So it chanced that Wade was chatting with the cowboys one Sunday afternoon when Jack, accompanied by three strangers, all mounted on dusty, tired horses, rode up to the porch and dismounted.
Lem Billings manifested unusual excitement.
"Montana, ain't thet Sheriff Burley from Kremmlin'?" he queried.
"Shore looks like him.... Yep, thet's him. Now, what's doin'?"
The cowboys exchanged curious glances, and then turned to Wade.
"Bent, what do you make of thet?" asked Lem, as he waved his hand toward the house. "Buster Jack ridin' up with Sheriff Burley."
The rancher, Belllounds, who was on the porch, greeted the visitors, and then they all went into the house.
"Boys, it's what I've been lookin' for," replied Wade.
"Shore. Reckon we all have idees. An' if my idee is correct I'm agoin' to git pretty damn sore pronto," declared Lem.
They were all silent for a few moments, meditating over this singular occurrence, and watching the house. Presently Old Bill Belllounds strode out upon the porch, and, walking out into the court, he peered around as if looking for some one. Then he espied the little group of cowboys.