John Ford and
Dardus. But Dardus finally won."

"Where is the ranch?"

"Twenty miles south of here. Jim Haskins hires it."

At these surprising answers, Bob's heart seemed to come up in his
throat, stifling his speech. But noticing that his questions had aroused
the clerk's curiosity, he hurriedly left the office.

Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building
which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den.

Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition,
and ordered some pork and beans.

But before it was brought, he had forgotten about eating. From behind
the partition, loud voices were audible and he caught the word "Ford."

Listening intently, he heard a voice say:

"Sure, we can do it! I've got the papers all ready, old Sam Ford's
signature and all. Just pass over that two thousand five hundred
dollars, and I'll give them to you."

"But suppose Ford fights us in court?" exclaimed another voice.

"He won't do that!" growled a third. "Leave it to me!"

"Now, Bill, there's to be no----"

But before Bob could catch the last word, the waiter came in with his
pork and beans and, noticing that the boy was listening with head close
to the partition, shouted:

"What you listenin' to? That don't go in Red Top!"

And dropping his dishes, he leaped for Bob, just as the men behind the
partition, who had heard the waiter's angry words, struggled to get
through the door.

Realizing he was no match for so many, Bob took to his heels, the others
in pursuit.

As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back
bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers.

"That's Ford's dog!" gasped the waiter. "That fellow must have been one
of his men!"

The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store
and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob,
yelled:

"Stop him! Stop him!"

But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his
saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street.

CHAPTER XXIV

A RACE FOR LIFE

Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several
of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase.

Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy's
escape, held a consultation.

"If that is one of Ford's men, our goose is cooked," snarled one of
them.

"Well, it is, right enough. Don'