country.

"Well, a canoe might be fine for shooting downstream, but I don't
believe you'd find it as safe in the rapids as those hide boats. The
rocks can't smash in their sides, like cedar or canvas craft. Better to
do as the natives do, I find, whenever I go anywhere. They know by
experience what's best," returned Frank wisely.

"Look there! A cowboy coming like the wind up the river, waving his hat
over his head! Say! d'ye suppose anything's gone wrong at the ranch, and
we'll have to cut our hunt short?" exclaimed Bluff anxiously.

"Oh, I guess not. You see, those fellows are built that way. They never
can do anything without excitement. See! He's holding up something that
looks like a mail pouch," said Frank composedly.

"Why, of course that's it! I heard Mr. Mabie say he expected mail
to-day, and, for one, I'll be mighty glad to hear from the folks,"
sighed Bluff.

"What? Not getting homesick already, I hope?" smiled his chum.

"Certainly not, only a fellow naturally likes to hear from his mom and
dad when he's away so far," declared Bluff stoutly.

"Yes, and also from some other fellow's sister, in the bargain. Nellie
never finds time to write to me when I'm away, leaving all that to the
old folks; but I notice that you always manage to get a letter in her
handwriting."