"To capture the bandits that you let escape."
"How do you know that we let any escape?" asked Adrian.
The other three looked incredulous.
"Oh, it's a fact," declared Billie. "I can tell you all about the fight just as well as though I had been there," and he proceeded to prove his words.
"Some one told you," said Adrian.
"Sure," laughed Billie, thoroughly enjoying the perplexity of his companions. "My friend Ab. Come here, old man, and be introduced," and Billie waved his whip, which he still carried.
With a little cry the ape sprang to his side, an act which only added to the amazement of the others.
"Allow me," said Billie with mock gravity, "to introduce my friend Mr. Ab from No-man's-land. Ab, these are the rest of the Broncho Rider Boys. How would you like to join the company?"
Ab scratched his ear and looked wise.