offee. I've got it all ready
for you."

"Not until I've seen my father," and Roy hurried into the ranch house.

"Is that you, Roy?" called a voice from a bedroom.

"Yes, father! How are you?"

"Considerable better. I hope you were not alarmed."

"Well, I was--some."

Roy saw that his father was in bed. The man looked quite pale, and on
a stand, near him, were several bottles of medicine.

"What is it, father?" asked Roy. "What happened?"

"Well, nothing much, though I was afraid it was at the time. I got one
of my bad spells of indigestion, and it affected my heart."

"Did you think you were going to die?"

"Well, I did, but the doctor only laughed at me. He said I was
needlessly alarmed, and I think, now, that I was. But when I was in
such pain, fearing something would happen, I thought of a business
matter that needed attending to. I decided I had better get my affairs
in shape--in case anything should happen, so I sent for you, to have a
talk."

"What sort of a talk, father?"

"A business talk. I'm going to have you undertake something in an
entirely new line. You're a pretty good cattleman now, and I want to
see how you'll make out on a business deal."

"What kind?"

"I'll soon explain. But tell me; how is Billy, and the boys?"

"Very well."

"Are they getting the cattle in good shape? Where did Porter find you?"

"The cattle will be here to-morrow, I think. Porter came up just as we
were camping out near the small dried creek in the big swale," replied
Roy, describing the place so that his father would know it. "But now
tell me about this business. I am glad you are better."

"Yes, I feel much improved. My indigestion is all gone, and I think I
can eat breakfast. I'll tell you then."

Roy could hardly wait for the meal to be finished. After his father
had had his repast in bed, Mr. Bradner told his son to close the door,
and sit down close beside him.

"I'm going to take you into my confidence," said the ranch owner.
"It's time you knew something of my business affairs, and I am going to
entrust you with a commission. A good deal depends on the success of
it."

"I hope I can do it, father."

"I am pretty sure you can, or I would not let you go. Now I'll tell
you what it is. You do not know it, but I have an interest in some
property, left by your mother's brother, your Uncle Henry Mayfield.
This property was left to your mother, and when she died the property
came