try over which they were riding was the scene of the
Thornburg battle-field. The Indians had lain in ambush and waited for the
troops to come over the brow of the rise. At the first volley the
commander of the soldiers had fallen mortally wounded. The whites, taken
by surprise, fell back in disorder. The Utes moved up on them from both
sides and the trapped men fled.

"Must 'a' been right about here Thornburg was shot," explained Dud.
"Charley Mason was one o' the soldiers an' he told me all about it.
Captain Jack was in charge of this bunch of Utes. Seems he had signal
fires arranged with those at the agency an' they began their attacks at
the same time. Charley claimed they didn't know there was Injuns within
twenty miles when the bullets began to sing. Says he ran five miles
before he took a breath."

Bob looked around apprehensively. History might repeat itself. At this
very moment the Utes might be lying in the draw ready to fire on them. He
was filled with a sudden urgent desire to get through with their job and
turn the heads of their ponies toward Bear Cat.

"Makes a fellow feel kinda squeamish," Dud said. "Let's move, Bob."

They carried the word to the settlers on the creek and turned in the
direction of Bear Cat. They reached town late and found the place
bustling with excitement. Families of settlers were arriving in wagons
and on horseback from all directions. There were rumors that the Indians
were marching on the town. A company of militia had been ordered to the
scene by the Governor of the State and was expected to arrive on the
second day from this.

Camp-fires were burning in the park plaza and round them were grouped
men, women, and children in from the ranches. On all the roads leading to
town sentries were stationed. Others walked a patrol along the riverbank
and along the skirts of the foothills.

Three or four cowpunchers had been celebrating the declaration of war. In
the community was a general feeling that the Utes must be put down once
for all. In spite of the alarm many were glad that the unrest had come to
an issue at last.

Bob and Dud tied their horses to a hitching-rack and climbed the fence
into the park. Blister came out of the shadows to meet them.

"W-whad I tell you, Texas man?" he asked of Bob. "Show-down at last, like
I said."

Into the night lifted a startled yell. "Here come the Injuns!"

Taut nerves snapped. Wails of terror rose here and there. A woman
fainted. The