"I reckon that means something," he said. "Business has been pretty bad, I suppose, and the outlaws are anxious to have travel through the pass resumed. Well, I reckon I'll take a walk over and see how it looks at this end of the pass, anyhow. Come on, boys!"
Charlie and Jim promptly responded to the call, and Sedgwick hastened to declare that he would go with them, if there were no objections.
"Certainly not," our hero assured him. "Come on!"
The four left the saloon and walked over to the pass.
Though it was now quite dark, they had no trouble in seeing the sign that was posted at the entrance.
It consisted of a barrel-head nailed together, and the words upon it were as follows:
"FORBIDDEN PASS!"
"Travelers must pay toll, or go some other way."
"Private Road!"
Jim Dart struck a match so the inscription could be read, and when they had made it out our three friends looked at each other and nodded, while the miner waited to hear what would be said.
"I reckon that's what I call putty good," said the scout, a smile creeping over his bronzed face. "'Private Road,' eh? Well, I wonder who is ther owner of it!"
"We'll find out all about it, Charlie," said Wild, assuringly. "Just wait till to-morrow morning. We'll take a ride through the pass, and don't you forget it!"