we can't make
them think we are in need of a month in Wyoming. We shall have to try
another tack. Now, there is no doubt that if we spend the month of
September putting in extra work on our studies, we can stand the
following month in laying off. We shall come back with new vigor and
appetite, and soon catch up with our class."

"There isn't a particle of doubt about that, but it still remains that
we must convince our fathers that it will be a wise course to send us
away from home. We can't do it by looking pale and weak, for we can't
look pale and weak. We must fix on something else or it's no go."

"Why not fall back on what we first talked about?"

"What's that?"

"Make your father think it will be a prudent thing for him to send you
out there to look after his property."

"Suppose I should convince him on that point, how about _you_?"

"You will need some one to look after you, and I'm just the fellow."

"We are both satisfied in our own minds; in fact we were from the first;
but our fathers are very hard-headed men."

Now, a couple of boys may be very shrewd, but it often happens that
their parents are a good deal shrewder, a fact which my young readers
will do well to remember.

Unsuspected by Jack Dudley and Fred Greenwood, their parents read on the
instant the momentous problem which assumed form in the brains of their
sons. When the younger signalled to his chum to follow him out of the
room, the two gentlemen understood what it meant as clearly as if they
overheard all the conversation that followed. Waiting until they were
beyond hearing, Doctor Greenwood looked at his friend and remarked, with
a smile:

"They are hit hard."

"No doubt of it; their hearts are set on making a visit to the ranch,
and it would be singular if it were otherwise. We can feel for them, for
we were once boys."

"Yes, John, and it's longer ago than we like to recall. What do you
think of it?"

"You know we have always agreed that many parents injure their children
by undue indulgence."

"True, and we have been indulgent to ours, but not improperly so. A
great deal depends upon the children themselves. Jack and Fred are
obedient, studious, and have good principles. If we should say 'No' to
this scheme of theirs they would be disappointed, almost beyond what we
can understand, but neither would protest or sulk. They would study just
as hard as ever. It is that which appeals to us. If they were sullen and
dissatisfie