"Right again," the Kid said with a grin. "Billee's the only one of this gang that seems to know his stuff." "Well, that's the plan, boys," stated Mr. Hawkins. "Are you with me?" "You bet!" "Bring on the smugglers!" "Kid, here's your chance to find out what became of your shirt!" "Wait!" the deputy held up his hand. "We can't go into this thing like that, boys! It's too dangerous. Enough men have been killed now by the smugglers, and I don't want to add to the list. I thought a long time before I came over this morning, and I finally decided I'd take a chance on you. When I met you first I knew you were dependable men. Remember--this is no joke! We've got to be ready to take what comes!" The faces of the boys sobered in an instant. "I guess you'll find you weren't far wrong," Bud said quietly. "We've been in a few tight squeezes before--I suppose you heard of Del Pinzo?" "Certainly. He was captured and jailed a while ago. Don't know whether he got out since or not." "Well, we are the ones who put him there," Bud went on in a quiet tone. "No! Why say,--I remember you now! I saw you bring him in! Well, well! So that's the way of things! Boys, I'm sure glad I met you! Between us we ought to make a go of this. So you captured Del Pinzo! Now here's another job for you. What do you think of this idea?" The boys leaned close as they prepared to hear the deputy's plan. CHAPTER XIII TRAPPED For some minutes the boys listened to the details of the deputy's scheme. It involved danger, there was no doubt of that, but it also gave a chance for success. If luck held in their favor--and Kid said after the run of misfortune they had met with it was time for a change of weather--they might hope for a rich prize--possibly Delton himself--though this last did not seem likely. The whole success of the plan depended on fooling the smugglers into thinking the ranch was still held by Delton. "And there we are," finished Hawkins. "Any questions, boys? You-all know what to do?" "All set!" Yellin' Kid answered. "Now that's over with, guess I'll mosey down to town." "Rather you stayed around, Kid, if you don't mind," said the deputy. "Anything particular you wanted?" "Well, just to see about that bronc you mentioned. And we got to get hold of a sheepman soon." "I'll fix that up for you," Hawkins offered. "Dick, how about you riding back with me?" "Glad to, Mr. Hawkins. Anybody want anything?" "Better find out about food," suggested Nort. "And we could all stand a clean shirt or two. Before you go, Dick, we all better take inventory. Didn't bring much, you know. What do you say, boys? Speak up, and Dick can collect your stuff while he's in town." "Where's that Mex?" the Kid asked. "Wait a minute while I head for the kitchen."