up a minute, then."

The six riders drew rein, and waited for the agent's next words.

"It's not much use trailing them much farther. What I think they did,
is to make for that ranch house where Bud was, and stay there. Now
here's the point. Even if we did come upon them now, we'd have a hard
job taking them. I think this is a better plan. Listen, now."

The boys drew closer around Hawkins.

"This idea I have calls for two men to stay up all night. Who'll do
it?"

"Me!"

"Let me in on that!"

"What is it--keeping guard?"

"Yes, Nort, that's exactly what it is--keeping guard. Now here's the
dope. We followed that bunch pretty far. There's no doubt but that
they headed for that house, and intend to unload their Chinks there.
Now if we can only keep them in that house until morning, we can get
the whole gang--including the Chinks--like rats in a trap. Now do you
see what I mean?"

"You mean you want some of us to watch the place and do a little
shootin' so that they won't come out?"

"That's it exactly, Kid! If two men can get close to the house, and
keep firing at intervals, they'll think that we've got them cold, and
will stay there long enough to allow us to get them by morning."

"What's the matter with all of us going up there now?"

"Wouldn't do any good, and besides, someone has got to be at your
ranch. And some of us have got to get a little sleep. We may have to
do some more riding to-morrow."

"Well, if you think that's best, I'll do it, for one," spoke Dick.

"And I'll go with you!" Bud exclaimed. "I owe Delton quite a good deal
for the way he hauled me off my horse!"

"All set for this new plan then?" asked Billee.

"Yes, I think that would be best," Hawkins said slowly. "Bud, you know
something about the lay-out of the place. We'll ride part of the way
with you, in case anything happens. Then when we get near it, you'll
have to go on alone. You and Dick can decide on a plan of action. We
will ride back, and return before dawn. This time we won't fail!"

"You'll ride with us to the place now, you mean?"

"Almost to it. Then I'll know the way to find it again. Come on,
let's get started!"

The moon was now struggling to shine through the clouds as the six took
up the ride again. Bud was in the lead. They had ridden for ten
minutes when, suddenly, Bud uttered an exclamation, and pulled up his
horse.

"Look there!" he cried, pointing.

Ahead loomed a dark mass.