round-up then."

That day Roy spent in getting his clothes packed in a big valise and a
trunk. It was decided he should ride to the nearest railroad station,
and there take a train for Chicago, where he would have to change cars
for New York.

In the meanwhile Mr. Bradner drew up a paper giving his son the right
to act in a certain capacity. This was put into legal form, and
witnessed, a near-by notary being called in to attach his seal.

"Of course I don't know exactly how you will find the lay of the land
there in New York," said Mr. Bradner that night, "as I have never been
there. Nor do I know this Caleb Annister. I have had considerable
correspondence with him, and I take him to be a sharp business man. He
may try to bluff you, but don't you stand for it. It might be a good
plan to size him up first, before you tell him who you are."

"That's what I'll do, dad."

"You'll have to make your own plans when you get there," went on his
father. "You may have to spend considerable money, so I'll give you a
good sum in cash, and a draft on my New York bankers. If you get in a
hole do the best you can, and telegraph me if you need help. Just camp
on the trail of this Caleb Annister, and see what his game is. It
doesn't stand to reason that property in New York is shrinking in
value. I think there is something wrong somewhere, and I depend on you
to find it."

"I hope I won't disappoint you, dad."

"I don't believe you will, Roy. Now you had better get to bed, for
it's quite late, and you'll have a hard journey ahead of you."

Roy did not feel a bit tired, for he was hardy and strong, but he did
as his father suggested. He could not get to sleep at first thinking
of his prospective trip, for he had always wanted to go to a big city,
and now he had the chance.

Billy Carew and the other cowboys came in the next morning with the
steers, which were turned into a corral for branding purposes. Roy
told his friends of his journey.

"Prancing prairie dogs!" exclaimed Billy. "I wish I was going.
Lickity thunder, but that's a great trip, clear to New York!"

"We'll ride to the station with you," proposed Bruce Arkdell. "We'll
give you a good send off!"

"That's what we will!" chorused the others.

Roy was to start soon after dinner, as the Chicago express would not
stop at the railroad station of Painted Stone unless it was flagged.

A little later a strange procession left the ranch house. Roy and