For a moment longer Jean watched the slowly moving dark patch of horsemen against the green background, then he hurried back to the ranch.

His father saw him coming--strode out as before.
"Dad--Jorth is comin'," said Jean, huskily.

How he hated to be forced to tell his father that! The boyish love of old had flashed up.
"Whar ?" demanded the old man, his eagle gaze sweeping the horizon.
"Down the road from Grass Valley.

You can't see from here." "Wal, come in an' let's get ready." Isbel's house had not been constructed with the idea of repelling an attack from a band of Apaches.

The long living room of the main cabin was the one selected for defense and protection.