A huge fire was blazing before the main collection of huts, and to the rear of these was an indistinct black mass, which they knew to be the corral.
At a rude table before the fire more than a score of men were eating supper and others could be heard moving about and talking at different points in the background.

While the two scouts were learning the lay of the land, they saw Mr.Trendley and Deacon Rankin walk out of the cabin most distant from the fire, and the latter limped.

Then they saw two men lying on rude cots, and they wore bandages.

Evidently Johnny Redmond had scored in his fight.
The odor of burning cowhide came from the corral, accompanied by the squeals of cattle, and informed them that brands were being blotted out.
Hopalong longed to charge down and do some blotting out of another kind, but a heavy hand was placed on his shoulder and he silently wormed his way after Pie as that person led the way back to the horses.

Mounting, they picked their way out of the grove and rode over the plain at a walk.