“The horses! Some one is meddling with them. Get up at once!”
Gerald comprehended instantly, and sprang to his feet. Both he and the tourist were out of doors like a flash, and ran to the rear of the cabin.
Two cowboys wearing large flapping sombreros, had untied the horses, and were leading them away.
“Hold on there!” exclaimed the Englishman. “Leave that horse alone!”
The cowboy who had sprung upon the horse turned and greeted him with derisive laughter.
“Mind your business, stranger, and get back to your bed!” he answered. “I’ve got use for this horse.”
The other, who had Gerald’s horse by the bridle, also sprang upon his back.
“That’s my horse!” called out Gerald angrily.
“It’s mine now!”
“I wish I had my rifle!” said Brooke in excitement, “I would soon stop these thieves!”