CHAPTER XLIII.
PLAYING IN HARD LUCK.
Jode Lenning’s face was pinched and haggard. He was also wearing a suit of clothes in which Merriwell had never seen him before, and yet which struck an oddly familiar note in Merriwell’s memory.
Frank had suspected that this mysterious call from Dolliver might have something to do with Lenning; but that he and Blunt should find him, hiding in Mohave Cañon and apparently disguised, furnished most of the surprise that entered into the situation.
“Come over here, Chip, you and Blunt,” Lenning called. “I’ve got something to tell you, and there are a good many reasons why we should not do our talking in the cañon trail.”
The cowboy was plainly bewildered. His brows knotted into a frown, and silently he followed Merriwell to the heap of bowlders.
“We can look each way from here,” Lenning said nervously, “and we can see whoever comes in time to get out of sight before they get close to these rocks.”
“Who are you expecting, Jode?” Frank asked.
“Shoup,” was the answer, “and a fellow who is with him and is called Geohegan. They’ll come, I’m pretty sure.”
“Shoup! What makes you think he’s still in this part of the country?”
“I’ve got plenty of reason for thinking so,” said Lenning angrily. “Before I talk more about him, though, just tell me what’s happened, will you?”