oft riding hat.

"Let that young lady alone," cried the youth to the Mexican, who glared
at him savagely. "I overheard your talk, and if she wants to leave she
shall do it."

"Oh, thank you for coming to my aid," burst out the girl gratefully.
"This bad man----"

"Say no more, Nellie Winthrop," interrupted the Mexican. "Go to the
rear. I will attend to this cub who dares to interfere with my
business."

And he shoved the girl behind him. His roughness made Dick's blood boil
over, and, rushing forward, he put out his foot, gave a push, and Juan
Donomez measured his length upon the floor.

During the encounter Nellie Winthrop had escaped to the front end of the
hallway, and here Dick now joined her.

"We might as well go," said the youth.

"Yes, yes; let us get out as quickly as we can," answered the girl
trembling. "He may attempt to attack you."

"I ought to hand him over to the authorities, but I won't," said Dick.
"Come," and he opened the door and followed her to the street.

"I shall never forget you for your kindness," the girl burst out as soon
as they had left the vicinity of the spot where the trouble had
occurred. "You are very brave, Mr.----"

"I'm only Dick Arbuckle, Miss----"

"Nellie Winthrop is my name. I just reached Arkansas City yesterday. I
am from Peoria, and am looking for my uncle, who is somewhere among the
Oklahoma boomers."

"Indeed! I'm one of the boomers myself--at least, I've been with them a
good part of the time. Perhaps I know your uncle. What is his name?"

"John Rasco, but I believe the men all call him Jack Rasco."

"Why, is it possible! I know Jack Rasco well--in fact, my father and I
have been stopping with him ever since we came on from New York. As soon
as the rush into Oklahoma was over my father was going to get your uncle
to locate a certain mine claim in the West for him--a claim that belongs
to us, but which can't be located very easily, it seems."

"And where is my uncle now?" demanded Nellie Winthrop.

"At the boomers' camp, I suppose. You see," went on Dick, his face
falling, "there is something wrong afoot." And in a few words he told of
his father's disappearance and of the search being made to find him.

"I sincerely trust he is safe," said Nellie when he had concluded. "I
presume you want to resume your search. Do not let me detain you. If you
are among the boomers we will certainly meet again," and she held out
her hand.

"Do you feel safe enough t