What is he doing here ?" She pointed, and the professor, looking, caught a glimpse of Joe's back as the fellow was slinking over the ridge.
"I reckon mebby he wants to see me 'bout somethin' or other," Patches returned, as he mounted his horse.

"Anyway, I'm a-goin' over that-a-way an' see.

So long!" Patches rode up to Joe just as the Tailholt Mountain man regained his horse on the other side of the ridge.
"Hello, Joe!" said the Cross-Triangle rider, easily.
The wretched outcast was so shaken and confused that he could scarcely find the stirrup with his foot, and his face was pale and twitching with excitement.

He looked at Patches, wildly, but spoke in a sullen tone.
"What's he doin' here?
What does he want?
How did he get to this country, anyhow ?" Patches was amazed, but spoke calmly.

"Whom do you mean, Joe ?" "I mean that man back there, Parkhill--Professor Parkhill.