"Yes," replied the banker. "All you will have to do will be to get
your direction by your compass before you start, and hold to it. You
will not be able to see the mountains all the time, as the country
is rolling and there are numerous buttes between here and there."

"Any Indians?" asked Stacy apprehensively.

"You may see some, but they will not bother you," laughed the
banker. "I shall hope to have you all spend next Sunday with us at
my ranch; then we can discuss our plans for your joining my outfit."

"How far is it from where we are bound?" asked the Professor.

"Not more than twenty miles. Just a few hours' ride."

Filled with joyful anticipations the little party set out, headed
for the mountain ranges that lay low in the southwest, some thirty
miles distant. Contrary to their usual practice, they had taken no
cook with them, having decided to rely wholly on their own resources
for a time at least, which they felt themselves safe in doing after
their many experiences thus far on their summer vacation.

The little western village was soon left behind them. Turning in
their saddles, they found that it had sunk out of sight. They could
not tell behind which of the endless succession of high and low
buttes the town was nestling. Tad consulted his compass, after which
the lads faced the southwest and pressed cheerfully on.

The Pony Rider Boys were fairly started now on what was to prove the