The through train took them only as far as Arrow Junction. Here they alighted and then boarded a little side line, running through the hills to a dozen small stations, including Four Rocks.
“This isn’t so nice,” sighed Martha, when all had piled into one of the two little cars which comprised the train. Their baggage had been put in the other car, which was a combination baggage and smoking car. There were but a few other passengers in the car, including one fat woman with two small and exceedingly dirty children. There were also several cowboys, and a Chinaman who looked as if he might be a cook.
“I think dad has a Chink at our ranch,” said Spouter. “Anyway, he wrote he thought he’d hire one.”
They had telegraphed ahead, so that there might be some one to meet them when they arrived at Four Rocks.
“It’s certainly an odd name for a railroad station,” remarked Mrs. Rover to her husband.
“Four Rocks sounds substantial enough,” he returned, with a smile.
“Is it much of a town?”
“Not likely to be any town at all. Perhaps a little railroad station and possibly one store, which, of course, would also be the post-office.”
Sam Rover’s idea of Four Rocks proved to be correct. Situated near a ridge of rocks was a small railroad station with a telegraph office and baggage room attached, a water tower, and opposite to the station were two low buildings, one a general store and the other a place where there had once been a saloon and dance hall, but which was now closed up.
“There’s my dad now!” cried Spouter excitedly, as he leaped off the train. And the next minute he was running towards an automobile in which sat his parent. “Where is ma?” he demanded.