The Bozeman Trail

SNEAK THIEVES

Billy Swan was riding Nighthawk when he heard the faint sound of hooves on rock. Since the herd was at rest, he looked around to find the source of the sound and saw a long dark line ragged with heads and horns moving away from the main herd.

“Cattle thieves!” he shouted.

Billy’s shout not only awakened his partners—it alerted the thieves and instantly one of them fired a shot. Billy fired back. By now, a barrage began coming from the camp itself as James and the others rolled out of their blankets and began shooting. Revelation was standing in the wagon, firing a rifle.

Billy put his pistol away and raised his rifle. He aimed toward the dust and the swirling melee of cattle, waiting for one of the robbers to present a target. One horse appeared, but its saddle was empty.

Then another horse appeared, this time with a rider who was shooting wildly. . . .