left is Walter Perkins, all
members of the Pony Rider Boys' party. We are ready to start whenever
you are."

For answer, Big-foot touched his pony with a spur, the little animal
springing into a gallop without further command. The Pony Riders
followed immediately, Tad riding up beside the big, muscular looking
cowboy, which position he held for half an hour without having been able
to draw a word from him.

Leaving the town due east of them, the party galloped off across the
country in a straight line until finally the cowman pointed off across
the plain to indicate where their destination lay.

A slow moving mass of red and brown and white met the inquiring gaze of
the boys. At first they were unable to make out what it was.

"Cows," growled the guide, observing that they did not understand.

"What are they doing, Mr. Sanders?" asked Tad.

"Don't 'mister' me. I'm Big-foot. Never had a handle to my name. Never
expect to. They're grazing. Be rounding them up for bed pretty soon.
Ever been on a trail before?"

Tad shook his head.

"We have been up in the Rockies on a hunting trip. This is my first
experience on the plains."

"Huh! Got good and plenty coming to you, then."

"And I am ready for it," answered the lad promptly. "The rougher the
better."

"There's the bunch waiting for us. All of them got back from town. The
foreman don't allow the fellows to hang out nights when they're on a
drive like this."

Now, the rest of the Pony Rider Boys, understanding that they were
nearing the camp of the cowboys, urged their ponies into a brisk gallop
and drew up well into line with Tad and Big-foot. That is, all did save
Stacy Brown, who, as was his habit lagged behind a few rods.

The cowboys were standing about watching the approach of the new
arrivals curiously, but not with any great enthusiasm, for they did not
approve of having a lot of tenderfeet with the outfit on a journey such
as they were taking now. They were bent on grim and serious
business--man's work--the sort of labor that brings out all that is in
him. It was no place for weaklings, and none realized this better than
the cowmen themselves.

Yet, they did not know the mettle that was in these four young American
boys, though they were to realize it fully before the boundaries of the
Lone Star State, had been left behind them.

The Pony Riders dashed up to the waiting cowpunchers with a brave
showing of horsemanship, and sprang from their sadd