Prevision of a bloody fray filled the boy's mind, but he could not retreat.

He could not let his boss go alone into an enemy's country; therefore he rode silently after.
Delmar galloped steadily on toward the Circle Bar Ranch house.

Mile after mile was traversed at steady gallop till the powerful little ponies streamed with salty sweat.

At last Delmar drew rein and allowed Mose to ride by his side.
"You needn't be alarmed," he said in a kindly tone; "these hounds won't shoot; they're going to evade it, but I shall hold 'em to it--trust me, my boy." As they topped a ridge and looked down into Willow Creek, where the Ranch house stood, several horsemen could be seen riding in from the opposite side, and quite a group of men waited Delmar's approach, and every man was armed.

Each face wore a look of constraint, though one man advanced hospitably.