“What happened then?� Nell inquired eagerly.
“Oh, nothing much,� Roy said carelessly. “Rad had a long ride, and when he got back Tiger had turned into a lamb. He’s one of the best saddle horses on the ranch now. You can ride him later, if you want to.�
“No, thanks,� Nell laughed. “I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.� She walked on a little way, and then said: “Look, here’s a notice of some sort. What is it about?�
Tacked upon one of the rails of the corral was a piece of paper, written on in heavy, black letters. Teddy and Roy gazed at it curiously.
“Never saw it before,� Teddy remarked in a puzzled tone. Then he came closer and read the words:
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD
FOR THE CAPTURE OF
THE THIEVES THAT STOLE
THREE BRONCOS BELONGING
TO THE X—X FROM THE HITCHING
RAIL AT EAGLES.
“That’s mighty funny,â€� Roy mused. “I wonder—â€�
“Lookin’ at my sign?� exclaimed a voice behind them, and Mr. Manley, together with Belle, came toward the corral. “I put that up early this morning. Belle Ada suggested it. Don’t know whether it’ll help or not, but I’d give a lot more than that to get General back. What say, boys?�
“I’ll tell a maverick!� Roy declared. “So would Teddy and I be glad to get Star and Flash back. Think it’ll encourage the boys, Dad?�
“Well, I don’t know,â€� Mr. Manley answered slowly. “I happened to hear Jim Casey and Gus Tripp talkin’ about the theft, an’ the way they feel they’d run themselves ragged to locate those rustlers. Pop would, too—he still sees red because the X Bar X brand was stolen. So I guess they’ll do the best they can, without that reward being offered.â€�