"Slick rascals, Mangle and Nodley," continued Jack Blowfen. "But we'll round 'em up some day, I'll bet my sombrero on it."
"We have just heard important news," said Paul, and he instantly proceeded to repeat what Jeff Jones had said.
Caleb Dottery and his cowboy helper listened with interest. The former gave a long, low whistle of astonishment.
"Must say I didn't quite think it of Captain Grady, though I allow as how he's a slick one," he remarked. "Wot's ter do about it?"
"We came here to obtain your aid," said Chet. "Captain Grady has taken possession of our ranch. You know he sets up some sort of a claim to it."
"Got yer papers, ain't ye?"
"No; they were burned up when we had our little fire."
"Humph! thet's bad!"
"But the place is ours—father bought and paid for it," added Paul, warmly. "And we intend to get Captain Grady out, even if we have to fight him."
"Good fer ye!" shouted Jack Blowfen. "Thet's the way ter talk. I'm right hyer ter help ye. I love grit, I do!" and he held out his big brown hand to Paul as if to bind a bargain.