Ruth Fielding at Silver Ranch

Ruth and her friends journey to Silver Ranch with Jane Ann Hicks. Ruth learns that the ranch is in the same general area as Tintacker Mine, the mine in which her uncle invested a large sum of money—and lost. Ruth hopes that she can learn something about the mine so that perhaps her uncle's money can be recovered. Ruth travels to town with Bill Hicks and takes a look at the mine's records. Ruth learns that a young man named John Cox bought up the lands around the mine. Ruth is intrigued, since John's last name is the same as that of Mary Cox. Ruth has also noticed that Mary has been interested each time Ruth has mentioned the mine. Ruth also learns that a crazy young man has been seen near the old mine and suspects that he might be John Cox. In time, Ruth finds John Cox, but he is deathly ill. Ruth now must try to save John Cox's life while defending herself against wild animals. If Ruth can save John Cox's life, she may be able to solve the mystery of the mine.