Teddy and Roy looked at each other. Had the figure they had seen at Harver’s Gully anything to do with this new outrage?
CHAPTER XXII
THE STORM
“Going to start now, Dad?� Teddy asked.
“Yes—right away! Can’t afford to lose any more time. The bunch from 8 X 8 is due any minute now, an’ we’re goin’ to start from here. We’ll work in shifts—one gang take the trail tonight, and another in the mornin’. In that way we’ll ride the rustlers down before they have a chance to cache the cattle. We want to prevent those thieves from driving the Durhams to a hiding place. If we keep on the jump, we may be able to get ’em before they make their way to a retreat.â€�
Mr. Manley hurried toward the corral. The two boys dismounted and led their horses to the hitching rail, thinking they might need them soon.
“A hundred head of Durhams!� Roy mused. “Those fellows sure work fast! Mighty funny they didn’t start something with the X Bar X herd.�
“Guess they thought that the 8 X 8 outfit would be easier to raid. It looks like it was, too. What kind of men has Pete Ball got riding his cattle to let rustlers raid their herd twice in a month?�
“Well, as I said before, that gang is pretty clever. They’re no amateurs at the game, and I’ll bet they’ve got half the men in Eagles in league with them, especially those who hang around Rimor’s. Say, do you suppose dad wants us to come with him?�
“Wait here while I ask him.�
Teddy walked rapidly toward his father. It was in his mind to tell his parent of the occurrence at Harver’s Gully, but when he thought it over he realized that it would be but a slender clue and might lead the pursuers astray. Looking back, he could not be absolutely sure that that man was Gilly Froud, however much he appeared to be.