"Crazy? well, I should say not!" ejaculated the clerk, staring at Bob in wonder.
"Who owns the property now?"
"A. Leon Dardus."
"How'd he get it?"
"By will. There was a long legal battle between Sam and John Ford and Dardus. But Dardus finally won."
"Where is the ranch?"
"Twenty miles south of here. Jim Haskins hires it."
At these surprising answers, Bob's heart seemed to come up in his throat, stifling his speech. But noticing that his questions had aroused the clerk's curiosity, he hurriedly left the office.
Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den.
Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition, and ordered some pork and beans.