Part 18 (2/2)
But Dave was mistaken.
A little later quietness reigned, and one after another the newcomers to Star Ranch dropped asleep.
CHAPTER XII
A RACE ON HORSEBACK
”What a beautiful spot!”
It was Dave who uttered the words, as he stood out in front of the ranch house on the following morning. He had gotten up early, and Laura and Belle had joined him, leaving the others still at rest.
Dave spoke with feeling, for the grand and sublime things in Nature had always appealed to him. He was gazing toward the east, where the rising sun was flooding the plains with a golden hue. Beyond the cottonwoods he caught a glimpse of the winding river. Then, when he turned, he saw the foothills and the mountains in the west, with their great bowlders and cliffs and their st.u.r.dy growths of pine.
”Aren't you glad you came, Dave?” said his sister, as she placed an affectionate hand on his shoulder.
”Indeed I am, Laura,” he replied. ”Why, it looks to me as if I was going to have the outing of my life! In fact, all of us ought to have the best time ever!”
”Does it put you in mind of your trip to Norway?” questioned Belle.
”Hardly. That was taken during cold weather, and everything was covered with snow and ice. Besides, the scenery was quite different.” Dave paused to sweep the horizon. ”In what direction is the Merwell ranch?”
he asked.
”Over yonder,” answered Belle, pointing up the river. ”The little brook flowing down between those rough rocks marks the boundary line.”
”And whose cattle are those on yonder hills?”
”I am not sure, but I think they belong to papa. When you ask about cattle you must go to Sid Todd. He knows every animal for miles around.”
”I suppose your cattle are all branded?”
”Oh, yes, with a star and the letter E on either side of it. That's why this is called Star Ranch.”
”What is the Merwell brand?” asked Laura.
”A triple cross.”
Breakfast was soon announced, and all the girls and boys a.s.sembled in the dining-hall. While they ate the meal, Mr. Endicott told the newcomers much about his ranch, and also about the people working for him.
”I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble with Mr. Merwell's son,”
said the railroad president. ”I am afraid it will make matters worse out here--and they are bad enough as it is.”
”But I am sure Dave and his chums are not to blame, Mr. Endicott,” said Laura, hastily.
”Oh, I am sure of that myself--for I know something of Link Merwell and his headstrong temper,--a temper he gets largely from his father. If it were not for that temper, I think Mr. Merwell and myself might be on better terms.”
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