lic, where he can
sign his acceptance of the terms under which he holds the option on the
San Bernardino. But if this happens after the thirtieth it is all wasted
energy; for at midnight of that day, I happen to know, the option
expires," the ranchman continued, somewhat impressively.

Just as he finished speaking he suddenly turned toward the window, at
which his keen vision had caught sight of a moving shadow, as though
someone might have been crouching without, and listening.

"Who is there at the window?" he called out, sternly.

All eyes were turned that way. After several seconds had passed a figure
rose up, and a head was thrust through the opening. It belonged to a
dark-faced cow-puncher, named Abajo, who was supposed to be a half-breed
Mexican. Although never a favorite with the owner of the Circle Ranch,
Abajo was a first-class handler of the rope, and could ride a horse as
well as anyone. He had been employed by Colonel Haywood for half a year.
He talked "United States," as Frank was used to saying, as well as the
average cowman. But Frank had never liked the fellow. There seemed
something crafty in his ways that was foreign to the make-up of the boy.

"It's only me, boss," said Abajo, with an attempt at a grin. "I wanted
to ask you about that job you set me on yesterday. I took Pete along,
and we found the lost bunch of stock in a valley ten mile away from
Thunder Mountain in the Fox Canyon country. Got 'em all safe in but
seven. Never seen hair nor hide of them; but after gettin' back it
struck me there was one place they might a strayed to that we didn't
look up. If so be you say the word I'll pick up Pete again, and make
another try."

"Why, of course you had better go, Abajo," remarked the stockman,
looking keenly at the other, for he did not like the way in which the
half-breed had been apparently loitering under that open window, as
though listening to all that was passing in the room beyond. "I told you
not to draw rein till you'd found all the missing stock; or knew what
had become of them. That's all, Abajo."

The Mexican cowboy hurried away. A minute later and they heard him
shouting to Pete; and then the clatter of horses' hoofs told that the
pair were galloping wildly across the open.

"I wonder how much he heard?" said Frank; from which it would appear
that he also suspected the other of having spied upon them for some
purpose.

"Much good it could have done him, even if he caught all w