"Well, no, now you mention it, he did seem in a hurry to get away," admitted Mr. Merkel. "Though I didn't pay any attention to it at the time. He said he had another job, and——"
"Most everybody that goes to Death Valley does get another job," commented Billee, dryly. "But go on, Boss."
"Well, that's about all there is to tell," said Mr. Merkel. "I bought Dot and Dash and hurried home here to get Bud, and some of the boys to go down and take charge. And when I get here I find you practicing circus stunts."
"I'm through that stuff, Dad, if you got a real job for me!" exclaimed
Bud.
"You'll get a real job all right, and then some," muttered Old Billee.
"Go on! Spill it!" begged Bud. "What you talking to yourself for?
Broadcast it, Billee!"
"Oh, I'll tell you all I know, if your father is through," voiced the veteran puncher.
"Yes, I'm through, Billee," said Mr. Merkel. "Let's hear your good news."
"'Tain't good news, and there's no use pretendin' it is!" snapped the aged cowboy. "If I'd known you was dickerin' for any ranch near Los Pompan, Boss, I'd 'a' told you to lay off. But it's too late for that now, it seems, so I can only warn you to keep away."
"But I've bought it and paid for it. Barter has my money and——"