same. You can be a sort of--of honorary member. We will let you ride
our ponies sometimes when we are in town, though, of course, when we
go out for long trips we can't take you along very well. You
understand that, don't you, Tad?"

Tad inclined his head.

"And now about the name. Got anything to suggest?"

The freckle-faced boy walked over to the pony and laid his cheek
against its nose, which he patted softly, his head averted so that the
others might not see the pain in his eyes.

"You--you might call yourselves 'The Pony Rider Boys,'" suggested
Tad, controlling his voice with an effort.



CHAPTER II

THE PONY RIDER BOYS' CLUB ORGANIZBD

The Pony Rider Boys, as a club, met for the purpose of organization,
with headquarters under a tent in Banker Perkins's orchard. It was the
tent in which Walter, under orders from the family physician, had been
sleeping during the spring. Over the entrance the boys pinned a strip
of canvas on which they had printed in red letters, "Headquarters Pony
Rider Boys' Club."

"Now they will know who we are," explained Walter, standing off to