de to the nearest station on the
railroad, which is not over a hundred and forty miles, and then take the
train. The journey on the cars will not take over a couple of days, all
told."

"And the cost----"

"I will have to take what we have saved from the thieves. But surely,
Chet, you do not regret taking that for such a purpose?"

"No! no! take it all! I was thinking if it would be enough."

"I will make it do. I will buy a cut-rate ticket from Ogden, if I can."

"And what shall Paul and I do in the meantime?" questioned Chet in some
dismay.

"Do nothing but guard the cattle and the place generally. I will be
back, or let you hear from me just as soon as I can."

Paul was equally astonished at Allen's sudden determination. It was,
however, what Noel Urner had expected.

"Yes, I would go if I were you," said the latter. "And if you want me
to, I will go with you," he added. "I must confess I am deeply
interested in this strange case."

"I would like you to go with me first rate," returned Allen. "And
whether uncle is found or not, I will promise that you shall be well
paid for all the trouble you will be put to."

"I want no pay for helping you. I will enjoy the bit of detective work,
as one might call it. But how am I to get to the railroad station
without a horse?"

"You can take both horses, if necessary," suggested Chet.

"That's so; although we ought to have at least one animal on the ranch,"
added Paul.

"We can both ride one animal as far as Dottery's ranch," said Allen,
"and there we can either borrow or hire another animal."

"How far is Dottery's?"

"Only about twenty-five miles. We ought to reach it by dark, if we start
shortly."

"We can start at once, as far as I am concerned," laughed Noel.

So it was decided to lose no time, and Chet at once set to work to
prepare dinner and also some food to be carried along.

CHAPTER XIII.

Caught in a Cyclone

Less than an hour later Jasper was brought out and Noel Urner sprang
into the saddle, with Allen behind him on the blanket.

"Keep a close watch for more thieves while I am gone!" cried Allen.

"We will!" shouted Paul. "And you take care for more doctored bridges!"

A parting wave of the hand and the ranch was left behind, and Allen was
off on a journey that was to be filled with adventures and excitement
from start to finish.

Chet and Paul watched the horse and his two riders out of sight, and
then with rather heavy heart