to
the Bubbly Well Ranch, feeling safe from further depredations for a time
at least.

On the lower part of the ranch the wolves had been playing havoc with
the calves and the yearlings, and the major's cowboys were continually
bringing in news of the depredations of the pack.

The pack was led by old White Fang, the cowboys said, and they could do
nothing with him. Whatever traps they laid for him were upset by the
cunning of the old rascal, and he made life miserable for the men
responsible for the cattle.

"What are we going to do about him?" said the major one day to Ted. "I
suppose we'd better organize a big hunt, and drive the wolves out of the
country."

"No use," said Ted. "The old beggar would hide in the mountains until it
was over, and then renew the attack on you."

"What do you propose, then?"

"I'm going out after him myself, and I'll not come back until I get
him."

Stella, who was curled up in a big chair in the living room reading,
looked up quickly when Ted said this, and smiled out of the corner of
her mouth, for she scented sport in this.

"I think I'll go along," said the major.

"I'd like to have you, major, but it won't do this time. You are too
heavy a rider. It will take a light rider to turn the trick with White
Fang," answered Ted, and the major looked a bit taken back.

But Stella chuckled to herself. If it took a light rider, she was in
that class.

Later in the day she saw Ted and Bud go toward the corral. Ted carried
in his hand a new, strong Mexican lariat.

She watched them a few minutes before she realized their mission.

"I believe they're going on the wolf hunt," she said to herself, "and
without me." Her eyes flashed. "We'll see about that."

She ran into her room, and soon emerged ready for a ride. But when she
got on the veranda Ted and Bud were galloping away across the prairie.

Without hesitating she ran to the corral, caught her pony and saddled
it, and was in pursuit.

Ted heard the clatter of her pony's feet and turned to see her coming at
whirlwind speed, and slowed up to wait for her.

"Ha, ha!" she cried, as she came up with them, her face wreathed in
smiles. "Thought you'd go without me, eh?"

"Didn't think you'd care about such a commonplace thing as chasing a
wolf," said Ted.

"Well, I'm going," she answered, putting her pony into a gallop.

They rode for the lower pasture, which ran up into the foothills of
Sombrero Peak, where the recent de