Realizing that they would be able to advance but slowly along the trail, giving their ponies a chance to rest, the men were riding a stiff lope. At first Mr. Wilder had insisted that the three youngest boys return to the ranch as soon as Tom had showed them the trail, but they had pleaded so hard, asserting they were entitled to accompany the pursuers because of their discovery of the trail, that he had finally consented, making the condition, however, that when they entered the hills the boys must ride next the rear, where in case of attack, they would not be in the brunt of it. Larry was following the edge of grass as they drew near the place where the fire had been started. As his eyes roved over the billowy plains, they suddenly were attracted by a peculiar furrow that seemed to run through the grass like a channel. For the moment he was tempted to call the attention of the others to it, and then, fearing their ridicule, decided to find out what it was first. Accordingly he reined his pony to one side and was approaching the furrow when he was startled to hear a cry of delight: "I've got it! I've got it!" Hastily unslinging his rifle, the elder of the chums pointed it in the direction whence the unexpected voice had come and shouted: "You there, in the grass! Stand up before I count five or I'll----" But Larry had no occasion to complete his command. Unconscious that there was another soul within miles of him, the person addressed raised his head cautiously to see who had accosted him. "Stand up straight, I said!" ordered the boy. As the fellow obeyed, Mr. Wilder, Pete and the others, who had been almost as surprised at hearing Larry's words as the prisoner himself, dashed up, quickly followed by the cowboys. Intuitively each man felt they had captured one of the raiders, and without waiting for instructions, closed in on him in a circle, completely cutting off any chance for escape. "Who are you and what are you doing, sneaking along in the grass ?" demanded Mr. Wilder sternly. "I'm Bobby Lawrence, and I was hunting for my tobacco pouch," returned the fellow, undaunted by the angry faces gazing at him. "That's the name of one of Megget's right-hand men," declared Nails. "I found that out at Tolopah." With no gentle hands half a dozen of the cowboys searched Lawrence, taking from him his pistols and a long knife. When their prisoner was harmless Mr. Wilder resumed his questions. "Who set the fire last night?" "If I play fair with you, will you treat me square?" demanded Lawrence. "That depends," temporized the ranch owner. "You belong to the gang that has been raiding my herds and last night tried to destroy us by fire. You can't expect much leniency from us under the circumstances. Still, if you give us any assistance in founding up Megget, we'll not forget it." "Well, I'll do all I can, honest I will, Mr. Wilder."