and so was Ike Watson.

[Illustration: THE THREE YOUNG RANCHMEN TALKED IT OVER]

"I am afraid somebody has played Uncle Barnaby foul," cried Allen, his
face full of anxiety. "If he had left of his own accord we would have
heard from him."

"That's just my idea of it," said Paul. "But the thing of it is, who met
him in San Francisco, and what did they do?"

To that question Allen could only shake his head.

"I am too tired to say much about it to-night," he said at last. "I must
sleep on it."

Allen wished to retire early, but before he did so Chet told him of
Captain Grady's visit.

"We won't stir," said Allen, briefly. "Let him sue Uncle Barnaby. We
have nothing to do with it. Our first duty is to find uncle."

And both Paul and Chet agreed with him on this point.

Ike Watson was on his way up the Salmon River to visit a new gold
diggings. He refused to stay all night, and set off in the dark, with
Allen's thanks ringing in his ears for what he had done.

Despite the excitement through which he had passed, Allen slept "like a
log" that night, and did not awaken until long after the others were up
and Chet and Paul had the morning chores done.

"Now I feel like myself once more," he said when he came down. "And I am
ready for business."

"So am I," laughed Noel Urner. "But the trouble is, I do not know how to
turn without horse or conveyance. I am not used to tramping about on
foot."

"If we had horses we might lend you one," said Allen. "But two nags for
four people are two short," and he laughed.

During the morning Paul went out on horseback, accompanied by Noel, to
see if the cattle were safe. While they were gone Allen told Chet of the
hidden mine.

"It is worth a million," he said. "But it is Uncle Barnaby's secret,
remember."

"I will remember," said Chet, "but we must tell Paul."

"Certainly; tell him after I am gone."

"Gone? Why, Allen, what do you mean?"

"I am going to leave home this afternoon, Chet."

"You are fooling," remarked the younger brother.

"Never more serious in my life, Chet."

"And you are going----" Chet hesitated.

"Direct to San Francisco to hunt up tidings of Uncle Barnaby."

Of course, Chet was taken completely back by Allen's announcement.

"To San Francisco!" he ejaculated.

"Yes, Chet. I feel that it is my duty to discover what has become of
uncle, if possible, at once."

"I know, but it's such a journey----"

"I am not afraid to take it. I will ri