"Not much. Since our hosses have been stole, there's mighty little
pleasure in clamberin' round on these hills. The fact is, we've been
lookin' for you."
"Looking for me!" exclaimed Dewey, in great surprise.
"Yes, and no mistake. Isn't it so, Ben?"
Ben nodded assent.
"But what possible motive can you have in looking for me?"
"I say, Dewey," proceeded Bradley, "did you ever hear of a young
lady by the name of Florence Douglas?"
The effect of the name was electric. Dewey sprang up in bed, and
inquired eagerly.
"Yes, yes, but what of her? Can you tell me anything of her?"
"I can tell you as much as this: she is in 'Frisco, and has sent out
Ben and me to hunt you up, and let you know where she is."
"Is this true? How came she here? Is her guardian with her?" asked
Dewey rapidly.
"One question at a time, Dick. The fact is, she's given her guardian
the slip, and came out to Californy in charge of my young friend,
Ben. I hope you won't be jealous of him."
"If she trusts him, I will also," said Dewey. "Tell me the whole
story, my lad. If you have been her friend, you may depend on my
gratitude."
Ben told the story clearly and intelligibly, replying also to such
questions as Richard Dewey was impelled to ask him, and his
straightforwardness produced a very favorable impression on his new
acquaintance.
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