While Ted fried the eggs, Phil brought out crackers, jam, and pickles, and in due course the dinner was ready.
“Just think, Phil, we’re having our first meal on our very, very own homestead!” exclaimed Ted.
“And here’s success, and the best of it to you!” said Andy, raising his tin cupful of coffee.
Silently and solemnly the three clinked their cups and drank the toast.
CHAPTER XXIII
“BEARS!”
Dinner finished—and it tasted all the better because the boys cooked it themselves, upon what was to be their new home—they washed the dishes, wet down the fire, and were picking up their saddles, preparatory to putting them on their ponies, when Andy stopped them.
“Hold on there, not so fast! A horse can’t eat as rapidly as a man, and when there is no pressing need, you never should use one directly after feeding.”
“But we want to ride over our claim,” declared Phil.
“Can’t you walk?”