"Anything special at the station?" questioned Dave.
"Papa is going to see a man about some horses. He wants to buy a few more good ones, if he can."
"It's a pity we can't find out what became of the others," went on Dave.
It took the girls some time to prepare for the journey to the railroad station, so the start from Star Ranch was not made until after two o'clock. Mr. Endicott rode in advance, and the young folks paired off in couples after him.
When they got to the bridge Dave was much surprised to see a couple of men at work repairing the structure. They were putting down some planking that was bound to last a long while.
"Mr. Merwell must have opened his heart at last," said Dave, to the railroad president.
"Not at all, Dave; I am having this work done," was Mr. Endicott's reply.
"But I thought you said it was up to Mr. Merwell to keep this bridge in repair."
"So it is, but as he won't do anything, rather than have a quarrel, I am repairing it myself."
"Do you think he wants to sell out? Maybe that is his reason for not spending money in repairs."