The man hastened away to obey these orders, and as soon as George heard the door of the kitchen close behind him, he ran on tip-toe toward the office. The peals of laughter that fell upon his ear, told him that there was a happy party in there, and George wondered how the members of it would feel when they heard the news he had to tell. Excited and anxious as he was when he opened the door, he could still take note of the fact that his presence there was most unwelcome. He saw it plainly enough. Uncle John and Ned were very much surprised by his abrupt entrance, and there was not the least cordiality in their greeting. George watched his uncle’s face and actions closely, and told himself that Springer’s story was nothing but the truth. “Why, George, what is the matter?” asked Uncle John, growing alarmed when he saw how pale and nervous his nephew was. “Any bad news?” “Yes, I have bad news. Ned, you and your friend must pack up and leave this rancho and this county, too, without the loss of an hour’s time,” was the astounding reply. “You are in danger, and I have put myself in danger by coming here to tell you of it!” “Why, George,” exclaimed Uncle John, sinking back in his chair, almost overwhelmed with amazement and alarm, “explain yourself. I don’t understand you at all. Why should Ned and Gus be in danger?” “Because they have deliberately placed themselves there,” answered George, locking the door to prevent interruption, and at the same time lowering his voice, so that he could not be overheard by any eavesdropper who might chance to pass through the hall. “Ned, the owner of that stolen horse is between here and Mr. Gilbert’s. He’s looking for you.” Ned’s face grew as white as a sheet. He grasped the back of his chair and leaned heavily on it for support, while Uncle John started up in his seat and looked first at George and then at his son. The look of alarm on his face had given away to an expression of intense astonishment. “Stolen horse!” he exclaimed. “Looking for Ned! What do you mean?” “You remember those two men who came here one night, searching for a horse they called Silk Stocking, don’t you?” said George. “Well, the horse was here in Ned’s possession all the while, and the owner has found it out. He and his companion are on their way here now.” “Ned,” said Uncle John, “you told me that you hadn’t seen that horse.” “I know it,” whined the frightened boy. “I wanted to keep him.” “But after you found out he was stolen, why didn’t you give him up?” demanded his father. “I was afraid the men would do something to me,” gasped Ned. “They looked so awful mad!” “You only made a bad matter worse!” said George. “They will do something to you now, if they catch you, and they are bound to do it if they can!” “Wh—what will they do?” stammered the culprit. “They may put you in jail!”