CHAPTER XVII.
A DELICATE SITUATION.
Few men possessed more courage than Fred Whitney, and he was thoroughly aroused.
Sitting in front of his own home during the evening, it naturally happened that he was without any weapon at immediate command.

His Winchester and revolvers, his inseparable companions, during those stirring times, whenever away from home, were inside.

It need not be said that every one of the rustlers had his "guns" in his possession, so he was a single, defenceless man against four armed ones.
Nevertheless, he strode forward in front of the open door, determined to make good his threat.
"You talk of cowards," he said; "you are four, and each has his pistols and rifle; I have none and one arm is wounded, but I defy you!" "Come, come," said the leader, "this will do you no good; we're bound to have that man, and if he won't come out we must go after him.

If you stand in the way we'll pitch you aside.

We don't want to hurt you." "Advance at your peril--" "Fred, move a little to the left--that will do.