Part 28 (1/2)

A group of trees rose in front. They had a familiar aspect.

”Sure looks like it!” Hawkins agreed.

”Let's take it easy. Kid, you lead, and go slow.”

The three walked their horses toward the trees. As they came nearer, they made certain that they had reached their destination. And just in time. The sky was graying rapidly.

”You two wait here, and hold my new bronc,” Yellin' Kid directed softly, ”an' I'll go around on foot. See how the land lays. All right, Mr. Hawkins?”

”All right, Kid. Go ahead. Then come back and tell us.”

The Kid dismounted and handed his bridle rein to Nort. Then he walked carefully into the trees, and disappeared from view.

”See some action soon,” Hawkins declared. He and Nort were waiting on their horses about three hundred yards from where the Kid had disappeared into the trees. ”The old ranch house is right back there.

And this time I want to make sure of getting the whole gang.”

”Don't you think they figured we followed them, and are all set for us?”

”Maybe. Can't help that. But I'm not so sure, Nort--you know they had to get those c.h.i.n.ks to a place of safety. Couldn't let them wander around loose. And this was the only place they could go to. They had no choice. And whether they figured we'd follow or not, they had to dig in here.”

”They sure got away neat before,” Nort said, as he thought of the escape. ”And if they hadn't wrecked their auto we'd probably never have seen them again. Now we've got a chance.”

”Yes, and a little more than a chance. Wonder what's keeping the Kid.

Told him to come right back.”

”And here he comes--runnin'!” exclaimed Nort suddenly, as a figure burst into sight. ”Something must be the matter!”

They spurred their horses toward the Kid, and met him half way.

”What is it?” Hawkins asked sharply.

”Billee Dobb!” Yellin' Kid panted. ”He's--” It was an ominous pause.

”Not so loud! Easy!”

”It's Billee!” the Kid exclaimed in a lower voice. ”They shot him!”

”Shot him! Is he dead?”

”Not yet. Looks pretty bad. Bleedin' hard. By golly, let's go after those yellow sneaks, an' get 'em!”

”Shot Billee Dobb,” Nort said slowly, as though he couldn't believe it.

”Poor old Billee! Well--” he looked up sharply. ”Let's go!”

The boy's lips were closed grimly. In his eyes shone a wild light.

Whatever quarter would have been extended to the smugglers before, they could expect none now. The chase had turned--had changed into a personal venture. They had been seeking the capture of the smugglers because it had been their duty. Now----