CHAPTER IX
AN EXCITING CHASE
The Fairview boys slept hard and long on that first night they spent at the ranch, and when they awoke the next morning the sun was high in the heavens.
"Jiminy!" exclaimed George, looking at his watch. "It's after ten o'clock. I don't know what they'll think of us keeping breakfast waiting so long."
The rest were speedily on their feet, and after a hurried wash and combing they dressed and hastened down to the main floor.
Mrs. Claxton met them with a smiling face.
"Don't say a word," she protested, as they tried to apologize for being so late. "I know how tired you poor boys must be and I made up my mind not to call you if you slept all day. But now that you are down I'll have breakfast on the table for you before you can turn around."
It was not long before she summoned them to the dining-room.
"Mr. Claxton and I had our breakfast some hours ago," said their hostess. "He's down at the bunk-house now and he left word that you were to come down and find him as soon as you were through your meal. But there's plenty of time, so don't hurry."
They ate till they could eat no more, and then took their hats and went out into the glorious Summer morning. They turned their steps toward the bunk-house, which Mrs. Claxton pointed out to them from the porch.