"I think, perhaps, the young man might do it even more effectively than you or I," he said. "Have you weapons, Professor?"
"Rifles."
"That's good. We may need them."
"Then you think?"
"One can never tell."
CHAPTER XI
RIDING WITH KRIS KRINGLE
A slender ribbon of dust unrolling across the plain far to the northward marked the receding trail of Juan and his lazy burro. They had given him a week's extra pay and sent him on his way.
The burro was making for home, aided by the busy feet of its master, while Stacy Brown, shading his eyes with one hand, was watching the progress of the guide, whom he had just sent adrift.
"Well, he's gone," grinned Stacy, turning to his companions, who were busy striking camp.