“I wonder if they rode over that way!” Teddy exclaimed. “Roy, the more I think of that man we saw, the more I’m sure it was Froud!” “You saw Gilly Froud?” Belle asked, her eyes wide. “We weren’t sure,” Teddy said quickly. Then he changed the subject and suggested that they hurry, as the clouds were getting heavier. They reached the 8 X 8 after a long ride, finding it in much the same condition as their own ranch. That is, most of the punchers were on the range, trying to get track of their stolen cattle. Bug Eye Wilson remained, “to keep the cook company,” as he said, much as he had wanted to ride with the rest. His time would come later unless the rustlers were caught soon. There was an attitude of quiet determination about the men on the 8 X 8. Teddy noticed that the punchers who remained were talking in low tones and with none of their accustomed banter. “They’re all business,” Roy remarked to Teddy. “If those rustlers get away this time they’re pretty clever. This last trick they pulled was one too many. They’ve got the whole country on their necks now.” Needless to say, Nell and Ethel were delighted to see Belle, and also her brothers. But Roy and Teddy could scarcely stay long enough to say “hello.” They were anxious to get back, see their father, and join in the chase. The sky was blacker than ever when they turned and started for home. The wind had increased in violence, and the boys bent low in their saddles as they rode. Three miles out Roy gave a yell. “Here she comes! She’s goin’ to be a pip, too! Wow!” With a sullen roar the storm struck. The rain fell in torrents and the wind whipped the boys’ faces stingingly. “We’ve got to find shelter!” Teddy shouted. “Can’t ride in this! The broncs will fall, sure, and maybe break a leg! Then we’ll be out of luck!” Bracing themselves against the furious blasts, the boys galloped on, searching for some sort of protection. The lightning was flashing almost continually, so they wisely kept out of the vicinity of large trees. Suddenly Teddy gave a shout. “There’s something ahead! Looks like a house! Let’s head for that!” The boys forced their broncos onward. Through the dashing rain they could see the outlines of a shack. CHAPTER XXIII DISCOVERY Pulling their hats further down on their heads to keep the rain out of their eyes, the two boys directed their ponies toward the cabin. The horses were twitching nervously every time a streak of lightning tore the rain-washed sky, and it took skillful hands to keep them from running wild. A blinding flash came just as they reached the cabin, and a tree not a hundred yards away fell to the ground with a startling crash. Teddy’s pony threw back his head and whinnied in terror. “Close!” Roy yelled. “Watch that bronc of yours, Teddy! He’s a sidewinder!” The warning was unnecessary, for Teddy at the same moment seized the horse’s mane with a firm hand. This had a quieting effect, and the bronco lowered his head once more.