After a warming drink, Teddy and Roy, in obedience to their mother’s laughing orders, hopped into bed. Both declared that they wouldn’t sleep a wink, but, somehow, they could not keep their eyes open, and two o’clock found them deep in slumber. Mrs. Manley it was who watched at the window for the returning horsemen, her hands clasped tightly. The day was three hours old when Teddy and Roy opened their eyes. Roy was the first one out of bed, and, practically throwing his clothes on, he made for the door. Teddy was a close second, and they descended the stairs together. Their mother was waiting in the dining room. She put her finger to her lips and said in a low voice: “Don’t make too much noise, boys. Your father is asleep right above. He came in at five o’clock.” “Did he--did he--” Teddy began tensely. Mrs. Manley shook her head. “No luck, boys. He wants you to take Belle over to Peter Ball’s place as soon as you can and to hurry back. I wish she would wait until this business is over. Still, I won’t be foolish and start to worry. She is so eager to visit Nell and Ethel that I haven’t the heart to say she can’t. There is not a great deal of opportunity for social life out here. Anyway, I want her to become well acquainted with the two girls, for she may go to New York next winter and she’ll be happier if she has friends there. When do you want to start?” “As soon as Belle can, Mother,” Boy answered. “Dad is all right, then?” “Just tired. He could hardly keep his eyes open, poor man. And he’s doing all this to help a friend, too!” “Dad would do more for a friend than he would for himself,” Roy said softly. “Golly, I hope we catch those rustlers! Boy, how I hope it! Teddy, can’t you feel old Flash under you once more? And Star! Come on, Ted, let’s hurry so we can get back soon! Mom, how soon before Belle will be ready?” Mrs. Manley smiled at her son. It was like him to think more of getting his horse back than of capturing the rustlers--the mother knew the great affection that existed between Roy and Star and between Teddy and Flash. Yet, when she thought of the dangers of the chase, her face sobered. Still she did not forbid them to go. She knew that her boys must learn to be men. The two brothers and their sister were soon ready to start. Cautioning them to be careful, Mrs. Manley kissed them good-bye. They were going on horse back, Belle having her own favorite pony which she could not think of leaving behind. As they set out, Teddy looked up at the sky. “More rain,” he remarked thoughtfully. “Makes trailing that much harder. Belle, were you up when dad came in?” “No. But I heard him. He said the men never got a glimpse of the thieves. Then he said something about Harver’s Gully, but I didn’t quite catch that.” “He did?” Roy asked excitedly. “What was it, Belle? Think!” “I didn’t hear it all, Roy, because he shut the door just then.”