“In course it was her.”
“They were taking her to Ranch V. Do you know where it is?”
“Yas,” replied Harmon, quickly, “that’s on Stone River, an’ it’s a pesky big place too. Thar’s a big stockade around it an’ armed men are allus a-watchin’ for fear an outsider will git in. So that’s ther place, eh? Wall, it will be hard to git Bessie out of Ranch V.”
“She shall be got out or I will give my life in the attempt!” cried a tall, handsome young plainsman with flashing eyes.
He looked much in earnest. Frank gazed at him critically. A little later he was introduced to him as Walter Barrows, a rising young stockman, and the lover of pretty Bessie Rodman.
CHAPTER VIII.
ON TO RANCH V.
Plans were quickly made.
It was decided to work upon strategical grounds, as their force was so much lighter than Cliff’s.
“You see, if we can strike Ranch V. at a time when Cliff and the majority of his men are in the hills we can capture the place,” declared Frank, shrewdly.
“That’s bizness,” agreed Harmon, “but ye’re the boss. I kin see that ye’ve got a better head piece nor I have, Mister Reade.”