nuther."

The old shepherd was replying kindly, when his speech was
interrupted by a pistol shot, and a command from the leader, at
which the entire gang charged toward the cabin, firing as they
came, and making the little valley hideous with their drunken
oaths and yells.

From his window, Young Matt coolly emptied his revolver, but even
as the crowd faltered, there came from their leader another volley
of oaths. "Go on, go on," yelled Wash. "Their guns are empty, now.
Fetch 'em out 'fore they can load again." With an answering yell,
the others responded. Carrying a small log they made for the cabin
at full speed. One crashing blow--the door flew from its hinges,
and the opening was filled with the drunken, sweating, swearing
crew. The same instant, Young Matt dropped his useless revolver,
and, springing forward, met them on the threshold. The old
shepherd--who had not fired a shot--could scarcely believe his
eyes, as he saw the giant catch the nearest man by the shoulder
and waist, and, lifting him high above his head, fling him with
terrific force full into the faces of his bewildered companions.

Those who were not knocked down by the strange weapon scattered in
every direction, crouching low. For a moment the big fellow was
master of the situation, and, standing alone in the doorway, in
the full light of the moon, was easily recognized.

"Hell, boys! Hit's Young Matt hisself!" yelled the one who had
raised a laugh, by saying that Young Matt was sick and the
shepherd was wanted to doctor.

"Yes! It's me, Bill Simpson. I'm sure ailin' to-night. I need
somebody to go for a doctor powerful bad," returned the young
giant.

"We never knowed it war you," whined the other carefully
lengthening the distance between the big man on the doorstep and
himself.

"No, I reckon not. You all played to find an old man alone, and do
for him like you've done for others. A fine lot you are, ten to
one, and him not knowin' the woods."

While he was speaking, the men slowly retreated, to gather about
their big leader under the tree, two of them being assisted by
their companions, and one other limping painfully. Young Matt
raised his voice, "I know you, Wash Gibbs, and I know this here is
your dirty work. You've been a braggin' what you'd do when you met
up with me. I'm here now. Why don't you come up like a man? Come
out here into the light and let's you and me settle this thing
right now. You all--" CRACK! A jet of flame l