“Gee, I’m glad I am rested and had dinner,” retorted Sandy. “All those questions to answer at once.”
“Save yourself, Sandy,” laughed Mrs. Vernon. “Because I’m going to make the girls go up and gather their belongings. Gilly says we will take the trail in half-an-hour and camp out to-night.”
“Of course you will come with us?” said Julie.
“I want to,” returned Sandy, his eyes telling the girl how much he really did want to. “But I must have a word with the Captain alone, before I decide.”
Therefore the Captain stepped aside and heard what the Ranger had to say. After a serious talk the two of them entered the Lodge.
“You girls can scoot to your rooms and get your doo-dabs, can’t you?” asked Mr. Gilroy.
So they went in, but saw nothing of the Captain or Sandy, as they passed through the main hall. Shortly after they had gone to their rooms, Mrs. Vernon and Sandy, with two strange young men of Sandy’s age, came out and spoke to Mr. Vernon and Mr. Gilroy. Hearing the proposition, Mr. Gilroy said:
“As you say, Captain. It’s your party, you know.”
Therefore the scouts discovered upon their return to the entrance of the Lodge that two fine-looking young college graduates had been added to the party. And to their astonishment, and to Tally’s joy, these men owned and rode the two thoroughbred horses which the Indian had found and brought back. They had been well cared for in the stable at the Lodge the previous night, and now were fresh as ever and ready to go on.
Victor Adair, one of the two strangers, was dark, slender and most entertaining, once he became acquainted. His friend and traveling companion Godfrey Chase, was very blond and good-natured, but not as quick-witted as his chum.