“Here, Miguel,” David said, when the clatter of the hoofs of the two fleeing horses had died in the distance, “you can take this gun, too. That makes two for you. I thought it best not to give them back to the thieves and as I have one of my own I don’t need another.” Then he added with a chuckle, “that will make up for your having to use a pill bottle tonight. Honestly, I tried hard to borrow or steal one for you to use, but I couldn’t.” “Thanks,” Miguel said with beaming eyes. “I was scared to death the man would see I had a bottle and not a gun.” “That’s why I told him to turn his back--so he couldn’t see.” In accordance with their plan, Miguel remained to watch the cattle while David mounted and rode to camp. The place was in a fever of activity when he arrived. Several of the men ran out to meet him and from their excited chatter he gathered several things. Rice had suspected trouble and had made a personal inspection of the corrals soon after dark. The pens of the two-year-olds had been found empty. Worst of all, there were no tracks to tell in which direction the animals had gone. “He thinks you took them,” one of the men ventured, half-fearfully, “you and Miguel, because you had taken horses and were missing.” David said nothing, but rode to the office structure and, without knocking, entered. Rice was alone, at the table as usual, his head propped up in his hands. Several kerosene lamps lighted up the room. David waited a moment, but as the man did not look up he strode quickly to his side. “Mr. Rice,” he said quietly, “I know you don’t like me and you don’t want me here, and I’m not going to bother you much longer. But what you said to me the last time was too much. I can’t stand that. I couldn’t go after you had all but called me a thief until I could prove the facts. I can do that now and I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I got here alone and I can get back the same way.” Rice had jumped to his feet at the first words and stood looking at David. He had undergone a remarkable change. His face was drawn and there was a pathetic expression in his eyes. When he spoke his voice was almost plaintive. “What do you mean?” he asked. “Sit down and let’s talk things over.” “No, thank you,” David replied. “I’ve become used to standing on my feet. You saw to it that I did. But what I came to see you about was that cattle proposition. More have been stolen tonight. The mozos met me with the information that Miguel and I are suspected of their theft because we could not be located in the ranch. Were we the only ones away at the time?” “Please.” Rice’s voice was pleading now. “You don’t understand; but you will soon.” “Yes, and if I may say it, you too will understand very soon.” “Yes,” Rice continued, “Carlos was gone also. They said he had gone to chase the thieves.” “And do you believe that?” The subject of the conversation entered at that moment.