ago that I pulled you back," Dave said. "I don't know how long you had
been hanging there, though."

"It seemed ten years," was the answer given with another wan smile. "Well,
what's the next move? I hope it isn't mine, for I don't know how I can
manage it. My ankle is either broken, or badly sprained."

"I'm afraid so," Dave answered. "Now I don't know where you came from, or
where you're going, but our ranch--Bar U--is the nearest place you can get
help. I can put you on my horse--I guess I can manage that--and walk with
you, but it will take a long time. Crow won't carry double, I'm afraid.
Certainly not with the way I'd have to put you on."

"I had a horse," said the stranger. "He can't have gone very far. I left
him beside the trail while I came in here to look about. He must have
wandered off a way."

"A horse!" cried Dave, eagerly. "That's good, if I can find him. We'll not
have any trouble getting you to the ranch in that case, Mr.--er--"

Dave paused significantly, adding, after a moment's thought:

"My names is Dave--Dave Carson." He had hesitated, and then quickly
reflected that this was no time to enter into explanations about his lack
of parentage. "My father, Randolph Carson, owns Bar U ranch."

"Yes, I have heard of him," the man said. "In fact I was going to call on
him within a few days in regard to a certain matter. I am afraid I can't
reach my card case, but my name is Bellmore--Benjamin Bellmore. I'm from
Chicago, but I'm out here representing the Rolling Valley Water Company."