asy stages, from Diamond X, and
while the trip could have been made by train or auto, the boys decided
to take their horses. Considerable in the way of supplies must be
taken, and, after all, an auto is not of much use, even the
ever-dependable flivver, in riding herd, a round-up or cutting out a
bunch of cattle for shipment. Albeit most of the ranchers owned cars
which came in handy for going to and fro from town, or getting in food
and supplies to the ranch house.

"We may be able to pick up a cheap, second-hand car after we get out
there," remarked Nort when his brother and Bud were talking plans over
with him a few days before the start. This was after they had decided
to ride their ponies to Death Valley rather than take the rusty and
trusty old Tin Lizzie which they owned and which carried them back and
forth between Happy Valley and Diamond X.

"Yes, we may need a car to run down this mysterious death-dealing force
that Billee sets such a store by," agreed Bud.

Final preparations were made. The boy ranchers, with Billee, Snake and
Yellin' Kid were to take over Dot and Dash. Mrs. Merkel and Nell said
their good-byes, happily unaware of the dangerous phase of the
undertaking. As for the boys, they would not admit it was dangerous.
To them it was a great lark.

"I only hope they'll sing the same tune after they've seen some of the
things I've seen," remarked Old Billee. "But I'll stick by 'em to the
last!"

"On our way!" cried Bud, the morning of the start, when their ponies
had been saddled and extra mounts, carrying packs, were loaded with
food and supplies.

"Hit the trail!" echoed Nort.

"And we'll come back with its scalp!" added Dick, referring, though not
specifically, to the mystery.

"Good-bye, boys," said Mr. Merkel in a low voice. "And--take care of
yourselves," he added as he clasped firmly the hands of his son and
nephews. "Don't take any risks."

"No, sir!" they promised. But Mr. Merkel took that for what it was
worth.

So they were on the trail at last, setting out with high hopes and
light hearts for Death Valley.

"Where's that outfit heading for?" asked a passing puncher from Circle
T ranch, the nearest to Diamond X, and a place owned by Thomas Ogden,
who was quite friendly with Mr. Merkel.

"That outfit?" questioningly repeated Babe Milton, sizing up the man
and noting that he was a stranger, "that bunch is going to Los Pompan
to take over a new ranch the boss bought."