nce Presley had loved to lounge entire
afternoons, reading his books of poems, smoking and dozing. From this
high point one dominated the entire valley to the south and west. The
view was superb. The three men paused for a moment on the crest of the
hill to consider it.

Young Vacca came running and panting up the hill after them, calling for
Annixter.

"Well, well, what is it?"

"Mr. Osterman's looking for you, sir, you and Mr. Harran. Vanamee,
that cow-boy over at Derrick's, has just come from the Governor with a
message. I guess it's important."

"Hello, what's up now?" muttered Annixter, as they turned back.

They found Osterman saddling his horse in furious haste. Near-by him was
Vanamee holding by the bridle an animal that was one lather of sweat.
A few of the picnickers were turning their heads curiously in that
direction. Evidently something of moment was in the wind.

"What's all up?" demanded Annixter, as he and Harran, followed by
Presley, drew near.

"There's hell to pay," exclaimed Osterman under his breath. "Read that.
Vanamee just brought it."

He handed Annixter a sheet of note paper, and turned again to the
cinching of his saddle.

"We've got to be quick," he cried. "They've stolen a march on us."

Annixter read the note, Harran and Presley looking over his shoulder.

"Ah, it's them, is it," exclaimed Annixter.

Harran set his teeth. "Now for it," he exclaimed. "They've been to your
place already, Mr. Annixter," said Vanamee. "I passed by it on my way
up. They have put Delaney in possession, and have set all your furniture
out in the road."

Annixter turned about, his lips white. Already Presley and Harran had
run to their horses.

"Vacca," cried Annixter, "where's Vacca? Put the saddle on the buckskin,
QUICK. Osterman, get as many of the League as are here together at THIS
spot, understand. I'll be back in a minute. I must tell Hilma this."

Hooven ran up as Annixter disappeared. His little eyes were blazing, he
was dragging his horse with him.

"Say, dose fellers come, hey? Me, I'm alretty, see I hev der guhn."

"They've jumped the ranch, little girl," said Annixter, putting one arm
around Hilma. "They're in our house now. I'm off. Go to Derrick's and
wait for me there."

She put her arms around his neck.

"You're going?" she demanded.

"I must. Don't be frightened. It will be all right. Go to Derrick's
and--good-bye."

She said never a word. She looked once long into his e