is a secret partner in the business."

"Say, would you look yonder, where that road comes around the spur back
of us; to think of seeing a real buggy and a flesh and blood horse, and
back of the animal a gentleman and lady! I'm sure dreaming!" remarked
Giraffe, just then.

"Not a bit of it you ain't, because I see them myself," added Step Hen,
eagerly.

"And unless my eyes deceive me, we've met that gentleman before," said
Allan.

"Yes," remarked Bob, with trembling voice, "it's Reuben Sparks; and that
must be my little cousin, Bertha!"

CHAPTER IX.

OPENING COMMUNICATIONS.

IT was the most natural thing in the world for the detachment of scouts
to come to a halt when they discovered the vehicle coming up in their
rear. In the midst of such wild surroundings it was indeed quite a
surprise to discover anything so civilized. So they lined up on either
side of the road, resting on the stout staves which all of them carried
as a means of assistance in their mountain climbing; just as tourists in
the Alps do when ascending some peak.

Thad noticed how quickly Bob White pulled his broad-brimmed campaign hat
down over his eyes; and at the same time managed to slip partly behind
one of his companions. It would interfere somewhat with the cherished
plans of the boy, should Reuben Sparks recognize him; and this was a
catastrophe which Bob certainly wished to avoid, if possible.

The vehicle came on, and apparently the man must be telling his
companion how he had met these young fellows before, for she was looking
ahead with a great deal of interest and curiosity; though hardly
dreaming that her cousin could be among the lads, who were clad in neat
khaki uniforms, with puttees for leggings, and the well-known hats that
distinguish Boy Scouts in every clime under the sun.

Just as Thad had expected would be the case, Reuben Sparks drew in his
horse as he arrived in the midst of the scouts. Evidently he wanted to
have a few minutes' talk with them; and allow the girl a chance to catch
for herself a fleeting glimpse of that outside world of which she knew
so little.

"How are you, boys?" remarked the driver of the horse.

"Pretty fairly, sir," replied Thad, anxious to keep the attention of the
other directed toward himself as much as possible, because of Bob's
desire to remain unnoticed in the background. "We haven't been used to
mountain work; but it's fine exercise, and our muscles are getting in
shape by d