“And some ride we’ve had from Lake Park here!” grumbled Mr. Gilroy. “Had it not been for those bully Rangers, Tally and I might have lost our way again and again.”
“Oh, Boss! Not say so for Tally!” exclaimed the Indian. “You know you mek me go your trail an’ he’em alius wrong one. But you be Boss, and Tally have to mind you.”
As every one laughed at this, Burt added: “Come in, Tally, and tell us all about it. At the same time we’ll see if there’s a chance of getting at the pantry to find you some supper.”
Burt enlisted the sympathies of the night-clerk who went with the newspaper man to the culinary regions. Within ten minutes’ time they both returned.
“Now, then, boys, you come with me and sit down to the impromptu spread,” was Burt’s hearty invitation to the belated wanderers.
“We’re all coming,” declared Julie; “if we don’t, you’ll hear the whole story and then we girls’ll have to have it warmed over.”
Mr. Gilroy laughed. “Come on, you’re in the game.”
After sitting down to a table in the corner of the room the two men spoke not a word but plied knife and fork diligently for a time. Finally Julie exclaimed: “Don’t use all your power on the supper—spare a little with which to tell the story.” And Mr. Gilroy obeyed.
CHAPTER EIGHT
GILLY TURNS FOREST RANGER