"Are you going to leave the cattle on the clearing?" Dick asked in sudden concern.
"We'll bury the carcasses," smiled Mr. Ross. "If we didn't the smell would soon force you boys to move your camp a mile or two. But see here! Ever have a barbecue?"
"No, sir," Dick made answer, his voice betraying sudden interest.
"Would you like one?" went on the owner. "A barbecue, real western style, with a whole cow on the fire?"
"It would be great!" answered nearly all of Dick & Co. in concert.
"Then we'll have one, as soon as I can call my men in," replied Mr. Ross cheerfully. "I'm bound to get some good out of the dead cattle."
"We'll want a lot of firewood for that, won't we?" asked Dick, his eyes gleaming.
"More than a little," nodded Mr. Ross. "And big wood, at that."
"Dave, you and Tom had better take the axes and get some real wood," Prescott called. "Harry and Dan will help you and bring it in. Where shall we put the wood, Mr. Ross?"
"In the middle of the burnt clearing will be better," replied the cattle owner. "Then the fire won't have a chance to spread in any direction. Besides, you won't want the heat of a great fire too close to your camp. After the meat is cooked we can bring it over here. Have you boys plenty of canned vegetables and the like?"