"
"But he didn't know anything about the map. He was not in our
confidence."
"You and your friend talked it over evenings when he was at the
ranch, and other places, too, I expect."
"Yes, our talk kind of gravitated that way whenever we got
together."
"Well, this fellow overheard you. That's probable, at least."
"But you're ignoring the important fact. Dave disappeared too
that night, with my little girl."
Bucky cut in sharply with a question. "Did he? How do you know he
disappeared WITH her? Why not AFTER? That's the theory my mind is
groping on just now."
"That's a blind trail to me. Why AFTER? And what difference does
it make?"
"All the difference in the world. If he left after the cook, you
have been doing him an injustice for fifteen years, seh."
Mackenzie leaned forward, excitement burning in his eyes. "Prove
that, young man, and I'll thank you to the last day of my life.
It's for my wife's sake more than my own I want my little girl
back. She jes' pines for her every day of her life. But for my
friend--if you can give me back the clean memory of Dave you'll
have done a big thing for me, Mr.
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