Even that died out by degrees, and then absolute silence descended upon the vicinity of the ranch buildings. Up to the coming of the guests from the East there had been a pack of mongrel dogs connected with Rockspur Ranch; but Frank and his pals had seen neither hide nor hair of any for some time. The time began to drag terribly, and Frank himself feared none of them would be able to stand it much longer. But presently Lanky pinched his arm and breathed into his ear the words: "Saw something move just then--might have been a slinking coyote, but I reckon it had only two legs, Frank!" "Where?" the other whispered back, feeling a thrill of expectation, as it began to appear as though their weary vigil might meet with some measure of success. "See that star low down near the horizon--just to the right of that bush." "I get you, Lanky!" "I hit the bullseye, Frank, because there he is again!" continued the owner of the eagle vision. All of the chums had their eyes glued on the point Lanky had mentioned, for the brilliant setting star was plainly visible. Yes, something was moving, for a fact, and it must be either a venturesome coyote prowling around in search of a toothsome bone or else a man down on his knees, crawling toward the ranch house. Closer came the object of their scrutiny. Presently Frank gave a low and suggestive grunt. "A man, all right," he muttered. "Heading right this way, too," chucked Lanky, well pleased over the way things were working out. A hiss from Frank warned the others that greater caution than ever was now necessary. It would be too bad if after all some thoughtless act on their part should frighten off the queer little "sawed-off," as Lanky refereed to the moonlight visitor. Every few minutes they could see that he elevated his head as though to take a wide survey, and thus made doubly certain he was not creeping into a trap. "It's the runt, as sure as anything!" Lanky told himself. "Know that bushy-top anywhere I could glimpse it! Gee whiz! I sure do wonder what sort of a stunt he's meanin' to pull off this time." Just then, as the intruder was close enough to be fairly seen in the moonlight, Lanky made a discovery that added to his keen curiosity. In one hand the man carried what looked like an ordinary spade, as though his purpose had something to do with digging. It was plain to be seen that the fellow meant to approach close to the boys' shelter. He was heading in a direct line for the magnificent tree growing near that corner of the low building, the very first one Josh Kinney had planted, and now highly esteemed during the hot hummer days for the grateful shade its foliage cast. Now the prowler reached a spot close to the thick trunk of this tree, and, after a good look around, he seemed to be measuring with a tape-line.