“He did?� Roy asked excitedly. “What was it, Belle? Think!�
“I didn’t hear it all, Roy, because he shut the door just then.�
“I wonder if they rode over that way!� Teddy exclaimed. “Roy, the more I think of that man we saw, the more I’m sure it was Froud!�
“You saw Gilly Froud?� Belle asked, her eyes wide.
“We weren’t sure,� Teddy said quickly. Then he changed the subject and suggested that they hurry, as the clouds were getting heavier.
They reached the 8 X 8 after a long ride, finding it in much the same condition as their own ranch. That is, most of the punchers were on the range, trying to get track of their stolen cattle. Bug Eye Wilson remained, “to keep the cook company,� as he said, much as he had wanted to ride with the rest. His time would come later unless the rustlers were caught soon.
There was an attitude of quiet determination about the men on the 8 X 8. Teddy noticed that the punchers who remained were talking in low tones and with none of their accustomed banter.
“They’re all business,� Roy remarked to Teddy. “If those rustlers get away this time they’re pretty clever. This last trick they pulled was one too many. They’ve got the whole country on their necks now.�
Needless to say, Nell and Ethel were delighted to see Belle, and also her brothers. But Roy and Teddy could scarcely stay long enough to say “hello.� They were anxious to get back, see their father, and join in the chase.
The sky was blacker than ever when they turned and started for home. The wind had increased in violence, and the boys bent low in their saddles as they rode.