Evidently something serious was the matter with the mining man. He came bounding out of the dark shadows of the upper end of the canyon as the Mexican spoke. His face was black as thunder.
"More villainy!" he exclaimed as questions came pouring in upon him.
"Something else missing?"
It was Wandering William. His voice was as emotionless as if he had been a phonograph.
"Yes, I should say there was. The plans of the mine and its location as prepared for filing have been taken from my tent!"
"Stolen—oh!"
Peggy's voice quivered.
"Stolen," repeated Mr. Bell, "and undoubtedly by the same band of scoundrels that cut the ponies loose, knowing that we could not pursue them."
"But we can overtake them in an aeroplane."
It was Peggy who spoke. Her bosom heaved and her cheeks burned red with excitement.