nce
over the boundary into God's country and the thieving Mexican
Government--only one degree removed at that time from the outlaws
themselves--would not dare lay claim to them.

"We did this," concluded Captain Dan, with a sigh of reminiscence, and
with his eyes shining, "and we got Simon into the jail at Elberad, too.

"Lon and I kept on up into Arizona, into Dry Bone Canyon, and there we
cached the stuff. Air and sand are so dry there that nothing ever
decays, and so all these rugs and hangings and featherwork were
uninjured when I brought them away to this ranch soon after you were
born.

"That's the story, my dear. I never talk much about it, for it isn't
altogether my secret. You see, my old partner, Lon, was in on it. And
now he's going to come for his share----"

"Come for his share, Daddy?" asked Frances, in surprise.

"Yes--sir-ree--sir!" chuckled the old ranchman. "Think I'm going to let
old Lon stay in that soldiers' home? Not much!"

"But will he be able to travel here to the Panhandle?"

"Of course! What the matter is with Lon, he's been shut indoors. I know
what it is. Why! he's younger than I am by a year or two."

"But if he can't travel alone----"

"I'll go after him! I'll hire a private car! My goodness! I'll hire a
whole train if it's necessary to get him out of that Bylittle place!
That's what I'll do!

"And he shall live here with us--so he shall! He and I will divide this
treasure just as I've been aching to do for years. You shall have jewels
then, my girl!"

"But, dear!" gasped Frances, "you are not well enough to go so far."

"Now, don't bother, Frances. Your old dad isn't dead yet--not by any
means! I'll be all right in a day or two."

But Captain Rugley was not all right in so short a time. He actually
grew worse. Frances sent a messenger for the doctor the very next
morning. Whether it was from the exposure of the night the stranger
tried to climb over the _hacienda_ roof or not, Captain Rugley took
to his bed. The physician pronounced it rheumatic fever, and a very
serious case indeed.

CHAPTER X

THE MAN FROM BYLITTLE

Responsibility weighed heavily upon the young shoulders of Frances of
the ranges in these circumstances.

Old Captain Rugley insisted upon being out of doors, ill as he was, and
they made him as comfortable as possible on a couch in the court where
the fountain played. Ming was in attendance upon him all day long, for
Frances had many duties to