"You cannot see my father. He and Frank are in the mountains," she said.
Deering knitted his brows. When winter had begun one did not start for the rocks for nothing.
"It looks as if the police have found out Jimmy was at his ranch."
"Then, Jimmy was at the ranch? We didn't know; he did not come to see us. I expect you stopped him!"
"You don't trust me, Miss Laura. Still you ought to see Jimmy dared not come to the hotel."
"I did not think you a proper friend for Jimmy and Frank."
Deering smiled. He knew he was a better friend of Jimmy's than Stannard, but he said, "Oh, well; perhaps it's not important. Anyhow, Jimmy trusts me, and I mustn't let him down. You imply he's not at the ranch?"
Laura told him about Jimmy's note, and he inquired about Stannard's plans. When she had satisfied his curiosity his look was thoughtful.
"Stannard will send back the packers at the bottom of the rocks," he remarked. "Has he got a guide?"
"He could not engage the guide he wanted. Another man about whom I don't think he knew much was sent."