cross the enclosure.

Corliss stooped over Sundown. "What's wrong, Sun? Why, Great God,
you're hurt!"

The rancher brought water and bathed Sundown's head. "Who did it?" he
questioned.

"I dunno, boss. I come and caught 'em at it. Two of 'em, I guess. I
was tryin' to stop one fella from takin' it when the other slips me one
on the head, and I takes a sleep. I was lookin' for Tony in the
office."

"Where's Tony?"

"I dunno. I was goin' to see--but--my head . . ."

"That's all right. You take it easy as you can. I'll find out."

And Corliss left the room. With Chance he explored the outbuildings
and finally discovered the Mexican bound and gagged in the stable. He
released him, but could make nothing of his answers save that some one
had come at night, tied his hands and feet, and carried him from the
ranch-house.

Corliss returned to Sundown. In the bunkhouse he encountered Shoop.

"They robbed the safe," said Shoop, and he spoke with a strange
quietness. "Better come and take a look, Jack."

"Didn't blow her," said Shoop, pointing toward the corner as they
entered the office.

Corliss knelt and examined the safe. "The man that did it knew the
combination," he said. "There isn't a mark on the door."

He rose, and Shoop met his eye. Corliss shook his head. "I don't
know," he said, as if in answer to a silent questioning. Then he told
Shoop to look for tracks.

"The rain's fixed the tracks," said Shoop, turning in the doorway.
"But it ain't drowned out my guess on this proposition."

"Well, keep guessing, Bud, till I talk to Sundown." And Corliss walked
slowly to the bunkhouse. He sat on the edge of the bunk and laid his
hand on Sundown's sleeve. "Look here, Sun, if you know anything about
this, just tell me. The money's gone and you didn't get that cut on
the head trying to take it. I guess you're straight, all right, but I
think you know something."

Sundown blinked and set his jaw.

Corliss observed and wisely forbore to threaten or command. "Did you
recognize either of the men?" he asked, presently.

"No!" lied Sundown. "Wasn't I hit in the back of me head?"

Corliss smiled grimly. "What were you doing when you got hit?"

"Tryin' to stop the other guy--"

"What did he look like?"

"I dunno. Me lantern was on the floor. He was a hefty guy, bigger 'n
you. Mebby six feet and pow'ful built. Had whiskers so's I couldn't
pipe his face. Big puncher hat down over his