“It may be they are friends,” said Capt.  Asbury, instantly bringing his horse down to a walk, as did the others.

But the hope was delusive.  A brief scrutiny of the strangers through the glass by Dick Hawkridge left no doubt that they, too, were rustlers, probably engaged on the same errand as Inman and his men.

This, of course, overthrew the plan of taking refuge at the ranch of Hawkridge, with a view of defending themselves, for to push on insured a collision with the party in front.  They seemed to be about as numerous as Inman’s company, and as the latter were sure to arrive before anything could be accomplished by the most spirited attack on the rustlers, it would have been folly to incur such a risk.

The most obvious course was to turn to the left, with no special object except to reach some place that could be used as a means of defence.  In a country with such a varied surface it ought not to take long to find a refuge.

Dick Hawkridge, when leading the way to his home, acted as guide, and now that the change was made he continued to do so because of his familiarity with the country.  Beside him rode his friend, Mont Sterry, with Capt.  Asbury and the rest following in loose order.

It was an interesting question as to how Inman and the others would act upon meeting, and the stockmen watched for the junction.

At the moment the abrupt turn was made in the course of the fugitives the two parties of rustlers did not see each other, a precipitous ridge preventing.  They must have been puzzled, therefore, to understand the cause of the sudden change in the line of flight.

The mystery, however, was speedily cleared up, and the rustlers greeted each other with ringing cheers, adding a few derisive shouts to the fleeing stockmen.  They were seen to mingle for a short time only, while they discussed the situation.  Then the company, increased to more than a score, galloped after the cattlemen.

A fight was inevitable, for the flight and pursuit could not continue indefinitely.  Brave and confident, the rustlers were ardent for the opportunity, while Capt.  Asbury and his men were equally eager to come upon some place which would do something toward equalizing the strength of the combatants.

It was humiliating thus to flee before the very men whom he had set out to arrest, but what veteran has not been obliged to do humiliating things in the course of his career?

“This flight can’t continue much longer,” quietly remarked Monteith Sterry to Hawkridge, at his side.

“Why not?”

“The men are dissatisfied and are unwilling to keep it up.  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.”