h any ordinary
accident.

Like most cowboys, both Curley and Big-foot possessed a strong vein of
superstition in their natures. To them there was something uncanny in
Stacy Brown's mysterious and sudden disappearance.

"Here's a door, but it's closed," called Curley.

"That's so," agreed Big-foot, hurrying over to him. "The thing is sealed
up with mortar. Hasn't been used in fifty cats' lives. Wonder what's
behind it."

"Not the boy; that's certain."

"Nope. He didn't fall through there."

"Find any other doors open or closed?"

"Nary a one."

"Well, that seems to settle this part of the ranch; we've got to look
somewhere else. What bothers me is that we don't hear him call. If he
was anywhere near, and had his voice, he'd be yelling for help," decided
the big cowboy.

"Don't think he's dead, do you?"

"I don't think at all. I don't know," answered Big-foot.

"It's my idea that the gopher isn't in here at all," announced Curley,
with emphasis.

His companion eyed him thoughtfully.

"You're almost human at times, Curley. I reckon you've said the only
true words that's been spoke by us this afternoon. We look for the
gopher and don't find him. You say he ain't here, and he isn't. Great
head! But that don't find him. The question is, where is he?"

"We'll have to look outside," answered Curley.

"Right you are. Come on."

But their search outside was as fruitless as had been their quest within
the old adobe church. Not a trace of Stacy Brown did they find.

"Ned, I think you had better take the young ladies home," said Tad
finally.

"Want me to tell Professor Zepplin?"

"Not right away. You can tell him on the way out here. He will not have
quite so long to worry, but I think he should know about it. The matter
is serious. Where did you say Mr. Stallings was, Big-foot?"

"Out with the new herd. The cattle are pretty restless."

"Walt, you go in and tell the foreman the difficulty we are in. I'll
wait here and go on with the search. If he can get away I wish he would
come."

"I'll tell him," answered Walter, hurrying away.

"I am sorry we have spoiled your afternoon, Miss Brayton," said Tad.
"It's too bad. But I'm afraid something serious has happened to our
friend."

"Shall we see you again, Mr. Butler?"

"Of course. I don't know when the herd will start on. We certainly shall
not do so until we have found Stacy. Anyway, we will ride over some time
to-morrow and bid you all good-bye."