“He says they had a chance to sell the ranch at a handsome profit, but the intending purchaser backed out when he heard rustlers were running off the cattle. The man said he wanted a ranch with some steers on it, not just grass,” went on Ned with a rueful smile as he referred to his father’s letter.
“Is the deal off?” asked Jerry. “It’s too bad to have your father lose money, Ned.”
“Yes. Though dad isn’t poor, still he is a good business man, and it must get on his nerves to see a waste in finances. The man who was going to buy the place hasn’t exactly given up all interest in it, but he won’t purchase until the rustlers are captured.”
“Then it’s up to us to get ’em!” cried Jerry. “We must do more and talk less.”
“I’m with you there,” agreed Ned. “But what can we do?”
“Especially when we’re practically ordered home,” put in Bob. “Told to give up and let a real detective take a hand! What can we do?” and he looked at his two chums.
Ned seemed to have a sudden inspiration.
“I know one thing I’m going to do!” he exclaimed.
“What?” cried his two chums together.