But the boys did not make the tent that day. Just as they were thinking about going to ask for the cloth Uncle Fred called:
"Come on, Russ and Laddie, and you, too, Rose and Vi. We're going to look at the ponies. I started to take you to them when we found the spring was going dry, and that made me forget. Now we'll go."
"Dandy!" exclaimed Laddie.
"I love to ride a pony!" added Rose.
"So do I!" ejaculated Violet.
Uncle Fred led the children to a small corral, which they had not seen before. In it were a number of Shetland ponies, some no larger than big Newfoundland dogs. And some of the ponies came to the fence to be petted as soon as they saw Uncle Fred.
"Oh, aren't they cute!" exclaimed Rose.
"I'd like to ride that black one!" shouted Laddie.
"He's a little too wild," said Uncle Fred. "Better try one of the more gentle ones first. I'll get the men to saddle 'em for you."