ight hot days
succeeded by cool nights--for in New Mexico the air cools immediately
upon the setting of the sun--appealed powerfully to boys reared on the
seacoast. The absence of raw winds and fogs especially appealed to
them. The weather was something which could be counted upon. Every day
was fair.

So passed the weeks, with the boys under Jack's pilotage travelling
far and wide, scouting through the mountains to discover new beauties
of scenery, making visits to the ancient Spanish ruins at Santa Fe,
attending a rodeo at Gallup, to which came cowboys and cowgirls from a
vast stretch of territory to perform hair-raising feats of
horsemanship and exhibit well-nigh miraculous skill with the lasso.

A month after their advent, and when their summer vacation was not yet
half spent, Mr. Temple at dinner one night announced that before
ending his prolonged vacation from business--the first he had taken in
ten years--he planned to go to San Francisco to consult with the
manager of his western exporting office.

"Why, father," said Bob. "I've always wanted to see the city by the
Golden Gate, and I know the fellows feel the same way about it. What
do you say to taking us with you? We won't get in your way. And you
can drop us here on your way back East."

Smilingly, Mr. Temple gazed at the faces of the three eager boys. Jack
and Frank enthusiastically echoed their chum's appeal.

"Yes, do, Mr. Temple," said Jack. "That is, if we wouldn't be in your
way."

"Uncle, I'm crazy to see San Francisco," said Frank.

"Well, it's a good deal changed from the days of the Forty-Niners,"
said Mr. Temple, smiling. "You may have your hopes too high, and may
be disappointed."

"Oh, come now, father," said Bob. "If you're going to be there only a
week, it'll be worth while for us."

"Well, that's the length of time I planned to stay," said Mr. Temple,
thoughtfully. "But I'll be pretty busy while I'm there. Do you boys
feel you can keep out of mischief if left to yourselves?"

Mr. Hampton interrupted.

"I reckon they can, Temple," he said. "They saved the day for me. I'm
beginning to think they are a pretty self-reliant lot. If you can see
your way to doing so, take them along. The trip will be a fine
experience."

"All right, boys," said Mr. Temple. "But you'll have to leave your
airplane. If you are going to see San Francisco, you can't do it very
well by airplane. And, anyhow, I wouldn't care to see you tackle the
Rockies."