CHAPTER XVI.
An Encounter in the Dark
Chet and Paul could hardly suppress their excitement as they saw the horse thieves move toward the opening in the fence. Chet drew up his gun and pointed it at the leader.
"Don't fire! Wait!" cautioned Paul. "There are three of them, remember."
"I wonder where Dottery is?" questioned the younger boy, with his hand still on the trigger.
"Asleep, most likely."
"We ought to arouse him. Run, Paul, while I keep watch."
"I will, but don't do anything rash during my absence," replied Paul Winthrop.
He sneaked along in the tall grass until the outbuildings were left a hundred feet and sped like a deer toward the ranch home, showing dimly in the grim shadows ahead.
Less than sixty seconds passed, and he was pounding vigorously on the front door of the(134)
