"Probably one that the braves use to tie up their wives with when
they get lazy," Ned informed him.

"I know," spoke up Walter. "It's a hitch used to fasten the packs to
the ponies. Mr. Stallings explained that to me when we were in
Texas."

"Right," announced Tad, skillfully loosening the hitch, thus
allowing the canvas of the parlor tent to fall to the ground.

While Tad and Walter were doing this, Professor Zepplin with Stacy
had started off with hatchets to cut poles for the tents.

The sleeping tents were erected in a straight row with the parlor
tent set up to the rear some few rods, backing up against the hills
nearest to the mountains.

In front of the small tents the ponies were tethered out among the
trees so as to be in plain view of the boys in case of
trouble. Profiting from past experiences, they knew that without
their mounts they would find themselves helpless.

In an hour the camp was pitched and the boys stood off to view the
effect of their work.

"Looks like a military camp," said Ned.

"All but the guns," replied Walter. "We might stack our rifles
outside here to make it look more military like."