tile ranges.

In consequence of this, watch was kept on that side of the stream where
the lone horseman had appeared. To the north, east and west little
danger was apprehended.

On the second day after the parley with this "spy," as he was dubbed, a
moving cloud of dust was observed approaching from the north.

You may be sure it did not go long unnoticed, and Dick raised a cry as
soon as he saw the indication of someone, or something, coming.

"Get out your guns!" he shouted.

"Maybe it's somebody from Diamond X," spoke Nort.

And a little later it could be seen that the dust was caused by three
steers rushing over the dry prairie.

"Must have been a stampede up at your place, Bud," remarked Snake
Purdee, as he and the other cowboys rode out in answer to Dick's alarm.
"These got away from the main herd. We'll round 'em up."

With their usual loud cries the cowboys rode toward the fleeing cattle,
which seemed maddened by some fear, for they never slackened pace. But
by skillful rope-throwing two were downed and secured. The third, and
fleeter of the trio furnished a bit of amusement for the holders of the
fort.

"I'll bulldog him!" shouted Snake Purdee. "Lay off, Kid!" he called to
the yeller, for now that his leg was mending Yellin' Kid began to take
an active part in all that went on.

"Bulldogging" is a term used in the West to indicate sort of wrestling
match with a steer, and the completion of the act sees the animal
thrown prone to the ground by the strength and skill of the cowboy.

Urging his pony to a fast pace, Snake rode up alongside the rushing
steer and then, when near enough, the cowboy leaped from his horse and
raced on foot alongside the steer. Snake reached out and shot his
right arm around the animal's neck, reaching over and under until he
could grasp the loose, bottom skin. While he was doing this he had to
keep pace with the steer, and at times Snake was lifted clear from the
ground, while, now and again, he had to throw his legs out to keep them
clear of the knees of the now maddened beast.

But Snake had performed this feat before, and was one of the most
expert at the _rodeo_ games whenever they were held.

His right arm now over the steer's neck, and with his right hand firmly
grasping the loose lower, neck-skin, Snake reached out his left hand
and caught hold of the tip of the animal's left horn. This was the
position he had been working to secure, and the instant he had