Matt was wondering why Jacks and Bisbee had appeared so delighted during their talk on the pack-trail. From their manner, and what they had said, he had got the idea that they had accomplished something for Hawley.
"I thought your father didn't have any location blanks," went on Matt, "and that he wanted you to come and bring them."
"He must have found some blanks somewhere," returned Chub.
"Did he have a horse with him, besides the burro?"
Chub stared.
"Why, no, Matt," said he. "Prospectors don't ride. They just walk, an' drive their pack-burros ahead of them."
"Your father only had one burro?"
"That's all. What's buzzin' around in your nut, anyway, Matt?"
"I'm wondering why your father should pull out for Phœnix and leave old Baldy behind. He wouldn't walk all the way to town, would he, and leave the burro and his camp-truck here?"
The words startled Chub. A look of alarm drove all the joy out of his freckled face.