It was quite evident that the cowboy and
the ranch owner were not on very friendly terms.
"Humph! I thought sure he'd be on this train," muttered Mr. Merwell, to
no one in particular. He looked at the boys. "You came in on the train
that just left, I suppose," he said.
"We did," answered Dave.
"See anything of a boy about your own age in Helena, at the depot? He
was coming on the eastern train."
"Your son wasn't on the train," answered Dave.
"Ah! you know him?"
"Yes."
"Who are you, may I ask? I do not remember seeing you before."
"I am Dave Porter. Link and I went to Oak Hall together."
"Ah, I see!" Mr. Merwell drew a long breath and nodded his head
knowingly. "Dave Porter, you said. And who are these young men?"
"My school chums, Roger Morr and Phil Lawrence."
"Indeed! Then you are the young men who caused my son so much
trouble--caused him to be sent away, in fact," continued Mr. Merwell,
and he glared hatefully at the three lads.
"It was Link's own fault that he was sent away," answered the senator's
son. "If he had behaved himself he would have had no trouble."
"Oh, of course, it is natural that you should shield yourselves. But I
know my son, and I know he is not the person he has been made out to be
by Doctor Clay and others.
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