"How about my pudding?" called Jim. "Anyone going to want any of it?"
Did they? It was enjoyed to the full, and there was pudding left over, to be heated for another meal.
"Now, you boys had better come with me, and I'll show you how to keep some of the cooked meat over, in summer, without ice," proposed Mr. Ross.
"And my party must be getting along, or night will overtake us here," declared Dr. Bentley, rising from what had been a most hospitable board.
"Then fellows, please excuse me if I write a short note and ask
Dr. Bentley to mail it," urged Dick.
So Dave Darrin mustered the other chums, marching them off in the wake of Mr. Ross, while Dick hastily scribbled a note, placed it in an envelope, and addressed it to Alonzo Hibbert, or Thomas Colquitt, Eagle Hotel, Gridley.
As Dick came out his other chums halted their labors long enough to take leave of Dr. Bentley and his party. They escorted the departing guests to their automobiles, and saw them start away.
Such of the roast meat as was to be saved was packed in metal pails, covered, and then the pails lowered into a brook, where the cool water would to a certain extent take the place of ice.
Then Mr. Ross and his helpers removed the folding tables and other loaned articles.
"Thank you, boys, for what you did to break the stampede of the herd," said Mr. Ross, waving his hand after he had sprung up into the saddle.