ain Hank Grady, who had sought in various ways
to get possession of the ranch, stating that their father had borrowed
money from him and that it had not been paid back. The captain was known
to be both mean and unscrupulous, and all of the boys doubted very much
if he spoke the truth. But they had expected much more trouble from him
before the end was reached, and they were destined not to be
disappointed. Captain Grady knew the value of the ranch, even if the
boys did not, and he meant to gain possession of it, if not by fair
means, then by foul.

"We'll have to take a look for the cattle this afternoon," said Paul,
some time after the conversation concerning Uncle Barnaby came to a
close. "We don't want any of them to get in the sink hole again."

"That's so; we'll start at once, and we'll see to it that we lock up
good," laughed Chet. "No more thieves wanted."

The house was soon tidied up, and then, after closing up everything well
and setting an alarm to scare away any newcomer, Chet and Paul set out
on foot over the rolling land which led from the river.

Half a mile beyond the rolling land was a nasty bit of spongy soil known
as the sink hole. Not unfrequently the cattle would stray in this
direction and more than one had sunk to death in the mire.

"Some cattle around there now!" cried Paul, as they drew close to the
spot. "It's lucky we came this way."

"Go to the westward of them," said Chet. "We can drive them----" Chet
broke off short, for just then a piercing cry rang in their ears:

"Help! help! For the sake of heaven, help!"

Chet and Paul were thrilled to the heart to hear that wild, agonizing
cry for assistance which rang out so clearly on the afternoon air.
Plainly a human being was in distress, and needed immediate assistance.

They looked around, but for several seconds saw nothing. Then the cry
rang out again, more sharply, more pitiably than ever.

"Help! help! Save me from death!"

"Do you see him?" demanded Paul, breathlessly.

"No, I do not," rejoined Chet. "But he must be near. Did not the cry
come from over there?" pointing with his finger to the right.

"I believe it did. Come on!"

Paul set off on a run around the edge of the sink hole, which was all of
several hundred feet in diameter. Close behind him came Chet, wondering
who the man could be and how they might assist him should he be beyond
their reach.

Two dozen steps brought them in sight of the sufferer. He was a youn