"No doubt of that, sir," was the prompt answer. "But, as you say, miniatures are much better than nothing. In fact, I'd rather take a fortune in soft soap than not get it at all," and at this remark there was a general laugh. "Oh, my gracious, Ben! what would you do with a hundred thousand dollars' worth of soft soap?" queried Laura, slyly. "Oh, I'd go around and smooth down all my friends and enemies with it," the boy returned, and this caused another laugh. Several more days passed, and during that time Dave and Roger continued to devote themselves to their studies. Mr. Ramsdell, the old civil engineer, was on hand to tutor the two youths, and he declared that they were making satisfactory progress, and that he thought they would pass the coming examinations without much trouble. "I wish I felt as confident about it as Mr. Ramsdell does," observed our hero to his chum one day. "The same here, Dave," returned Roger. "Every time I think of that examination I fairly shake in my shoes. Passing at Oak Hall wasn't a patch to passing as a civil engineer." There had been another fall of snow, and now sleighing was even better than before. Jessie and Laura went out in company with their uncle, and on their return both showed some excitement. "Oh, Dave--Roger--what do you think!" cried Laura. "I've got a letter from Belle Endicott, and she is coming on from Star Ranch to spend several weeks with me, and she is going to bring along one of her old school chums, Cora Dartmore. What do you think of that? Won't it be fine?" "It certainly will be, Laura," answered her brother. "When do you expect them to arrive?" "They are coming on immediately; so I suppose they'll be here in a day or two if they are following this letter." Laura looked inquiringly at Dave. "What a pity Phil Lawrence isn't here," she half whispered. Both of them knew that during the visit of the young folks to the Endicott ranch the shipowner's son and Belle Endicott had become exceedingly friendly. "Well, I've invited Phil to come here," answered Dave. "I guess all I've got to do is to mention Belle to him and he'll be on the way without delay." "Then, by all means, send him word," returned the sister. "Then we can make up a fine little party, for we can pair Cora Dartmore off with Ben." A letter from Dave to Phil Lawrence was dispatched that evening, and the next day came a telegram from the shipowner's son stating that he would come on that night. "I knew the mention of Belle would fetch Phil," remarked Dave to Roger, when they were alone. "Phil certainly has got an eye on that girl." "Well, you can't blame him, Dave. Belle Endicott is a splendid girl and comes from a splendid family. I'll never forget how royally they treated us when we were at Star Ranch." "Yes, we certainly did have one grand time, in spite of what Link Merwell did to annoy us."