“Of course you had no share in that simply because you wasn’t here, but you have been concerned in other affairs like this where some of the rustlers have gone down.”

“It is quite possible I have,” coolly replied Sterry, “inasmuch as when a man is attacked it is his duty to defend himself.  I have not yet been convinced that I ought to stand up and allow others to do as they please when weapons were in my hands.”

“You have no business in Wyoming anyway,” said Vesey, angrily; “you have been sent here by the Association to do its underhand work.”

“Duke Vesey,” said Sterry, “you are a man of too much education to talk in that way.  If you and I quarrel, it will be your fault, but don’t fancy that I hold you in any fear.  Good-night.”

CHAPTER XX.

The truce.

It was a dignified proceeding on the part of Monteith Sterry, and the rustler possessed enough gentlemanly instinct to appreciate the feelings of the young man, who had attested his courage too often for any one to question it.  But at the moment of wheeling his mare to ride off both caught the sound of approaching horsemen, and Sterry checked his animal.

“Who are they?” he asked, glancing at the rustler.

“How should I know?  They may be some of your folks.”

“They are as likely to be yours.  I don’t think, Duke, it is wise for us to stay here where we offer such inviting targets, for whoever the party may be, one of us is sure to be an enemy.”

Monteith Sterry moved away from the area of illumination as he spoke, Vesey keeping close to his side.

“Is it understood, Duke,” asked the younger, “there’s a truce between you and me?”

“Of course; if you know anything about Duke Vesey, you know he’s square.  If they happen to be some of our boys, I won’t take any advantage of you, nor let them, if I can help it.”

“And if they are Capt.  Asbury and others, I will reciprocate.”

Enough was said.  Enemies though the men were, no bosom friends could have been more in unison for the time.  Ready to shoot each other on sight less than an hour before, and as they were liable to be within the following hour, they were equally ready to risk their lives, if necessary, to carry out the pledge just exchanged.

They had to ride but a short way when the gloom became deep enough to protect them against the sight of the horsemen who were approaching from the opposite direction.

Six men rode into view, halting on the spot vacated by the couple just before, the one at the head being recognized in the glow of the burning ruins as Capt.  Asbury, with whom the affray had taken place a short time previous.  Sterry knew each, as did his companion.

“All the party do not seem to be there,” remarked Sterry.

“They are not,” replied Vesey; “three are missing.”