have told you a little about him. He is trying to get this ranch away from us."
"And he has no real claim to it?"
"I do not believe he has. But he is so slippery a customer he will swindle us if he can. Will you give us some advice how best to proceed? You know more about claims and legal papers than we do."
"Certainly I'll do what I can for you," and then both entered the ranch home.
"I'm sorry I ain't got your older brother to deal with," began the captain. "I reckon he is the one who will understand my talk best."
"Then, perhaps you had best wait till he gets back," said Chet quickly.
"And when will that be?'
"I cannot say exactly."
"I'm not in the humor to wait. I've waited too long already." The captain paused and cleared his throat. "I believe you said you had the original title papers to the ranch, didn't you?" he went on.
"Yes, we did say that."
"I would like to see 'em."
Chet and Paul looked at each other. They had expected and dreaded this request.
