"To-night Archer and the sheriff came to me and wished to buy the animal. I refused, and they were endeavouring to persuade me when you entered, Mr. Franklin. By the way, if you run across Thomas Loudon, you might tell him that the warrant issued for him has been quashed. Tell him that I hope to meet him in the not-too-distant future. Understand—in the future? I shall see that the Maxson boys are put under arrest, and a warrant issued for Rudd."
"No need of issuin' one for him," said Loudon.
"Probably not. Still, the legal formalities must be observed."
"Shore, you've got the right idea, Judge. Well, I guess we might as well be weavin' along. So long, Judge."
"So long, Mr. Franklin. So long, gentlemen. On your way out I wish you'd request the marshal to step in."
"Wat ees next?" inquired Laguerre, when the four were in the saddle.
"Somebody's got to go north an' notify Scotty," replied Loudon. "You an' I'll scamper round the Lazy River country an' see what we can dig up."
"I know just what's comin'!" exclaimed Johnny Ramsay, disgustedly. "Chuck an' me are elected to travel while you an' Telescope have all the fun. Yo're glommin' all the excitement. It ain't right."
"Don't fret none, Johnny-jump-up," grinned Loudon. "Yuh'll have all the excitement on the map when yuh come back with Scotty Mackenzie an' the Flyin' M outfit. What do yuh s'pose'll happen when we go bulgin' out to the 88 to grab Rudd? Yuh don't think there won't be a battle, do yuh?"
"There'll be a skirmish, anyway, before we get back," complained Johnny, "or I don't know you."