to other tactics. Just what these should be he did not know. He
would either be shot or captured in the event of his being unable to
devise some other method of escape.

Tad Butler was resourceful. He had no idea of giving up yet. He was
determined above all, to defeat the desperate purpose of these men
and save Mr. Simms from the loss of his flock.

"We're gaining on him!" cried one of the pursuers. "I can hear the
pony plainer now."

"Yes, I kin hear him snort," added another.

"You'll hear that cub doing some snorting on his own account in a
minute," snarled Bluff, applying the spurs mercilessly.

"Shall we shoot, Cap!"

"I'll let you know when to shoot. No use filling all the trees in
the range full of lead. We'll be up with him in a few minutes now
and there'll be things doing. He can't get away. We've got him to
rights this time."

"He's a slick one whoever he is. Think he heard us?"

"Can't guess. Don't make any difference anyhow. He won't have a
chance to use the information, if he did hear."

"We're coming up on him," cried Jake.