The feel of the carbine beneath his leg gave him courage. Up
to the time Annersley had adopted him, Pete had had to fight and scheme
and dodge his way through life. He had asked no favors and expected
none. His pop had stood by him in his own deepest trouble, and he
would now stand by his pop. That he was doing anything especially
worthy did not occur to him. Partners always "stuck."
The horse, anxious to be home, took the long grade quickly, restrained
by Pete, who felt that it would be poor policy to tread too closely
upon the heels of the T-Bar-T men. That they intended mischief was now
only too evident. And Pete would have been disappointed had they not.
Although sophisticated beyond his years and used to the hazards of a
rough life, _this_ adventure thrilled him. Perhaps the men would set
fire to the outbuildings and the haystack, or even try to burn the
cabin. But they would have a sorry time getting to the cabin if his
pop were really there.
Up the dim, starlit trail he plodded, shivering and yet elate. As he
topped the rise he thought he could see the vague outlines of horses
and men, but he was not certain.
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