"That's the Half-Moon outfit, sure enough," declared Snider. And
putting spurs to their ponies, the ranch owners galloped straight
for the fire.
"Queer we can't see any of the boys," muttered Mr. Wilder in a low
voice. "I know they are tired. But, all things considered, one of
them at least ought to be on watch if for nothing else than to keep
the cattle from breaking away. That they are restless, you can
tell from their lowing.
"It's no wonder the raiders were able to cut out my short-horned
Durhams if the boys didn't keep better watch."
His tone showed deep annoyance, and he was on the point of speaking
again when a sharp challenge rang out from their left:
"Who goes there?"
Instantly Mr. Wilder's anger vanished as he recognized the voice of
his foreman and replied:
"Don't get excited, Pete. It's only Jim Snider and me."
In response to his master's greeting the cowboy sprang to his feet
and a movement of his hand toward his belt showed both ranchmen
that he had been prepared to dispute their advance should they have
proven foes instead of friends.
"Where are the others? You two didn't come alone, did you? I told
Nails to have you get as many as you could," said the foreman.
"We left them back yonder," returned the owner of the Half-Moon.
"Nails said we were to meet you in the morning, and when we saw the
fire Jim and I thought we'd make sure it was you.
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