McGurvin's face went blank, and he dug his fingers into his tousled hair. "Not Andy Porter, from up Phoenix way?" he asked. "Squints with his off eye, and walks with a limp?" "No," Frank answered, "this man is a big fellow, whiskers, ropy hair, gray eyes." "New one on me," said McGurvin. "Then, you haven't seen anything of him?" "Nary a thing. What's he done? Stole a hoss?" "We don't know what he has done, McGurvin. All we want is to have a talk with him. Can you spare us a couple of canteens, full of water, and a bag of rations--enough for two or three meals?" "Shore," answered the rancher, "that's what I'm here fer. Dollar fer the water in the canteens, an' two dollars fer the canteens; then another two dollars fer the hand-out. Makes five, don't it?" McGurvin had the reputation of being more or less of a robber. Having a monopoly of the water in that locality, he set his own prices, and did not fear competition. "Five dollars is all right, McGurvin," said Frank. "Blunt was out this way this afternoon, with a couple his pards," remarked McGurvin, unaware of the bomb was exploding. "They watered up, rested a spell, an' hiked on to the Picket Posts." Merry was startled, but contrived not to show it. Clancy jumped, but his chum gave him a warning glance. "Hustle around and get those supplies for us, please," urged Frank. "We're in a hurry." "Hosses to water?" queried the rancher, starting for a rear door. "No horses, McGurvin. "Ottermobile, I reckon," deplored McCurvin. "If them things git too thick in the desert they'll be the ruination of me. I'll have yore stuff ready in ten minutes." He went out through the door, Clancy leaped excitedly toward Merriwell. "What's on your mind now, Chip?" he whispered. "Why the grub and water?" "I made up my mind, all of a sudden, to extend this of ours to Happenchance." "You're crazy!" gasped Clancy. "How can we find the way? It would be hard enough in broad daylight, but at night we'd get all twisted up, and end by losing ourselves in the foothills. If we're going to Happenchance, Chip, we'd better camp right here until morning, then cross the rough country when we can see what we're about." "I had made up my mind to go on to-night," Merry answered, "even before McGurvin told us that about Barzy Blunt." "Gee, but that was a bombshell! What do you suppose Blunt is doing out this way?" "It's possible he may know something about the professor. Why did he go on to the Picket Posts? What business has Barzy Blunt got around the old camp of Happenchance, where the professor's claim is located? Before McGurvin told us Blunt had gone in that direction, I had made up my mind that we ought to take a look at the deserted town; now that I know Blunt is there. I am more anxious than ever to get to the place." "But what about Porter?"