. Wash Gibbs
was easily distinguished by his gigantic form, and with him were
ten others, riding two and two, several of whom were known to
Young Matt as the most lawless characters in the country. All were
fired by drink and were laughing and talking, with now and then a
burst of song, or a vulgar jest.

"I say, Wash," called one, "What'll you do if Young Matt's there?"
The unseen listeners could not hear the leader's reply; but those
about the speaker laughed and shouted with great glee. Then the
two in the bushes distinctly heard the last man in the line ask
his companion, "Do you reckon he'll put up a fight?" and as they
passed from sight, the other answered, "Wash don't aim t' give him
no show."

When the sounds had died away; Young Matt turned to the girl;
"Come on; we've got to keep 'em in sight."

But Sammy held back. "Oh, Matt, don't go yet. We must not. Didn't
you hear what that man said? It's you they're after. Let's wait
here until they're clean gone."

"No, 'tain't; they ain't a wantin' me," the big fellow replied.
And before the young woman could protest further, he lifted her to
the saddle as easily as if she were a child. Then, springing to
the back of his own horse, he led the way at a pace that would
keep them within hearing of the company of men.

"Who is it, Matt? Who is it, if it ain't you?" asked the girl.

"Don't know for sure yet, but I'll tell you pretty soon."

They had not gone far when Young Matt stopped the horse to listen
intently; and soon by the sound he could tell that the party ahead
had turned off the ridge road and were following the trail that
leads down the eastern side of the mountain. A moment longer the
mountaineer listened, as if to make sure; then he spoke; "Them
devils are goin' to the ranch after Dad Howitt. Sammy, you've got
to ride hard to-night. They won't hear you now, and they're
getting farther off every minute. There ain't no other way, and, I
know you'll do it for the old man. Get home as quick as you can
and tell Jim what's up. Tell him I'll hold 'em until he gets
there." Even as he spoke, he sprang from his horse and began
loosening the saddle girths.

"But, Matt," protested the girl; "how can you? You can't get by
them. How're you goin' to get there in time?"

"Down the mountain; short cut;" he answered as he jerked the heavy
saddle from his horse and threw it under some nearby bushes.

"But they'll kill you. You can't never face that whole crowd
alo