A conflict was certain to result in a number of deaths to each side.  Not only that, but it would intensify the bitterness already prevailing through many portions of Wyoming and Montana between the cowmen and rustlers, and postpone and increase the difficulty of the adjustment of the quarrel.

A full half-hour passed, during which the captain kept his place at the rear door, ready to admit Sterry should he make a dash for it.  He did not appear, and when the fastenings of the structure were returned to their place the leader’s heart was more hopeful than ever.  He had just made a remark to that effect when a knocking was heard again on the front door, accompanied by Duke Vesey’s announcement that it was himself who claimed admission.

The captain drew back the fastenings and the rustler stepped inside, his face showing great agitation.

“This is a fine state of things,” he said, addressing young Whitney, Hawkridge and the captain.

“To what do you refer?” asked Whitney.

“You sent Mont Sterry out awhile ago, and the rustlers have caught him; he’s in their hands and will be shot at daybreak.  Capt.  Inman sent me to you with that message, and to say that the fight will open in a few minutes.  You can’t play your tricks any longer on us.”

It was apparent that Duke Vesey was in a rage over the mishap that had befallen his friend.

Capt.  Asbury quietly placed himself between the fellow and the door by which he had entered.

“What is the meaning of that?” demanded the rustler, turning his head; “I’m here under a flag of truce.”

“Where is it?  You haven’t shown any, and you can’t.  I shall hold you as a hostage for the safety of Mont Sterry; whatever harm is visited upon him shall descend upon your head!”

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE PRISONER.

It may be said that Monteith Sterry’s main hope for the success of his perilous scheme lay in its boldness.

It was not to be supposed that the rustlers, surrounding the besieged on every hand, would forget the probability of just such an attempt as he made.  The stockmen could not expect to slip away one by one, or in a body; nor was there anything to tempt such an effort, even if it offered a fair prospect of success; for, of necessity, they would have to depart on foot, and with the coming of daylight their situation would be worse than now, with a strong shelter above and around them.

But it was known among the defenders that two of their number were doomed, if they fell into the hands of the rustlers.  It was probable, therefore, that one or both of these individuals would try to get away.

Whether or not the leaders held any distrust of Vesey cannot be known; but his little scheme for befriending Monteith Sterry was nipped in the bud by his being retained at the front of the building, where, as has been shown, he acted as the bearer of messages between Inman and Capt.  Asbury.