ue and have the ponies on the
other side draw the wagon across. Of course, you are liable to have an
accident. The ropes may break or the current may tip your wagon over.
That's your lookout."

"Now will you be good?" grinned the foreman. "You know all about it, and
it would be a good idea to let the thought simmer in your thick head for
a while. It may come in handy, some day, when you want to get across a
river."

Shorty walked away, none too well pleased.

About three o'clock in the afternoon the wagon hove in sight, and the
boys rode out to meet it.

It was decided to camp on the river bank until after they had eaten
their evening meal, after which there would still be time to ferry over.
While the meal was being cooked Stallings sent some of the men out to
cut down four small trees and haul them in.

They grumbled considerably at this, but obeyed orders. Tad went along,
at the suggestion of the foreman, to pick out such trees as he thought
would best serve their purpose.

The trail wagon's teams were used to haul the logs in and by the time
the work was finished a steaming hot supper had been spread by the
smiling Chinaman.

Professor Zepplin had come along with the wagon. He said he was a little
stiff from the wetting he had received, but otherwise was all right.

"Now, young man, I'll let you boss the job," announced Stallings as Tad
rose from the table. "I give you a free hand."

With a pleased smile, Tad set about constructing his raft. Ned Rector
swam the river with the ropes, and fastened them to trees so they would
not be carried away by the current. The wagon was then run down into the
water by hand, the ropes made fast, and all was ready for the start.

"What are you going to do about the drift?" asked the foreman, who had
been interestedly watching the preparations.

"We are going to tie ropes to the two wheels on the upper side. One is
to be held on this side of the river, the other from the opposite side.
I think the kitchen will ford the river as straight as you could draw a
chalk line," announced Tad.

"I guess it will," answered the foreman, with a suggestive glance at
Professor Zepplin.

"All right when you get ready over there," called Tad to the waiting
cowboys on the other side.

They had taken firm hold of the ropes with their right hands, their left
hands holding to the pommels of their saddles.

"Ready!" came the warning cry from the other side.

"Haul away!" shouted Tad.