rustlers heading for our bunch of cattle, but they rode off when we
started for them. Some of the boys wanted to follow but it looked as
though it might storm, and Tubby said we'd better move the bunch while we
could, and look after the rustlers and strays later."

"Yes, I guess that was best," the ranch owner agreed. "But where were
these rustlers from, Dave?"

"Hard to say, Dad. Looked to be Mexicans."

"I reckon that'd be about right," came from Pocus Pete. "We'll have to be
on th' watch, Mr. Carson."

"I expect so, Pete. Things aren't going so well that I can afford to lose
any cattle. But about these strays, Dave. Do you think we'd better get
right after them?"

"I should say so, Dad."

"Think there are many of them?"

"Not more than two of us could drive in. I'll go to-morrow with one of the
men. I know just about where to look for them."

"All right, Dave. If you're not too much done out I'd like to have you
take a hand."

"Done out, Dad! Don't you think I'm making a pretty good cowpuncher?"

"That's what he is, Mr. Carson, for a fact!" broke in Pete, with