Phil, Ben, and Shadow remained at the construction camp two days longer, and during that time the chums went fishing, as well as riding, and enjoyed every moment of the time. Ben was particularly pleased, and in private confided to Dave and Roger that had he not promised to go on to Star Ranch with Phil he would willingly have put in the rest of his vacation with them.
“Oh, you’ll like it at Star Ranch just as well as you like it here,” announced Dave. “It’s a splendid place, and the Endicotts will be sure to give you the time of your life.”
The days passed all too quickly for all of the young men. Even Shadow complained of the shortness of the time, he stating that he had not had an opportunity to tell one half of his best stories.
“Never mind, Shadow, you’ll have to come back some day and tell us the rest of them,” said Roger consolingly.
At last came the hour when the visitors had to depart, and Dave and Roger saw them off at the railroad station.
“Give our best regards to the Endicotts!” cried Dave, when the long train rolled into the station and Phil and the others climbed on board.
“And don’t forget to remember us to Sid Todd!” added Roger, mentioning the foreman of Star Ranch, a man who had proved to be a good friend.
“Don’t go after any more bears!” sang out Ben.
“Oh, say, that puts me in mind of a story!” cried Shadow. “Once three men went out to hunt, and——” But what the story was about, Dave and Roger never heard, for the vestibule door to the car was closed, and in a moment more the long train rumbled on its way.
“A nice bunch, all right,” was Roger’s comment, as he and Dave turned their horses back in the direction of the camp.