Starting up their ponies, the boys galloped up the line, keeping a safe distance from the herd as they did so, and halting only when they had reached the trail leaders, as the cattle at the head of the line are called.
"What's the trouble?" shouted Ned as they came within hailing distance of the perspiring foreman.
"Mixed herd," he called back, curtly, driving his pony into the thick of the fight and yelling out his orders to the men.
"I know almost as much about it as I did before," announced Ned, disgustedly. "Got any idea, Tad?"
"Yes; I have."
"For goodness sake, let's have it, then. If I don't find out what's going on here, pretty soon, I shall jump into the fight in sheer desperation."
"Mr. Stagings said it was a mixed herd. Don't you think that must mean that a lot of cattle who don't belong there have mixed up with ours?" asked the freckle-faced boy.
"I guess that's the answer, Tad. But, if so, how can they tell one from the other?" wondered Walter.
"From the brands. I have learned that much about the business. Every one of our herd is branded with a capital D in the center of a diamond. That is the brand of Mr. Miller's ranch—the Diamond D Ranch. Evidently they are cutting out all that haven't that brand on."
"Hello! There's Chunky. Now, what do you suppose he is up to!" exclaimed Ned.