“More than likely he’s afraid of his welcome,” said Jack. “He knows that none of us care for him.”
“I’d like to know if he really started that auto,” put in Fred.
“Gosh, what a sour fellow that Jarley Bangs was!” exclaimed Andy.
There had been an indication of a storm, but this had passed away, and one day found the Rover boys and their chums off on a trip along a trail which led across the river and to the mountains westward, a trail which they were informed by Jackson led between the ranches owned by Jarley Bangs and Bimbel.
“I’d like to get a better view of Bimbel’s ranch and also of Bangs’ place,” declared Jack. “And maybe we’ll see something of Bud Haddon and his crowd.”
All of the boys were now on good terms with Hop Lung, and he had prepared for them a substantial lunch and also something extra in case they should remain out after the supper hour.
“Now you lads take good care of yourselves,” admonished Tom Rover, when they were ready to depart on their day’s outing. “No more rattlesnakes or mountain lions!”
“Or mix-ups with runaway cattle,” put in Sam Rover.
Spouter and Jack carried small rifles, and the others were armed with pistols. They, however, were not going out to hunt, but thought best to provide themselves with the firearms in case any game presented itself.
It did not take the boys long to cross the river, and then they followed a trail which led up a long hill and through a somewhat dense forest.