Pagina 199 van 439

Brandt lingered for an instant. "Don't make any mistake, Fraser,

about this job you've bit off. It's a big one, and don't you

forget it. People are sore on me because I have fallen down on

it. I can't help it. I just can't get the evidence. If you tackle

it, you'll be in danger from start to finish. There are some bad

men in this country, and the worst of them are lying low in Lost

Valley."

The ranger smiled amiably. "Where is this Lost Valley?"

"Somewhere up in the Cedar Mountain district. I've never been

there. Few men have, for it is not easy to find; and even if it

were strangers are not invited."

"Well, I'll have to invite myself."

"That's all right. But remember this. There are men up there who

would drill holes in a dying man. I guess Lost Valley is the

country God forgot."

"Sounds right interesting."

"You'll find it all that, and don't forget that if they find out

what you are doing there, it will be God help Steve Fraser!"

The ranger's eyes gleamed. "I'll try to remember it."