“You won’t want to meet him, either,” War laughed.
He then mentioned Jarrett Walz’ name and told to what lengths the motel owner had gone to gain possession of the treasure map.
“You don’t say!” Warner exclaimed, impressed. “If he’s so keen on getting his hands on this map, then it must have some value.”
“He thinks so,” said Mr. Livingston. “I would advise you to keep that bit of paper in a safe place.”
“Oh, no one ever comes here. Not once in a month,” the rancher answered. “You’re my first visitors since June. It’s a real pleasure having you.”
Warner, the Scouts now knew, lived alone, except for two ranch hands who looked after the stock. He had no wife or children.
After chatting a while longer, the Scouts started to leave, but their host would not hear of it.
“Stay until tomorrow morning at least,” he urged. “I like company, if it’s the right sort.”
The Scouts had enjoyed Craig Warner’s companionship, and his invitation flattered them. When Mr. Livingston left the decision to them, they voted to remain.
Warner cooked a hearty lunch for the boys and showed them around Cloud Crest. Whenever he was out of doors, they noticed, his steel blue eyes roved naturally to the distant peaks of Crazy Mountain.