m. I thought Nails said there were
twenty," exclaimed Bill.

"So there were till Lawrence joined us," rejoined his father.
"Thank goodness, my short-horn Durhams are all right. Now be
quiet. It would be too bad to spoil everything when things are
going so well for us."

Instantly the men obeyed, sitting with eyes and ears alert for any
sight or sound that should proclaim the approach of a guard.

But twilight fell and none came, as Lawrence had predicted.

Sounds of revelry, broken now and then by the lowing of the cattle,
were constant. In due time the moon rose and with its coming the
cowboys grew impatient.

The ranchmen, however, refused to move till no sound from the
raiders could be heard.

"It's midnight," announced Mr. Wilder, looking at his watch. "They
must be asleep, by this time. We'll chance it, anyhow. Careful,
every one. Come, Lawrence."

Overjoyed that the time for action had arrived, the boys followed
their guide, halting at the edge of the valley.

Ordering the others to wait, the owner of the Half-Moon and the
former raider glided noiselessly toward the mine.

All about were signs of the celebration in which the thieves had
indulged, and their loud snores told how sound asleep they were.

Confident the time was ripe for action, the two scouts returned to
their impatient fellows.

"Pete, Sandy, Nails, Skinny, Lawrence, you take the ropes and do
the hog-tying. The rest of you have your rifles ready for use.
But don't shoot till I give the word," commanded Mr. Wilder.
Opening the ropes so they could use them rapidly, the men selected
for the binding of the raiders moved forward, closely followed by
the others, guns ready for action.

Signing to Sandy and Skinny to tie the men lying outside, Lawrence
led the others into the mine.

More like a cavern did it seem to them than anything else as they
cast a hurried glance about the rock-walled room which two
flickering torches lighted.

Sprawled upon the floor lay the raiders, and to them Pete and Nails
turned their attention, while Lawrence glided among them, peering
into their faces.

Watching for the slightest move, stood a dozen of the cowboys, with
Mr. Wilder and the four lads.

Of a sudden Lawrence stooped down, worked his hand rapidly, then
rose, a smile on his face, and continued his search till he found
another form, when he repeated the operation.

Gliding to the owner of the Half-Moon, he whispered:

"I've bound Me