"Shucks! it wouldn't stop us if they was three to our one," Chunky answered, with the freedom from concern that usually marks the true cowman. "If we can surprise the critters the advantage'll lie with us. And let me say right now that it won't be safe for any feller to get gay, and give a yip, or let his gun go off by accident, 'cause another is apt to drop into the habit, which is a bad one." That last was undoubtedly meant for Ally Sloper. He could be heard gnashing his strong white teeth in sullen anger, but he did not venture to let out a warning whoop so as to tell his friends they were up against it. Ned could not blame him, for he fancied that it might have been the last shout Ally would ever make, because this was a serious business, betraying the interests of his employer, and should he be shot no blame would ever be attached to the one carrying out the punishment. "Move over this way a leetle," said Chunky, presently, as though he knew just how the cattle and their drivers must issue forth from the mouth of the coulie when the time came, and meant to set the trap so as to take the rustlers off their guard. "Whew! tell me about this, will you?" Jimmy was breathing in the ear of his companion scout, as they tried to keep their ponies quiet, sitting in the shadow of the trees, and listening to all the clamor that arose further up the slope of the hill. "If you think this is exciting, Jimmy," remarked Ned, "wait till the climax comes along, and then see what happens. To think of our getting in a lively affair like this the very first night we're at the ranch. And somebody said all the fun was in the past. Looks like we find it wherever we go." "Well, you never spoke truer words, Ned," admitted Jimmy; "and honest now, I'm tremblin' all over right at this minute, not because I'm scared a whiff, for you know I ain't, but just on account of the strain. Oh! I hope they don't take a notion to slip away up the coulie 'stead of droppin' down and takin' their medicine like men." "Listen! they're coming, I do believe, Jimmy!" "Sounds like it, Ned. I never had the pleasure of handin' it out to a cattle rustler, but I've heard they are pretty tough citizens; and in case I do have to puncture a few with disabling wounds it needn't keep me awake nights. Them longhorns has got to be saved, and we're here to do it." "Stow your gab, Jimmy, and be ready to do what you're told. Chunky gives the orders for the entertainment, remember, and be quick to act. Yes, the cattle have been headed this way. They're running down the coulie right now!"