"You certainly did well, Nails," complimented his master. "Knowing how many there are in the gang will enable us to lay definite plans for action. Now go and get your supper. I suppose you have seen the boys from the Three Stars in the bunkhouse?"
"I could hear 'em half way to Tolopah." "Then tell them we'll start. At what time do you think Pete will reach the pool?"
"About midnight."
"Good. Be ready to move by ten o'clock."
"And tell my outfit to make less noise," added Mr. Snider.
Until they could hear the other cowboys greeting Nails the two men were silent, and then Mr. Wilder declared:
"I had no idea Megget had twenty men with him. It's a good thing we found out.
"Let's see, there are nine of you from the Three Stars; nine of my boys and myself. That makes nineteen."
"And the four of us, that makes twenty-three," added Horace, deeming the moment auspicious for settling the question that was uppermost in the minds of all the lads.
"Your arithmetic is better than your facts," laughed his father.