n the T Down men rode up to the corral gate they dismounted and
surrounded Harlan. There were ten of them--rugged-looking fellows of
various ages, bepistoled, begrimed with dust, and articulate with profane
expressions of delight.

"Hell's a-poppin', Red says!" yelled one. "He says there's geezers here
which is pinin' for yore gore. Turn me loose on 'em--oh, turn me loose!"

The men, tired, dusty, and hungry, swarmed into one of the bunkhouses
immediately after they had turned their horses into the corral and cared
for their saddles.

The men were in good spirits, despite their long ride; and for half an
hour after they descended upon the bunkhouse the air pulsed with their
talk and their laughter, as they washed their dust-stained faces from the
tin washbasin on the bench outside the door, and combed their hair with a
comb attached to a rawhide thong that swung from the wall above the
basin.

They had been informed by Red Linton regarding the situation that had
developed at the Rancho Seco--fully informed before they had begun their
trip westward--Linton scrupulously and faithfully presenting to them the
dangers that confronted them. And though some of them were still curious,
and sought a word with Harlan in confirmation, they seemed to be
satisfied to trust to Harlan's judgment. Their faith was of the kind that
needs but little verbal reassurance.

That they admired the man who had sent for them there was little doubt;
for they watched him with glowing eyes as he talked with them, revealing
their pride that they had been selected. Hardy, clear-eyed, serenely
unafraid, they instantly adapted themselves to the new "job," and before
their first meal was finished they were thoroughly at home.

Shortly afterward--while the men were lounging about inside--Harlan drew
Linton outside.

"That's the bunch I would have picked if I had gone myself," complimented
Harlan. "I'm thankin' you a heap."

He whispered to Linton the story of Haydon's last visit and for the first
time Linton heard about the section of chain which convicted Haydon of
the murder of Lane Morgan. Linton's eyes gleamed.

"I've always sort of suspected the son-of-a-gun!" he declared. "An' him
makin' love to Barbara! The sneakin' coyote! An' so you're goin' to see
him? I'd be a whole lot careful."

Harlan's smile was grave. "I'm reckonin' to be. I'd have gone before
this, but I was waitin' for you boys. Nobody is sayin' anything to
anybody. You're st