To the accompaniment of various exclamations of anger and surprise Mr. Wilder hurriedly told his neighbors of the raid.

“That’s Megget’s work!” ejaculated Snider as the story was completed.  “He’s the only one cute enough and with nerve enough to do it.  I didn’t suppose any one knew my herd was unwatched, yet the minute my boys ride in the gang raids it.  Wilder, if you and I are to stay on our ranches, we must round up these cattle thieves.”

“That’s my idea exactly,” declared the owner of the Half-Moon.  “That’s why I rode over.  My boys and I start to-morrow morning, and I want to know how many from the Three Stars will go with me.”

“Every man jack of us, save the cook and grub man,” replied Snider.  “That makes nine.”

“Good!  We’ll ride back to the Half-Moon for supper and then go to the pool.  The sooner we start the better.  If you’ll lend me a fresh pony, I can travel faster.”

Without waiting for orders from their master, the boys of the Three Stars ran to the corral, all agog with the excitement at the unexpected turn of affairs.

When the two ranch owners were alone Mr. Wilder imparted his information about Megget’s enmity and the Mexican, Don Vasquez.

The facts amazed the proprietor of the Three Stars and the two men were discussing the evident declaration of a cattle war, especially against the Half-Moon, when the cowboys trotted up with the ponies.

Deeming the information too important for general discussion with the men, the ranch owners swung into their saddles, changing their topic of conversation to the trails that would be the most likely to be taken by the raiders.

Never sparing their mounts, they reached the Half-Moon just at dusk and their arrival threw the boys into great excitement.

“Has Nails returned?” asked Mr. Wilder of Ned.

“Not yet.”

“Send him to me when he comes.  Make the boys from the Three Stars at home in the bunkhouse and tell Hop Joy to give us supper as soon as he can.  Also have him pack some bacon, sugar, coffee, crackers and doughnuts, enough to last the Half-Moon outfit a week.  When it’s ready, hitch up and carry it to Pete at the Witches’ Pool.

“Hello!  Glad you lads arrived all right,” he added as he caught sight of the boys.  “Any trouble?”

“Nothing, only Whitefoot gave out.  I had to come on and get another pony,” replied Bill.

“Good!  Snider, I want you to know Larry and Tom Alden,” continued Mr. Wilder, introducing the boys, adding in a low voice:  “They are the lads about whom I told you.”

“I’m sure glad to meet you,” declared the owner of the Three Stars, giving each of the lads a grip that made their hands ache.

Upon arrival he had exchanged greetings with Bill and Horace, and altogether they trooped onto the veranda, whence they were summoned to supper before the lads had the opportunity to ask Mr. Wilder whether they could accompany him or not.