"Nope--sorry, but I have to have your answer now. All you have to do is to sign the present owner's name to a renewal clause--and since he's your father, he won't object to that," said the man, turning to Bud. Evidently he was anxious to get things settled as soon as possible--perhaps before the boys had a chance to investigate. Dick looked at Bud, and saw that he had permission to take things into his own hands. Dick arose. "Well, sir, we can't do it, and that's that. We were sent out here to take charge of this ranch, and we're going to do it, unless Mr. Merkel tells us to do otherwise. You must get in touch with him if you want a renewal of your lease. And until that time we must take control here. We are sorry, but we must ask you to make ready to leave by to-morrow morning." The man seated opposite did not move. "Is that your last word?" he asked, slowly. "Yes, it is. If we can offer you any assistance in getting ready we'll be glad to do it." The man made no response. He arose suddenly, walked over to the door and flung it open. Then he turned to the two boys and with a sneer upon his face, said: "Very well! You've had your say, and now I'll make my little speech. You guys come over here and think all you have to do is to tell me to move out, and you move in. I don't know who you are--never saw you before. For that matter I don't want to know. You show me some kind of a paper that you may have written yourselves, and expect me to accept it as a bill of sale. Well, that's out. I don't go. "And another thing! I don' know how many men you brought with you, but I've got twelve here that will stick close to me. So don't start anything. Good-day, gents!" It was a moment before Bud and Dick realized the import of what had just been said. Then, tight-lipped, they started for the door. Neither said a word as they passed out, and behind them the door slammed shut. As they approached the three waiting by the corral they must have shown by their expressions that things had not gone well, for Nort said: "What's the trouble, Dick?" "Let's ride around a bit," spoke the Kid quickly. The rider with the saw-off shot-gun was still within hearing. "Great weather we're havin', ain't it? Though it might rain soon," and he looked over to where the other sat with one leg resting against his saddle horn. "Not so good, hey?" this cowboy called over. "Come see us again, when you can stay longer," and he chuckled at his joke. "We will," answered Nort grimly. "In fact, we intend to----" "Now do you know, I think it looks a mite like rain myself," interrupted Billee Dobb in a musing tone of voice. "Them clouds over there are pretty heavy. You say you want to ride around a bit, Kid?" "Yea. Just a little. Let's go, men." CHAPTER VII A SHEEPLESS SHEEP RANCH With as few words as possible Bud told the Kid of their talk with "J. D." Riding slowly along, the Kid made no comment for several minutes. Finally Dick burst out: