ahead in a group of their own. No injunction had been laid as to keeping
quiet; nevertheless, conversation was sparse and low voiced. The men
mostly rode in silence smoking their cigarettes. About half way the
leaders summoned me, and I trotted up to join them.

They wanted to know about the situation of the ranch as I had observed
it. I could not encourage them much. My recollection made of the place a
thoroughly protected walled fortress, capable of resisting a
considerable assault.

"Of course with this gang we could sail right over them," observed Buck,
thoughtfully, "but we'd lose a considerable of men doing it."

"Ain't no chance of sneaking somebody inside?" suggested Watkins.

"Got to give Old Man Hooper credit for some sense," replied the señor,
shortly.

"We can starve 'em out," suggested somebody.

"Unless I miss the old man a mile he's already got a messenger headed
for the troops at Fort Huachuca," interposed Macomber. "He ain't fool
enough to take chances on a local sheriff."

"You're tooting he ain't," approved Buck Johnson. "It's got to be quick
work."

"Burn him out," said Watkins.

"It's the young lady's property," hesitated my boss. "I kind of hate to