“An’ you’ll find yore broncs with the short-horns from the 8 X 8. The brand ain’t been changed yet. The way I work, I make an iron just like the original. Then I teases the letters into somethin’ else till even the owner wouldn’t know his own brand. But I got to have the original exact to do it. That’s why I asked you if—â€�
“Yes, but we haven’t time! What else about that raid on our ranch?� Teddy interrupted.
“It’s tonight, like I told you! On the north side of the fence! An’, boys, I hope you get Froud! Go to it!�
Teddy straightened up.
“Roy, here’s our chance to get our horses back and capture Froud! We’ve got to get to dad! You—er—â€�
“Call me Brand,� the man said, with a grin.
“Brand, can you ride? Will you go with us?�
Brand shook his head.
“I stay here. Just cart some water for me, and you’ll find some bread an’ meat in a closet in back. An’ you might hand me down a rifle, just in case. I’ll be all right. I’ll rest up, an’ you can bring a doc when you come back. Then when I feel better, I’ll be ridin’ on. Snap to it now. You ain’t got much time.�
For a moment Roy hesitated. Gently he unwound the tourniquet. The bleeding had stopped, and the cut seemed to be closing. If the fellow who called himself Brand kept quiet for a while, there was every chance that the injury would soon mend.