sing of the figures in front of
the windows, but for some reason it appeared that more persons were
moving about.

"Looks as though something was goin' to happen," Billee commented in a
low voice.

"Think so? Well, we've just got to wait, that's all."

The time passed slowly. Billee and Dick were observing the situation
within the house as best they might, without necessarily exposing
themselves.

"Say, Dick," said the veteran rancher after an hour that seemed like a
year, "I'm goin' to investigate."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm a-goin' up and have a look inside an' see what's happenin'."

"I don't know, Billee--they might spot you and let ride with some lead."

"Don't worry about that, Dick. They'll never know I'm there. Now you
wait here an' I'll be right back."

"Well, for the love of Pete, be careful! We don't want anything to go
wrong."

"Nothin's goin' wrong. Now you wait."

Billee Dobb moved softly in the direction of the ranch house, walking
so easily it seemed as though he were stepping on wool. Unlike most
other punchers, who spend most of their time on horseback, Billee was
exceptionally surefooted. Much tramping about the country did that for
him, and there were some who said he had been active in Indian warfare,
long ago. He would be the first to deny this, however, as it would add
too much to his age.

So while Dick waited impatiently, the rancher went toward the house,
shoulders low, making himself as inconspicuous as possible. The
distance between the house and where Dick was waiting was not far, but
it was all open, and with the moon lighting up the scene almost like
day, a person crossing might be easily seen.

Nearer and nearer Billee crept. Dick could see him picking his way
like a dancer, so that he might step on no branch or twig which would
break and give him away. Now he was almost at the side of the house.
Dick saw him lean forward and cautiously peer in the window.

Then it happened. Dick saw a flash of fire from within the room, and
the roar of a gun awakened the stillness of the night. Billee
staggered back. He fell to the ground, but was up in a moment, and ran
swaying toward Dick. The door of the house flew open, and a man with a
gun in his hand burst out on the porch. Like a flash Dick had his gun
out and fired. The man ducked back as the bullet struck the side of
the house with a resounding "ping!"

With a supreme effort Billee reached the shelter of th