Chapter XII

70

STRANGE FISH

“That,” Doc told him, “is one of the bad points. I can't tell how long the fuse is or how fast it will burn. But we had better not lose any time.”

They reached the S−slash−S and parked the station wagon quietly. The cowhand who had told them where Creely was came toward them. Another cowboy was with him, this one the fellow who had gone to town to learn what he could about the man who had accused Doc Savage and the others of murder. He had some information.

The accuser of Doc, Monk and Ham had disappeared. The Sheriff had let the man loose with a request to remain available, which the fellow had promised to do. But the man had promptly disappeared. But the vanishing hadn't cleared Doc and the others of being wanted for the killing. The Sheriff was still seeking them.

“Probably gone to join his gang,” Doc said.

The cowhand thought so, too. He added that the guy was in a ticklish spot for having told such a whopping lie, and had probably known it, hence the disappearance.

“How many men have we got around the ranch now?” Doc asked.

“Us two,” one of the cowboys said. “Oh, yes, Johnny Toms. And that old guy who came earlier tonight, Uncle Bill Hazel.”

“Where are the others?” Doc asked uneasily.

“Off watching the roads, or scouting through the hills for the fat man, or persuading Indians to hunt the fat man.”

“All right,” Doc said. “Now, here is what I want you to do. Stay right here, both of you. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don't investigate any strange noises unless you hear someone yell for help.”

“You sound,” said one of the cowboys, “as if something is going to happen.”

“We hope,” Doc told him.

DOC went to the house. He told Monk and Ham, “There is a chance this thing may break around Paris. I doubt it, but it may, and if it does, she will need protection.”

“I'll take care of that,” Ham said enthusiastically.

“We will,” Monk corrected.

Doc said wearily, “Do you two know what is going to happen to you if you fluff this? If you are caught woman−fussing when you should have your eyes open? You are going to get your heads shot off, is what!”

Chastened, Monk asked, “What do we do? Stick around outside Paris' room?”

“No. Better wake her up and get in there with her.”