“Oh!” Thady Shea saw no guile; he looked gratefully surprised, and felt it. He had anticipated a long trip via Zacaton City. That route would be attended with dangers from Dorales or the latter’s men, besides having the expense of a car to take him to Number Sixteen.
“Oh! I’d be glad indeed—but do you have to leave to-night?”
“You bet,” said Murray, emphatically. “The minute I get this here pie down. I got the ol’ car all ready to hike, and I’m goin’ to hike some. I aim to get home about sun-up, sleep two-three hours, then get to work on the paper. She’s got to be run off to-morrow night, see? And I’d sure be glad o’ your company, Shea. It’s a lonesome trip at night from here over through Datil Cañon and all.”
Surely, thought Shea, here was fate aiding him! Barely had he resolved to seek Mrs. Crump and the mine, than this opportunity offered. A walk of a few miles did not worry him in the least.
“Thank you, Murray,” he rejoined. “I’ll go, with pleasure.”
Ten minutes later, the three men left the hotel, walked up to the corner, and turned in to the garage behind the trading store. Bill Murray paid his debts to the proprietor and sought his own car.
“Well, Ross, I’ll say good-bye for a while, at least.” Shea turned and shook hands with his friend. “I’ll see you again, that’s sure. Oh—by the way, hadn’t we better open that suitcase? I forgot about it. Let’s get it broken open here, and——”
Ross interposed a hasty negation. He wanted only to get Shea safely out of town before Mackintavers and Dorales should arrive.
“No, don’t get Murray nervous, hangin’ around here, Shea. He’s dead anxious to be off, and we better not give him any delay. I’m sure curious about what’s in that case, just the same. S’pose you drop me a line when you find out, and give my regards to Mis’ Crump! Maybe I’ll drift over your way some time; if not, you know where to find me.”
“You bet,” assented Thady Shea, warmly.