arrived I have been thinking of something that may interest you."

"We are in your hands," smiled the Professor.

"As I said a short time ago, I have a ranch out near Gracy Butte."

"Cattle?" asked Tad, with quickened interest.

"No, sheep. I have another up on the Missouri River. I am getting
in five thousand more sheep that some of my men are bringing in on a
drive. They should be along very shortly now."

"You deal in large numbers in this country," smiled the Professor.

"Yes, we have to if we expect to make a profit. I intend to send
these five thousand new sheep to the Missouri River ranch. It will
be a long, hard drive and we shall need some extra men. How would
you boys like to join the outfit and go through with them? I promise
you you will get all the outdoor life you want."

"Well, I don't know," said Tad doubtfully. "I don't just like
sheep."

Mr. Simms laughed.

"You've been with a cattle outfit. I can see that. You have learned
to hate sheep and for no reason--no good reason whatever. Sheep are
a real pleasure to manage. Besides, they are wholesome, intelligent
little animals. The cattle men resent their being on the range for
the reason that the sheep crop down the grass so close that the