"It doesn't make any difference, Mrs. Spooner," said Matt, "for I don't think it amounts to much."

Matt went on up-stairs, and in the privacy of his room examined the letter. It was better written and better spelled than the other note had been, and was plainly from another hand; but there was no name signed and no other clue to the sender.

The contents, however, were surprising.

"If you start for Prescott you'll never get there alive. Take a fool's advice and keep away."

Matt was amazed. Evidently that first communication was of some importance, or the present writer would never have taken the trouble to send such a threat.

So far from being intimidated, a steely glint came into Matt's eyes, and his square jaw set resolutely.

"Chub and I are going to Prescott," he muttered, "and I guess we can take care of all the trouble that comes our way."


[CHAPTER IX.]

THE BREAK IN THE ROAD.