hn Ford. They tell a lot of stories about him, but the one most common
is that he's waiting till he gets one hundred thousand dollars before
starting on a tour of revenge.

"He told me himself, however, that when he had accumulated that amount
he was going to find a man. But more than that he wouldn't say.

"If I were you, I wouldn't ask too many questions."

During the conversation they had covered so much ground that the roofs
of Fairfax village were visible in the distance and as he noticed this,
the agent drew rein, saying:

"I didn't realize we had come so far. You'd better go back, Bob. Suppose
you can find the way?"

"Sure. If I can't Chester will show me, won't you, old boy?"

And in answer, as though he had understood perfectly, the dog started
off in the direction of the ranch.

"I reckon you'll be safe with him," commented the agent. "Take care of
yourself, Bob. And come over to see me when you can. By the way, has
John said where he was going to send you?"

"Yes, over near Red Top, with his short-horns."

"You've certainly made a hit with him, Bob. That's the best and easiest
berth on the ranch. Grazing's good and water plenty. You hardly have to
move from one week to another. So long." And he gave the boy's hand a
hearty grip. "I've wired your father of your safe arrival. When there
are any letters, I'll bring them over."

And shaking out his reins, the agent galloped away.

Bob, however, did not hurry on his return to the ranch, his mind being
occupied with trying to find the reason for the grizzled plainsman's
evident liking for him and his kindness, so at variance with his usual
manner.

But the puzzle was too difficult for him, and he finally abandoned it to
dismount and practice the things the agent had taught him.

Such action at first mystified Firefly, but Bob patted and spoke to him,
explaining what he was trying to do just as though he were talking to a
human being.

"You and Chester and I will have many a long day and night together, so
we had better be good friends right away. I've got to learn to hobble
and saddle and I want to do it before I return to the ranch."

Evidently satisfied with this explanation, Firefly stood quietly,
nibbling at the grass now and again, while the dog sat down and watched
operations.

Having finally acquired the knack, Bob remounted and was soon at the
ranch, where he turned his pony into the corral and carried his saddle
to the cabin.

"Then y