"We must get after them this time and run them down! Todd, tell the other men at once! We must lose no time in getting after them! And send word around to the other ranches!" The railroad president smiled grimly when the boys told him of the brief stop at the Merwell place.
"I don't blame you for not wanting aid from Mr.Merwell," said he.

"I want to leave him alone myself.

I am only sorry I have him for a neighbor.

I'd help him to sell out, if he wished to do so." The boys went to the house and were speedily given something to eat,--for they had had nothing since noon.

They also donned some dry clothing.
"It won't do any good for you to go out again," said Mr.Endicott.