ve a bunch of hungry boys with you. What about
the new ponies?"

"I'll ride over to Colonel McClure's ranch in the morning and see what
we can do. You may go with me if you wish."

"I should like to very much. Is that where you expect to get the other
herd of cattle as well?"

"Yes. Better take an earlier trick on guard to-night, for we shall start
right after breakfast in the morning."

"Very well," replied Tad. "Guess I'll get my coffee now."

Big-foot Sanders was already helping himself to the steaming beverage,
when Tad reached the chuck wagon.

"Well, kid, what about it?" greeted the big cowman.

"What about what?"

"Trouble."

Tad smiled broadly.

"There does seem to be plenty of it."

"And plenty more coming. You'll see more fun before we are clear of this
part of the country."

"I don't very well see how we can have much more of it. I should imagine
we have had our share."

"Wait. We'll be here three or four days yet and mebby more," warned the
cowboy.

Tad went out with the second guard that night. Contrary to the
expectations of Big-foot Sanders and some others, the night passed
without incident, the next morning dawning bright and beautiful.

For some reason the foreman decided, at the last moment, that he would
not go to the Ox Bow ranch. Instead, he instructed Big-foot Sanders to
take three of the men with him and pick out what ponies they needed from
Colonel McClure's stock. They were to bring the animals out to camp
where the boys would break them in.

Tad set out with them, after a hurried breakfast, leaving his young
companions to amuse themselves as best they could.

"How far do we have to ride, Big-foot?" asked the lad after they were in
their saddles.

"Mile or two, I guess. It's been a long time since I was through these
parts. There's that church I've been telling you about."

"Where?"

"There, near the bedding-down ground. Seems as though the boss might
have put the cows further away from the place."

Tad surveyed the structure with keen interest. The white walls of the
old adobe church reflected back the morning light in a whitish glare.
About the place he observed a rank growth of weeds and evil cacti, the
only touch of life to be seen being the birds that were perched on its
crumbling ridges, gayly piping their morning songs.

"It looks deserted."

"I reckon it is," answered Big-foot. "Anyway, it ought to be. Ain't fit
for human beings to roost in."

"Humph! I