“Station master sure had the jitters when that wagon didn’t show up per schedule,” Carter observed. “He was in on the scheme, of course.” “And so, evidently, were some people not supposed to be,” Slade replied. “Not much doubt as to that,” Carter agreed. “He came running to me and told me about it. I told him I was willing to bet you were out there looking after things and to stop bothering. Thought I’d better ride out to meet you, though, just in case you were getting lonesome.” “Thanks for your confidence,” Slade smiled. “For a while I was beginning to think I was pulling a real blooper. “I refrained from questioning the clerk as to just how the scheme was supposed to be worked,” he added. “We’ll have a talk with him when we reach the office. He may be able to tell us something of importance. I rather doubt it, though. Whoever is heading the bunch working this section is too darned smart to leave any loose ends hanging.” There was excitement aplenty when they reached the stage station.
