An hour later, Bob took his place on the “Ogden II,” and, with Cranny Beaumont as his passenger, started off. By this time, all but Dave had saddled their bronchos and were ready for a canter across the plains.
The stout boy waved his hand to the horsemen, then waited until the biplane had soared far off.
“I’ll do a bit of reading first,” he reflected, “and afterward take a squint through the telescope.”
So Dave ambled back into the house, selected a book, settled himself in the most comfortable chair, and prepared for unalloyed pleasure.
A few minutes later, the telephone bell rang sharply.
“Goodness! I can’t rest even a second,” grumbled Dave.
He lumbered slowly over, and answered the summons.
“Is that Lone Pine Ranch?” came in a crisp, businesslike voice.
“Yes, sir.”
“This is Major Warfield Carroll.”