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186 Mystery Ridge, and kept every one busy to keep the cattle, unaccustomed to night driving and in strange country, headed in the right direction and all together.

But they did the trick like veterans and after a long, hard drive, Selwood saw the rim-rock of Rainbow Cliff against the stars.

The herd was headed straight for the face of the cliff, and he expected soon to see the riders swing them east toward the corrals of Sky Line, but they did not do so. When the foremost steers were close under the wall Caldwell rode near and called to him, thinking him one of his men:

"Get around to the right," he said, "and keep close to Sud, Bill. I'll lead in myself. Take it slow. Don't want 'em to jam in the neck. When the first ones start behind th' Flange let 'em dribble in on their own time. All ready?"

The last two words were a high call addressed to all the men. From all sides of the herd, come to a full stop now, came replies and Selwood saw Caldwell ride away around to the right.

Turning his horse the sheriff followed promptly.

He was tense as a wire, alert, dreading discovery every moment, yet filled with an excitement which sent the blood pounding in his ears.