“He must have been a very delightful person,” said Dave.
“What became of this ‘delightful person’?” drawled Larry.
“In those days there was a great deal more lawlessness than now,” answered the trooper. “The cattle rustlers evidently thought Allen must be an easy mark, so they paid particular attention to his stock. This kept on until the Allens got so disgusted they took everything of value from the ranch-house and left. So, ever since, the place has been known as Fool’s Castle.”
“Anybody else ever live there afterward?” asked Sam Randall.
“No. One wing of the building was struck by lightning and partly burned.”
“Lots of history for one house,” remarked Dick Travers.
“Some of the cowpunchers”—Billy Ashe sniffed contemptuously—“got an idea there’s something queer about the old place.”
“Gee!” exclaimed Tom.
“Yes, it’s a fact; an’ most of ’em are wary of stoppin’ there.”
“Me no afraid,” said Thunderbolt. He turned to Bob Somers. “You go there?”