I wouldn't
deliberately set the place on fire, but it sure solved our problem for
us."

As the fire raged more fiercely, the ranchers looked at each other.
What had happened to Delton? Could it be that he determined to stick
it out until the last moment, and risk a horrible death? Surely he
must realize that in peaceful surrender lay his only hope.

Suddenly Bud uttered a cry.

"Here comes someone! Out of the cellar! Look!" Running toward them
was a bedraggled figure. Clothes torn, face blackened with smoke, it
presented a truly pitiful picture. As it ran it waved its arms wildly.
Something in the appearance, or possibly its gesture, caused Bud to
exclaim:

"Say, he looks familiar! Kid, Nort--know who that is?"

The boys looked curiously at the wretched man. Now he was almost upon
them, and they could see his eyes glaring wildly. He reached them and
fell to the ground, exhausted. Bud dismounted quickly and bent over
him.

"Get up!" he commanded. "Let's have a look at you!" The man dragged
himself to his feet. At a sight of his face, blackened as it was by
the smoke, all started back.

"Well, what do you know about that!" the Kid cried. "It's our Mexican
cook!"

"What are you doing here?" Nort asked sharply. "You with Delton? Hey?
Tell the truth now or I'll hit you!"

"He can't talk!" Bud protested. "Give him a chance. He's all in.
Come here, Mex." The boy held out his arm and the Mexican seized it
and steadied himself. "Were you with Delton?" Bud asked.

The Mexican shook his head negatively. Then he pointed to the burning
building and waved his arms wildly.

"Steady up!" Bud commanded. "Take it easy!"

The man took a deep breath and regained control of himself. But his
gestures were still inexplainable. After a minute of vain
gesticulating the Kid suddenly exclaimed:

"I think I get it! Mex, listen here: Did you set that fire?"

A vigorous nod of the head. The boys looked at each other in surprise.

"What for?"

The Mexican pointed to himself, then held up two fingers. Then he
pointed to the house, and shook his fist.

"Be means his brother!" the Kid said. "What about him, Mex? Did
Delton get hold of him?"

Another nod, and more furious gestures.

"I see!" cried the Kid. "He means Delton put his brother up to some
dirty work. That right, Mex?"

Eagerly the man signified yes.

"And he did this to get back at him. But where is Delton, Mex? Why
doesn't he c