Thereupon the ranch lad related briefly about the train accident, and how Sam had tried in vain to get the valuable paper.
"That is what I have feared all along," said Bruce Shackmiller, gloomily. "I was afraid Sam had gotten in with bad companions. And so he and they are trying to defeat your uncle's irrigation project; eh?"
"That's about the size of it," replied Billy. "Your brother followed me about at school, trying to get that valuable paper. But I was too much for him, and now my uncle has it safe."
"Oh, your uncle has it?" asked the wounded man, quickly.
"He sure has!" exclaimed Billy, answering in spite of the sudden nudge Frank gave him. Then the ranch boy looked at his chum, who frowned, and Billy understood. He wished he had not been so quick to reply. But it was too late now. However, there could be no danger, he thought.
"Sam always was a little wild," went on the injured man. "He got in with some fast companions, and, though I did my best to reform him, it was useless. I think he was always a little bitter against the world because of his lameness, which afflicted him from the time he was a little boy. He was never like other lads, and, as he grew older, he became morose and vindictive. But I hoped he had reformed. Of late I lost track of him, but recently I had a telegram from him, saying he was ill, and was coming back West."
"That was the one sent from the hospital I guess," said Billy. "But what about yourself? How do you feel now?"
"Oh, much better. The blow made me unconscious for a time but I'm all right now. I must go on, and see if I can find my brother."
"You had better wait until the doctor sees you," suggested Frank. "He'll be here soon, now."
Mr. Thornton came in then, to see how the sufferer was getting along, and his surprise may well be imagined when he heard the story.