It was certainly a happy crowd when they had finally started on their return trip to the coast. The talk was all of their plans for the future, about their home-going, all of which is related in the “Frontier Boys in the Saddle,” for it was a longish journey and a thrilling one, and then home. Juarez did not say much, but it was evident that his mind was busy thinking of his people on the Kansas farm outside of River Bend.
“It will be too late in the season when we get to your place, Juarez, for a game of baseball,” remarked Jo.
“It’s too bad,” replied Juarez. “It would be fine sport to beat those Hughsonville fellows again.”
“I’m not so sure that I could pitch a baseball now,” said Jo. “It’s a long time since I have had one in my hand.”
“That would be all right,” said Jim easily. “We would have Jeems for umpire, and he would help us out.”
“Now, boys, don’t you go to planning trouble for me,” expostulated Jeems. “I don’t mind dodging sharks and being tied up by fierce outlaws, like Jo and Tom, but I won’t be an umpire.”
“That’s settled,” laughed Jo. “Anyway, if we can’t indulge in baseball, we will have a game of horseshoes, behind the blacksmith’s shop at River Bend.
“I wonder how the Sea Eagle and the old Captain are getting along?” said Jeems.
“We will see in about ten days,” replied Jim. “But I’m not worrying with the old man and the engineer aboard. We will stop long enough to say howdy to ’em, leave our gold or most of it aboard ship and then hike for home.”
“Do you think it will be safe on the ship, Jim?” inquired Jo anxiously.