There were heaps of ashes, the bones of animals, and several charred skeletons of human beings.
There was every evidence that a fight had occurred at the place, and that the ranch had been burned by either Indians or rival cowboys. As chance had it the sign which, painted in broad letters, had once hung over the yard gate, had not been destroyed, and lay upon the ground near.
Our explorers were enabled to read it plainly.
“Rodman Ranch.”
Barney and Pomp descended from the wagon, and spent some time in exploring the ruins.
“I jes’ fink de Ingines burned up dis yer place,” averred Pomp.
“Begorra, it’s the divil’s own job they med av it,” declared Barney.
But Frank said, with conviction:
“Just as likely it was the work of Cliff and his gang. They are outlaws at best, and if Rodman Ranch was a respectable place, they would be sure to wish it destroyed.”
Barney and Pomp re-entered the wagon now, and once more the quest for Ranch V was begun.