u know," suggested the doctor. "If I
explained the case, they would gladly take these men on and turn them
over to the physicians at Denver."

"Then we'd have to get them in to Oak Creek to-night," added Mr.
Brewster.

"You'd have to fix up some sort of hammocks in the wagon to spare the
poor fellows any jolts. If it can be done, I will wait and ride back
with them," said the doctor.

"We'll turn the ranch inside out and upside down in order to help in any
way," hastily asserted Mr. Brewster. Then turning to Jeb, who stood
watching the scene, commanded him.

"Jeb, get out the truck wagon--the one with the chestnut posts on either
side--and hook up four of our best horses. While Jeb is doing that, we
will get the two hammocks from the girls and fix up some sort of
mattress in each. These hammocks can swing from the posts. I'll go with
the doctor and see that no little thing is overlooked."

"John and I thought of going in, Mr. Brewster, and if three are going,
you would not have to take this trip to-night," said Tom.

"W-ee-ll I would rather not use myself up in riding all night without
being able to do any good to any one, if you young men will go in my
place," Sam Brewster sighed.

"An' Ah'll drive the four hosses, cuz, yuh know, it's no joke seein'
ahead of th' hosses' noses along that trail in th' dark," announced Jeb,
in a matter-of-course tone.

"Jeb, if you would! It will be a great relief to know you are
driving--you are such a wizard with a four-in-hand," exclaimed John,
smiling suddenly at Jeb.

"Wha--Ah hed no idee you-all diden know Ah was goin' t' do th' drivin',"
returned Jeb, surprised at the others for their lack of comprehension.

It was twelve o'clock that night when all was ready and the great wagon
lumbered past the ranch-house. The women were all grouped on the porch,
silently praying for the safe transportation of the unfortunate schemers
from New York.

"Ah don't suppose we will really know why these men came West until
Latimer or Evans gets here to explain," said Mr. Brewster, as the
remaining members of the family went indoors.

"Didn't you look through the papers in that leather bag?" asked Mr.
Maynard of his host.

"No, not when Ratzger came to and told us who they were. I handed the
bag to him and felt I had no right to pry into his secrets--especially
as he acted so fearful of the contents of the wallet."

"I suppose they hired those horses from Oak Creek," ventured Mrs.
Br