Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den.

Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition, and ordered some pork and beans.

But before it was brought, he had forgotten about eating.  From behind the partition, loud voices were audible and he caught the word “Ford.”

Listening intently, he heard a voice say: 

“Sure, we can do it!  I’ve got the papers all ready, old Sam Ford’s signature and all.  Just pass over that two thousand five hundred dollars, and I’ll give them to you.”

“But suppose Ford fights us in court?” exclaimed another voice.

“He won’t do that!” growled a third.  “Leave it to me!”

“Now, Bill, there’s to be no——­”

But before Bob could catch the last word, the waiter came in with his pork and beans and, noticing that the boy was listening with head close to the partition, shouted: 

“What you listenin’ to?  That don’t go in Red Top!”

And dropping his dishes, he leaped for Bob, just as the men behind the partition, who had heard the waiter’s angry words, struggled to get through the door.

Realizing he was no match for so many, Bob took to his heels, the others in pursuit.

As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers.

“That’s Ford’s dog!” gasped the waiter.  “That fellow must have been one of his men!”

The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob, yelled: 

“Stop him!  Stop him!”

But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street.

CHAPTER XXIV

A RACE FOR LIFE

Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase.

Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy’s escape, held a consultation.

“If that is one of Ford’s men, our goose is cooked,” snarled one of them.

“Well, it is, right enough.  Don’t you remember hearing about the kid Ford gave his dog to?”

Too well did they remember, for the story of Bob’s call at the ranch had traveled far and wide.

“What’s to be done, then?” asked the first speaker.

“Get him!” growled the others.

So well did these men understand one another that no explanation of this remark was necessary, and without more ado they hastened to the stable back of the saloon, ordered their horses, and were soon riding after Bob at top speed.

Anticipating that he would be chased, the boy had urged Firefly into a mad gallop, desirous of getting as long a start as possible.  And well it was that he did, for so mettlesome were the horses of the conspirators that, despite the start the loungers had, they quickly overhauled them.