Then, for a time, peace settled down over Diamond X and the boys' ranch. The spring round-up was over, and a successful year begun, when the ordinary course of events was interrupted in the manner I have set down in the beginning of this book—by news that the Yaquis had risen.
All eyes were turned on the solitary horseman, who rode fast on the heels of Billee Dobb. As this rider came nearer, it could be seen that a paper fluttered in his hand.
"Special delivery letter, maybe," ventured Dick.
"Maybe," admitted Bud.
"I—I have a feeling that it's bad news," murmured Mrs. Merkel to Nell.
"Maybe not," Bud's sister whispered. "It may be only a rush order for cattle to be shipped.
"All that were fit have been shipped," her mother said. "I'm afraid—I'm afraid—"
With a shower of gravel, scattered by the sliding feet of his hastily-reined pony, the man drew up in front of the group.
"Mr. Henry Merkel here?" he asked, crisply.
"Here," said Bud's father, quietly.