rded in the hotel register and
never will be duplicated," said Cal at dinner, as the party made merry
and toasted the future ranch owner, who blushed rosy as a girl of
sixteen, while Cal was as brim full of joy as a lad with a new pair of
red top boots and sled to match. The following telegram fairly burned
the wires:

"Stoddersmith, Boston. Caught a trout, a horse and a man with a six
ounce rod. Trip to India postponed. Resign position today.

Miss Asquith."

To which they replied:

"Miss Asquith, Estes Park via Lyons, Colo. Congratulations. Fish, horse
and man uncertain property. Resignation accepted to take effect day of
ceremony.

Stoddersmith."

It was decided to go overland to Chiquita's Buena Vista ranch on
horseback and with pack animals, the road horses and buckboard being
started a few days ahead by way of Georgetown and the Berthoud Pass, to
await the party at Hot Sulphur Springs, the trail from Estes via
Specimen Mountain being impassable for anything on wheels.

"I am very anxious," said Jack, "that Hazel should see the grandest bit
of scenery in Colorado. While the average mind is satisfied with Estes,
still there is one little area beyond Estes that surpasses anything
else, and there is but one way to get to it--walk."

Two good camp hustlers were engaged to do the work of packing, putting
up tents and other duties in common. By going ahead a camp was located
and pitched by the time the sightseers overtook the advance guard. A
saddle horse to each member of the party, three small pack mules and a
Mexican burro--the Rocky Mountain canary which Jack promised his sister
year after year--the luggage so packed being ample for three times the
number in the party.

The sun had crossed the noonday meridian when the final adios was given.
Striking to the right of the Horseshoe Park road the trail led into a
labyrinth of forest burned "down timber," miles of denuded
trees--sentries in nature's graveyard--and as the wind wheezed dismally
through the few branches left by the consuming fire, their creaking and
rattling was not unlike the clatter of a thousand skeletons assembled in
some vast amphitheatre to dance away a few years of eternity's exile.

The first camp was made in the center of this weirdly fantastic home of
goblins and bogy men. The tents had been pitched and camp fires started
when Jack and his four companions came st