“Cattle rustlers—run off a nice bunch from the bottom lands last night!”
“Whew!” whistled Gimp, while Hinkee Dee scowled.
Gimp galloped off, and the news soon spread around the ranch that the cattle rustlers had made another raid. Several of the cowboys who were at liberty joined the posse that was quickly organized. Ned, Bob and Jerry, of course, heard what was afoot.
“Say, we didn’t get here any too soon; did we?” asked Ned.
“No, indeed!” agreed Jerry. “It’s lucky they didn’t start a raid while we were on the road, or, if we had heard of it, we’d have had to leave the auto and come on by train to satisfy your folks. The rustlers held off just long enough.”
The boys had been a little longer making the trip than they had counted on, owing to a number of minor accidents, but they had made fairly good time. That there was a cattle raid the very night of their arrival was a coincidence that could be viewed in two lights. It was an advantage that the rustlers had held off this long, but, of course, it was unfortunate that Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker must suffer new losses.
“I guess some of the gang that was captured must have got loose,” said Ned, “or else they’ve had recruits. Well, they’re up to their old tricks and we’ve got to try to stop ’em.”
“And here’s a chance to get some first-hand information about how the thieves operate,” cried Bob. “Come on, fellows!”
“I don’t s’pose there’s any objection to us going along; is there?” asked Jerry of the assistant foreman.