ends."

As a matter of fact that is what he did say, for Professor Wright said
so when, a little later, he had urged his horse across the creek, and
had joined the boy ranchers and their friends.

Watching the scientist cross the stream, the Mexicans stood for a
moment, rather picturesque figures on the southern bank and then, when
the "spy" had again lighted a cigaret, and waved his hand as if in
mocking farewell, the band rode off.

It was a very silent contingent from Diamond X that watched the lone
approach of Professor Wright. The scientist seemed worn to weariness,
and looked worried as he smiled at his acquaintances and said:

"Well, here I am."

"So we see," observed Billee Dobb, dryly, not to say sarcastically.

"Where have you been?" asked Bud.

"Did they capture you and hold you for ransom?" Nort wanted to know.

"What happened?" asked Dick.

"With my usual stupidity I became lost again," explained Professor
Wright. "I have been out looking around, 'prospecting,' I believe it
is called, seeking a new deposit of fossil bones. I wandered farther
than I intended, and got across the creek. I found I was on the wrong
trail, and that there was nothing much of interest there, so I turned
to come back. But I must have turned the wrong way, and have gone
south instead of north, for I began to note signs that I was
approaching the Mexican border.

"I started back then, when these gentlemen overtook me. They were very
kind and when I told them where I wanted to go they agreed to accompany
me."

"Passing over for the time being the use of the word 'gentlemen,' and
realizing that you probably don't know them as well as we do, I'd like
to ask if they said why they were coming this way?" asked Billee.

"No, they didn't, and I didn't ask them," replied the professor. "They
just seemed to be riding for pleasure."

"Pleasure of their own kind," chuckled Snake.

"Did you see anything of sheep in your wanderings?" asked Yellin' Kid.

The professor thought for a moment before replying. He was always
careful to give a correct and exact answer to a question.

"I saw no sheep," he declared.

"That's queer," murmured Billee. "From what news we have it's
practically certain they're going to try to rush sheep in here soon,
and yet they aren't in sight."

Then Bud bethought himself of something.

"Did you _smell_ any sheep, Professor?" the boy asked.

Again the scientist thought before answering.

"Ye