“Howdy.”
The rancher was soft spoken, and he looked straight at the Scouts as he greeted them. He wore a red shirt and brown riding breeches.
“Craig Warner?” Mr. Livingston inquired.
“I am.”
Mr. Livingston gave his name and introduced the Explorers. Since the rancher did not invite them into the house, Mr. Livingston decided to make the visit brief.
Going straight to the point, he told Mr. Warner of Old Stony’s death and his request that the map to the Headless Hollow region be delivered to him.
“Well!” Warner exclaimed. “You know, I never could figure out why that old fellow kept writing to me!”
“You never knew that he was your father’s partner?” Mr. Livingston asked.
“No. I was just a kid when my father went off into the mountains prospecting, and he never came back.”
“Stony didn’t tell you his connection with your father?”