public library, and the clerk at the Commercial Hotel asked him if
he wished a private bath! But the development was helpful in one
way. In the old Norada a newcomer might have been subjected to a
friendly but inquisitive interest. In this grown-up and
self-centered community a man might come and go unnoticed.

And he had other advantages. The pack, as he cynically thought of
them, would have started at the Clark ranch and the cabin. He would
get to them, of course, but he meant to start on the outside of the
circle and work in.

"Been here long?" he asked the clerk at the desk, after a leisurely
meal.

The clerk grinned.

"I came here two years ago. I never saw Jud Clark. To get to the
Clark place take the road north out of the town and keep straight
about eight miles. The road's good now. You fellows have worn it
smooth."

"Must have written that down and learned it off," Bassett said
admiringly. "What the devil's the Clark place? And why should I
go there? Unless," he added, "they serve a decent meal."

"Sorry." The clerk looked at him sharply, was satisfied, and picked
up a pen. "You'll hear the story if you stay around here any time.
Anything I can do for you?"

"Yes. Fire the cook," Bassett said, and moved away.