st the same as they did us. You know very
well that such fellows have a perpetual grouch against officers of the
law. The only wonder is they didn't shoot when they had the cowboys
unarmed."

"Even train robbers are averse to committing murder," replied Seth.

"Well, what are they going to do about it?" Will insisted.

"They want you to come out to Lander with me and stand trial."

"And if we refuse?"

"But you won't do that!"

"You are mistaken there," replied Will. "If they want us, they've got to
come and get us."

"That isn't good judgment," declared Seth.

While the two discussed the situation, the others listening intently,
the two visitors came slowly out of the tent and approached the spot
where Seth and Will were standing. Seth regarded the two men quizzically
for a moment and then extended both hands in greeting.

"Glad to see you, Gilmore!" he said. "How long have you been here?"

"Only a short time," was the reply. "At the request of a personal
friend, an officer from Chicago, we dropped in for breakfast and also to
see if the boys needed any assistance."

"Boys," Seth said, turning to the astonished group of youngsters, "this
is Sheriff Gilmore of Sweetwater county, and this," pointing to the
other, "is Doyle, one of his deputies. They are both good fellows."

"Did you say you knew John Johnson well?" asked Will, after greetings
had been exchanged. "Was it the truth you said about his asking you to
call and help us out if we needed assistance?"

"True as Gospel!" answered Gilmore. "I knew John Johnson when he was on
a ranch over here in the Sweetwater country. I'm taking a little
excursion into Pete's country in search of the train robbers. I met
Johnson going out, and he asked me to call on his friends, the boys."

"So you can vouch for these lads, can you?" asked Seth, a smile of
satisfaction coming to his face.

"I certainly can!" was the reply. "Johnson told me all about them, so I
know what they're here for, and all about their movements."

Before speaking, Seth took off his hat and began waving it in the
direction of the cowboy officers. Sheriff Pete and his deputies rose to
their feet and walked toward the camp. Before reaching the fire, they
recognized Sheriff Gilmore and came forward with extended hands. The
situation was soon explained.

"Now see here, kiddo," Sheriff Pete said, as he drew Will to one side,
"we don't know what you're in here for, but we know now that you're all