"Why not do it now," said Cummings, with energy. "Our horses are here
and we can put a whole day between us and the ranche before Swanson
returns."

Now this was just what Sam (the Doctor) did not want. During the week
which he and Scip had been spending at the ranche, seven or eight new
men had been taken in by Swanson, who, as was before said, was getting
in shape for the spring round-up. Of these new men six were Pinkerton
detectives, and at this particular time were several miles from the
ranche herding cattle. It was necessary that these men should be
notified by Scip of the plot, and be ready to spring the trap as soon as
the game was in the toils. For this reason the Doctor did not want the
robbery to occur before the next night at the earliest. So shaking his
head decidedly, he said in an emphatic manner:

"No, it won't do; it would spoil the whole thing. All the money is in
the shape of specie and tied up in bags. We have nothing in which to
carry it, and would have to load it as it is on our horses. Besides,
Swanson is expecting a large payment for his last shipment to-day. I
know this, as he told me so, and we may make ten thousand dollars by
waiting a day longer."

After some demurring, Cummings acquiesced, although with very bad grace.

"All right, have it your own way; but no later than to-morrow night."

"To-morrow night it is, then," said the Doctor; then, as if struck with
some suspicion, he turned suddenly and said: