"Didn't see anything! The car turned off before we could get close enough to see in it." "Too bad we couldn't work it, boys," Hawkins ruefully said. "We've still got a chance to nab them, though. They can't get far over this ground with a car." "They can lead us a merry chase," Dick asserted. "Wonder what time it is?" "One o'clock," Bud suggested. "Not much more, anyway. Think they came over this way, Mr. Hawkins?" "Yes--I do. Know where we are?" "Comin' to the water hole, I think," answered Yellin' Kid. "Say, maybe they're going to try and make for the place where they held me!" Bud exclaimed. "That's over this way somewhere." "Can you find it again?" the agent asked, an anxious note in his voice. "Think so." "Then if we don't make out to-night we can have a try at that in the morning." "How far do you want to go?" Bud asked Hawkins. "Let's see now. I have an idea, and I want to see what you fellows think about it. First, though, are you sure that you can find that ranch where they held you, Bud?" "Can in daylight. Maybe not at night." "If you started from the water hole do you think you could spot it at night?" "Might. I could try it, anyway." "Hold up a minute, then." The six riders drew rein, and waited for the agent's next words. "It's not much use trailing them much farther. What I think they did, is to make for that ranch house where Bud was, and stay there. Now here's the point. Even if we did come upon them now, we'd have a hard job taking them. I think this is a better plan. Listen, now." The boys drew closer around Hawkins. "This idea I have calls for two men to stay up all night. Who'll do it?" "Me!" "Let me in on that!" "What is it--keeping guard?" "Yes, Nort, that's exactly what it is--keeping guard. Now here's the dope. We followed that bunch pretty far. There's no doubt but that they headed for that house, and intend to unload their Chinks there. Now if we can only keep them in that house until morning, we can get the whole gang--including the Chinks--like rats in a trap. Now do you see what I mean?" "You mean you want some of us to watch the place and do a little shootin' so that they won't come out?" "That's it exactly, Kid! If two men can get close to the house, and keep firing at intervals, they'll think that we've got them cold, and will stay there long enough to allow us to get them by morning." "What's the matter with all of us going up there now?" "Wouldn't do any good, and besides, someone has got to be at your ranch. And some of us have got to get a little sleep. We may have to do some more riding to-morrow." "Well, if you think that's best, I'll do it, for one," spoke Dick. "And I'll go with you!" Bud exclaimed. "I owe Delton quite a good deal for the way he hauled me off my horse!" "All set for this new plan then?" asked Billee.