speed was needed--and
the race was quickly taken up.

And while it is on I will beg a moment or so of the time of my new
readers to make them acquainted with the heroes of this story. As
related in the first book of this series, called "The Boy Ranchers; or
Solving the Mystery at Diamond X," Nort and Dick Shannon, eastern
cousins of Bud Merkel, went to the ranch of his father, Diamond X, to
spend their vacation. While there certain mysterious happenings
occurred. Dr. Hendryx Wright, a college scientist, with a party of
helpers, was discovered digging not far from Diamond X. At first it
was thought he was after a lost gold mine, but later it was disclosed
that he was after the bones of a prehistoric monster for the college
museum.

The part that Del Pinzo, a rascally half-breed, played in this search
and the activities of the boy ranchers, are fully set forth. Nort and
Dick liked it so at Diamond X that they took up their home with Bud,
and became partners with him, their father buying them a share in a
ranch located in "Happy Valley," as the boys called it.

Following the exciting times related in the first volume, the boy
ranchers went to camp, they took the trail and also helped pursue a
band of Yaqui Indians who escaped from their Mexican reservation, and
the details of those activities will be found in the volumes
specifically named for each line of activity. The book immediately
preceding this is called "The Boy Ranchers Among the Indians; or, On
the Trail of the Yaquis."

They had not long returned from helping to defeat these marauders, and
rescue Rosemary and her brother Floyd, when the news came about the
government lands being thrown open. Then had followed the alarm in the
night, and the chase, which was now on.

Forward toward the two lone figures spurred the boy ranchers and their
cowboy companions. Several more shots rang out, slivers of flame
spitting harmlessly into the air, for until more was known of the
character of the fugitives, no one desired to fire directly at them.
Though in the West it was the custom to shoot first and inquire
afterward, Slim Degnan knew it was not always a wise policy. Innocent
men might be injured.

However the two fugitives were either such poor riders, or their steeds
were so tired, or, possibly, it was a combination of both causes, that
the outfit from Diamond X was not long in overhauling them.

"Look out for shots!" warned Snake Purdee, who was now in t