got him out. You look after him, Dad. I've got to get some of the boys,
with fence material, and go back to relieve Pete. He's on guard there."

"Say! It takes you to tell it!" exclaimed Mr. Carson with a smile.
"Welcome to Bar U, Mr. Bellmore. I don't exactly understand all that boy
of mine has gotten off, but it's all right. We will look after you.
Sprained ankle; eh? Well, I know something about them. Come boys, one of
you help Mr. Bellmore down, and make him comfortable.

"You'll stop and get something to eat, Dave, won't you, before you go
back?"

"Yes, just a bite, Dad. We haven't much time."

A little later Mr. Bellmore was comfortably installed in the ranch house,
while Dave and two other cowboys, after a hasty meal, were on their way
back to relieve Pocus Pete, and repair the broken fence.

This work was soon under way. While Pocus Pete had been on guard a
cattleman, passing, had given him an important message for Mr. Carson.

"So you'd better ride back and tell him, Dave," Pete said, as he and the
other punchers began to work on the fence, a snack having been brought for
Pete's supper.

"But I want to stay and help you," objected Dave.

"You'll do better work by getting back with that message," the foreman
said, and once more Dave turned his horse's head toward Bar U ranch.