"Yes."

"Well, if he ain't there, he's somewhere else."

"Thank you," said Tad, unheeding the fling.

Tad started for the shack at top speed. He burst into the place,
which proved to be office and sleeping place as well, without even
thinking to knock, so excited was he.

A young man, who sat studying a map, glanced up in surprise.

"Mr. Phipps--Mr. Thomas Phipps, I want," said Tad.

"I am he."

"I beg your pardon for my seeming rudeness, sir, but I'm in an awful
hurry."

"So I have observed," smiled the young man. "What is it--is there
something I can do for you?"

"Indeed there is. I had hoped to find Mr. Munson, as he would know
who I am. You do not, but I am going to ask a very great favor of
you--"

"Perhaps I may know, if you will tell me," smiled Phipps.

"I am Tad Butler, one of the Pony Rider Boys, and we're in an awful