When the car reached Bitter Cliff lookout, Bug Eye slowed down and stopped for a moment.
“Look there!� he said laconically, waving his arm in a wide gesture.
Nell leaned forward, then uttered a slight exclamation.
“What’s the matter?� Roy asked, smiling.
“It’s so—so close and high!â€� the girl answered, with a motion of her hands. “Why, it almost seems as though I could reach out and touch the chimney of that house away off there!â€�
“You try it,â€� Teddy said, with a chuckle. “That’s six miles away! Those buildings are on the X Bar X ranch—our place. Over to the west, where you see that other corral, is the 8 X 8, where you’re going.â€�
“Bug Eye,� Mr. Manley said gently, “if it’s all the same to you, we’d better get goin’.�
“Right!� Bug Eye answered. He advanced the gasoline control and the flivver again shot forward.
The moment they reached the ranch yard of the X Bar X, Mr. Manley leaped from the car. A cowboy, who was leaning against the corral fence, craned his neck forward in surprise. The boss riding in an auto!
“Nick,� Mr. Manley called sharply to the puncher, “our broncs have been rustled. We’re goin’ out after ’em! You and Gus Tripp get your ponies an’ three others for Roy an’ Teddy an’ me. Bring your guns.� Short, terse sentences. Mr. Manley was no longer a cattle owner. He was a cowboy, whose pony had been stolen.