“I wonder what you know, Tex Alden,” he said to himself. “I seen yuh talkin’ with Lee Barnhardt—and he’ll prob’ly defend Taylor, if this comes to court. By golly, I’m gettin’ suspicious of everybody. Wade says you’ve got to suspect everybody, if yo’re goin’ to be a successful detective; so I expect I’m startin’ out in the right way.”
VIII—A REGULAR JOB
It was supper time at the AK ranch when Jimmy Legg rode in. The boys had discovered his horse when they returned, and had decided that Jimmy had been thrown. They were going to wait until after supper before starting a search.
He told them of the incident and of the long walk to the Double Bar 8 ranch.
“Didja leave that girl alone there?” asked Eskimo.
“She went back to town,” explained Jimmy. “I guess she wanted to be there when the railroad men tried to identify that dog, and she said she’d stay in Blue Wells all night.”
“I’d kinda like to be there too,” said Johnny Grant. “I’ve been at the Taylor ranch quite a lot, but I don’t remember any dog of that description.”
“Let’s all go in after supper,” suggested Oyster. “I’ve got a few dollars that’s restless.”
Old George Bonnette called Jimmy aside after supper.
“What do yuh aim to do?” asked the old man.