now them? Why, man alive, _they_ are the same two rascals who served
the injunction on father and Dr. Evans, and then they tried to steal the
patent. They fought in Court, but lost their case. When they appealed,
the Court sustained the first verdict, so they had no choice but to give
up. I wonder what game they are coming here for?"

Mr. Brewster considered. "Tom, I wouldn't be surprised if they came
here, not knowing your folks are, also, coming. Maybe they hope to get
first shot at this proposition of Rainbow Cliffs and in this way, make
your father pay a fabulous price for the stone."

"Some crooked deal like that, you may be assured. But I can't understand
how they ever heard of Rainbow Cliffs and this ranch? There has been a
leak, somewhere, in Dad's organization," said Tom, emphatically.

"Well, let's decide now, before they come, what is best for us to do. If
they get here before your father and Evans, we must not give them any
idea that we expect other guests, nor must we say that we suspect them
of foul play. We must give them rope enough with which to hang
themselves."

Here Mrs. Brewster interpolated: "We may serve all of our friends a good
turn by receiving these strangers with the same western welcome that we
extend to every one. But let us not give any one else here a hint of
what we now know."

Tom agreed that this was a wise plan, so no one suspected there was an
under-current of excitement running in the elder Brewsters' and Tom's
thoughts, during the time that must elapse before the New York
"representatives" could arrive at Pebbly Pit.

Meanwhile, Mr. Maynard met Anne and John in Denver, and the three took
the noon local for Oak Creek. Polly and Eleanor were busy helping
Barbara pack her five trunks to have them ready for the ranch-wagon to
take to the station on Saturday, when Tom offered to drive in and meet
the train from Denver. This done, and Tom on his way, the two girls
wondered what next they could do until the return of the party from Oak
Creek.

"I say! Let's run to the Cliffs and watch for the first glimpse of
Daddy," suggested Eleanor.

"And I'll take some doughnuts to eat in case we get hungry," added
Polly.

Fortified with a bag of these delectable balls, the two girls hastened
away. Barbara was all sweetness and generosity, now that she was sure of
going to join her mother in a fashionable camp. And many fine bits of
underwear, or dresses fell Sary's way, when Barbara went t