Part 24 (1/2)
”I never supposed we were so near Fred Whitney's home,” was the amazed comment of Sterry, who was in doubt whether, under the circ.u.mstances, he ought to be pleased or not.
”There's where we'll make a stand,” called out Capt. Asbury, ”and let the music begin.”
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PRIMITIVE FORT.
”Move a little lively, boys,” added the captain, spurring his horse to a faster gait; ”there'll be some shooting, and they're closer than they ought to be.”
By a providential coincidence, the whole party of rustlers halted before ascending the ridge, which would give them a view of the building in which the stockmen were about to make a stand. They probably saw the impossibility of overtaking the fugitives by a direct pursuit, and paused to decide upon some different course of action.
This was proven by what they did a few minutes later, for they separated into two divisions, one turning to the right and the other to the left. They seemed to think that the course of their enemies must change soon, in which case there was a chance of heading them off and bringing them between two fires. The rustlers were more familiar with the country than the stockmen, and, had the chase continued, it is likely it would have resulted as they expected.
But, strangely enough, these people forgot the Whitney home, upon which it may be said the hors.e.m.e.n stumbled the next moment.
Down the ridge rode the dozen or more, Hawkridge, Sterry and Capt.
Asbury at the head, with the others almost upon their heels. In the brisk morning air the frightened Jennie Whitney hastened to the door and gazed wonderingly upon the party.
She recognized the handsome youth, who doffed his hat, a courtesy instantly imitated by Hawkridge, the captain, and then the rest of the men, as they halted in front of the door, where stood the pale and startled mother, at a loss to understand the meaning of the strange sight.
”Good-morning!” called Sterry. ”Where's Fred?”
”He's on the range with the men, looking after the cattle.”
”And are you and your mother alone?”
”We are the only ones in the house. What is the meaning of all this?”
she asked, looking with astonishment at the hors.e.m.e.n.
”We are pursued by a company of rustlers,” replied Hawkridge; ”they are directly behind us; I started to lead our friends to my ranch, but they headed us off, and we were compelled to apply here for shelter.”
”You are welcome,” Mrs. Whitney hastened to say; ”dismount and come in as soon as you can.”
Sterry, Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury thanked her simultaneously. Time was beyond value. They expected every instant to hear the crack of the rifles and the shouts of their enemies on the crest of the ridge, and could not comprehend why they were delayed.
They dashed to the structure at the rear and a short distance from the dwelling, into which they ran their horses, slipped off their trappings, and hurried back to the house.
Every one was inside and not a shot fired, nor was a rustler seen. It was beyond explanation.
But the stockmen were wise enough to turn to the best account the grace thus given to them.
They stationed themselves at the front and rear doors and windows with loaded weapons, on the alert to wing the first rustler who showed himself.
Sterry found time to exchange a few words with Jennie and her mother.
”It is too bad,” he said, ”to put you to this trouble and danger; but the rustlers outnumber us more than two to one, and it was the only hope that offered itself.”