Frank Merriwell, Junior's, Golden Trail; Or, The Fugitive Professor

He was forced to admit, however, that a strange coincidence had developed

veling Clancy, "and they were arranged like stepping-stone

ad got himself in han

e whole golden trail was raked together, I don't believe it would come anywhere near filli

ink saw a gang of toughs chasing t

to get away from the toughs, why did he keep on his yellow stepping-stones? Why di

ys ate a hurried breakfast. They were thrilled with the novel idea o

d Clancy, "may be able to tell u

s liable to be mixed up with the pr

trim for the morning's work. At last, with their canteens freshly filled and hung across their shoulders, and the dwindli

nd into the foothills. Nor did the trail, after getting away from the circular v

Ballard's dream," said Frank. "Gold Hill is no

, "and if we go very far in this direction we're liable t

can make the round trip without having to walk part of the way. If the golden trail promi

track of the pieces of dropped ore. The pieces lay on the ground at irregular intervals. Sometimes there would be two samples within three or four yards of each o

an," said Clancy. "It's a wonder he didn't n

d the burro. If that was the case he wasn't in a posi

hills. Finally it came out on a level stretch of ground, partly

cks had grown into a veritable clutter of hoofprints. A good many of the pri

flat bit of desert. They could make nothing of them, and the anxiety they caused w

e could they find. The thief, it appeared, must have discove

tly came close to the edge of the chaparral. Then, with s

pards, make

rry as not so startled that

four riders plunged into view and drew rein on each side and in front and re

Ranch-Blunt, the Cowboy Wonder, and his particular

It's Merriwell, by glory! Chip Merriwell, the son of his dad! Merriwell, the silk-stocking athlete! We're diamond

t the present meeting in the desert was due to cha

e companions, put to it somewha

his horse about the ears with his hat. "He's scared of those chu

plunging steed steadied down. Clancy looked up

I guess Chip will believe you've

ronzed face. Leaning forward along his horse's

t is there, in this, to make Merriwe

p the professor's claim for the trail of or

nchance, and we reached the range we were bound for at ten o'clock last night: Couldn't find the cattle we were looking for, and we started back an hour before dawn this morning. We struck that trail of ore half a mile from here, and turned back to run i

hat we have met you, possibly you can give us a little information. We're looking for the profes

e all know anything about this per

nt." He turned in his saddle to face Merriwell, "We can tell you a whole lot about this professor of your

was your stripe,

otally wrapped up in Merriwell, I'd gi

rmation going to

the count, Merriwell, we'll not only tell, you what we know about Borrodai

er allowed a chance for a contest with

lancy. "He ought to have a little sense pounde

go, Redhead," called Ben Jo

" He turned to the Cowboy Wonder. "Sparring is all right, Blunt," he continued, "but, if it is all the same to you, why not settle, the matter catch as cat

ison. "Hitch, pards, and gather 'round. A diamond in the rough is going up against this polished article from the East. Watch me juggle wit

companions, leading the hors

neath his ordinary apparel as under garments. His sleeveless shirt he took

understood the word. They showed their sportsmanlike

dy," said Clan

as contesting with Blunt for the benefit of Borrodaile. And Merry, although the Won