bandit's coming up into the vicinity of Rose Ranch and hiding his
plunder," said Nan confidently. "And what has it all to do with
you, anyway?"

"She!" exclaimed the Mexican girl, pointing to Rhoda. "She ees
reech because I am poor. Oh, yes! I know."

"You don't know anything of the kind," said Nan flatly. "Does she,
Rhoda?"

"I--I don't know what she means," stammered the girl from Rose
Ranch.

"I guess I understand something about it," said the quicker-witted
Nan. "She has been robbed by Lobarto, and she thinks your father
has found the hidden treasure--the plunder Lobarto left behind at
Rose Ranch when he was driven off six years ago."

"You know!" exclaimed the Mexican girl confidently. "How you know?"

"I know what you think. But that doesn't make it so," returned Nan
promptly.

"I am sure she is not right in her mind," Rhoda sighed. "What could
she have to do with all that treasure they say Lobarto stole in
Mexico and hid on our ranch?"

"Come over here and sit down--both of you," commanded Nan, seeing
that she had got the Mexican girl quieted for the time being. There
was a log in the shade, and they took seats upon it. Nan said