It was a long ride, but the lads had so much to see that was novel and their tongues ran on so endlessly that it hardly seemed they had traveled twenty-five miles when Hank pointed with his whip to a large group of low-lying buildings that appeared in front of them.
"Thet's Bar-Z Ranch," he said, "an' there's the boss and missus out on the porch to meet you."
A few minutes later they passed through a gate and drew up in front of the ranch house. Mr. and Mrs. Claxton hurried down the steps to greet them, and the next moment the young travelers were almost smothered in the hearty hugs and hand shakings that told them how welcome they were at the Bar-Z Ranch.
CHAPTER VIII
A NEW WORLD
"So you've really got here at last!" exclaimed Mr. Claxton, a big burly man of over fifty whose face bore the marks of kindliness and good nature.
"I've worried a little about you boys making such a long trip all alone," said Mrs. Claxton, a motherly looking woman, who made the boys feel at home at once. "But all's well that ends well, and now that you're here it's all right. We're going to do our best to give you a good time while you are here."
"We're very sure of that," laughed George, who, as the oldest, was the natural spokesman of the little party.
"We've been looking forward to the trip for a long time," put in Frank.
"And we're tickled to death to get here," added Bob.