ted to two cowboys who had recently come from Diamond X
to augment the guard at Spur Creek.

"Aw, Billee!" objected one. "We don't want t' stay here!"

"Have a heart, old man, an' let us come with you!" pleaded the other.
"They won't be nothin' doin' here! Them sheep herders have just seen
that we're on guard an' they've gone back home t' report. They won't
arrive an' be able t' git any sheep here 'fore we can mosey back if we
have to."

"That's right!" joined in the first newcomer who had spoken. "Take us
along, Billee!"

"Wa'al," said Billee slowly, as if in doubt, "I don't know how much
help they'll need back at Diamond X----"

"Better not take any chances," said Snake Purdee.

"I don't believe the sheep men will come back here again very soon,"
was Yellin' Kid's usual loud-voiced opinion.

"All right--come along then," conceded Billee, and the two cowboys who
were on the verge of being left behind rode with the others. It was
fast riding, too, for when word comes in that cattle stealers are in
the neighborhood of any ranch, it behooves those charged with the
safety of men and animals to be on the "jump." There is always more or
less theft going on among the western cattle ranches but most of it is
on such a small scale that drastic action is not often taken. No
ranchman missed an occasional animal, which may be "lifted" because of
dire hunger, perhaps, on the part of some needy person.

But when a "bunch" of valuable steers is driven off and when there are
indications that an organized attempt is being made to steal more, this
shows the presence of cattle rustlers, and concerted action must be
taken against them.

It was this thought that was in the minds of all who thus rode
"sweatin' leather" from Spur Creek toward Diamond X ranch, and from the
glances that each member of the party cast, now and then, at the
weapons swinging at their sides in the big holsters, it was evident
that if shooting was to be a part of the game, they would be ready for
it.

"Things are livening up a bit, aren't they?" remarked Nort to Bud as
the boys rode side by side.

"That's the way they ought to be," declared Dick. "I hate sitting
around and waiting for something to happen."

"We didn't have to wait very long," chuckled Bud.

"That's right," agreed Nort. "Wonder who it is that's been after your
dad's cattle now?" he ventured.

"Maybe some of the old gang--maybe a new one," replied Bud. "You never
can tell."