"Well, I don't know about that. Haven't you boys had enough straying from home for a time?"
"We can get some one to go with us and show us the way," urged Walter.
"Yes, let the lads go," said Mr. Munson, coming up at that moment.
"Where is this place?" asked the Professor.
"At Jessup's ranch. It is about ten miles to the southeast of here, just outside the foothills of the range."
"I am afraid they would never find the way there and back," objected
Professor Zepplin, shaking his head doubtfully.
"That is easily taken care of. I will have some one go with them.
Why not go yourself?"
"I? No, thank you, not without a guide. I have had quite enough experience in trying to find my way about in these mountains," laughed the Professor.
"Then I'll have Tom Phipps go with you. I understand the boys are fond of anything in the horse line, and they usually have a great time over at Jessup's. He is a cattle man and, besides his own men, cowboys from neighboring ranches for twenty miles around ride in to take part."
"But, we have no ponies."