" continued Jack Blowfen. "But we'll
round 'em up some day, I'll bet my _sombrero_ on it."

"We have just heard important news," said Paul, and he instantly
proceeded to repeat what Jeff Jones had said.

Caleb Dottery and his cowboy helper listened with interest. The former
gave a long, low whistle of astonishment.

"Must say I didn't quite think it of Captain Grady, though I allow as
how he's a slick one," he remarked. "Wot's ter do about it?"

"We came here to obtain your aid," said Chet. "Captain Grady has taken
possession of our ranch. You know he sets up some sort of a claim to
it."

"Got yer papers, ain't ye?"

"No; they were burned up when we had our little fire."

"Humph! thet's bad!"

"But the place is ours--father bought and paid for it," added Paul,
warmly. "And we intend to get Captain Grady out, even if we have to
fight him."

"Good fer ye!" shouted Jack Blowfen. "Thet's the way ter talk. I'm right
hyer ter help ye. I love grit, I do!" and he held out his big brown hand
to Paul as if to bind a bargain.

"I'll certainly help ye, too," said Dottery. "Ye have done a good turn
this night which I'm not likely to forgit in a hurry."

"This colored man told us about our uncle and Captain Grady of his own
free will," said Paul. "So, if you can be a little easy on him on that
account I wish you would be."

"Stealin' hosses ain't no light crime," growled Dottery.

"An' it don't improve a man's reputation to become a sneak," added Jack
Blowfen.

Yet, after some talk, it was agreed to hold Jeff Jones merely as a
prisoner for the present, instead of carrying him to the nearest camp to
be turned over to the vigilance committee.

It was now so near morning that to think of retiring was out of the
question. The men began to smoke, and Blowfen stirred about getting
breakfast. At six o'clock they dined.

"I'll chain Jones up as a prisoner in the house till we git back,"
observed Dottery, when the meal was finished. "He'll keep quiet if he
knows when he is well off."

This was done, and then both house and outbuildings were made as secure
as possible.

Ten minutes later Paul, Chet, and the two men were on their way on
horseback to the Winthrop ranch. All were armed and ready for anything
that might turn up.

But not one of the number dreamed of the several surprises in store for
them.

CHAPTER XXI.

Shooting a Grizzly Bear

"I wonder if Captain Grady is alone or if he has a number of the