you know," inquired Sterry, "how soon it is contemplated making
the attack?"

"I have not heard Inman or Cadmus say, but from the talk of the men I
judge it will be quite soon."

"Probably within a couple of hours?" "Sooner than that--by 9 o'clock
at the latest."

It was the mother who now spoke: "Suppose Jennie and I decline to
leave the house?"

"That has been considered," replied the son, "and I am sorry to say
it will make no difference. The rustlers are in an uglier mood than
before--wrathful because they have been kept idle so long. They can
claim that they have given you ample notice, and if you refuse to come
out they cannot be held blamable for the consequences."

This would never do, and Hawkridge interposed:

"If the attack cannot be prevented, Fred, it must be delayed."

"On what grounds?"

"Any that you can think of; they must not disturb us until near
midnight."

"But I shall have to give a reason; I am as anxious as you to do my
utmost, but I do not see how I can do anything."

The quick wit of Jennie came to the rescue.

"Tell Capt. Inman and Larch Cadmus for me that we have a number of
articles we wish to save from destruction; ask them in the name of
mother and myself to give us time in which to gather them together."

Fred was silent for a moment.

"At least it will do no harm to try it, even though I do not believe
it will be of any use."

"Ask them to make it between 11 and 12; we will then have time to
collect all we want--in fact a good deal more time than is necessary."

"I do not see the need of this," replied the brother, who, it need not
be repeated, had no knowledge of what was in the minds of the few;
"I think I can say that if I do not return in the course of ten or
fifteen minutes, you may consider your prayer granted."

Bidding them good-by once more, he passed out of the door and
disappeared in the darkness, which had now fully descended and shut
from sight the impatient rustlers.

It was a peculiar situation in which the defenders, including the
mother and sister, dreaded the return of the head of the household,
but the front of the dwelling was watched with an intensity of
interest it would be hard to describe.

"By gracious! there he is!" exclaimed Dick Hawkridge, hardly ten
minutes after Fred's departure; "it's no use."

A shadowy figure was observed moving across the dark space in front,
but while they were waiting for him to enter the door, which was
unfa