edly.

"They're going to follow the old river trail," announced Jarley Bangs.
"More'n likely they'll take to the lower trail when they reach the
forks."

"Can't we head 'em off and capture 'em?" questioned Fred.

"I think we can. Anyhow, we can try," was Jarley Bangs' answer.

The old ranchman made a swift mental calculation and then directed the
boys to follow him to a fording place a little further down the river.
Once on the other side of the watercourse, he urged his steed forward at
topmost speed in the direction of another patch of timber further
southward.

"They wouldn't dare take the upper trail," he told the lads. "For that
would take 'em too close to Big Horn. They'll come this way, I'm almost
certain."

It was not easy riding on a trail which was used but seldom.
Nevertheless, the lads hurried after the old ranchman as well as they
could. They wound in and out over some rough rocks and up a small hill,
and presently emerged upon a much better trail.

"Here is where they ought to pass," announced Jarley Bangs. "Now then,
we'll put our horses in the thicket and then see what we can do toward
pocketing 'em when they come."

The old ranchman had seen strenuous times in his younger days, and he
seemed to know exactly what to do. He divided the boys into two groups,
placing them on either side of the winding and rocky road.

"Now if you have to shoot, shoot high so as not to hit anybody on the
other side," was his warning. "But maybe we can get 'em without firing a
shot," he went on.

Brassy was armed with a small rifle, and he insisted upon remaining in
the roadway with his uncle. The other lads with their pistols and guns
were placed in advantageous positions behind nearby rocks and trees.

The arrangement was scarcely completed when they heard the tramp of
horses' hoofs over the somewhat rocky trail, and in a minute more Bud
Haddon came into view, followed by Jillson and Dusenbury, all on
horseback and each of the latter leading an extra steed.

"Throw up your hands!" shouted Jarley Bangs, as the horsemen came closer,
and he leveled his shotgun full at Haddon's head, while Brassy covered
Dusenbury with his rifle. The boys behind the rocks and trees covered all
three men as well as they were able.

The three rascals had not anticipated such a meeting, and, seeing the
guns leveled at them, not only from the front but also from the sides,
three pairs of hands went up almost as one.

"It's Bangs!"