an' left. Then ag'in he comes in an' won't notice nobody."
Here the talk came to an end, for the hotel man had to attend to some new arrivals. Dick joined the others and all took a walk, so that their conversation might not be overheard.
"This only adds to the mystery," said Tom after Dick had repeated what the tavern keeper had said. "I am more anxious now than ever to visit Red Rock ranch, as they call it."
"So am I," added Sam. "And remember, we want to catch Dan Baxter if we can."
"Well, we can't go ahead and back too, boys," came from Dick. "If we really mean to investigate, we ought to send Mr. Denton and the ladies and the girls word. If we don't, and we are delayed any great length of time, they will be sure to worry about us."
"Maybe we can telephone," suggested Songbird. "Don't you see the wires? Some of the plantations must have the service."
"That's the talk!" cried Fred. "Let us try it, anyway."
They walked to the nearest station and looked over the book. But the Denton plantation was not mentioned.
"We can send a letter," said Dick. "That will get there before they have a chance to worry."
