"Oh, I'm as fond of study as you are," came the quick retort.
"But now the question is: Will you come West with me?" went on Billy. "If uncle is going to put the finishing touches on his dam, and flood the valley, he'll need my help. There may be a fight—or trouble—at the last minute. I do wish you'd come and help me. I want you—my uncle wants you. Come on!"
"And have a try for the treasure!" exclaimed Andy. "Shall we go, Frank?"
"Why, I'd like to—first rate," was the answer; "but I don't see how we are going to leave school before the term is ended. Dad and mother——"
"Oh, they'll let us go, I'm sure of it!" broke in Andy. "I'm going to telegraph to them and find out. Think of it, Frank! Out on the prairies! At the ranch—helping build a big dam—keeping off fellows who may want to dynamite it—finding the treasure of Golden Peak!"
"Oh, I know it would be great," admitted Frank. "But can we leave?"
"There isn't much more to this term," said Billy. "You could easily, during vacation, make up the work you miss."
"Perhaps," agreed Frank. "Go ahead, Andy, and wire the folks."
So it came about a little later that Mr. and Mrs. Racer received a long and expensive telegram—for Andy sent it collect—explaining matters, and asking permission to go out West.
"Those boys!" exclaimed their mother. "We never can allow it!"