“That’s another kink we have got to unravel in this tangle. First off, there’s your little girl, to find if she is still alive. Second, we must locate Dave Henderson or his grave. Third, there’s something due the scoundrel who is responsible for this. Fourthly, brethren, there’s that map section to find. And lastly, we’ve got to find just how this story you’ve told me got mixed with the story of the holdup of the Limited. For it ce’tainly looks as if the two hang together. I take it that the thing to do is to run down the gang that held up the Limited. Once we do that, we ought to find the key to the mystery of your little girl’s disappearance. Or, at least, there is a chance we shall. And it’s chances we’ve got to gamble on in this thing.”
“Good enough. I like the way you go at this. Already I feel a heap better than I did.”
“If the cards fall our way you’re going to get this thing settled once for all. I can’t promise my news will be good news when I get it, but anything will be better than the uncertainty you’ve been in, I take it,” said Bucky, rising from his chair.
“You’re right there. But, wait a moment. Let’s drink to your success.”
“I’m not much of a sport,” Bucky smiled. “Fact is, I never drink, seh.”
“Of course. I remember, now. You’re the good bad man of the West,” Mackenzie answered amiably. “Well, I drink to you. Here’s good hunting, lieutenant.”
“Thank you.”
“I suppose you’ll get right at this thing?”
“I’ve got to take that kid in the next room out to my ranch first. I won’t stand for that knife thrower making a slave of him.”
“What’s the matter with me taking the boy out to the Rocking Chair with me? My wife and I will see he’s looked after till you return.”