagon traveling fast came to him. The next moment +all heard a voice yelling: + +"Get along there, boys! Watch it--watch it! Pete, you spavin-back +cayuse, come out of that! Quit side-steppin'! At a baby--now yore +goin'! Out of that hole! Out of it! Pete! Pete! You dog-eared +knock-kneed bleary-eyed paint, if you don't swing wide I'll skin you +alive! You, Pete!" + +A rattling buckboard popped into view like the presiding genius of a +jack-in-the-box. + +"It's our friend from town--from the store!" Nort exclaimed. + +"Yes, and look who's with him!" Bud yelled. "It's Dad! Yea, Dad! +Golly, I'm glad you came! You're just in time!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +YELLIN' KID FINDS HIS BRONC + +The wagon came to a sudden stop, and Mr. Merkel jumped out. + +"Hello, son! Howdy, boys! Say--what happened here? Bud--how did you +get burned? You hurt?" There was a note of anxiety in the father's +voice. + +"Not a bit, Dad! Just blackened up a little. Had a fire, and we had +to pull some men out. Look at that!" + +The boy pointed to the mass of embers that was once a house. The fire +had died down until now there was only glowing bits of wood left. It +had started quickly and ended as suddenly. + +"Anybody seriously burned?" Mr. Merkel looked at his son keenly, as +though to satisfy himself that he was uninjured. The father's glance +evidently convinced him that Bud was all right, for he turned quickly +and said to the others: + +"Where's Billee Dobb? I don't see him." + +"Billee is the one who is really hurt, Uncle," Nort answered. "He's +got a piece of lead in his shoulder. He's asleep now--be all right +later, I think." + +"Shot! The rascals! They'll suffer for that! You want to get Billee +to a doctor as soon as possible, before infection sets in. We'll bring +him back in the wagon." + +"How did you happen to come here, Dad?" Bud asked curiously. "I didn't +think you knew where we were." + +"I didn't, exactly. I have a confession to make, Bud. You weren't +sent out here to herd sheep. You were sent to do just what you did--to +capture the smugglers." + +"But--but why didn't you tell us?" + +"I couldn't, Bud. I gave my word to the government that I'd not let on +the reason I was sending you out here. You see, no one could tell just +what would happen. If you knew that you were sent to go after +smugglers, and you went after the wrong gang, things would be in a +pretty mess. So they concluded that it was best to leave you in the +dark. I'll admit I favored telling you, boys, but as it turned out, +the other way may have been best. Even as it was, I let slip something +about it. And when you weren't at the ranch I figured you might be in +this direction. I sort of suspected this place. Well, all's well that +ends well. Now what, boys?" + +"If we can get that wild buckboard man to drive slowly, we have a load +of passengers to take back. Oh, say, Dad, do you know Mr. Hawkins? I +don't know whether you--" Bud paused suggestively. + +"Yes, indeed," Mr. Merkel said with a smile. "We're old friends. He +came to me long ago and arranged most of this scheme. Sorry we had to +do it, boys--but the government seems to know its business!" + +"I'm glad you look at it in that light, Mr. Merkel," the agent said as +he shook hands. "We have to be very, very careful--and a slip that may +seem trivial to others may mean success or failure to us. But let me +say that these boys have more than come up to expectations. I have +never seen a better----" + +"Hey, hey, take it easy!" the Kid laughed. "It might go to our heads. +But one thing, Mr. Hawkins. It's about----" + +"I know--the reward! And you get it, too, boys. As soon as we get to +town I'll give you a check that's in my office safe. You have +certainly earned it." + +"Now we can get a new bunch of longhorns!" shouted Dick gleefully. +"Great stuff! That's worth going without a night's sleep for!" + +"And the radio," Nort broke in. "We get that, too!" + +"You and your sparkin' outfit," Yellin' Kid scoffed. "You want music +with your grub, I guess!" + +"Say, Mr. Hawkins, what's the penalty for smuggling in this state?" Bud +inquired. "I just wondered----" + +"Ten years," the agent answered briefly. "Delton's due for quite a +long stretch. He'll have time to think over his errors." + +"Ten years," Bud said musingly. "Ten years in jail! Mr. Hawkins, if +we testified that Delton wasn't so bad as he's supposed to be, and +that----" + +The boy stopped. Hawkins looked at him long and hard. Then he walked +over and held out his hand. + +"Son," he said simply, "that's the whitest thing I've ever seen a man +do. I'll try to fix it up for you. We'll do what we can to lighten +his sentence." + +"Thanks," Bud said gratefully. + +"Well, when do we start?" Mr. Merkel asked. "If you men are hungry, +we'd better get going. Did I understand you to say we'd have a load +going back, Bud?" + +"And then some! Now let's see how we can arrange this. Billee Dobb +goes back in the buckboard. And so do the others who are badly hurt. +How many do you think can ride, Kid? You know we've got their horses +at the back, and some can come along on them." + +"Figure Delton and two of those other guys should go in the wagon. The +rest can fork the broncs. They're able. Well, let's get those fellers +that are going along with this wild man in the wagon. Think you can +take it easy a short spell?" Yellin' Kid asked the grinning driver. + +"Sure! Like an am-bu-lance. They'll never know they're ridin'." + +"All right. Now about these Chinks. Guess they'll have to get along +on the ponies." + +"But maybe they can't ride," Nort suggested. + +"Maybe they can't--but they're gonna take a lesson right now! Their +first an' last. Let's get hold of Billee an' lift him in the wagon. +Still asleep?" + +"Yep. Easy now. That does it----" + +As they raised the form of the old rancher he stirred uneasily. Then +he opened his eyes. + +"Boss!" he exclaimed. "What do you think of me bein' carried around +this way. Wait a minute, boys, I can walk. I want to----" + +"You're to lay right still," admonished Yellin' Kid. "Think we want +you bleedin' all over the landscape? Now go slow, an' Mr. Merkel will +shake hands with you when we get you in the wagon." + +"How are you, Billee?" the cattle owner asked warmly. "Heard you had +an accident! Well, we'll feed you up good for a couple of days and +you'll soon be on horseback again." + +"Sure will! Can't say I like this lyin' down idea. But the boys won't +let me get up." + +The buckboard carrying Billee and the other injured men went first, and +the rest of the procession followed, with Mr. Hawkins and Dick in the +extreme rear, to see that everything went well. And thus they started +for town. + +They had scarcely gotten under way when all heard the sound of a horse +behind them. They turned and saw a riderless pony galloping toward +them. + +"What the mischief--" Bud cried out as he saw the horse nearing them. +"He wants to visit! Look--his halter has been broken. Must be a +runaway. I wonder----" + +"Runaway nothin'!" yelled the Kid. "He's comin' home! That's my +bronc!" + +The horse made straight for Yellin' Kid. + +"Look at that--knows me! Well! Well! Well! Come home to papa! My +bronc, sure as you're a foot high! See that spot above his eye? I'd +know it in a million! Come here, baby--where you been? Huh? I been +lookin' all over for you." + +There was a sudden exclamation from one of the smugglers who was riding +in front of the Kid. + +"Got away!" the man muttered. "Thought I tied her----" + +"So-o-o you're the coot that had her, hey? An' you tied her up tight, +hey? So she couldn't get loose? Well, let me tell you that this +little paint can bust _any_ halter, if she wants to. Can't you, baby? +By golly, I----" + +"Sing it, Kid, sing it!" Dick laughed. "Do you tuck her in bed at +night, too?" + +"Well, she's the best bronc I ever had!" the Kid said definitely. "An' +I'm goin' to ride her in. Dick, hang on to this pony, will you? Lead +her in for me. Well!" As he got into the saddle of his own mount. +"Here we are again, baby! Now I won't need that other horse that you +were goin' to get me, Mr. Hawkins. 'Scuse me a minute, boys----" + +He threw the bronc into a gallop and tore across the plain. Then he +wheeled and came rushing back. + +"He's happy," Nort said with a grin. "Never expected to see his bronc +again, and she runs right into his hands. Hey, you--where did you keep +her?" + +"Around the side," the man who had spoken before answered with a scowl. +"Thought I might need her in a hurry. His horse, was it? Well, he was +ridin' mine. A fair exchange is no robbery. Now he's got her back +he's got no kick comin'." + +"Hasn't, hey? Don't know about that. If he finds any marks on her----" + +"She wasn't touched," the man said quickly. "Fast enough without that." + +"Lucky for you," Nort commented, meaningly. + +After his mad dash the Kid returned in easier fashion. And so the +strange procession wended its way back to Roaring River. It took them +rather a long time to get there, as the buckboard had to be driven +slowly on account of the injured. True to his promise, the young "wild +man" held his verbally much-abused horses down to a walk. + +The smugglers were removed to jail, with the assurance from the warden +that those who were injured would be treated by a local doctor. The +Chinese were also jailed, to be held for the federal officers. +Deportment, first back to Mexico, and, eventually, back to China was +their portion. They seemed to realize it, for they were a sad and +silent bunch. + +Billee Dobb was given a room to himself in the ranch house where he +could rest and get well, and then the others washed up and "filled up," +as Nort expressed it. + +"Now comes the reward," said Mr. Hawkins, and he arranged to have it +paid to the Boy Ranchers, with Yellin' Kid and Billee Dobb sharing in +it. There was an additional reward for capturing the smuggled Chinese +as well as the smugglers, so there was a fund large enough for all to +share. + +"Let's go up and see Billee now," proposed Bud, when they had eaten and +quieted down. + +They found the old rancher restlessly picking at the coverlet of his +bed, his weather-tanned face in strange contrast to the white pillow +cases. As the boys and Mr. Merkel entered, Billee grinned. + +"Fust time I ever been t' bed by daylight in seventeen years," he said. +"Don't know what to do with myself. Now if Snake Purdee was only here, +he could----" + +"An' here I am!" exclaimed a voice outside the door. "Hello, Billee! +Heard you was receivin' callers an' I came right over. What'll you +have--a song? All right, boys--come on in! Billee wants us to sing +for him!" + +Into the room shuffled Billee's companions of Diamond X: Slim Degnan, +Fat Milton, and the rest. + +"Hello, Billee!" + +"Howdy, you old de-teck-a-tive you!" + +"How's it feel to be a hero?" + +"Now boys--are you ready? Ta da--let's go!" + +They all joined in the song. And as Billee Dobb "smiled a smile" that +reached to the corners of the room, the notes of "Bury Me Not On the +Lone Prairie, With Variations," filled the house and flowed over into +the outer air. And Billee Dobb just lay there, smiling and smiling. + +As for the Boy Ranchers--they were happy, too. They had done a good +job. They had covered themselves with glory. + +"And maybe there are other jobs ahead," remarked Bud. + + + + +THE END + + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Ranchers on Roaring River, by +Willard F. 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