Is it true, Johnny, that a lot of horses have been stolen ?" "Yes." "I heard dad talking.

Oh, I wish I could help hunt them, but I'm in an awful mess, Skyrider! Bill Hayden knew I'd taken Jake, because my saddle was gone, and none of the other horses were.

I never _saw_ any one so mean and suspicious! And he knows Jake got away from me, too, because I was trying to catch him when Bill rode up, just perfectly furious over the horses stampeding.

And Bill told dad--he certainly is the _meanest_ thing! And now dad won't let me go out of sight of the house unless he or mom are with me.

And mommie never goes anywhere, it's so hot.