that he had never felt better in his life.

"Hope they won't steal anymore live stock," said Ned. "If they do
we'll have to pack the outfit on our own backs, which, after all,
probably wouldn't be any harder than trying to lead a stubborn mule.
I think I'll tie a string around the necks of the stock and hitch the
string to my big-toe to-night. Then I'll know if anybody tries to run
off with them."

"Run off with your big-toes?" queried Chunky.

"No, run off with the ponies, I said--I mean the pony and the mules."

Stacy's eyes lighted up appreciatively.

"I've got a string that you can use," he said. "I'll fix it up for
you. Shall I?"

"You would like to see me lose my big-toes, wouldn't you? No, thank
you, I'll furnish my own string if I decide to adopt the plan."

After supper had been cooked and eaten, and the dishes washed, all
hands gathered around the camp-fire, where they remained until
bedtime, which on that particular night was earlier than usual,
because all were more or less tired after their active day.

It was decided that some one should be left on guard lest they lose
their remaining stock. The Professor took the first half of the
night, Tad going on at half past twelve and remaining through the rest
of the night.