“Don’t go flingin’ words away regardless,” Mr. Ball said dryly. “Actually, we don’t know an awful lot more than we did before. But this might help—it might help.”
“What’s the plan now?” Roy asked. “Do we start to search for ’em?”
“Well—” Mr. Ball looked down again at the weapon he held in his hand. “It’s gettin’ late,” he went on. “We can’t just roam around like a bunch of steers, hopin’ to run across the waddies who shot Decker. I think—” he deliberated. “I think we’d better go back. When you boys got to head for the X Bar X?”
“To-morrow morning,” Roy replied. “Dad expects us.”
“O. K. Then we’ll hit for home now. I want to think this thing out.”
They made a further search, but found nothing else, and shortly afterward headed their ponies toward the 8 X 8. Nothing was said of their discovery when they reached the ranch.
The wounded man was no better; but he was no worse. Doctor Ring had left after giving positive directions that Decker was to talk to no one. Thus the boys were still wondering how much he had been robbed of.
Early the next morning Roy, Teddy, and Belle started for home. Decker seemed stronger and was able to take some milk through a tube. Neither of the boys saw him again before they left, obeying the doctor’s instructions.
“Thanks again for catching my pony,” Nell called to Roy as he was riding out of the yard. “Maybe I’ll do as much for you some day!”
“Maybe,” Roy laughed. “In the meantime—take keer o’ yo’self!”