“Because I understand the property is now claimed by persons who, if not in the eyes of the law, are, still the rightful owners. If I should sign my rights away to the gang they would take the property away from the innocent holders now. So I refused to sign, and they have ruined me for it.”
“Never mind,” said the professor, cheerfully. “We will get you out of their power, never fear.”
“I wonder if the gang that had Tommy is not the same one that had Mr. Bell in their power,” suggested Bob. “He told us about men wanting him to sign papers that would give them control of some land.”
“They must be the same,” commented Mr. Bell. “I will be on my guard now. Neither Tommy nor I will sign a single document. But now I must start.”
“Very well,” said Ned.
There was no further cause for delay, so Jerry got the automobile ready, and, the various belongings having been stowed away, the engine was started, after a somewhat longer rest than usual, and, puffing away in a manner that awoke all the echoes of the forest, the car started toward the village at the foot of the slope. From there, it was arranged Mr. Bell would go forward to Las Cruces by stage coach, or whatever other means of travel presented themselves.
Once fairly on the road the spirits of all in the party rose. It was a fine day, and the fresh mountain air, crisp and cool, put new life into their veins.
They were bowling along the road at a good clip with Jerry at the wheel, when, suddenly in the air above their heads, there sounded a shrill buzz.
“That’s a new kind of a bumble bee,” cried Uriah Snodgrass. “I must have it for my collection.”
“I guess you wouldn’t want many of that kind,” said Mr. Bell, quietly.