"Oh, we're not so tired," said Frank; "but we would like to see the ranch."
"Then hop on the buckboard and Archie will drive you out there," said the ranchman.
"Aren't you coming, Uncle?" asked Billy.
"No, I've got some business to attend to in town. I came out with Archie this morning, planning to meet you. I'll ride back with James Perdue some time this evening. Just make yourselves at home when you get there. I told the Chinaman to have a good supper for you."
"Chinaman?" asked Andy.
"Yes, he's the cook," explained Billy. Then he gave his uncle the paper that was of such value, and the three boys, piling their baggage on the buckboard, took seats.
"Giddap!" called Archie to the horses, and they started off at a fast trot. Like everything else in the West, they were speedy—there seemed to be nothing slow there.
"Is my pony all right, Archie?" asked Billy, when they had turned out of town to the road that led over the prairies.
"Sure. He's as lively as ever. Needs some exercise, though."
"I suppose so. How about mounts for Frank and Andy?"