Part 14 (1/2)

”He has our horses!” cried Paul.

”Yes, but not my own,” returned Allen.

He walked into the house and was here introduced to Noel Urner. The table was at once spread, and soon both Allen and Ike Watson were regaling themselves to their heart's content.

During the progress of the meal Allen related all of his wonderful story of the fall from the bridge, the journey on the underground river, and of his struggle to reach the open air once more. He said nothing about the wealth which lay exposed in the cavern or of the fact that it was Uncle Barnaby's mine, for he felt he had no right to mention those matters before Ike Watson and Noel Urner, friends though they might be.

Uncle Barnaby had guarded his secret well and he would do the same.

All listened with deep interest to what he had to say.

”It was a wonder the fall into the water didn't kill you,” said Paul.

”Such a distance as it was!”

”Lilly saved my life--but it cost her her own,” returned Allen, and he sighed, for Lilly had been his favorite for several years.

Chet and Paul were eager that Allen should hear Noel Urner's story and the young man from New York related it without delay. Allen was as much surprised as his brothers had been, and so was Ike Watson.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE THREE YOUNG RANCHMEN TALKED IT OVER]

”I am afraid somebody has played Uncle Barnaby foul,” cried Allen, his face full of anxiety. ”If he had left of his own accord we would have heard from him.”

”That's just my idea of it,” said Paul. ”But the thing of it is, who met him in San Francisco, and what did they do?”

To that question Allen could only shake his head.

”I am too tired to say much about it to-night,” he said at last. ”I must sleep on it.”

Allen wished to retire early, but before he did so Chet told him of Captain Grady's visit.

”We won't stir,” said Allen, briefly. ”Let him sue Uncle Barnaby. We have nothing to do with it. Our first duty is to find uncle.”

And both Paul and Chet agreed with him on this point.

Ike Watson was on his way up the Salmon River to visit a new gold diggings. He refused to stay all night, and set off in the dark, with Allen's thanks ringing in his ears for what he had done.

Despite the excitement through which he had pa.s.sed, Allen slept ”like a log” that night, and did not awaken until long after the others were up and Chet and Paul had the morning ch.o.r.es done.

”Now I feel like myself once more,” he said when he came down. ”And I am ready for business.”

”So am I,” laughed Noel Urner. ”But the trouble is, I do not know how to turn without horse or conveyance. I am not used to tramping about on foot.”

”If we had horses we might lend you one,” said Allen. ”But two nags for four people are two short,” and he laughed.

During the morning Paul went out on horseback, accompanied by Noel, to see if the cattle were safe. While they were gone Allen told Chet of the hidden mine.

”It is worth a million,” he said. ”But it is Uncle Barnaby's secret, remember.”

”I will remember,” said Chet, ”but we must tell Paul.”

”Certainly; tell him after I am gone.”