"No one need apologize for a healthy appetite," replied the Major promptly. "The apology, should come for the opposite reason."
Chunky bowed his approval of the sentiment.
"That is what I always tell the boys," he said. "Sleep out of doors all the time and you will get an appetite that will be almost annoying," he promised.
"Ah—ahem," interrupted the Professor. "Major, did I understand you to say that you had procured a guide for us?"
"Yes, yes. I have been enjoying our young friends to the extent that I forgot all about the business end. I have obtained the services of Bill Lilly as your guide."
"Is he a good one?" asked Ned.
"The best in this part of the country. He knows the brake as do few other men. Another man, Pete Austen—otherwise known as Alligator Pete—was eager to get the job, but I consider him an unreliable man. There are stories abroad not at all to the credit of Austen. But you may depend upon Lilly in any and all circumstances."
"How far is the brake from here?" asked Tad.
"A day's ride will take you to it. You never have been in the brake?"
"No, sir."