m, a perfect sight of the surrounding
territory could be obtained. A gun could be poked through the bush and
all the ground, except a very small part directly in front of the hill,
would be covered. The person who dug it evidently had in mind the
advantages of firing from a hidden spot.

"Well, no use in staying in here any longer. Hope that fool bronc of
mine is still there. Don't want to lose her like the Kid did his.
Won't the rest be surprised when I tell them about this! The Kid will
want to come right out and see it, and try it out. And Billee Dobb
will say 'I thought there was sumpin' like this!' Gosh, this thing is
pretty deep." Bud put both hands on the sides and pulled himself
toward the top.

He threw one leg over the edge and was just about to spring out when
that unconscious something which often warns us of the presence of
another caused him to look up. What he saw almost caused him to fall
back into the pit again.

Looking down at him was a man. In his hand he held a gun, the muzzle
pointed at Bud's head. And as the boy saw the man's face he uttered a
cry.

"Delton!"

"The same! I see you decided to visit us. Well, buddy, you're in for
a good long visit!" Delton's lips curled in a sardonic smile.

CHAPTER XIV

TO-MORROW NIGHT

Back of Delton Bud saw another man--and after a moment he recognized
him as the cowboy with the saw-off shot-gun who had warned them away
from the Shooting Star.

"Up out of that!" Delton commanded. "Keep your hands high. Don't try
no funny work or you'll be eatin' breakfast with St. Peter."

Discretion was easily the better part of valor, and, realizing this,
Bud made no hostile motion. He climbed meekly out of the pit.

"What do you think of our little hide-an'-seek hole, Merkel? Or
perhaps you had some experience with it before. Hey?"

"So you're the one who shot at us!" Bud cried hotly. "Well, let me
tell you that it was a coward's trick. If you----"

"Say, buddy, I want to tell _you_ something. The less you talk the
better it will be for you." Delton's eyes held a dangerous glint. "I
don't know what you're talking about. No--never mind! Don't answer
me. Sam--" this to the puncher who stood behind Delton--"if this bird
says another word shut him up--quick!" Sam nodded and stepped a little
forward.

"Turn around," Delton ordered shortly. As Bud turned he felt his arms
grabbed and forced back until his wrists were held firmly t