CHAPTER XXIV.
TRAIL'S END "The Mystery Man!" shouted the Overland Riders.
"Oh, Mr.Long, where are you ?" cried Grace.
"I am here, bound over to keep the peace.

If you will kindly release me I will stretch myself, fit you with specs and proceed to break the peace as soon as I can catch sight of the fellows who put me here.

Specs, folks?
If you cannot wait, fetch my case.

It is here somewhere, and I'll fit you before you untie me." Hippy struck a match, and by its light they saw Jeremiah Long, arms pinioned to his sides with rope, and a rope about his neck, fastened to a stake driven into a crevice in the rocks.
The Mystery Man was quickly released.
"Do you not wish to hear what has occurred here ?" asked Nora.
"Ah know what occurred, up to the time some one hit me over the head and put me to sleep." Hippy then briefly told him the story of their arrival at the Ridge, and of what followed.

Grace added that they were disturbed, very much worried about Tom Gray, and asked Mr.Long if he would assist them in finding him.
"To be sure.