ort.

They had to force their horses to head toward the fire. The sparks
were flying high, and the heat could be plainly felt even at the
distance the boys stood. But finally Bud and Nort got the ponies
started.

The animals approached the fire with mincing steps. The boys had to
force them continually onward, for no beast will go toward fire
willingly. A few more steps and Nort said:

"Say, Bud, there's not much point in this. The broncs will never go
near enough for us to see anything. What say we get off and walk? I
don't think there's much chance of Delton shooting at us. If we really
want to find out anything we better get off these horses."

"Guess that's right," agreed Bud as his mount reared high. "Fast,
though--snap to it, Nort!"

The boys turned their ponies away from the fire and rode swiftly back.
They dismounted and without hesitation, ran again to the burning house.
They made for the side, from where the Mexican cook had staggered out.

"There ought to be an entrance to the cellar about here," Bud panted as
he ran on. "The Mex said they were down there!"

As they neared the building they saw that this was so. A small door
indicated the way to the cellar. The heat was tremendous, and Nort
wondered if their errand hadn't been in vain. It didn't seem possible
that there living creatures were voluntarily remaining within.

Just as Nort was about to tell Bud his thought, a figure emerged and
staggered toward them. It was the man who had protested at Delton's
treatment of Bud when the boy had been taken, bound, to this very
house. The man was in sad case. His breath was coming in sobs, and he
maintained an upright position only by a supreme effort. One side of
his face was badly burned.

"Help--" he gasped. "Help--men in there----"

"What is it? Speak quick!" Bud commanded. "Can't they get out? Are
they in danger?'

"Trapped! Delton--in there--can't move--hit on the head----"

The next moment the man collapsed at their feet, unconscious.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE RATTLING BUCKBOARD

"Quick, Nort! Pull him back out of the heat and call the others!
We've got to save those men!"

"What's the matter?" Dick cried as he came up. "Aren't they out of
that furnace yet?"

"No--they're trapped inside! We've got to get them out! Billee
Dobb--is--is he dead?"

"No--he's better! He insisted on my coming over when he saw the smoke.
Thought I might be needed. No time for talk n