dropped on a bench, in mock exhaustion; and there the others joined him; and the fun, for the time being, came to an end.
"We are going to the railroad station this afternoon with papa," said Belle. "Want to go along?"
"Will a duck drink ice-cream soda!" cried Roger. "Of course we will go along."
"Then you had better get ready now for we are to start directly after lunch."
"Anything special at the station?" questioned Dave.
"Papa is going to see a man about some horses. He wants to buy a few more good ones, if he can."
"It's a pity we can't find out what became of the others," went on Dave.
It took the girls some time to prepare for the journey to the railroad station, so the start from Star Ranch was not made until after two o'clock. Mr. Endicott rode in advance, and the young folks paired off in couples after him.
When they got to the bridge Dave was much surprised to see a couple of men at work repairing the structure. They were putting down some planking that was bound to last a long while.
"Mr. Merwell must have opened his heart at last," said Dave, to the railroad president.
"Not at all, Dave; I am having this work done," was Mr. Endicott's reply.
