re he
had put his faithful pony out of misery, he once more started toward his
station, leaping and bounding through the high grass as best he could.

Not far had he gone, however, before he realized that unless he could
make greater speed, his pursuers would soon overtake him.

But the prospect did not daunt him and, as his danger became greater,
his brain became clearer.

Apparently without effort, Chester was bounding over the plains. Noting
this, an idea flashed into Bob's mind and he called the dog to him.

As he approached, Bob took a firm grip with his right hand in the mass
of hair on Chester's shoulders, exclaiming:

"You've got to help me run, boy. Now don't go too fast. Remember, I
can't leap the way you do."

And, as though understanding, the dog moderated his gait and together
they tore through the grass.

Yet so uneven was the race that Bob would certainly have been captured
had not aid come from an unexpected quarter.

So still was the air that the report of Bob's shot had carried to the
ears of John Ford who, sensing trouble, was riding slowly toward Red Top
to meet the lad.

Shooting not being common on the plains thereabouts, no sooner had he
heard the report than he clapped spurs to his horse and dashed in its
direction, and not far had he ridden before he caught sight of Bob and
Chester and their pursuers.

At a glance, he realized that the boy was in great danger, and grinding
his teeth savagely, he rode at him like mad, from time to time shouting
to Bob to keep up courage.

But the plucky boy saw and recognized his employer long before he heard
his reassuring words, and the sight lent him fresh strength.

The pursuers also saw Ford and redoubled their efforts to reach Bob
first. But the terrific pace was telling on their mounts and they made
little progress.

With a yell of exultation, Ford reached Bob, gave him a hand and lifted
him up behind to the saddle, asking:

"What are they after you for?"

"Because I wanted to warn you!" answered Bob, and hurriedly he related
all he had overheard and the incidents of the pursuit.

As he listened to the story, the ranchman's face grew terrible to
behold. And as it was finished, he sat in silence a moment, then fairly
hissed:

"My law is not 'an eye for an eye' or 'a tooth for a tooth.' But four
eyes for an eye!"

For an instant only was Bob mystified by this speech.

Swinging his rifle from his back to his shoulder with incredible