"Sheriff Moreton came after him some hours ago--and took him to Willets--charging him with murdering those two men at the line cabin, last winter.

He isn't guilty, of course," declared the mother; "but of course he had to go with Moreton." Shortly swore silently.

"All right, ma'am," he said, aloud; "I reckon we'll have to handle it without him! Some of the boys of the night herd are hurt, most likely--mebbe worse.

If you'd sort of look after them--mebbe--" He broke off short when he saw riders rushing from the corral toward the house.

"I'll stop at Joe Hamlin's place an' send Ruth over, to help you.