acy," answered Colonel
McClure.

"How about the trouble that the cattle men experience when near the
place?" spoke up Ned Rector. "The cowmen are sure there is something in
the story."

"Nothing at all--nothing at all. Just a mere coincidence. We live here
and we have no more than the usual run of ill luck with our stock."

"Stampedes?" asked Tad.

"Seldom anything of that sort. You see our stock is held by wire fences.
If they want to stampede we let them--let them run until they are tired
of it."

"I should like to explore the old church," said Tad, again referring to
the subject uppermost in his mind.

"Nothing to hinder. Ruth, why can't you and the girls take the young men
over there to-morrow if the day is fine? You know the place and its
history. I am sure they would enjoy having you do so."

"We should be delighted," answered Ned Rector promptly.

"We might make it a picnic," suggested Margaret McClure.

"And have things to eat?" asked Stacy, evincing a keen interest in the
proposal.

"Of course," smiled Mrs. McClure. "A picnic would not be a picnic
without a spread on the ground. I will send some of the servants over to
serve the picnic lunch."

"Thank you," smiled Tad gratefully. "It will be a happy afternoon for
all of us if Miss Brayton can find the time to take us."

"Of course Ruth will go," nodded Mrs. McClure.

"Yes," answered the young woman. "What time shall we arrange to start,
auntie?"

"Say eleven o'clock, if that will suit the young men."

"Perfectly," answered Tad.

"You might first take a gallop to the Springs. That will give you all an
appetite."

"Where are the Springs?" asked Ned.

"About seven miles to the eastward of the ranch. A most picturesque
place," answered Colonel McClure. "Professor, while the young people are
enjoying themselves, suppose you ride over here and spend the afternoon
with me? We can ride about the ranch if it would please you."

"I should be delighted."

"I was going to suggest, too, that it might be a pleasant relief for all
of you to accept the hospitality of the Ox Bow ranch and remain here
while you are in the vicinity. We have room to spare and would be glad
to have you."

"I am afraid the young men would prefer to remain in camp, thank you.
They will get enough of sleeping in beds upon their return home,
discourteous as the statement may seem," answered Professor Zepplin.

"Not at all--not at all. I understand you perfectly. I shall no