"That fits into our plans," Jack said. "Write and tell him we arrived and will be ready to go with him a week from to-day, I think I can learn what I want in that time."
Accordingly Nat got a letter ready, and intrusted it to the hotel clerk, who promised to send it to Double B ranch at the first opportunity. Mr. Kent's ranch was known by the device of two capital B's, one placed backwards in front of the other, and this brand appeared on all his cattle. His uncle's place, Nat learned, was on a big plateau in the midst of a mountain range. Men from it frequently rode into Fillmore, and it was by one of them the hotel clerk proposed sending the boy's letter to Mr. Kent.
This done, the three chums sat in their rooms discussing the strange things that had come to pass since they had left Washington Hall.
"Seems as if it was several months, instead of a couple of weeks," said John. "I'll be glad when we get out where it's good and wild."
The boys found much to occupy their time in the hustling city of Denver. They went about viewing the sights, but all the while Jack was impatiently awaiting the return of Mr. Hardy.
"I wonder if the days are any longer here than back east," he remarked.
"It's you," replied Nat. "Stop thinking about it, and Friday night will come sooner."
"Can't help it," Jack went on, with a deep sigh.
Friday night came at last, though it was nearly ten o'clock before
Jack, who was anxiously waiting in his room, received a message that
some one wanted to see him. He went down and was met by Mr. Hardy.
The man showed the dust and grime of travel.
"Well?" asked Jack.