and jam, the six little Bunkers were ready to have some fun.

They had on their play clothes, for the trunks and valises had been
unpacked, and as the weather was mild, though it was not quite summer
yet, they could play out of doors as much as they liked.

"I'm going to look at the cowboys," announced Russ, as he got up from
the table. "I want to see how they lasso."

"So do I," said Laddie.

"Then you'll have to wait a bit, boys," Uncle Fred told them. "The
cowboys have ridden over to the far end of the ranch to see about some
cattle. They won't be back until evening."

"Could we walk over and see 'em?" asked Russ. "I want to see how they
lasso."

"Well, it's several miles to where they have gone," said Uncle Fred.
"I'm afraid you couldn't walk it. But you can go almost anywhere else
you like, as there's no danger around here."

"Are there any wild bulls or steers or cows that might chase them?"
asked Mother Bunker.

"No," answered her brother. "There are a few little calves in a pen out
near the barn, but that's all. The cattle and horses are far away."

"Let's go out and see this mysterious spring of yours," said Daddy
Bunker. "I'm eager to have a look at it. I'll take the camera along and
get some pictures. Come, children!"

Rose and Violet, with Margy and Mun Bun, followed their father and
mother and Uncle Fred. Laddie and Russ lagged behind.

"Aren't you coming?" asked their mother.

"I'm going to make a lasso," said Russ.

"So'm I," added Laddie.

"Oh, let them play by themselves," said Uncle Fred. "They can't do any
damage nor come to any harm. They can see the spring later."

So Russ and Laddie went off by themselves to make a lasso. Russ found a
piece of clothesline, which Bill Johnson, the cook, said he might take,
and soon Russ and his brother were tying knots and loops in the strong
cord.

If you don't know what a lasso or lariat is I'll tell you. It is just a
long rope with what is known as a slip-knot in one end. That end is
thrown over a horse, a cow, or anything else you want to catch. The
loop, or noose, slips along the long part of the string, and is pulled
tight. Then the horse or cow can be held and kept from getting away.

Mother and Daddy Bunker, with the four little Bunkers and Uncle Fred,
were looking at the queer spring, which I'll tell you about a little
later, when Laddie came running up to them.

"What's the matter?" asked Uncle Fred, seeing that the small boy seemed