"Well, in a way, yes," came the slow reply. "They turned out to be friends of yours."
"Friends?" questioned Mr. Merkel sharply.
"It's Professor Wright," explained Bud.
"Then you've got the wrong parties!" cried Mr. Merkel. "There's been a robbery here!"
"A robbery!" chorused the boy ranchers.
"Yes! In the excitement somebody got in the ranch house and ransacked my safe."
"Did they get much?" Dick asked.
Amid a silence Mr. Merkel answered:
"They took the papers that prove my right to lands along Spur Creek!"
"Spur Creek!" fairly shouted Bud. "That's where they're going to open the Indian holdings—where the sheep men will first head for, and if we can't control that opening our range won't be worth a hill of beans! Are you sure the papers are gone, Dad?"