“He got over twenty thousand that last haul,” said the detective.
“My gosh, was there that much in the safe?” exploded Kelsey. “Whew!”
“That much, at least, Sheriff. The company are offering a reward of twenty-five hundred.”
“I didn’t know they carried that much,” said Ralston.
“Well, they do. Sometimes more, sometimes less.”
“Well, what do yuh propose doin’?” asked Kelsey.
“Keep looking for Joe Rich, I suppose. You say he’s got a lot of friends around here?”
Kelsey nodded glumly, remembering how the cowboys had avoided riding after Joe.
“Yeah, yuh can’t expect much help, Cates. They’ll all spot yuh—and these cowpunchers can shore be clams.”
“Oh, I’m not going out to hunt him,” smiled Cates. “I’d be a fool to do that. When you boys can’t find him—what could I do? I don’t know this country. Why, I haven’t been on a horse for fifteen years!