As Uncle Cliff left the veranda after the conference, he was set upon by Blue Bonnet and Kitty and enticed to the lair of the We are Sevens, which chanced this time to be the summer-house in the Senorita's little garden. This rather shaky bower, overgrown by jack-beans which held together the would-be rustic structure, had once been the pride of Blue Bonnet's heart, but now, neglected--as was the garden since the advent of the ranch party--had become the residence of a large and growing family of insects. It served, however, as a very excellent spot for secret sessions such as the present one. A circular bench, very wobbly as to legs, had the advantage of bringing all the members face to face in solemn conclave. It was here their captive was haled. "What says the noble Senora?" demanded Blue Bonnet, and then before he could answer she exclaimed--"Uncle Cliff, you must help us out. Life without that camping trip will be stale, flat and unprofitable." "Oh, Blue Bonnet," said Sarah reproachfully, "how can you say that when we are having the most wonderful time that ever was?" "Sarah, don't weaken our case," Blue Bonnet admonished her. "It's your place to look positively _pining_!" "If you'll allow me to speak," remarked Uncle Cliff, "I'll put an end to your suspense. The Queen Mother says she will sacrifice herself for the weal of her subjects." "Hooray!" cried Blue Bonnet, and the cry was echoed even by Sarah. Alec and Knight, hearing the uproar on their way to the house, stopped and begged permission to enter. "Come right in and sit down on the floor," said Blue Bonnet cordially. "Alec, Grandmother says she'll go!" "So that's what all the row's about?" asked Knight. "Say, but I'm glad!" Alec's eyes shone. "Don't you think I'd better go ahead with Knight? I could pick out a camping place and have everything ready for you." He had been awaiting a favorable moment to bring forth his quietly laid scheme, and the present seemed auspicious. "I think that would be splendid," cried Blue Bonnet enthusiastically, reading Alec like a book. "But you'll wait and go with us, won't you, Uncle?" "Can't go this trip. Pete has gone up with some of the boys to cut out a bunch of beef-cattle. I'll have to see to shipping them." "Oh, Uncle,--we need you," remonstrated Blue Bonnet. "And it's almost as good to be needed as it is to be wanted. Thank you." "We want you even more than we need you," she insisted. "You'll have plenty of men creatures to tyrannize over in camp. How many boys did you say there were, Knight?" "There are twelve--and they know how to work, too." "They'll be worked all right," said Uncle Cliff with a wicked twinkle. "We must all work," said Sarah conscientiously. "I think we had better begin to plan things and get ready right away." "The first thing to do," said Blue Bonnet, "is to make a huge lot of pinoche." Sarah regarded her in astonishment. "Do you propose to live on pinoche?"