The lesson over, Bob and Hal remounted and rode on. At the request of the latter, the boy related his experience at Ford's ranch. As he did so, the agent looked at him with an expression of mingled amazement and approval, and as the story was finished, exclaimed: "Bob, you sure are a wonder! How you had the nerve to face that dog on foot, I don't see. Many a man on horseback has been forced to turn and flee. How did you do it?" "Oh, I don't know. Just looked him in the eye and spoke to him, that's all." But the explanation did not satisfy the agent. "I don't understand it," he said. "I fully expected to find you lying in Ford's cabin all chewed up. And here your clothes aren't even torn. I don't understand it. This is the first time Chester has ever made friends with anybody. He only minds Ford because he's afraid of him." CHAPTER XXII ON THE RANGE STATION For some time the boy and the man rode in silence, each occupied with his own thoughts. "Do you know why Mr. Ford calls the dog Chester?" Bob suddenly asked. "He had to give him some name, I suppose." "But it's such a queer name, Hal. I asked him and he wouldn't tell me." A moment the agent was silent, evidently debating something with himself, and finally said: "I suppose you had better know, Bob, that there's something queer about John Ford. They tell a lot of stories about him, but the one most common is that he's waiting till he gets one hundred thousand dollars before starting on a tour of revenge. "He told me himself, however, that when he had accumulated that amount he was going to find a man. But more than that he wouldn't say. "If I were you, I wouldn't ask too many questions." During the conversation they had covered so much ground that the roofs of Fairfax village were visible in the distance and as he noticed this, the agent drew rein, saying: "I didn't realize we had come so far. You'd better go back, Bob. Suppose you can find the way?" "Sure. If I can't Chester will show me, won't you, old boy?" And in answer, as though he had understood perfectly, the dog started off in the direction of the ranch. "I reckon you'll be safe with him," commented the agent. "Take care of yourself, Bob. And come over to see me when you can. By the way, has John said where he was going to send you?" "Yes, over near Red Top, with his short-horns." "You've certainly made a hit with him, Bob. That's the best and easiest berth on the ranch. Grazing's good and water plenty. You hardly have to move from one week to another. So long." And he gave the boy's hand a hearty grip. "I've wired your father of your safe arrival. When there are any letters, I'll bring them over." And shaking out his reins, the agent galloped away. Bob, however, did not hurry on his return to the ranch, his mind being occupied with trying to find the reason for the grizzled plainsman's evident liking for him and his kindness, so at variance with his usual manner.