“You want the black one, you say?” questioned Tad.
“That’s what I said.”
“And you, Ned?”
“Oh, I don’t care. I’ll stand by your choice.”
“So will I,” spoke up Walter. “The Professor said you were to choose something in his class for him to ride, too.”
“Buy him a mule!” yelled Chunky.
“Yes, that reminds me. We shall have to take a couple of mules. I wonder if we can get them here. There comes the owner of this herd. We’ll talk to him.”
The owner of the ponies had been expecting the visit of the boys. He had been told that they would require ponies and did not know that the Pony Rider Boys had formed conclusions about them in advance.
Tad introduced himself and his companions.
“I’ve got just what you want, boys,” nodded the owner. “Every one of those fellows is kind and gentle and will stand without hitching.”