I'll
throw the saddle on Max, and we'll run over there and see what he knows.
But first, you've got to have a bite to eat."
The young man protested but the Ranger said firmly, "You can eat while I
saddle; come. I wish Mary was home," he added, as he set out some cold
meat and bread. "She is in Los Angeles with her sister. I'll call you when
I'm ready." He spoke the last word from the door as he went out.
The artist tried to eat; but with little success. He was again mounted and
ready to go when the Ranger rode up from the barn on the chestnut.
When they reached the point where the road to Morton's ranch leaves the
main canyon road, Brian Oakley said, "It's barely possible that she went
on up to Carleton's. But I think we better go to Morton's and see the
Doctor first. We don't want to miss him. Did you meet any one as you came
up? I mean after you got within two or three miles of the mouth of the
canyon?"
"No," replied the other. "Why?"
"A man on a horse passed the Station about seven o'clock, going down.
Where did the Doctor pass you?"
"He didn't pass me."
"What?" said the Ranger, sharply.
"No one passed me after I left Fairlands."
"Hu-m-m. If Doc left town before you, he must have had a puncture or
something, or he would have passed the Station before he did.
Pages:
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407