George kept his horse by the side of the trail until he was out of sight of the house, and then putting him into a gallop went ahead with all his speed, Bony following close behind. Ranger knew the road and kept it without any guidance from his master. The ten miles that lay between Mr. Gilbert’s and his home were quickly passed over, and as George drew near to the end of his ride he gradually slackened his pace and became cautious in his movements. There was one man about the house who seemed to have a way of finding out everything that went on there, and who, George told himself, must know nothing whatever of this night’s work. Philip might be his Uncle John’s confidential assistant, as Springer had intimated, and then again he might not; but even if he were, it was not at all likely that Uncle John would care to have him know that Ned had got himself into such serious trouble as this, and George’s object was to warn his cousin and his guest, and get them out of the house and into the saddle before Philip knew anything about it. He first made his way to the corral, intending to put Bony in there; but the gate had already been locked for the night. Then he turned his horse loose to drink and made his way cautiously to the house, at the door of which he was met by one of the herdsman, who started back in surprise at the sight of him. Every one about the rancho had given him up for lost. “Why, George,” exclaimed the man, springing forward as soon as he had recovered himself, and extending both hands toward the boy, “you don’t know how glad—Eh?” “Not a loud word,” whispered George, raising his finger warningly. “Jake, you are one of father’s old herdsmen, and I know I can trust you. My cousin has got himself into a scrape, and it is necessary that he should leave here at once. I want you to saddle a couple of horses, and bring them to the door and assist me to get Ned and his friend out of the house without Philip’s knowledge. That Philip is a born rascal, Jake.” “I was sartin of it,” whispered the herdsman. “Me an’ the rest have always suspicioned that he let the Greasers in here that night, for we know the door was locked. But what’s the matter with Ned?” “I can’t stop to tell you now. It’s all over the settlement, and you will know everything to-morrow. Now go into the kitchen and keep Philip there until I can reach the office; then saddle up and keep a bright lookout for a couple of horsemen. If you hear anybody coming down the trail, let me know.”