In this essay, Tim committed a mistake which Warren Starr narrowly avoided. He acted on the theory that the only real danger was in the immediate neighborhood of the ranch, and that none existed near the ridges between which the trail led. The consequence was that, when he was not dreaming of any such thing, he suddenly became the target for a fusillade from Sioux rifles that were waiting to receive young Starr, and therefore were not fully prepared for him. By desperate work and good fortune he and his pony ran the gauntlet unscathed, and continued their flight southward. The whinny of his friend's pony, he supposed, came from one of the horses of his enemies, and therefore he galloped on without paying any heed to it. Meanwhile, as will be remembered, young Starr had pushed through the falling snow and gathering darkness until he and his horse reached the primitive shelter among the rocks, bowlders, and trees which he had used when on previous hunting expeditions. After he and Jack had disposed themselves for the night they were disturbed by the approach of someone. Rising to his feet, Warren hurried stealthily to the door, where he ran directly against the intruder, whom he was unable to recognize in the gloom. "Who are you?" he asked, holding his revolver ready for instant use, but unwilling to fire until sure he was facing an enemy. "Timothy Brophy, Esq., at your service," replied his friend, identifying the other by his voice. "Why, Tim, I can't tell you how glad I am to see you," exclaimed the delighted Warren: "I have thought a score of times, when on the way, how pleasant it would be to meet you. What brought you here?" "My horse, and I presume that yours did the same for yersilf." "Where is he?" "Outside, near by, wid the bist shelter I could give him: I didn't saa your own." "He's inside, sharing my couch with me, or, rather, was doing so when you disturbed us." Tim broke into laughter. "That's a good idaa; I niver heerd of anything like it before. Is there room for Billy, too?" "I'm afraid we would be crowded; but come inside till I strike a match and show you how things are fixed." The two entered, and Warren ignited another lucifer. Jack was evidently puzzled, raising his head and looking at them in a way which suggested that he would like to come to his feet. "Lie down, old fellow!" commanded his master; "there's nothing to be disturbed about; you couldn't have better quarters, and you will be wise to stay where you are; you're better off than Billy." Now that Tim had arrived with his blanket, it was decided that the pony should be left where he was, while the youths lay down on the other covering, which was wrapped about them. Then they curled up and made themselves as comfortable as on their previous stay in the rude shelter.