What have you men been feeding Bud--leather? He sure
looks, as though it was coming through!" The kindly eyes of the older
man lighted with pride as he grasped the hand of his son.

"No, Dad--I guess hard luck toughened me up," said Bud, but his smile
belied the meaning of his words.

"Yes, I heard about your accident, boys--and that's partly why I sent
for you. I thought you might have time to do a little business for me."

"Well, I guess I'll step along, Mr. Merkel," the Kid said, as he
realized he might be intruding on a private conversation. "I got that
fence fixed up all right."

"Did you? Good! No, Kid, you stay right here. You're in on this too.
Where's Billee Dobb? I want him to hear what I have to say."

"He's 'round back, boss. I'll get him."

"Bring him in the house, Kid. My room. Come on, boys--we'll get
settled inside and wait for the Kid and Billee."

As the boys followed Mr. Merkel each one wondered what it was all
about. Dick voiced the thought of all as he whispered:

"Say, what's up? You know, Bud?"

"Nope! I'm as much in the dark as you are. Dad never said anything to
me. We'll soon know, though."

By this time they had reached the ranchhouse. As soon as the Kid
arrived with Old Billee Dobb--a grizzled product of ranching who had
been with the Diamond X from its start--Mr. Merkel motioned them to be
seated and began:

"I reckon the first thing you men want to know is the reason for this
gathering. Well, it's nothing very mysterious. I bought a sheep ranch
out near Roaring River, and I want you five to take hold of it for me.
Now--just a minute. I know what you're going to say, Kid--that sheep
nursing is no job for a cowman. But you haven't heard the rest of it.
There's been some very funny things happening out near that ranch.
I've had a letter from the government official over at Candelaria
asking whether I intend to manage those sheep, myself, and if I do
would I let him know before I take charge. Now, I'm not going to say
just what is the trouble, as I'm not actually sure myself. But I have
a hunch. And that's the reason I want you five--men I can trust--to
take charge there. Will you?"

His listeners looked at each other. In the eyes of each--with the
possible exception of Old Billee Dobb--the light of adventure was
shining. Whatever scruples the Kid had about "sheep nursing" had
vanished with the word "trouble." And he was the first to speak:

"Sure w