Page:Three Young Ranchmen.djvu/99

Rh 'No, he didn't. It was sold to my father before that!" cried Paul.

"No such thing. Old Slater left it as part o' his estate"

"He did not."

"He did, an I can take my affidavy to it, if it's necessary," exclaimed Captain Grady. "But that ain't all yet wot I hev got to tell. Slater left it to his heirs, an I bought it from them only last week."

"It can't be true!" gasped Chet, faintly.

"It is true, an I hev the papers to prove it. This here ranch belongs to me, an the sooner you boys pack up your duds an git out the better it will please me," and Captain Grady smiled maliciously at the blow his news had brought to the boys.

Both Paul and Chet were much dismayed by the unexpected announcement Captain Grady had made.

For the moment they stared at the speaker as if they had not heard aright.

It was Paul who spoke first.

"You bought the ranch, and have the papers to prove it?" he gasped.

"That's just wot I said, boy."