“Do you, now?� Norine broke in, her eyes alight. “Then I’m glad! I missed those ponies, so I did!�
“You’d better hurry after your father,� Mrs. Manley admonished. “He’s riding again tonight after the rustlers. I do wish this were over!�
“It will be soon, Mom!â€� declared Teddy, “Don’t worry now—we’ll have that gang before morning!â€�
“But, boys, you’re all wet! You really must get some dry clothes on!�
“When we find dad, Mom! Want to reach him before he leaves! Come on, Teddy!�
The boys rushed from the room. Mrs. Manley turned to Norine with something very much akin to pride in her eyes. Her boys were already men!
Teddy reached his father just as the ranchman was throwing a saddle on a bronco. The boys told their story quickly.
“tonight, hey?� Mr. Manley pondered. “Well, sons, you sure did a fine piece of work. Now for the round-up of those rustlers! Teddy, go to the bunk-house and tell the boys to get over here, pronto! Tell ’em to bring guns! Then you an’ Roy get some food in you an’ some dry clothes on. This is the last act, boys! We ring the curtain down on that gang tonight!�
Later, a small crowd of men sat on restless horses. From each belt hung a heavy revolver, and in more than a few saddlecases reposed long-barreled rifles. Nick Looker was there, and Pop Burns and Gus Tripp, now recovered, and Jim Casey, and four other punchers. Teddy and Roy were on either side of their father.
“Boys,â€� Mr. Manley called, “we’re set! To the north fence—and don’t make any noise! When you get there lay low. Keep your broncs still. When I see the rustlers I’ll fire one shot—then close in, an’ close in quick! Understand? Then let’s go!â€�