The rustler caught at the saddle horn. He trembled as though with the ague, and wet his lips with his tongue. He strove to speak, but the words would not come. “Save ’em,” Nick Looker said in a contemptuous voice. “You might need later all the talk you got. Come on now! Ride on! We ain’t got all night. All right, boss? Do we go?” “We go, Nick! An’ don’t worry about watchin’ Froud. If he starts to fall off, you might prop him back on again. Boys, we’re off! We’re headin’ home with a rare cargo! Let’s go!” The procession of horsemen filed into the yard of the X Bar X just as the gray dawn was breaking. On all but four of the riders were happy grins. One of these four sagged low in the saddle. Frequently his tongue ran over his dry lips. And on the side of his face a scar, like a small snake, shone livid against his sickly pallor. Teddy and Roy could hardly wait to ride to Cottonwood Bowl. Swallowing a hasty breakfast, they started, together with Nick and Pop. Mr. Manley stayed at the ranch to guard the prisoners until the sheriff from Hawley could take them into custody. As the riders reached the spot Brand had described, Teddy mounted the rock and parted the brush which grew on top. He looked over. Then he gave a yell. “Flash! And Star and General! Running around like colts! Take a look, Roy! Take a look! Baby! Let’s get down there quick! Here’s the path around to the left! Come on, Roy! Hurry up! Wow, you old bronc you! Be with you in a minute!” “Just like kids,” Nick said to Pop, with a grin, as the two brothers ran down the path toward the enclosure. “They’re crazy to get their ponies under them, an’ I don’t know as I blame ’em! Golly--watch ’em! Look at Roy! By jimminy, he’s _kissin’_ the bronc! Now he’s on--so is Teddy! Yay, boy! See ’em go! Ride ’em, cowboy! Yay!” Around the Bowl the boys flashed, milling the small herd of cattle like veterans. Then they broke the cows and ran them out of the Bowl into the path. Aided by Nick and Pop, they started the drive for the X Bar X, leading General and their other horses. “Take a look at him!” Roy exclaimed, patting Star’s side. “Skin shines like satin! Must have taken good care of you, bronc! That’s another thing we’ve got to thank Checkered Shirt for. Golly, it’s good to be astride again!” “Same here!” Teddy cried. “Gee, I never expected to see this ole horse again! Did I, you crazy coot, you? Nope, he says! Never did! See him nod his head? Atta baby! Speak up!” “Yo’re sure happy, ain’t you?” Pop grinned. “I’ll tell a maverick!” Roy exploded. “Why shouldn’t we be? An’ wait till dad sees General! Boy! He won’t be _very_ glad!”