They moved out of sight,
and presently reappeared without their horses. It looked to Jean as if
they intended to attack the cabins. Then they halted at the edge of
the brush and held a long consultation. Jean could see them
distinctly, though they were too far distant for him to recognize any
particular man. One of them, however, stood and moved apart from the
closely massed group. Evidently, from his strides and gestures, he was
exhorting his listeners. Jean concluded this was either Daggs or
Jorth. Whoever it was had a loud, coarse voice, and this and his
actions impressed Jean with a suspicion that the man was under the
influence of the bottle.

Presently Bill Isbel called Jean in a low voice. "Jean, I got the hole
made, but we can't see anyone."

"I see them," Jean replied. "They're havin' a powwow. Looks to me
like either Jorth or Daggs is drunk. He's arguin' to charge us, an'
the rest of the gang are holdin' back.... Tell dad, an' all of you keep
watchin'. I'll let you know when they make a move."

Jorth's gang appeared to be in no hurry to expose their plan of battle.
Gradually the group disintegrated a little; some of them sat down;
others walked to and fro. Presently two of them went into the brush,
probably back to the horses. In a few moments they reappeared,
carrying a pack. And when this was deposited on the ground all the
rustlers sat down around it. They had brought food and drink. Jean
had to utter a grim laugh at their coolness; and he was reminded of
many dare-devil deeds known to have been perpetrated by the Hash Knife
Gang. Jean was glad of a reprieve. The longer the rustlers put off an
attack the more time the allies of the Isbels would have to get here.
Rather hazardous, however, would it be now for anyone to attempt to get
to the Isbel cabins in the daytime. Night would be more favorable.

Twice Bill Isbel came through the kitchen to whisper to Jean. The
strain in the large room, from which the rustlers could not be seen,
must have been great. Jean told him all he had seen and what he
thought about it. "Eatin' an' drinkin'!" ejaculated Bill. "Well, I'll
be--! That 'll jar the old man. He wants to get the fight over.

"Tell him I said it'll be over too quick--for us--unless are mighty
careful," replied Jean, sharply.

Bill went back muttering to himself. Then followed a long wait,
fraught with suspense, during which Jean watched the rustlers regale
themselves. The