"It was too dark--anyhow I didn't look for anything. I got busy with Herb," responded Gray.
"That's right," approved Mr. Phipps. "But it looks to me as if it was the same devil that's been botherin' my sheep--horse's back is cut pretty deep."
When they reached the ranch-house, Sing informed them that Dr. Rivers had telephoned, and was on his way over. They had scarcely put Herb on the bed before the doctor arrived. After listening to a hasty explanation, he made a thorough examination of the wounded boy.
"Well, it's just a minor fracture of the forearm," he announced finally. "Nothing serious. I'll have to set it though.
"It may hurt you a little," he warned Herb, as he removed the bandages and splints, but, though his patient did wince once or twice, he set his lips tightly, and did not emit a sound of complaint.
After it was all over, however, he sank back with a sigh of relief and exhaustion. With the aid of a sleeping potion, he was soon quietly resting.
Mr. Phipps, though relieved by the doctor's reassurance, was greatly agitated over the accident, and continually paced the floor in the big library, his face pale and his lips set.
"I'll be over early to-morrow," the doctor told him. "It's only a green stick break and will soon knit. The bandaging was splendidly done--I couldn't have put those splints on better myself," he added. "By the way, did you do it?"
"The boys did," answered the rancher, with a faint smile, looking affectionately around the anxious group.
"You certainly did well," said the doctor heartily. "I had some doubts about instructing you at first, but I must admit you have profited by your lessons wonderfully."
As there was nothing more to be done, the party from the fort prepared to start back, the doctor going ahead with his machine.
"We've got to get that confounded animal that's causing all this trouble," exclaimed Phipps as vigorously as his shaking voice would permit.
"We're goin' to get him, all right!" responded Jerry heartily.
"You bet we are," reiterated Fred, with determination, while the other boys made similar assurances.
It was a sober party that rode slowly away, and for a long time nothing was said.
"It's so quiet to-night it makes me think of spooks," remarked Jerry, finally breaking the silence.