FOR THE CAPTURE OF THE THIEVES THAT STOLE THREE BRONCOS BELONGING TO THE X--X FROM THE HITCHING RAIL AT EAGLES. “That’s mighty funny,” Roy mused. “I wonder--” “Lookin’ at my sign?” exclaimed a voice behind them, and Mr. Manley, together with Belle, came toward the corral. “I put that up early this morning. Belle Ada suggested it. Don’t know whether it’ll help or not, but I’d give a lot more than that to get General back. What say, boys?” “I’ll tell a maverick!” Roy declared. “So would Teddy and I be glad to get Star and Flash back. Think it’ll encourage the boys, Dad?” “Well, I don’t know,” Mr. Manley answered slowly. “I happened to hear Jim Casey and Gus Tripp talkin’ about the theft, an’ the way they feel they’d run themselves ragged to locate those rustlers. Pop would, too--he still sees red because the X Bar X brand was stolen. So I guess they’ll do the best they can, without that reward being offered.” “Yes, but, Daddy, wouldn’t it be nice to give something to the boys if they did catch the thieves?” Belle asked. “And then, too, I think they’d look just a _little bit_ harder, if they knew they’d get a hundred dollars when they found the horses. Now, wouldn’t they?” “Mebby--mebby,” Mr. Manley agreed. “Won’t do any harm to try. Well, are the boys showin’ you around the place?” he asked, turning to Nell. “Yes, and it’s perfectly thrilling!” Ethel broke in. “I’d just adore it if I could live here always.” “Have you shown them the kittens we brought back?” Mr. Manley inquired of Teddy, winking one eye. “Not yet, Dad,” his son returned. “We were just going over there when we saw this notice of yours.” “What kind of kittens?” Ethel wanted to know. “You’ll see!” Belle Ada exclaimed. “And I’ll bet you never saw any like them in your life before! Come on--they’re near the bunk-house.” The two city girls bent eagerly over the large, wire cage that stood in the shelter of the bunk-house wall. When they saw the soft, furry little creatures romping about inside, Nell gave a cry of delight and was about to reach down and pet them when Roy caught her hand. “I wouldn’t do that,” the boy warned. “Their teeth and claws are growing pretty fast. You might get nipped.” “What kind of kittens are they?” Ethel wanted to know. “Mountain lions,” answered Mr. Manley. “Real mountain lions! We shot their mother, and we figgered we ought to give the youngsters a start in life. So we brought ’em over here.” “Aren’t they cute?” came from Nell. “When they grow up, maybe you can tame them.” “And maybe _not_,” Teddy retorted grimly. “The only tame mountain lion I ever saw was a dead one. When these grow up they go to the circus, hey, Dad?” “If they live,” answered Mr. Manley. “Now,” said Roy, as he pushed the cage further out into the sun, “we’ll show you our famous cook, Sing Lung. This way, ladies and gentlemen! This way for the big show!” They strolled to the front of the mess-house, and Teddy stuck his head inside.