Part 23 (1/2)

We were very glad to see Rancher Gordon and his st.u.r.dy followers, though it was bad news he brought. Further reinforcements could hardly arrive in time to be of service, and where we had expected more than a dozen we must be content with three. Meanwhile, Lane's men had mounted and were trotting off across the prairie.

”They have probably gone in search of the loose stock. Come in. We have got to talk over our next step,” I said.

The newcomers did so, and we were all glad of a breathing s.p.a.ce. My head was somewhat badly cut, several purple bruises adorned my comrade's countenance, and the rest had ridden a long way in furious haste. At first the conference was conducted in half-breathless gasps, then the voices deepened into a sonorous ring, and I can recall the intent bronzed faces turned towards me, the thoughtful pauses when each speaker had aired his views, and how the slanting sunlight beat into the partly shadowed room. Last of all Rancher Gordon spoke: ”We are waiting to hear your notions, Ormesby.”

”The stable and corral must be held at any cost,” I said, smearing my hands as I tried to clear my eye, while red drops splashed from them on to the table. ”While that ought to be possible, we are hardly strong enough to force a fight in the open unless it is necessary. Lane's rascals may not find the stock, and may only be trying to draw us off, so my decision is to remain here. If they are successful we can see them from the roof, and must run the risk of taking their plunder from them.

Should we fail we could follow them when our friends turn up.”

”That's about my notion. We'll see you through with it,” said Gordon quietly.

We had waited a considerable time before Steel hailed us from the roof that he could see our enemies riding south behind a bunch of cattle, and we mounted forthwith. There were now three rifles among us, but we had agreed these were not to be used unless somebody fired upon us. Riders and cattle dipped into a hollow, and we had covered several miles before we sighted them again. Lane and the representative of authority no longer accompanied them. The whole body wheeled around and halted when we came up. There was sweet gra.s.s in the hollow, so the cattle halted too, and for a s.p.a.ce we sat silent, looking at one another. I dare not risk a blunder in face of such odds, though I determined to make an effort to recover the stock.

”You make us tired,” said the American, whose face was partly covered by a dirty rag. ”Go to perdition, before we make you!”

He waved his arm around the horizon, as though to indicate where the place in question lay, and I edged my horse a little nearer to him. He was the leading spirit, and it seemed possible that we might perhaps disperse the rest if I could dismount him. The man had evidently recovered from Steel's blow.

”We are not going away without the cattle, and you can see there are more of us now, while two proved too many for you before,” I said, still decreasing the distance between us; but my adversary perhaps divined my intention, for a short barrel glinted in his hand when he raised it.

”It's going to be different this time. Keep back while you're safe,” he said.

There was apparently no help for it, and I was not quite certain he would shoot, so balancing the long fork, lance fas.h.i.+on, I tightened my grip on the bridle, when Gordon drove his horse against me and gripped it violently. ”Hold on; the boys are coming!” he said.

Friends and foes alike had been too intent to notice anything beyond each other during the past few minutes; but now a drumming of hoofs rose from behind the rise which shut in the hollow. Then a drawn-out line of mounted men came flying down the slope, and Steel flung his hat up with a triumphant yell. ”It's the Bonaventure boys,” he said. ”There's Adams and Miss Haldane leading them.”

The American looked in my direction, and raised his hand in ironical salute. ”I'm sorry to miss a clinch with you. It would have been a good one, but I can't stay,” he said. ”Get on, you skulking coyotes. Unless you're smart in lighting out those cow drivers won't leave much of you.”

His subordinates took the hint, and bolted down the hollow as hard as they could ride, while I drew a deep breath and turned towards the rescue party.

CHAPTER XVII

THE RAISING OF THE SIEGE

They were splendid hors.e.m.e.n who rode to our a.s.sistance, and their beasts as fine; but a slight figure led them a clear length ahead. In another minute Gordon's men copied their leader, who trotted forward with his broad hat at his knee, and I rode bareheaded with--though I had forgotten this--an ensanguined face, to greet the mistress of Bonaventure. She was glowing with excitement, and I had never seen anything equal the fine damask in her cheeks. She started at the sight of me, and then impulsively held out a well-gloved hand.

”I hope you are not badly hurt?” she said.

”Only cut a trifle,” I answered, gripping the little hand fervently.

”You have done a great deal for us, and no doubt prevented serious bloodshed. It was wonderfully----”

”Don't. It was not in any way wonderful. My father was absent when Mr.

Boone brought me the news, and, as you know, I am responsible for the prosperity of Bonaventure in his absence. Our cattle were in jeopardy.”

She ceased abruptly, and grew pale, while I felt ashamed when I saw the cause of it. My hands had been reddened from clearing my eyes, and glove and wrist were foul with crimson stains. Courageous as she was, the girl had sickened at the sight of them.

”I can't excuse myself. You must try to forgive me,” I said. ”Please don't look at it.”

Lucille Haldane promptly recovered from the shock of repulsion. ”How could you help it--and you were hurt protecting our cattle. I can see the brand on some,” she said. ”It was very foolish of me to show such weakness.”