"They've broke out!" he yelled as soon as he was within hearing distance. "They've broke out! Scatter my watermelon seeds, but they've broke out!"
"What has?" demanded Mr. Merkel. "Our steers?"
"No! The Yaquis!"
"Indians!" snapped out Bud.
"That's them, son! They've broke out—left the reservation, and they're headed this way! Oh, rattle-snakes! Get your guns ready! The Yaquis have broke out!"
The boy ranchers looked at each other and it can not be denied that there was a joyous light in their eyes. Nell shrank closer to her father, and Mr. Merkel reached over and placed his hand in reassuring fashion on his wife's ample shoulder.
"Indians!" murmured Dick. "I wonder—"
"Sure we can help fight 'em!" exclaimed Nort, rightly guessing that this was his brother's question.