Then
Billy Byrne dropped the last of the Mexicans just as the men
from the bunkhouse came panting upon the scene. There were
both Americans and Mexicans among them. All were armed
and weapons were ready in their hands.
They paused a short distance from the two men. Eddie's
presence upon the side of the stranger saved Billy from instant
death, for Eddie was well liked by both his Mexican and
American fellow-workers.
"What's the fuss?" asked an American.
Eddie told them, and when they learned that the boss's
daughter had been spirited away and that the ranch foreman
was at the bottom of it the anger of the Americans rose to a
dangerous pitch.
"Where is he?" someone asked. They were gathered in a
little cluster now about Billy Byrne and Shorter.
"I saw him duck behind the office building," said Eddie.
"Come on," said another. "We'll get him."
"Someone get a rope." The men spoke in low, ordinary
tones--they appeared unexcited. Determination was the most
apparent characteristic of the group. One of them ran back
toward the bunkhouse for his rope. The others walked slowly
in the direction of the rear of the office building. Grayson was
not there. The search proceeded. The Americans were in
advance.
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