d all that. It will
take a little time, but this first round-up will tell us some things we
ought to know."

"The boy's right!" fairly shouted Yellin' Kid.

Accordingly, when it was decided to leave Snake, Nort and the still
somewhat invalid Sam at the ranch house, the others started out.

Nort made the best of being obliged to stay. The choice had fallen to
him by lot, as it was decided this was the fairest way of making a
division of forces, since other things were equal.

"But you got to tell me everything that happens when you get back!"
Nort stipulated to his brother and Bud as they rode away.

"Sure!" they promised.

The three who were left in charge of the ranch buildings watched the
others ride off over the hills and then, as there was plenty to do in
cleaning up the place, and getting it ready for a number of new hands
that must be hired, the two from Diamond X got busy. Sam was able to
help with light work.

It was while Nort was busy making a checkup of the household articles
on hand that he heard the sound of a horse out near the corral, and,
going to the door, saw dismounting, the same old man to whom Sam had
called attention the night before.

"Howdy, stranger!" the ancient one greeted Nort, cheerfully.

"How are you?" responded the boy, courteously. "Are you looking for
some one?"

"Yes," was the answer. "I'm looking for the boss. I want to warn him
and all with him to get away from here as quick as they can! You don't
know the danger you are in. You had better leave quick!" And then,
though it seemed to take from the force of his words, the old man
strode over to the water pail and took a long drink.

CHAPTER IX

THE QUEER OLD MAN

Nort was doing some quick thinking. And the burden of his thoughts was
to this effect:

"Bud and Dick have ridden off to see if they can solve the mystery, but
along comes this queer old man to me, and maybe he holds the key to
open the lock. It would be just my good luck!"

So it was with a feeling of elation, rather than otherwise, that Nort
watched the aged stranger finish his drink and then come back to where
the boy stood near the ranch house. Snake and Sam were in the bunk
house.

"Why should we go away from here?" asked Nort, trying to speak easily
and naturally. "And what is the danger?"

"Are you the boss?" was the quick retort.

"No, but the boss is my cousin, and he and I, with my brother, are
going to run this ranch."