cautioning look come into Dick's eyes.

"That's a lot of money," declared Dick, before Bud could speak. "We
could certainly use it, but you know it pays to be careful how one
earns it. Robbery is a bit out of our line."

"Oh, it's nothing like that--nothing like that at all," the other
assured them quickly. "This thousand that I speak of can be yours for
just doing me a favor."

"Sounds like a high price to pay for a favor," Dick said. "But let's
hear the proposition."

"Sure! It's simply this: you boys let me stay on at the ranch here,
for, say, six more months, and as rental I'll pay you one grand."

"But certainly this place can't be worth that much to you," broke in
Bud thoughtlessly. It was a very unwise remark, for it was obvious
that this excessive figure was offered for something more than the mere
use of the ranch. "J. D." had made the mistake of going too high in
his offer, and it instantly awoke suspicion in the minds of Dick and
Bud. But now that Bud had blurted out this suspicion, the possibility
of being able to secretly find out why they had been offered a thousand
for the place disappeared. The cards were on the table.

"As to that, I'm the best judge," "J. D." said sharply. "If you want
to accept, say so. If you don't--well----."

"Can we have until to-morrow to think it over?" asked Dick.

"Nope--sorry, but I have to have your answer now. All you have to do
is to sign the present owner's name to a renewal clause--and since he's
your father, he won't object to that," said the man, turning to Bud.

Evidently he was anxious to get things settled as soon as
possible--perhaps before the boys had a chance to investigate.

Dick looked at Bud, and saw that he had permission to take things into
his own hands. Dick arose.

"Well, sir, we can't do it, and that's that. We were sent out here to
take charge of this ranch, and we're going to do it, unless Mr. Merkel
tells us to do otherwise. You must get in touch with him if you want a
renewal of your lease. And until that time we must take control here.
We are sorry, but we must ask you to make ready to leave by to-morrow
morning."

The man seated opposite did not move.

"Is that your last word?" he asked, slowly.

"Yes, it is. If we can offer you any assistance in getting ready we'll
be glad to do it."

The man made no response. He arose suddenly, walked over to the door
and flung it open. Then he turned to the two boys and wit