e where
he can get down, you remember, and then, by following up the bed of the
stream for a short distance he will come to a draw which will lead him
to the top of the Second Mesa--just the place he would make for. For, to
any one knowing the country, as he evidently does, there would be a
thousand good hiding-places in which to stow away ten small sacks of
ore--you might search for years and not find them."

"Yes," said Joe. "But there's the horse and cart, Phil. How will he
dispose of them?"

"Oh, that will be easy enough. He would tumble the cart into some canyon,
perhaps, turn loose the horse, and be back in Sulphide before morning.
But come on, Joe. We really mustn't waste any more time; it's getting on
for six now."

It was fortunate we did not delay any longer, for we found my father
anxiously pacing up and down the room, wondering what was keeping us.
Without heeding our explanation at the moment, he hastily tore open the
letter we had brought, read it through, and then stepping to the foot of
the stairs, called out:

"Get your things on, mother. We must start at once. The train leaves at
seven forty-five. There's no time to lose."

Turning to us, he went on: "Boys, I have to go to Denver. I may be gone
five or six days--can't tell how long. I leave you in charge. If you can
get at the plowing, go ahead; but I'm afraid you won't have the chance.
If I'm not mistaken, there's another rain coming--wettest season I
remember. Joe, run out and hitch up the big bay to the buckboard. Phil,
you will have to drive down to San Remo with us and bring back the rig.
Go in and get some supper now; it's all ready on the table."

In ten minutes we were off, I sitting on a little trunk at the back of
the carriage, explaining to my father over his shoulder as we drove
along the events of the last two days, and how it was we had taken so
much time coming down from Sulphide.

"It certainly does look as though the thief had come down this way,"
said he; "and though we are not personally concerned in the matter, I
think one of you ought to ride up to Sulphide again on Monday and give
your information. Hunt up Tom Connor and tell him. And I believe"--he
paused to consider--"yes, I believe I would tell Yetmore, too. I'm sure
he is not concerned in this robbery; and I'm even more sure that if he
was a party to the blowing up of that house, he never intended any harm
to you. Yes, I think I'd tell Yetmore. It will prove to him tha