ng a half dozen hens
scratching about below.

Lifting his eyes, he glanced out over the plain. The men at the table
heard a sharply-indrawn breath. It was immediately changed into a low
whistling, however, and they gave their attention again to the map.

Alex had discovered three horsemen heading for the ranch from the north.
And the leading pony he would have known in a hundred. It was Little
Hawk's heavily-mottled horse.

That they were coming to his assistance--that someone had heard the
knocking on the wire--he had not a doubt.

The horsemen were still some distance out of hearing. Ceasing the
whistling, Alex glanced casually toward the table. Seated in chairs, the
two men were still deeply engrossed in the plan before them, talking in
low voices.

When on turning back to the window Alex recognized the second horseman as
Superintendent Finnan, he shot a further glance toward the K. & Z. man at
the table, and a smile of anticipation and delight overspread his face.

Then suddenly it occurred to him that in a few minutes the hoofbeats of
the on-coming horses would be heard, and that Bennet would have time to
get to the door and escape.

He must halt his rescuers, and signal them to approach on foot!

A moment Alex thought, then casually remarking to the cowman, "I'm going
to open the window. It's hot," unlatched and swung the sash inward. The
move passed unnoticed, and leaning out he pretended to call the chickens.

What he was in reality doing was energetically waving his handkerchief
backwards and forwards below, making the railroad "stop" signal.

The horsemen came on. If they came much farther they would be heard!

He paused, and waved again, more energetically. The third horseman pulled
up. Quickly Alex followed with the signal to "come ahead with caution."
The rear pony spurred forward, pulled up beside the second, and
apparently at a call, the Indian also halted. On Alex repeating the last
signal, all dismounted, and he knew he had been understood.

Leaving their horses where they were, the three men came on at a quick
walk. Alex, continuing to talk to the hens, could scarcely contain his
secret delight.

When his rescuers were within a hundred yards of the cabin, he once more
signalled caution, and they continued stealthily, revolvers in hand.

They reached the corner of the house, unheard by the men at the table.
The superintendent raised his eyebrows questioningly. Alex glanced over
his shoul