The Pony Rider Boys in the Ozarks

as they got out on the trail he became more talkative. He did not refer

ome ponies of Mr. Munson?" he asked when

ed the Professor. "Perhaps it w

nting to what appeared to be a broad gash in the rocks ahead of them. "We shall have to leave the po

nswered the

ler in the lead. On down the long, sloping trail they trudged until at last they reached the point wh

anding rigid, gazing

r?" demanded the Professor. "C

st

He was for trying to force

Tad. "We shall need some one here to haul up the packs when

uch an exhibition of himself," answered the Professor witheringl

what he was to do. The party then scrambled down the rocks, soon findi

he boys now than had been the case when they we

from the flying spray that floated like a thin cloud along

h hands above his head, glancing first up then down the impo

y, "it would be well for you to give serious thought to

ir," ag

to forget it, Pro

ing within such limited areas so wi

m was waxing eloquent, and the lad

western portions of this range, a section running transversely to its main axis

fixed Stacy wi

ow me, young

Chunky weakly, shrinkin

d a considerable variety of masses belonging to different ages-a very complete section of the Pal

" agreed N

t for something to eat. I trust my explanation has been perfectly clear to y

must confess that I didn't understa

essor, with a hearty laugh. "Our friend, Master Stacy, appear

houted wit

eers for Professor Zepplin,

len, joined in the che

have just told you into more simple language-language that you will all understand. This is the most unusual country we have been in

ur to get there, I sho

tter be on

might not miss the trail upon their return, aft

e time to rescue the supplies. At the present ra

lose any more live

he swirling waters, whose spray here and there gave off the colors of the rainb

lace," announc

ueried the

's the rock that I tumbled down after the rope broke with me. I am black and blue yet. D

damaged?" asked

I did the most damage when I helpe

ow found it all in excellent condition. The heavy canvas had protected the food an

aving a real breakfas

lt

hungry," u

et over that,

t what are you going t

sor Ze

thought of

a minute. I know where there are some dead brush sticks a little way

of brush and vines, all of which they du

ng," said the Professor, with

coffee ready and the other things so we can put them on the fire the

ks at the bottom. On top he placed a mass of half green stuff, packing the whole down by throwing him

etting water from the rapids for the coffee,

Chunky, with an air of great wisdom. He had been watching

en?" demanded Ned, tu

t the rocks and began to whistle. In a moment t

ay its foundations, gave way beneath the weight of the stones. C

t!" shouted Ned, gi

the fat boy, who chanced to be nearest to the f

ne well-directed kick he had scattered the brush and rescue

ply of water, planting the pot in the center of

," he glowed. "I don't think Ned

at making fires to cook by

ith them at h

d on the canvas which had been spread out close to the water, the

fessor?" questioned Ned politely, poising a

ur," interj

clear this morni

for me, no condensed milk for you," and he planted the can

r. I have to take my c

lt

ondensed milk then. I'll gi

, firmly, making no mov

on's cup, but from such a height that C

face, deliberately filled his cup to overflo

our help. He is pretty well able t

e Professor, sampling hi

?" asked Ned

ee," replied the Profes

ded up into bundles so that each should have his share t

e mountain trail s

ide?" asked Tad

replied Ned. "He's almost as

not her

mediately upon our arrival at the Red Star Mine," decide

eft the rope. I'll climb up there and find o

auling it from a clump of bushes w

ast it up here

ally, this was completed without accident. All hands took up their packages fro

st peculiar," mutt

dian was talking about came up and got h

oner think they would take you i

at the spirits that trouble Eagle-eye most are not the supe

agreed Tad

hoose a white man,

lled Ned, who was the first to rea

him, cast a sear

t is missing, eithe

claimed th

d Butler. "We are a smart lot to let him