the Chicago man. "But still--"

"Of course. I'm not certain of it," Dave continued. "I'm going to find out
about the sawed posts, though. But see Mr. Molick yourself, and make up
your own mind about him"

"I will, but I shall be on my guard on account of what you have said. It
is well to know the character of the man one is dealing with. I'm afraid
though," he added as a spasm of pain crossed his face," that I sha'n't be
able to do any active business for a while," and he glanced down at his
injured foot.

"We'll soon be at the ranch," Dave remarked. "The rest of the trail is
easy."

Dave was thinking of many things as his pony ambled on, followed by Mr.
Bellmore's horse. It was strange, the manner in which he had come to help
the injured man, and it was stranger still that the latter should be
seeking to do business with the Molicks of whom the members of the Bar U
ranch had no very high opinion.

"I was on my way to Mr. Molick's place, when I got off the trail to look
after that rock formation resumed Mr. Bellmore after a pause." Rocks
always interest me, for I am always looking to see what the possibilities
are for striking a supply of water."

"Why water?" asked Dave.

"Because I am an irrigation engineer," was the reply. "That is my
business. I have been sent out here by a concern, recently formed, called