A brief scrutiny of the strangers through the glass by Dick Hawkridge left no doubt that they, too, were rustlers, probably engaged on the same errand as Inman and his men.
This, of course, overthrew the plan of taking refuge at the ranch of Hawkridge, with a view of defending themselves, for to push on insured a collision with the party in front.

They seemed to be about as numerous as Inman's company, and as the latter were sure to arrive before anything could be accomplished by the most spirited attack on the rustlers, it would have been folly to incur such a risk.
The most obvious course was to turn to the left, with no special object except to reach some place that could be used as a means of defence.

In a country with such a varied surface it ought not to take long to find a refuge.
Dick Hawkridge, when leading the way to his home, acted as guide, and now that the change was made he continued to do so because of his familiarity with the country.

Beside him rode his friend, Mont Sterry, with Capt.

Asbury and the rest following in loose order.
It was an interesting question as to how Inman and the others would act upon meeting, and the stockmen watched for the junction.
At the moment the abrupt turn was made in the course of the fugitives the two parties of rustlers did not see each other, a precipitous ridge preventing.