We have let those fellows approach so near that their bullets come uncomfortably close.
"Capt.

Asbury is growing impatient; I shouldn't wonder if he gives the order to stop and have it out with them.

It will be warm work if we do, but over that next ridge I think we shall gain sight of a good place for making a stand." Something in the appearance of the surroundings was familiar to Sterry, but he could not identify them.
Just then two of the rustlers fired their guns, and the pinge of one of the bullets was plainly heard.

Sterry looked around and saw Capt.
Asbury compress his lips and shake his head; he did not like the way things were going.

A crisis was at hand.
The top of the ridge being attained, all saw a large structure below, and not far off.
"Do you recognize it ?" asked Hawkridge, with a smile.
"No--why, yes; is it possible ?" "You ought to know it, for, if I am not mistaken, you are considerably interested in one member of the family." "I never supposed we were so near Fred Whitney's home," was the amazed comment of Sterry, who was in doubt whether, under the circumstances, he ought to be pleased or not.
"There's where we'll make a stand," called out Capt.