When they reached the point where the road to Morton's ranch leaves the main canyon road, Brian Oakley said, "It's barely possible that she went on up to Carleton's. But I think we better go to Morton's and see the Doctor first. We don't want to miss him. Did you meet any one as you came up? I mean after you got within two or three miles of the mouth of the canyon?"
"No," replied the other. "Why?"
"A man on a horse passed the Station about seven o'clock, going down. Where did the Doctor pass you?"
"He didn't pass me."
"What?" said the Ranger, sharply.
"No one passed me after I left Fairlands."
"Hu-m-m. If Doc left town before you, he must have had a puncture or something, or he would have passed the Station before he did."
It was ten o'clock when the two men arrived at the Morton ranch.
"We don't want to start any excitement," said the officer, as they drew rein at the corral gate. "You stay here and I'll drop in--casual like."
It seemed to Aaron King, waiting in the darkness, that his companion was gone for hours. In reality, it was only a few minutes until the Ranger returned. He was walking quickly, and, springing into the saddle he started the chestnut off at a sharp lope.