sers. But there were no hostile
acts, and no attempt was made to drive over any sheep.

"I wonder if there is a ford here?" said Yellin' Kid.

"I reckon there is," said Snake Purdee. "You can see where it has been
used," and he pointed to marks on their bank of the stream.

"They either know about this place, or they've made some tests and are
satisfied that it's safe," declared Bud.

"But if what Lanky says is true, though it may have been safe early
this morning, it might not be safe now," said Dick.

"That's true, but I think they'll take a chance," Bud declared. "There
isn't fodder enough on that side to last the sheep very long."

This was perfectly true, and it was evident that the herders would
endeavor to get their woolly charges on the other side of the stream as
soon as possible, to take advantage of the rich grazing on the open
range, newly made available to all comers.

"But I thought when the government opened new land it could only be
taken by citizens, or those about to become citizens," questioned Dick,
when, as they watched the sheep herders, they talked over the situation.

"That is the law," said Bud. "But down here you'll find the law
doesn't amount to much when a man wants a thing. He generally goes and
gets it, and thinks about the law afterward. That's why Dad has to do
what he is doing. If the law was as tight here as it is in the east,
he could get out an injunction, or something, against these herders,
and stand them off until he could find his papers proving his claim."

"Think he'll ever find 'em?" asked Nort.

Bud shook his head.

"It's hard telling," he answered.

Meanwhile there appeared to be "nothing doing" among the sheep herders.
They had gathered their flocks together and were making a rough camp,
as if they intended to stay for some time.

Then, about an hour later, Billee arrived with a couple of his cowboys,
bringing food for Bud and his comrades--food that was greatly
appreciated, for it was a long time since supper the night before.

The boy ranchers ate and waited. Still there was no action on the part
of the Greasers. They appeared content to wait for something to "turn
up," as Mr. Micawber would say.

"What are we going to do when they start to cross?" asked Nort.

"That's so--we'd better make a plan," added Dick.

"Shall we fire at the men, their horses or the sheep?" Bud wanted to
know.

"Fire at everything and everybody!" decided Snake vindicti