They went on hunting trips, helped round up the cattle, watched the men at their crop work, and took long rides across the big stretches of prairie that always seemed to have something new to disclose.
"Oh, it's a great country!" exclaimed Frank, as they came back one evening from a long gallop—on faster steeds than Max and Major.
"It sure is," agreed his brother.
"What do you say to a try for Golden Peak to-morrow?" suggested Billy. "There's nothing special to do, and if it's good weather we can take our dinner and stay there all day."
"Just the cheese!" declared Frank, and Andy nodded enthusiastically.
The day proved all that could be desired, and early in the morning saw the three chums galloping across the prairie, headed for the big unfinished dam, and the hill known as Golden Peak.
The ride was without incident, save that they startled any number of jack rabbits, which they did not fire at, as the flesh was not considered prime at that time of year.
As they approached the dam, Frank, who was slightly in the lead, called out:
"Is your uncle over here, Billy?"
"Why, no, I don't think so. He didn't say anything about coming. In fact I know he isn't, for I remember, now, he went into town. But why do you ask?"