"Say, what's all this about a 'chock gee'?" Nort wanted to know. "Well, it's a government immigration office paper every Chink in this country is supposed to have, showin' they're here legitimately. Those that haven't got 'em try to get one from another Chink, and there's unlawful trading goin' on all the time." "Like a passport, eh?" Billee Dobb suggested. "Something like that. Where you men bound for--if you don't mind me askin'?" "To a ranch just outside of Roaring River," spoke up Bud. "My father, over at Diamond X, bought it, and we're going to take charge." "Your father Mr. Merkel?" Joe Hawkins asked suddenly, with new interest. "Yes--do you know him?" "Not exactly. But I know of him. When I heard that the Shootin' Star was changin' hands I wrote to Mack Caffery, the boy on the job over at Candelaria, askin' him to get in touch with the new owner. That's how I got the name Merkel. Did your dad hear from him, do you know?" "Yes, he did. So that's what Dad meant when he said there might be trouble, eh? Well--we're ready for whatever comes. What do you say, boys?" "Right!" the others chorused. "Say, mister, what was that there you said about two thousand dollars?" Billee Dobb broke in. "There's two thousand dollars' reward, offered by the government, for the capture, dead or alive, of the head of the Chink smugglers," the deputy said impressively. "Two thousand bucks! Say, boys, with that you could buy yourself a new herd of cattle, to make up somewhat for the bunch you lost!" cried Yellin' Kid. "We sure could--and then some," Bud agreed. "But I guess there's not much chance of us collecting the reward. We'll be busy enough at the ranch without trying to round up any smugglers. Say, Mr.--what did you say your name was?" "Hawkins--Joe Hawkins." "Well, how about bunking with us to-night? We can all start out in the morning together, and perhaps we'll come across your Chinese friend. It's pretty late now, and you can't make Roaring River 'til long after daylight." "Well, now, men, that's right kind of you to suggest that--but I don't want to butt in. I can just----" "You're not butting in at all!" insisted Bud. "We'll be glad to have you. Got a blanket?" "Oh, I got a blanket, thanks. Thought I might need it on this Chink hunt of mine. Well, since you boys don't mind, I'll put up my pony and flop down here by the fire. Feels good at a time like this. Good-night, all!" The remainder of the night was uneventful. The six slept soundly, tired out as they were, and with the morning they all awoke refreshed and eager to be on the way. After a meager breakfast they set out for the water hole the Kid knew of, as they wanted to let their steeds drink before starting for the Shooting Star, which was the name of their new ranch. Joe Hawkins went with them. "What time do you calculate we'll hit the ranch, Kid?" Bud asked.