"Not exactly," replied Bud. "We were just over to your camp, to leave the stuff for the men, and you weren't there."
"No, I had to leave," said the professor, smoothly. "I am going back now. I am sorry I missed you."
"You didn't!" Bud said grimly to himself. And then the scientist seemed to realize this for he added:
"I mean I am sorry I was not there to thank you. It was very kind of you to help the men. I'm sorry this trouble occurred."
"Oh, we're always glad to help," spoke Bud. "Out west you never know when you're going to need help yourself, so it's always a good plan to have a balance in your favor."
"Yes, I should say that was so," spoke the professor thoughtfully. "You found everything all right, at my camp?" he asked, rather than stated.
"All right—yes," answered Bud. "We left the stuff with Professor
Blair. He said you were out."
"Yes, I had to make a little trip. But aren't you off your road?" he asked the boys. "I mean doesn't your ranch lie over there?" and he pointed in the proper direction.
"It does," assented Bud. "But we've got to look out for these cattle."
"Oh, I see. You are 'riding herd,' as I believe it is called."