"We will—and some other people, too," cried Chet.
"And in the meantime, if any of our stuff is lost, you'll pay for it," added Paul.
"I won't be responsible for anything. Now clear out an' leave me alone."
The two brothers looked at each other. Neither knew exactly what to do. Paul finally made a sign to withdraw, and they turned and rode down the river trail to the belt of cottonwoods.
Captain Grady remained at the gateway, his baneful eyes on them until the trees hid them from view. Then he shut the heavy gate and walked slowly toward the house, rubbing his grizzled chin reflectively.
"They won't come back to-night, I'm pretty certain of that," he said to himself. "An' by to-morrow I'll be better fixed to hold my own."
CHAPTER XV.
At Dottery's Ranch
"It's a shame, Paul!" ejaculated Chet, almost crying with rage. "We ought to have shot him where he stood."