Caught in a Cyclone
Less than an hour later Jasper was brought out and Noel Urner sprang into the saddle, with Allen behind him on the blanket.
"Keep a close watch for more thieves while I am gone!" cried Allen.
"We will!" shouted Paul. "And you take care for more doctored bridges!"
A parting wave of the hand and the ranch was left behind, and Allen was off on a journey that was to be filled with adventures and excitement from start to finish.
Chet and Paul watched the horse and his two riders out of sight, and then with rather heavy hearts returned to the house. The place seemed more lonely than ever with both Allen and Noel Urner gone.
"It's going to be a long time waiting for Allen's return," sighed Paul.
"Perhaps not," returned Chet. "He left me with a secret to tell you, Paul."
And Chet lost no time in relating Allen's story of the hidden mine of great wealth.
"And perhaps we can explore the place during his absence," Paul said, after he had expressed his astonishment and asked half a dozen questions.