"Well, it all seems a bit mysterious," commented Mr. Argent, "but maybe you know what you're talking about."
And as Jack rode off on his usual trip, the two mining men went into the hotel deeply engaged in conversation.
Jack had several stops to make that morning before getting on the more lonesome part of the trail, where he could give Sunger free rein to make as good time as possible. In some places this would only be a walk, for the road was treacherous and difficult. In other places along a comparatively level slope, or down grade, Sunger would make up for lost time.
As Jack made a turn in the road, he saw, riding ahead of him, two men on horseback. They turned in their saddles at the sound of his steed's hoof-beats, and Jack recognized one of the men as Jake Tantrell. The other man was a stranger to the pony rider.
"I hope Jake doesn't take it into his head to give me some mean talk now," mused Jack.
He made up his mind not to speak to the fellow, but he reckoned without
Jake. For as Jack came up the bully held up a hand as a signal to halt.
Jack was not a little apprehensive at first, but Jake, in surly tones, only
asked:
"You got anything for me?"
"Not this trip," answered Jack.
"Well, I'm expectin' a package and it ought to be here. Keep your eyes open for it, young feller, and don't lose it," was the unnecessary caution. "It's a valuable package."
"I'm not in the habit of losing things," Jack answered, with dignity. As he rode on he heard the stranger remark to Jake: