ling. "Of course Tad may go. I am glad, indeed, that he has such
splendid opportunities."

"But, mother, I ought to be at work," protested Tad. "It is time I
were doing something. Besides, I think you need me at home."

"Never mind, Tad. When you have finished with these trips you will
be all the better for them. You will have erected a foundation of
health that will last you all your life. Furthermore, you will have
gained many things by the experience, When you get at the real serious
purpose of your life, you will accomplish what you set yourself to do,
with better results."

"That---that's what I say," began Chunky. "Haven't I always told
you-----"

"Stacy is wise beyond his years," smiled Mrs. Butler. "When he is
grown up I look for him to be a very clever young man."

The eyes of the boys still twinkled merrily, for Chunky, unable to
guess whether he were being teased, was still scowling somewhat.
However, he kept still for the time being.

"Yes, Tad may go with you," continued Mrs. Butler. "You start---when?"

"In about two weeks," Walter replied. "Father said he would call to
discuss the matter with you."

"I shall be glad of that," nodded Mrs. Butler. "I shall want to talk
over the business part of the trip."

Then the youngsters fell to discussing the articles of outfit they
would need. On this head their past experience stood them in good
stead.

"Now, I presume, I have said all that I can say," added Mrs. Butler,
rising. "I will leave you, for I would be of very little use to you
in choosing clothing and equipment."

Before she could escape from the room, however, Tad had risen and
reached her. Without exhibiting a twinge of embarrassment before the
other young men, Tad held and kissed her, then escorted her to the
door. Walter and Ned smiled their approval. Chunky said nothing,
but sat blinking solemnly---the best possible proof of his approbation.

All of the readers of this series know these young men well. They
were first introduced to Tad and his chums in the opening volume,
"_The Pony Rider Boys In The Rockies_." Then were told all the details
of how the boys became Pony Riders, and of the way they put their
plans through successfully. Readers of that volume well recall the
exciting experiences and hair-breadth escapes of the youngsters, their
hunts for big game and all the joys of living close to Nature. Their
battle with the claim jumpers is still fresh in the mind