"It's Buck Tooth," declared Dick.
"And if he doesn't bear evil tidings I miss my guess," murmured
Bud.
Evil tidings they were, in very truth. For as the Zuni came near enough he was seen to be much excited. Drawing rein, he made a sweeping, comprehensive gesture with one hand, toward the south end of the valley, and exclaimed: "All gone!"
"What's all gone?" asked Bud, a great fear clutching at his heart.
"Cattle!" answered the Indian. "Rustlers drive 'em all 'way, while you shootin' off there!" and he pointed toward the scene of the recent conflict.
For an instant Bud said nothing. Then, with trembling lips, which alone betrayed his feeling, he remarked:
"That was it! They divided their gang and started a fake fight up at one end, to draw us there, while they worked against our big herd at the other end. It was a slick piece of work. No wonder they shot more than they hit. They wanted to keep us away from the south of the valley."
"I guess you've struck it, Bud," said Snake, grimly. "They sure fooled us, an' I never smelled a rat! Whew!"
Bud, with lips that were firmer now, touched spurs to his pony and hastened toward the tents and corral.
"What you aimin' to do?" called Yellin' Kid after him.