and re-string the cut wire, which plainly
showed marks of cutting pliers, Dick simply connected one severed end
with the other, using a piece of copper he had brought from the shack
for this purpose.

"Too bad we haven't one of those portable sets so we could cut in and
see if everything was working," observed Bud, when the break was mended.

"Yes," agreed Dick. "We'll have to wait until we get back to the fort
to make a test and see if we can talk."

"It's nearer to go on to our ranch," said Bud. For the break in the
wire had been discovered more than half way to Diamond X.

"Yes, it's nearer, but we can't take any chances," objected Dick. "We
may be needed to help Snake and Kid."

"That's so," agreed Bud. "I forgot about that. We'll go back to the
fort and see if we can call up the ranch."

They made better time on the return trip, for they did not have to ride
slowly along looking for a break in the wire. On the way they
speculated as to what might have happened during their absence in
chasing the cattle rustlers.

"All we're sure of is that they cut the telephone wire," said Bud.

"But there's no telling what they may have laid plans for," added Dick.
"I guess those sheep men are smarter than we gave them credit for."

"It does seem so," admitted Bud. "We'll have to match our wits against
theirs when it comes to a show-down--seeing who's going to keep this
rich grazing land."

"One thing in our favor is that we're in possession," said Dick, as he
patted his pony's neck.

"But one thing against us--or against dad, which is the same thing,"
said Bud, "is that his papers proving possession are stolen. And these
sheep men seem to know that."

"Yes," agreed Dick, "they seem to know it all right."

They returned to the fort on the bank of Spur Creek just before dark,
and, to their delight, found the telephone in working order. For the
ranch had called the cabin, Mr. Merkel wanting to know how matters were
at Spur Creek.

He complained of having tried several times to get into communication
with the fort, and he had guessed there was a broken wire but he had
not suspected it was cut. Then, when he tried again, he found
communication restored. This, of course, was after Dick and Bud had
found and mended the break.

Nort had not yet reached the ranch at the time his father finally found
the telephone working. But the need of help was told of over the
restored wire, and several cowboys were at o