Part 28 (1/2)
”I'm going to s.h.i.+n that tree,” announced Sam, and went up, and so did all of the others, reaching the topmost branches only after a difficult climb lasting ten minutes.
They were well rewarded for their efforts, for from the top of the tree they could see a long distance in all directions. But they had eyes only for the ranch, which now stood out strongly in the bright sunlight.
”I see two men walking about the place,” said Sam. ”But I can't make out their faces.”
”There is a big wagon approaching from a road yonder,” announced d.i.c.k. ”It seems to be filled with hay.”
They watched the approach of the wagon, which lumbered along slowly, although drawn by a pair of powerful looking horses. At last, the wagon reached a side entrance to the ranch and came to a halt, and the driver dismounted.
Five minutes pa.s.sed, and then four or five men came up to the wagon.
The hay, which was on top, was cast aside, revealing some machinery resting on the bottom of the wagon.
”Some farming machinery,” said Fred. ”But why did they have it covered with hay?”
The men tugged at one of the pieces of machinery and at last lifted it from the wagon. But, instead of setting it on the ground, they disappeared with it into the ranch.
”Hullo!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed d.i.c.k. ”If that is farming machinery, why are they taking it into the house?”
”Maybe it's a heating apparatus,” suggested Sam.
”Yes, they need it in this weather,” said Tom sarcastically.
”Well, what is it, then?”
”That remains to be found out,” said d.i.c.k. ”This certainly is a place of mystery,” he added. ”It is a.s.suredly no ordinary ranch.”
One piece of machinery after another was carried into the ranch, until the wagon was empty. Then the turnout was taken into a big barn at the back of the ranch.
”That show is over,” said Songbird. ”I won-der what the next act in this drama will be?”
They remained at the top of the tree for an hour or more. During that time, they saw several men moving around the ranch and some thick smoke coming from a broad chimney, but that was all.
”How much longer are you going to stay here?” asked Sam presently.
”No longer,” answered the eldest brother, starting to descend. ”I am going to investigate this whole thing and find out just what it means!”
CHAPTER XVII
THE BANK BILLS ON THE TABLE
”d.i.c.k, this is a dangerous piece of business,” said Fred, after the entire party was again on the ground.
”That's right,” broke in Songbird. ”Don't forget the warning on the wall of the shack.”
”I am not afraid,” answered the eldest Rover. ”There is some great mystery here, and I feel it ought to be investigated. Why, those men may be bandits, or something like that, for all we know.”
”They are certainly not on the level, or they wouldn't put up with a fellow like Dan Baxter,” came from Sam.
”Dot ist so,” said Hans. ”At der same dime, ve ton't vont to put our mouths into der lion's head alretty!”