Anywhere near the new oil fields?"

"Not far from Norada. That's the oil center," Dick offered,
good-naturedly. He rose, and glanced again at the clock. "If those
headaches continue you'd better have your eyes examined."

Bassett was puzzled. It seemed to him that there had been a shade
of evasion in the other man's manner, slightly less frankness in
his eyes. But he showed no excitement, nothing furtive or alarmed.
And the open and unsolicited statement as to Norada baffled him.
He had to admit to himself either that a man strongly resembling
Judson Clark had come from the same neighborhood, or--

"Norada?" he said. "That's where the big Clark ranch was located,
wasn't it? Ever happen to meet Judson Clark?"

"Our place was very isolated."

Bassett found himself being politely ushered out, considerably more
at sea than when he went in and slightly irritated. His annoyance
was not decreased by the calm voice behind him which said:

"Better drink considerable water when you take that stuff. Some
stomachs don't tolerate it very well."

The door closed. The reporter stood in the waiting-room for a
moment. Then he clapped on his hat.

"Well, I'm a damned fool," he muttered, and went out into the street.