Teddy and Roy could hardly wait to ride to Cottonwood Bowl. Swallowing a hasty breakfast, they started, together with Nick and Pop. Mr. Manley stayed at the ranch to guard the prisoners until the sheriff from Hawley could take them into custody.
As the riders reached the spot Brand had described, Teddy mounted the rock and parted the brush which grew on top. He looked over. Then he gave a yell.
“Flash! And Star and General! Running around like colts! Take a look, Roy! Take a look! Baby! Let’s get down there quick! Here’s the path around to the left! Come on, Roy! Hurry up! Wow, you old bronc you! Be with you in a minute!�
“Just like kids,â€� Nick said to Pop, with a grin, as the two brothers ran down the path toward the enclosure. “They’re crazy to get their ponies under them, an’ I don’t know as I blame ’em! Golly—watch ’em! Look at Roy! By jimminy, he’s kissin’ the bronc! Now he’s on—so is Teddy! Yay, boy! See ’em go! Ride ’em, cowboy! Yay!â€�
Around the Bowl the boys flashed, milling the small herd of cattle like veterans. Then they broke the cows and ran them out of the Bowl into the path. Aided by Nick and Pop, they started the drive for the X Bar X, leading General and their other horses.
“Take a look at him!� Roy exclaimed, patting Star’s side. “Skin shines like satin! Must have taken good care of you, bronc! That’s another thing we’ve got to thank Checkered Shirt for. Golly, it’s good to be astride again!�
“Same here!� Teddy cried. “Gee, I never expected to see this ole horse again! Did I, you crazy coot, you? Nope, he says! Never did! See him nod his head? Atta baby! Speak up!�
“Yo’re sure happy, ain’t you?� Pop grinned.
“I’ll tell a maverick!� Roy exploded. “Why shouldn’t we be? An’ wait till dad sees General! Boy! He won’t be very glad!�
At last they reached the X Bar X with the cattle. It was a long, dusty, hot ride, but to Teddy and Roy it was just a pleasure jaunt. The cattle were placed in the X Bar X corral until Mr. Ball should send for them. Mr. Manley was overjoyed to see General again, and insisted on riding with the two boys back to the cabin where they had left Checkered Shirt, although Mrs. Manley was sure they would fall asleep in their saddles. They decided that it would be better to bring the wounded man back to the ranch if he could be moved, rather than to waste time getting a doctor to the out-of-the-way cabin.