on't you, Billee?"

"Never you mind!" came back the old rancher. "Want another race?"

"'At-ta-boy, Billee!" Nort yelled. "Guess that'll hold him! You
didn't know Billee Dobb was a champion racer, did you?" Nort said to
Hawkins.

"I didn't, no," responded the deputy with a smile. "But I believe it.
Takes old birds like us to show these youngsters up, eh, Billee?"

"Sure does!"

"Well, here we are," declared the Kid, as they came in sight of the
water hole. "Right down there is where I saw the Chink on his hands
and knees. Hey, take it easy there!" This to his pony, who strained
toward the water. "I know you're thirsty, but so are the others.
Easy--easy!" The Kid dismounted and led the panting horse toward the
water. Leaning over he filled his hat, and held it to the mouth of his
pony. "Start in on that. Slow! Or you don't get any. 'At-ta-boy.
Here's another hatful for you. Feel as though you can control yourself
now? All right--go to it!" By this time the intelligent animal got
the idea, and drank in small mouthfuls. The other ponies, restrained
by their masters from drinking too fast, did the same.

"So it was here that you saw the Chink, eh!" asked Joe Hawkins.

"Yep--right in this spot. He was leanin' over here by this little
bush, lookin' for--" the Kid stopped suddenly and picked up something
from the ground. It was a folded paper. The Kid looked it over
swiftly.

"Lookin' for--_this_!" he exclaimed, holding it out.

"What is it?"

"Let's have a look!"

The deputy walked over to the Kid.

"Mind if I see it?" he said quietly.

Without a word the Kid handed it over. He recognized the fact that it
was the deputy's right to demand it.

"That's what the Chink was looking for," Hawkins declared after a
moment. "See here! This paper----"

"Bang! Bang!"

"Duck!" cried the Kid. His hand reached for his gun as he hit the
ground.

"Bang!"

Billee's hat went sailing from his head.

"He means business!" Dick yelled. "Down, everybody!"

CHAPTER V

ARRIVAL AT THE RANCH

Another report rang out, and a bullet went singing overhead. By this
time guns were out ready for action. From behind a small knoll, about
one hundred and fifty yards away, hazy smoke could be seen arising.

"Dick, you stay here and keep me covered," said the Kid in a low voice.
The boys were all hugging the ground in the shelter of the brush. "I'm
goin' to sneak around an' see if I can't connect