In the gully three automobiles, showing the effects of long travel
over hard roads, stood close together. More than a dozen people,
all but two of whom were dressed in "eastern" clothes, stood by the
machines. Two of the party were women, and one a girl of twelve.

The two men who belonged to the party, but did not appear to be
"eastern," had drawn revolvers, and now stood facing four
sullen-looking men who stood with the butts of their rifles resting
on the ground.

"Gracious! We can't have any shooting with women and children
standing around to get hit!" gasped Tom Reade.




CHAPTER II

TROUBLE BREWS ON THE TRAIL


So silent had been the approach of Tom and his waif companion
that those below had not perceived them.

Moreover, judging from the expressions on the faces of the people
almost at Reade's feet, they were all too deeply absorbed in their
own business to have any eyes or ears for outside matters.

Through the scene below was one of armed truce that might, at any