up they had
come.

Frank felt sure, however, after this labor had kept up for quite a long
time, that they must now be getting near the top of the break, or where
the crooked crack in the face of the rock ended.

He tried to picture what they would find. If Eugene and his reckless
backers had been in possession of the place for some hours now, they
must have tried all sorts of expedients in order to compel the professor
to reveal the secret hiding place of the valuable document, and make it
over to them. Nor would such heartless men hesitate long about adopting
torture in order to force a confession from the unwilling victim.

Then Frank wondered if the three rascals would attempt any tactics
looking to holding the attacking force at bay. They were well armed, no
doubt, and having such a rich treasure hanging in the scales, it might
be expected that they would hate to let it slip from their covetous
grasp without putting up some sort of fight.

But all that could be left to Old Hank. For many years he had been the
leading figure in all the affairs that centered around Circle Ranch. Did
the rustlers run off part of the herd, the veteran was put in charge of
the pursuing force. Sometimes the sly marauders got off scot free; but
more often they paid dearly for their audacity in picking out Colonel
Haywood's ranch as the scene of their foray.

Frank really had no fears as to the result, now that Hank had arrived on
the scene to direct operations. The three schemers might give them some
trouble, but they could not carry the day.

"Please let a fellow rest up a little, Hank!" came from Bob, finally.

The old cow puncher understood that the pace had been too warm for the
tenderfoot; and he considerately halted. Perhaps none of the climbers
were averse to a breathing spell before the final round. It would put
them in better condition for the wind-up, whatever that might prove to
be.

"Frank," whispered Bob, as he pulled at the trouser leg of his chum so
as to induce him to bend down closer.

"What's the row?" asked the other, in somewhat the same guarded tone, as
he managed to double over, and bring his face close to that of his
friend.

"Charley Moi has just told me something," Bob went on. "You know we
found out before now that he's got the greatest pair of ears ever for
hearing things? Well, he says there's something or some one following us
up this old crack!"

"Whew! that's nice, now. A regular procession, it