THE FINDING OF THE ORPHAN During the few first days of his connection with the Two Diamond Ferguson had reached the conclusion that he would do well to take plenty of time to inquire into the situation before attempting any move.

He had now been at the Two Diamond for two weeks and he had not even seen Radford.

Nor had he spoken half a dozen words with Stafford.
The manager had observed certain signs that had convinced him that speech with the stray-man was unnecessary and futile.

If he purposed to do anything he would do it in his own time and in his own way.
Stafford mentally decided that the stray-man was "set in his ways." The wagon outfit had departed,--this time down the river.

Rope Jones had gone with the wagon, and therefore Ferguson was deprived of the companionship of a man who had unexpectedly taken a stand with him in his clash with Leviatt and for whom he had conceived a great liking.
With the wagon had gone Leviatt also.