been wrenched from his hand, and lay in
the street.

He picked it up as he started for Tad Butler.

Tad, who had sat in his saddle calmly, now realized that he must act
quickly if he expected to save himself.

His plan was formed in a flash.

Digging in the spurs, and at the same time slapping the little animal
smartly on its side, the lad caused his little pony to leap violently
forward.

"Drop that gun!"

As he uttered the stern command, the boy brought his quirt down across
the cowman's knuckles with a resounding whack.

The cowman with a yell of rage sprang at him, but the blow aimed at Tad
Butler's head never reached him.

CHAPTER II

THE PONY RIDERS JOIN THE OUTFIT

At that instant a man, clad in the dress of a cowboy, leaped from the
sidewalk. He caught the angry cowman by the collar. From the way in
which the newcomer swung the fellow around it was evident that he was
possessed of great strength.

"Stop it!" he thundered.

Tad's assailant turned on the newcomer with an angry snarl, his rage now
beyond all control.

"Let me alone! Let me get at the cub!" he cried, making a vicious pass
at the man.

The cowboy's blow was neatly parried and a mighty fist was planted
squarely between his eyes, sending him to earth in a heap.

"Get up!" commanded the man who had felled him.

The cowboy struggled to his feet, standing sullenly before his
conqueror.

"Look at me, Lumpy! Didn't I tell you that I'd 'fire' you if you got
into any trouble in town to-day?"

The cowboy nodded.

"Is this the way you obey orders? What sort of recommend do you suppose
Boss Miller will give you when I tell him I found you trying to shoot up
a kid?"

"I don't care. I ain't askin' any recommends. Besides, he--he got
in----"

"Never mind what he did. I saw it all. Get your pony and back to the
camp for yours. Let Bert come in your place. You get no more lay-offs
till I see fit to let you. Now, git!"

Thoroughly subdued, but with angry muttered protests, the cowboy, walked
down the street, jerking his pony's head about and swinging himself into
the saddle.

"Don't be rough on the fellow. Let him stay."

The newcomer turned to Tad, glancing up at the boy inquiringly.

"Young fellow, you've got nerve--more nerve than sense."

"Thank you. But I asked you to let the man stay. He won't do it again,"
urged Tad.

"I'm the best judge of that. And as for you, young fellow, I would
advise you to ride your pony a