ke it easy--take it easy! I've got good reason's for
wantin' to know, which same I'll explain if you give me a chance. If
you don't mind I think I'll park here for the time bein'." And he
dismounted and came closer.

By the light of the fire the ranchers saw a tall, rangy cowboy of about
forty. Two deep-set eyes above a hooked nose gave him a hardened,
desert look which his manner emphasized. He was, evidently, one to
whom life had proved anything but a pink tea party. Yet, withal, he
had something about him which seemed to inspire trust.

"Well, stranger, you're welcome, but we haven't much to offer," Bud
said. "We weren't expecting to camp to-night, and we're somewhat shy
on provisions. But I guess we can rustle up something for you."

"No need of that--no need of that at all," the stranger heartily
assured them. "All I want is a little information. Guess I'd better
introduce myself first. I'm Joe Hawkins, special deputy over at
Roaring River."

The others exchanged glances in the dim light of the fire as the
visitor continued:

"Here's my badge. Don't know whether you heard about the trouble we
had, but if you didn't, I'll tell you. Roaring River is right on the
Mexican border, you know, and there's been a lot of Chink smugglin'
goin' on, with Roaring River as the key to the whole smugglin'
situation, so to speak. We don't know who's the boss of these
smugglers, but we'd give a lot to find out. Two thousand dollars, to
be exact.

"Well, anyway, two days ago we had a tip that a car-load of Chinese was
about to be rushed over the border just outside of town limits. So we
got all set. Sheriff Townley and me and three other deputies hid in
the bushes where we thought the car was goin' to pass. But we lost out.

"The car came by all right--and we hopped into the roadway to stop
them. They never stopped a-tall. Goin' like a crazy steer they flew
by on two wheels, lettin' ride with every gun they had. Got poor
Townley good. We buried him yesterday. So--now you know what it's all
about."

"And the car--did you see it again?" Dick; asked excitedly.

"No--but last night a Chink came to town and got oiled-up on pulque,
and said a few things more than he meant to. When I jumped him he lit
out for the open spaces. This morning I thought I'd take a look
around, and see if I could spot him. Sure enough I did, but the old
yellow-skin got away before I could reach him. I don't suppose you
boys s