“Well, it’d be about like the lady of the ranch to fix up a smart game like that, and spring it on us
when we weren’t looking,” the Arizona boy remarked.
“And you’ve got some sort of remedy up your sleeve, I’m sure of that,” Adrian told his chum, with confidence in his voice.
“I admit it,” replied Donald, immediately. “That was why I led up to this by telling how two of the five had been put out of the game, and meaning that according to my notions no army can do its best fighting till they’ve cleaned out any traitors in the ranks.”
“And what’s the answer; because I’m dead sure you’ve thought up a remedy, Donald?”
“One of us had ought to find out whether those three punchers are really hid away in the ranch house,” came the prompt reply.
“All right! I think that’s a good idea; and I’ll select myself as the one to go and learn if it’s so,” said Adrian, as quick as a flash.
At that Donald grumbled a little.
“Now, see here, I didn’t expect that you’d take me up like that,” he objected. “It was my scheme, and I ought to have had a fair show of carrying it out. Even if we had to draw straws to see who’d get the longest, you shouldn’t cut me off just like you thought I mightn’t be equal to it, Ad.”
“You know it isn’t that,” said his chum, laying a hand on his arm affectionately. “You’re capable of doing anything that I dare attempt, Donald; but