But Sammy held back. "Oh, Matt, don't go yet. We must not. Didn't
you hear what that man said? It's you they're after. Let's wait
here until they're clean gone."

"No, 'tain't; they ain't a wantin' me," the big fellow replied.
And before the young woman could protest further, he lifted her to
the saddle as easily as if she were a child. Then, springing to
the back of his own horse, he led the way at a pace that would
keep them within hearing of the company of men.

"Who is it, Matt? Who is it, if it ain't you?" asked the girl.

"Don't know for sure yet, but I'll tell you pretty soon."

They had not gone far when Young Matt stopped the horse to listen
intently; and soon by the sound he could tell that the party ahead
had turned off the ridge road and were following the trail that
leads down the eastern side of the mountain. A moment longer the
mountaineer listened, as if to make sure; then he spoke; "Them
devils are goin' to the ranch after Dad Howitt. Sammy, you've got
to ride hard to-night. They won't hear you now, and they're
getting farther off every minute. There ain't no other way, and, I
know you'll do it for the old man. Get home as quick as you can
and tell Jim what's up. Tell him I'll hold 'em until he gets
there." Even as he spoke, he sprang from his horse and began
loosening the saddle girths.

"But, Matt," protested the girl; "how can you? You can't get by
them. How're you goin' to get there in time?"