"No," Frank answered, "this man is a big fellow, whiskers, ropy hair, gray eyes."
"New one on me," said McGurvin.
"Then, you haven't seen anything of him?"
"Nary a thing. What's he done? Stole a hoss?"
"We don't know what he has done, McGurvin. All we want is to have a talk with him. Can you spare us a couple of canteens, full of water, and a bag of rations—enough for two or three meals?"
"Shore," answered the rancher, "that's what I'm here fer. Dollar fer the water in the canteens, an' two dollars fer the canteens; then another two dollars fer the hand-out. Makes five, don't it?"
McGurvin had the reputation of being more or less of a robber. Having a monopoly of the water in that locality, he set his own prices, and did not fear competition.
"Five dollars is all right, McGurvin," said Frank.
"Blunt was out this way this afternoon, with a couple his pards," remarked McGurvin, unaware of the bomb was exploding. "They watered up, rested a spell, an' hiked on to the Picket Posts."
Merry was startled, but contrived not to show it. Clancy jumped, but his chum gave him a warning glance.