And then spring came.
CHAPTER VIII
RED MACK AND TED INVESTIGATE
TED was to leave for Wayland Academy the latter part of April. Mrs. Dean thought that he would be able to enter then and still be up with his class, thanks to the studying he had done at the ranch. Ted liked the ranch so much he was not looking forward any too anxiously to schooltime.
Ted was one of the twenty who went off one April morning for a great roundup and branding of cattle. Suspicion was afoot that the Double X cattle were being stolen. The Wells had also reported trouble at the Double U, so stock was to be taken.
Ted took great pride in his place among the men. He had begged to be allowed to go with them, since his days were to be so few at the ranch, and Mrs. Dean had permitted him to go.
TWENTY MEN WERE OFF TO BRAND CATTLE
The men had a busy day and Ted played a useful part. They pitched camp early. Supper was soon over and most of the men decided to turn in at once, for they wanted to start work early the following morning.
“Want to go a little way?” asked Red Mack.
“Certainly,” answered Ted, who was not at all sleepy.