urprised.

"I would like to know some of the particulars, Pawnee."

"Are you bound for the agency?"

"Yes."

"Then we will go together, and you can see what takes place. It will
probably be well worth your while."

"This is no trick--I know you are itching to get into Oklahoma."

"I will give you my word of honor, sir. I have received word from
Washington, and I feel certain that ere long this whole matter will be
settled to our mutual satisfaction. In the meantime, booming can wait,"
and Pawnee Brown smiled in a quiet way.

A few words more followed, and Nellie was introduced. Then the whole
party set off on a gallop for the agency, where was to be enacted the
last scene in this little drama of the southwest.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CLEARING UP A MYSTERY--CONCLUSION.

As Vorlange uttered his dire threat into Dick's ear, the boy turned pale
and staggered against the wall of his prison.

"Wot's that yer sayin'?" demanded Jack Rasco, who plainly saw the
changed look upon his companion's features.

"It is none of your business, Rasco," muttered the spy. "I told the boy;
that's enough."

Dick breathed hard. Part of that mystery of the past was out at last.
His father was accused of murder--Vorlange held the evidence against
him. Like a flash came back to him several things he had almost
forgotten. He remembered how on more than one occasion his father had
sent money to the West after a letter had come which had upset him
greatly. That must have been hush money, to keep this rascal quiet.

"I--I--do not believe you!" he cried in a faint tone. "My father is as
upright as any gentleman in the land."

"Is he?" sneered Vorlange. "All right, if you think so, just drive me to
the wall and see."

"Where was this crime committed?"

"In Creede, Colorado--at the time the camp was started."

"Who was killed?"

"A miner named Rickwell. He was once a partner of a man named Burch, of
whom you have no doubt heard ere this."

"Yes, Burch left us the property you know all about, since you stole the
deeds to it. Louis Vorlange, you are playing a deep part but you cannot
make me swallow your statements about my father."

"Do you want me to expose him?"

"We'll see about that later. Rasco and I will certainly try to show you
up for what you really are."

"Very well," blustered Vorlange. "Your father is a murderer, and he
shall swing for it--unless you keep your mouth shut. I----"

Footsteps outside of the priso