By an amazing coincidence it happened that he was in the arroya, and in the act of crossing in the same direction with the fugitive, when the furious plunge of the mare sent his own bounding up the farther bank.
Sterry caught the situation like a flash.

Before Queenie had gone more than a half-dozen rods he brought her to a standstill.

They resembled an equestrian statue, so motionless were they for a full minute.
The converging parties of pursuers could plainly see the second horseman speeding away from the other side, and inevitably concluded that he was the inspector whom they wanted.

They were after him hot-footed on the instant.
This man was Ira Inman, a well-known rustler, and the intimate friend of Larch Cadmus.

When he saw himself pursued by a half-dozen of his friends he reined up, and calmly but wonderingly awaited their arrival, which took place within the next few seconds.
"Up with your hands! Quick about it, too! You're the man we want!" "Wal," replied the leader, surveying them with a grin, and paying no heed to their fierce commands, "now that you've got me, what are you going to do with me ?" If there ever were a set of dumbfounded men, they were the rustlers who closed about the leader and recognized him in the moonlight.