"And before you leave," added the Professor, "let me say that at the first opportunity I'll have the sheriff on your trail. Now go!"
With the howls of the delighted Pony Rider Boys ringing in their ears the two mountaineers rode away as fast as they could drive their ponies.
"Now where's your black cat?" demanded Tad with a grin.
"Oh, he's chasing a two-legged rat through the chaparral," answered the fat boy carelessly.
Professor Zepplin wiped the perspiration from his forehead with a savage swish of the handkerchief.
"The scoundrels!" he exclaimed, making a strong effort to control himself. "The scoundrels!"
"I agree with you, Professor," nodded Tad.
"It's my opinion that we had better get out of this country," declared Walter Perkins.
"We shall not. I am going on now, even if they bring in a regiment to put us out!" fairly shouted Professor Zepplin.
"Hurrah for the Professor! Three cheers for the Professor!" cried Ned. The boys gave three ringing cheers and a tiger.