reality, living the life of the cattle men, sharing their duties and
their hardships, participating in wild, daring night rides, facing
appalling storms, battling with swollen torrents, bravely facing
many perils, and tow eventually Tad Butler and his companions solved
the Veiled Riddle of the Plains, thus bringing great happiness to
others as well as keen satisfaction to themselves.

After having completed their eventful trip in Texas, the boys had
expressed a desire to next make a trip of exploration to the north
country. Arrangements had therefore been made by the father of
Walter Perkins for a journey into the wilder parts of Montana.

None of the details, however, had been decided upon. The boys felt
that they were now experienced enough to be allowed to make their
own arrangements, always, of course, with the approval of their
companion, Professor Zepplin.

As a result they arrived in Forsythe one hot July day, about
noon. Their ponies had been shipped home, the little fellows having
become a bit too docile to suit the tastes of the lads, who had been
riding bucking bronchos during their trip on a cattle drive in
southern Texas. They knew they would have little difficulty in
finding animals to suit them up in the grazing country.

"And now what are your plans, young men?" smiled the hanker, after
all had taken seats in his office in the rear of the bank.

The lads waited for Professor Zepplin to speak.

"Tell Mr. Simms what you have in mind," he urged.