Billy Carew rode at the head, and all the cowboys who could be spared
followed after. Roy's trunk and valises were strapped on the back of a
pack mule.

Mr. Bradner, who was not quite well enough to stand the trip to the
station, bade his son an affectionate good-bye, and wished him all
success.

"Telegraph if you get into trouble," he said.

"Yes, and we'll all hot-foot it to the burg of New York, and shoot-up
the town!" exclaimed Billy. "We'll show 'em how a boy from the ranch
can be took care of!"

"I guess there'll be no need of that," remarked Roy with a smile.

It was several miles to the railroad station, and, on the way the
cowboys rushed their ponies here and there, indulging in all sorts of
antics, for they regarded it as a sort of a holiday, though they liked
Roy, and were sorry to see him leave.

"Now boys! Give him a grand salute!" proposed Bruce, when they came in
sight of the station.

The cowboys drew their revolvers, aimed them into the air, and fired
them off as fast as they could pull their triggers. It sounded as
though a small battle was in progress.

"Give him a yell!" suggested Smoke Tardell, and the ranchers shouted
like wild Indians.

"Here comes the train!" called Billy Carew, as a whistle was heard,
and, down the long line of glistening rails, the smoke of a locomotive
was seen. The station agent went out to flag the express.

"Take care of yourself," advised Bruce.

"Bring me back a slice of New York," requested Smoke. "I want it well
done."

"Be careful you don't get 'well-done', Roy," advised Billy Carew.
"Don't buy any gold bricks, or Confederate money, and take care, Roy,
that them sharpers don't git ye!"

He waved his big sombrero, an example followed by all the other
cowboys, as Roy climbed aboard the express. His trunk and valises were
tumbled into the baggage car, the engineer blew two short blasts, and
the train was off again, bearing Roy to New York.

His last view was of his father's cowboys, waving a farewell to him
with their big hats, while some fired their revolvers, and others
yelled at the top of their lungs.

"I wonder when I'll see them again," thought Roy. "I sort of hate to
leave the old ranch, but I'm glad I'm going to New York."

He did not know all that was before him, nor what was to happen before
he again saw his friends, the cowboys.

CHAPTER IV

ROY IS PUZZLED

While Roy's father had given him some instructions as to the bes