"Hello, Jack, are you there?" was the reply. "I want to speak to you," and a moment later Mr. Sturgis entered the room and stepped over to the fireplace.
"Well, Jack," said he, "are you ready to start in to-morrow to be a cowboy?"
"Yes, Uncle Will, I'm all ready," was the reply.
"You're sure you don't want to back out now? You know," added Mr. Sturgis, "that you may see some rough times. Some days you will be wet and cold and hungry, and will wish that you were in a good house and by a warm fire, with a hot meal ready for you. It isn't all fun and play and good times out on the ranch."
"I know that, Uncle Will," answered Jack, "but there must be plenty of fun, too, and I think I am going to like it."
"I believe so, too, my boy, but I want you to remember that there are two sides to almost everything. You will have lots of fun on the ranch, and that is what you think most of now, but you must remember also that it will not be all pleasure and no pain."
"Why, Uncle Will, don't you suppose I know that? A fellow's bound to be too hot or too cold sometimes, and to hurt himself now and then, but I guess I can stand it, and I don't think you need feel afraid that I'll want to come home before I have to." As he said this, Jack looked quite injured, and stood very straight.
"No, no, my boy. I don't doubt your pluck; but I want you to understand well before we start what it is that you have to look forward to.
"Now," continued Mr. Sturgis, "everything is ready for our start, and all we have to do to-morrow is to go to the train and get into the sleeping-car."
"Let's sit down in front of the fire and talk a little, Uncle Will. You have plenty of time before dinner, haven't you?"