"Shorty," he called, "you and Grouchy stand outside of that door, and don’t you let him out of there until we can get Bud Hardy away." He meant to hurry and meet the wagon before it could reach the yard, but as he spoke he heard the men and horses and knew that it was useless. Andy, who had been watching farther down the road, ran towards him. "Bill," he called, "Bud Hardy’s here." As he spoke, Bud and his men advanced, followed by Diana and the child, while Sir John and Petrie stood close to them. "Bud," Bill began, in a quick, low voice, "Jim ain’t in any mood to be trifled with to-day. What in hell do you mean by stopping these people when I ordered you off the place?" He blurted out the words as though fearful of the impulse that drove him to do bodily harm to the Sheriff. With a sneer Bud answered, "I told you I would hold these people as witnesses, and now I want Nat-u-ritch." Before Bill could remonstrate, there was a hoarse cry from the house. They heard Jim wildly saying, as he rushed to Bill: "Where is it? Where is it? It’s gone—gone! Who took it? Bill, did you put that little gun back in the room as I told you?" "That I did, boss." As Jim stood in the yard he failed to see Diana or the child. He saw only the great form of the Sheriff, with his men around him, and he knew that mischief was afoot. "You here, damn you!" He made a movement to reach Bud, but was restrained by Shorty and Grouchy. Then he saw that the entire party had been taken into custody. Before he could expostulate, a shot rang out. "What was that!" Bill ran to the barn. Jim followed him, but was stopped at the door by Bill. "Jim," he cried, "it’s Nat-u-ritch." Before either of them could reach the tiny form they saw Tabywana lean over and pick up the child-woman in his arms. He had found her, but too late. Diana, holding the child and followed by Petrie and Sir John, drew back into the corner of the porch. Bud and his men, who had lost their prey, slunk away. Only his faithful men stood by Jim as Tabywana advanced, carrying in his arms the dead Nat-u-ritch. From her hands dangled the tiny baby shoes. Tabywana held out the lifeless body to Jim. In death as in life, she belonged to her master. "Poor little mother! Poor little mother!" Jim whispered. *CHAPTER XXVIII* The fields were golden-tipped with mustard-flower, while a haze as golden touched and glinted the green of the encircling hills. A riot of vernal glory met Jim’s eyes as he walked through the lanes that led to the Towers. Six months had passed since Diana and Hal had left him, and until now the West with its memories had held him. He had written that he would be with them on this day, but he wished to return quietly. Only Diana and the child knew of his expected arrival.