"We've got to have a new bridge here some day," said Mr. Endicott. "I am willing to bear my share of the expense, but Merwell won't put up a cent. He doesn't go in for improvements."
"He seems to like good horseflesh," remarked Phil.
"That was one of his best mounts. His horses aren't half as good as those we have; eh, Todd?"
"No better bosses in these parts than those at the Star," answered the cowboy.
"I have been giving our horses my especial care for three years," explained the railroad president. "It has become a hobby with me, and some day I may turn the ranch into something of a stock farm for raising certain breeds of horses and ponies. While you are here you'll not suffer for the want of a mount."
"I'd like to see you break in some of the horses," said Roger.
"Well, you'll have the chance."
"Maybe you'd like to break in a bronco yourself," suggested Belle, with a twinkle in her eye.
"And get sent skyhigh!" returned the senator's son. "No, thank you, not until I've learned the business."
"A bronco is all right if you understand him," remarked Sid Todd. "But if you don't, you'd better monkey with the business end of a gun,—it's just as healthy."