"That we must find out," I replied. "And in order to do that we must investigate in a new direction."
"How?"
"Think a moment. We decided at the first that these systematic thieves had, must have, a rendezvous within half a night's ride from Trafton."
"Yes; an' I stick to that theory."
"So do I. All these robberies have been committed at distances never more than twenty-five miles from Trafton; often less, but never more."
"Just so."
"Within a radius of twenty-five miles around Trafton, east, north, and west, and at all intermediate points, it has not been safe to own a good horse. There is but one break in this unsafe circle and that is to the south. Now, that south road, one day, or two days, after a robbery, would be anything but safe for a midnight traveler, who rode a swift going horse or drove with a light buggy. Carnes, get your map and study out my new theory thereon."
Carnes produced his map and spread it out upon his knee, and I followed his example with my own.
"Now, observe," I began, "the south road runs straight and smooth for twenty miles, intersected regularly by the mile sections."