Blackwell's second meeting with the sheepman had been almost as startling as the first. Cass had run into the Jack of Hearts in time to save the life of his enemy. The two men recognized each other and entered into a compact to abduct Cullison, for his share in which the older man was paid one thousand dollars. The Mexican Dominguez had later appeared on the scene, had helped guard the owner of the Circle C, and had assisted in taking him to the hut in the Rincons where he had been secreted. Both men asked the same question as soon as he had finished. "Where is the money you got from the raid on the W. & S. office?" "Don't know. I've been at Fendrick ever since to tell me. He's got it salted somewhere. You're fixing to put me behind the bars, and he's the man that really stole it." From this they could not shake him. He stuck to it vindictively, for plainly his malice against the sheepman was great. The latter had spoiled his coup, robbed him of its fruits, and now was letting him go to prison. "I reckon we'd better have a talk with Cass," Bucky suggested in a low voice to the former sheriff. Luck laughed significantly. "When we find him." For the sheepman had got out on bail the morning after his arrest. "We'll find him easily enough. And I rather think he'll have a good explanation, even if this fellow's story is true." "Oh, he'll be loaded with explanations. I don't doubt that for a minute. But it will take a hell of a lot of talk to get away from the facts. I've got him where I want him now, and by God! I'll make him squeal before the finish." "Oh, well, you're prejudiced," Bucky told him with an amiable smile. "Course I am; prejudiced as old Wall-eyed Rogers was against the vigilantes for hanging him on account of horse stealing. But I'll back my prejudices all the same. We'll see I'm right, Bucky." CHAPTER XV BOB TAKES A HAND Fendrick, riding on Mesa Verde, met Bob Cullison, and before he knew what had happened found a gun thrown on him. "Don't you move," the boy warned. "What does this tommyrot mean?" the sheepman demanded angrily. "It means that you are coming back with me to the ranch. That's what it means." "What for?" "Never you mind what for." "Oh, go to Mexico," Cass flung back impatiently. "Think we're in some fool moving-picture play, you blamed young idiot. Put up that gun." Shrilly Bob retorted. He was excited enough to be dangerous. "Don't you get the wrong idea. I'm going to make this stick. You'll turn and go back with me to the Circle C." "And you'll travel to Yuma first thing you know, you young Jesse James. What _you_ need is a pair of leather chaps applied to your hide." "You'll go home with me, just the same." "You've got one more guess coming, kid. I'll not go without knowing why." "You're wanted for the W. & S. Express robbery. Blackwell has confessed." "Confessed that I did it?" Fendrick inquired scornfully.