couple of his herders were wrangling over something as they brought up
the rear.

"I'm so glad you gave Jerry that chance. He's the most enthusiastic
sportsman I ever met, and so honorable in his dealings with the wearers
of fin, fur and feather. No danger of the woods ever being depopulated
while he's around," Frank said, with his customary generous view of
anything that concerned his chums.

"It was what you may call an inspiration. My first idea, of course, was
to cover the boy and face the bear. I did not doubt my own ability to
down him, but somehow I was tempted to take chances with the lad. I'm
glad now I did it. He stood the racket like a veteran. I'd be a happy
man if I'd only been left a boy like your chum for my own."

The ranchman spurred on ahead at this, and Frank made no effort to
overtake him, for he felt sure he had seen tears glistening in the
other's eyes, and could appreciate his feelings, for the stockman's only
child, a boy, at that, lay with the mother in the ranch cemetery.

Breakfast was ready for them, and what a glorious meal the boys made!
Just as Mr. Mabie had said, they proved as hungry as wolves. That clear
mountain air seemed to tone them up after their long railway journey,
and Frank laughingly declared their host had better send away for a new
stock of provisions if he expected to keep them satisfied.

Bluff was the first to leave the table. Frank had seen him eating
hurriedly toward the close of the meal. He knew without being told what
ailed his comrade.