They must have been puzzled, therefore, to understand the cause of the sudden change in the line of flight.
The mystery, however, was speedily cleared up, and the rustlers greeted each other with ringing cheers, adding a few derisive shouts to the fleeing stockmen.

They were seen to mingle for a short time only, while they discussed the situation.

Then the company, increased to more than a score, galloped after the cattlemen.
A fight was inevitable, for the flight and pursuit could not continue indefinitely.

Brave and confident, the rustlers were ardent for the opportunity, while Capt.

Asbury and his men were equally eager to come upon some place which would do something toward equalizing the strength of the combatants.
It was humiliating thus to flee before the very men whom he had set out to arrest, but what veteran has not been obliged to do humiliating things in the course of his career?
"This flight can't continue much longer," quietly remarked Monteith Sterry to Hawkridge, at his side.
"Why not ?" "The men are dissatisfied and are unwilling to keep it up.