"I am invited to spend the summer with Aunt Jane, so you need have no concern whatever about me."
Tad's eyes grew large as the full significance of it all was home in upon him.
"Mother, you're a brick," he cried, impulsively throwing his arms about Mrs. Butler.
But Tad had no thought of the thrilling experiences through which he was destined to pass during the coming eventful journey.
CHAPTER V
IN A DESPERATE CONFLICT
A sudden bright flash lighted up the camp, throwing the little white tents into hold relief against the sombre background of the mountains. It was followed after an interval by a low rumble of distant thunder that buffeted itself from peak to peak of the Rockies.
The Pony Riders stirred restlessly on their cots and tucked the blankets up under their chins.
Close upon the first report followed another and louder one, that sent a distinct tremor through the mountain.
"What's that?" whispered Stacy Brown, reaching from his cot and grasping Tad Butler by the shoulder.