"We are the only ones in the house. What is the meaning of all this?" she asked, looking with astonishment at the horsemen.
"We are pursued by a company of rustlers," replied Hawkridge; "they are directly behind us; I started to lead our friends to my ranch, but they headed us off, and we were compelled to apply here for shelter."
"You are welcome," Mrs. Whitney hastened to say; "dismount and come in as soon as you can."
Sterry, Hawkridge and Capt. Asbury thanked her simultaneously. Time was beyond value. They expected every instant to hear the crack of the rifles and the shouts of their enemies on the crest of the ridge, and could not comprehend why they were delayed.
They dashed to the structure at the rear and a short distance from the dwelling, into which they ran their horses, slipped off their trappings, and hurried back to the house.
Every one was inside and not a shot fired, nor was a rustler seen. It was beyond explanation.
But the stockmen were wise enough to turn to the best account the grace thus given to them.
They stationed themselves at the front and rear doors and windows with loaded weapons, on the alert to wing the first rustler who showed himself.
Sterry found time to exchange a few words with Jennie and her mother.
"It is too bad," he said, "to put you to this trouble and danger; but the rustlers outnumber us more than two to one, and it was the only hope that offered itself."