"What did yore note mean?"
"Harry, the S Bar is in great danger. Yo' father is dead, and yo' mothah——" And then Kid Wolf told the story in full.
Harry Thomas listened in agitation. He was overcome with grief and remorse. His voice trembled when he spoke:
"I've been a fool," he blurted, "worse than a fool. Poor mother! What can I do now?"
"It isn't too late to help her," The Kid told him kindly. "Yo' mothah needs yo' badly. Findin' those stolen cattle wasn't so hahd, aftah all. Theah on Don Floristo's ranch just below heah. I've talked to the don, and let the remahk drop that I'm interested in cattle. So I am, but the don doesn't know in what way. He thinks I'm a rich gringo wantin' to buy some."
"Kid, I've learned my lesson. I'll never gamble again," said Harry earnestly.
Kid Wolf took his hand warmly.
"Don Floristo has already given orders that the six hundred head of S Bar steers are to be driven to Mariposa to-night. I am to ride south to his ranch and close the deal. Early mañana the three loyal S Bar men will seize the cattle and drive them home. Yo' and I must help."
"Yo're riskin' yore life for strangers, Kid. Floristo is a dyed-in-the-wool villain. If he suspects anything, he'll cut yore throat. But I'm with yuh! Yuh've brought me to myself. I didn't suppose they made hombres like you!"
"Thanks, Harry. Now listen carefully and I'll tell yo' exactly what to do."