ort time we have been here than we ever
experienced in the mountains."

"Yes; but you were driving cattle," objected Mrs. McClure. "There
probably is no harder work in the world. We, down here, know something
about that."

"I--I killed a bobcat up in the mountains," Stacy Brown informed them,
with enthusiasm.

"Indeed," smiled Mrs. McClure indulgently.

"He did. And I fell off a mountain," laughed Walter Perkins. "You see we
have had quite a series of experiences."

"Indeed you have. How long do you expect to remain with the herd? Are
you going through with them?"

"I believe not," answered Tad Butler. "I think we shall be leaving very
soon now. We have a lot of traveling to do yet, as it has been planned
that we shall see a good deal of the country before it is time to return
to school this fall."

"And you are to remain out in the open--in the saddle all summer?" asked
Miss Brayton, her eyes sparkling almost enviously.

"Yes; I believe so."

"I should love it."

"We are getting to love it ourselves. It will be hard to have to sleep
indoors again."

Shortly afterwards all were summoned in to supper. Stacy Brown's eyes
sparkled with anticipation as he surveyed the table resplendent with
silver and cut glass--loaded, too, with good things to eat.

Ned Rector observed the look in his companion's eyes.

"Now, don't forget that we are not eating off the tail board of the
chuck wagon, Chunky," he whispered in passing. "Be as near human as you
can and satisfy your appetite."

Chunky's face flushed.

"Take your advice to yourself," he muttered.

Colonel McClure proved an entertaining host, and the boys were led on to
talk about themselves during most of the meal. Especially were their
hosts interested in the story of the discovery of the Lost Claim, which
the boys had found on their trip in the Rockies.

"I have wanted to ask you about the old church between here and camp,
Mr. McClure," said Tad at the first opportunity.

"Very interesting old ruin, sir," answered the host. "Built by the
Mexicans more than a hundred years ago."

"Yes, so I understand."

"Is it true that there's spooks in that place?" interrupted Stacy.

Everybody laughed. Tad glanced sharply at Ruth Brayton. He noticed a
curious flush on her face, and the strained look that he had observed in
her eyes on the previous day was again there. Almost the instant he
caught it it was gone.

"I'm afraid you have been misinformed, Master St