“No, son, I want you an’ Roy to stay around here,â€� Mr. Manley replied in answer to Teddy’s question. “Mother is a bit worried, and she’ll feel a lot safer if you two are here. You an’ Roy can go out with the morning bunch—that is, if we don’t spot the rustlers before that. Belle Ada has to get to the 8 X 8 in the morning, too, as she promised Nell and Ethel she’d come over. Myself, I’d rather she’d wait a few days, but she wants to go, so I’ll let her. You and Roy can take her over, can’t you? You can join in the chase later.â€�
“Sure, Dad, if you say so. We’ll do whatever seems best to you.�
Having communicated to Roy his father’s advice, Teddy put the two ponies away for the night. He really wanted to ride with the rest, but he knew it would be better for him to stay at home until his father returned.
Six men from Peter Ball’s place arrived just before supper, and after a hurried meal, the chase for the horse thieves started.
This time there was none of the wild rushing of the former pursuit. The men clucked quietly to their horses, and, led by Mr. Manley, they rode out of the yard. They were on a grim business, and each felt the responsibility of his position. They were banded together to wipe out a gang of rustlers. A stern task was ahead of them, and they simply proceeded toward it.
With most of the punchers riding away with Mr. Manley, the ranch yard of the X Bar X was now a quiet spot. For some minutes Roy and Teddy stood in silence, watching the dust settle. The sky was overcast, and the usual glory of the western sunset was missing. A drizzle of rain was falling, and, turning about, Teddy and Roy entered the ranch house, to eat in more leisurely manner than those who had gone on the chase.
Supper was rather a dreary meal. Try as she would, Mrs. Manley could not altogether conceal her anxiety for the safety of her husband.
Teddy reached across the table and laid his hand over his mother’s.
“Cheer up, Mom,� he said, with a smile. “Dad’s all right. You’ll see him come rushing in here in the morning, saying that they caught the rustlers and is there any coffee and beans left.�
“Oh, I hope so,� Mrs. Manley replied, smiling slightly. “It is foolish of me to worry, and I won’t do it any more. Certainly your father can take care of himself. Belle, dear, do be careful of that pitcher! Roy, pour your sister some milk. I know she’ll spill it, reaching in that fashion.�