shing touches. The grazing is so much better than in the
south that in a few months they're ready for the market, and are either
killed and their carcasses shipped to the East, or they are took there
by train in as fine condition as anybody could ask. You obsarve that the
grass under our feet is powerful good."

The boys replied that it seemed to be.

"Wal, there's hundreds of thousands of acres better than this; there's
thirty thousand of 'em in Bowman's ranch, where we're going, and it's
the best kind of grazing land."

"I believe it extends to the Wind River Mountains," said Jack.

"It takes in a part of the foot-hills; there are plenty of streams
there, and some of the finest grass in the world."

Jack Dudley did not forget the real object of the coming of himself and
companion to this section, and he could not gather the information too
soon.

"How does Bowman's ranch compare with others in Central Wyoming?"

"You may ride over the whole State without finding a better. If you
doubt it, look at the country for yourself."

"We don't doubt anything you tell us," said Fred Greenwood. "I suppose
you know that Mr. Dudley, the father of my friend, owns half the ranch?"

"I've heerd that."

"He didn't intend to buy it, but matters so shaped themselves that he
couldn't help doing so. Before selling it, he sent us to take a look at
it and find out whether it is all that was claimed. We have come to do
that, but, at the same time, are eager to have some hunting among the
mountains."

"You won't have any trouble about that. As I was saying, we're close to
the mountains, and when you're ready I'll go with you, and promise that
you'll have something to talk about as long as you live."

The eyes of the boys sparkled as they looked across at each other, and
Jack said:

"Nothing could delight us more. We need a veteran like yourself, and are
happy to know you can serve us."

"How many months can you stay in Wyoming?"

"How many months?" laughed Jack. "We are under promise to be back at
school in New York on the first of November."

"Whew! I wish the time was longer."

"So do we; but we had a hard enough task to get the month, so we must
make the best use of it."

"Wal, we can crowd a good 'eal into two or three weeks, and I won't let
you go to sleep in the daytime--I'll promise you that."

Hazletine produced a brierwood pipe and pressed some tobacco in the
bowl. Although the motion of their ponies caused qui