A short distance farther and both stopped with an exclamation of dismay. The report of a weapon sounded from a point only a little way ahead. "That was not a rifle," said Warren, turning his white face on his companion; "it was a pistol." "Ye are corrict." "And it was fired by father." "I'm sure ye are right." "They have been attacked! come on! They need our help!" The youth dashed ahead, clambering over bowlders, darting around rocks, ducking his head to avoid the limbs, stumbling, but instantly regaining his feet, only intent on getting forward with the utmost possible speed. His companion found it hard work to keep up with him, but fortunately they had not far to run. Without the least warning of what was coming Warren Starr burst upon his astonished parents and little Dot, the rush being so impetuous that the rancher had his Winchester half raised to fire before he understood. At the feet of Mr. Starr lay the mare dead, killed by her master. While struggling over the rugged places she had slipped and broken her leg. The rancher mercifully put her out of her misery by placing the muzzle of his revolver to her forehead and sending a bullet through her brain. Mrs. Starr and Dot had turned away that they might not witness the painful sight, for they loved the creature. The arrival of the youths caused the mother to face quickly about, and the next moment she and her son were clasped in each other's arms, with Dot tugging at the coat of her big brother. "Warren, Warren, I guess you forgot me," she pleaded, when she thought the embrace had lasted long enough. "Forget you, my darling!" he repeated, catching her up and hugging the breath from her body; "never! we are together again, and only death shall separate us." The rancher had shaken the hand of Tim Brophy during this little by-play, and they exchanged a few words before father and son closed palms. Then the questions and answers came fast. Tim Brophy drew a little aside to where mother and child stood, and holding the tiny hand of Dot explained matters, while Warren did the same with his father. "Did you see us approaching when you started the fire?" asked Warren, after hurriedly telling his own story. "No, but I was quite sure, when your mother and I came to talk it over, that you would disregard my wishes about hurrying to the fort. We went astray in the darkness, and after a number of narrow escapes, as I have just related, found ourselves at the base of this ridge on the other side." "Did you recognize where you were?" "No; the points of the compass were all askew, and to save my life I couldn't get my bearings. But I was convinced that you were at no great distance, and decided to try the signal which Plummer and I had used before. Poor Plummer!" "Do you know anything about him?" Mr. Starr related what he had discovered, adding that the body was shockingly mutilated and stripped of its belongings.