When Tom imparted this information to Hans, the poor fellow was delighted and asked where he could find the outfit.
"I'll show him. You all ride on," said Horace. But the others refused, declaring they would all go together.
As the cavalcade started with Hans and his valises trying to keep up with them, many were the jests and laughs cast after them.
But the boys paid them no heed, and in a few minutes the German youth was safe in the provision wagon.
Putting their horses into a brisk canter, the four lads set out for the ranch.
Many were the questions the Wilders asked about their friends back in Ohio, and so busy were Tom and Larry in answering, and in relating all the events of consequence that had transpired since the family had left Bramley two years before, that the twenty miles which lay between Tolopah and the ranch seemed scarcely one.
CHAPTER V
THE HALF-MOON RANCH
As the boys drew rein in front of the broad, vine-covered piazza of the ranch house they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Wilder,
"Well, it does seem good to see some one from home," exclaimed the latter as she shook the hands of Tom and Larry.