came through all right to-day, but it's the kind of stunt a man doesn't
get way with twice. But now," he added more lightly, "I'll bet that
you're hungry enough to eat nails. Hurry up and wash and get down to the
table."

"By the way," said Mrs. Melton, her eyes twinkling, "where are those fish
you promised me for supper?"

The boys looked at each other in consternation.

"Great Scott!" exclaimed Bert. "We forgot to bring them."




CHAPTER VI

The "Ringer's" Downfall


After the boys had been on the ranch some two or three weeks a new topic
of interest came up. It seemed that every Fourth of July a great
celebration was held in Helena, in which cowboys and ranchmen from many
miles around took part. All sorts of competitions were held, such as
roping, throwing, target shooting, and so on. As the day drew near, it
became the chief topic of conversation about the ranch, and everybody,
with the exception of two or three who would have to stay to take care of
the stock, intended to go and take part in the festivities.

Quite a feature of the present celebration was to be a one-mile running