gun-play, and he gave me this scratch on the cheek. The end of it was
that he took my team and left me with his worn-out bronc. I plugged on
all day with the hawss till about three mebbe, then seeing it was all
in I unsaddled and picketed. I lay down and dropped asleep. Next I
knew the necktie-party was in session."

"What time was it y'u met this fellow Kinney?" asked Long sharply.

"Must have been about nine or nine-thirty I judge."

"And it's five now. That's eight hours' start, and four more before we
can cut his trail on Roskruge. By God, we've lost him!"

"Looks like," agreed another ruefully.

"Make straight for the Arivaca cut-off and you ought to stand a show,"
suggested Fraser.

"That's right. If we ride all night, might beat him to it" Each of the
five contributed a word of agreement.

Five minutes later the Texan and the ranger watched a dust-cloud
drifting to the south. In it was hidden the posse disappearing over
the hilltop.

Steve grinned. "I hate to disappoint the boys. They're so plumb
anxious. But I reckon I'll strike the telephone line and send word to
Moreno for one of the rangers to cut out after Kinney. Going my way,
seh?"