"Undoubtedly. I want you to get that dollar, but not to place yourself in jeopardy. From what I saw of Ricketts this morning, I should not like to be in his power, yet his dollar is just as good as any other man's dollar, and I want you to detach it from him with safety, and profit to yourself. Let me have another telegraph blank." Stranleigh wrote rapidly-- "Pinkerton Detective Agency, Chicago. "I want to be put into communication with Stanley Armstrong, who left Chicago on foot ten days ago, for the West, and I am willing to pay one hundred dollars for the job. "EDMUND STRANLEIGH. "White's Hotel, Bleachers." "There," said Stranleigh, passing over the sheet to the operator, "you show that to our inquisitive friend Ricketts, but don't send it over the line." Stranleigh slept that night at White's Hotel, and shortly after breakfast next morning the telegraph clerk came across with a very satisfactory telegram from New York. The sender could not positively predict the finding of Armstrong, but anticipated no difficulty in the task. Stranleigh paid his bill at the hotel, ordered out his horse, and trotted off towards the ranch. He saw no more of Ricketts, who, if on any trail, was following the wrong one. Dusk had fallen as he was about to emerge into the clearing which in daylight would have afforded him a sight of Armstrong's house. Suddenly and stealthily he was surrounded by six armed men, and the voice of Jim Dean broke the stillness. "Good evening, Mr. Stranleigh. I must ask you to get down from your horse." "Willingly," replied the rider. "I confess I have had enough equestrian exercise for one day." "We have supper ready for you at the bunk house." "Why at the bunk house? I am perfectly satisfied with the fare that Mr. Armstrong's family provides." "We'd like a little conversation with you, and the conversation must take place in private." "In that case, Mr. Dean, you could hardly find a better spot than this." "We're a kindly set of chaps, and couldn't think of keeping a hungry man out here." "But I'm not very hungry. I took a pocketful of sandwiches with me from the tavern." "Nevertheless, you are coming with us, either peaceably, or by force, whichever you choose." "Oh, quite willingly, of course. I should be ungrateful if I gave you any unnecessary trouble, while accepting your hospitality. I may add that I am unarmed, so if you keep your guns in readiness you need fear no reprisal on my part." "That's all right," responded Jim. "We're not easily scared, but are prepared to protect ourselves should you try any funny business." "Is Peter going to take my horse to the farm?" "Sure; your horse will be put in its old quarters, and will be well taken care of." "Then I should be glad if Peter would oblige me by telling Miss Armstrong that I have arrived safely, and will give her an account of my journey when next I have the pleasure of meeting her."