The rancher nodded as he refilled the coffee cups. “He’ll tackle it if he can get anyone to go with him. Pete Ranier might be crazy enough to do it—for a price.”
“Is he a reliable guide?”
“One of the best, when he’s sober—and that isn’t often. But he has a fiery temper. He and our friend Walz would be sure to tangle. Ranier can’t stand a tenderfoot.”
The Scouts ate rapidly, impatient to be off in pursuit of Walz. Their host, on the other hand, was deliberate. Certainly he seemed in no hurry to drive them to town.
“Practically all our stuff is in that car,” Willie muttered to Jack as they stood in the yard, waiting for the rancher to start his motor in the barn. “Doesn’t he give a darn?”
Warner backed out the car and then went into the house again. When he returned, he was grinning.
“Good news, boys!” he told them. “The sheriff’s found your car.”
“Where?” Jack demanded eagerly.
“Abandoned at Elks Creek. I figured Warner wouldn’t take it very far.”
“How about our stuff?”