Senator Morr and his wife greeted Dave warmly. The four had breakfast in a private dining-room, and during the course of the meal the senator had much to say regarding the departure of his son and Dave for Texas. "I know one or two of the men connected with the Mentor Construction Company," said the senator. "They are very fine fellows, and I think they will see to it that you are treated rightly." "Dad, of course, has some influence with them," broke in Roger, "being a senator, you know." "I don't use my influence that way, Roger," answered the father, shortly. "You must not expect special favors because I happen to be a United States senator. I expect you to make your way on your own merit." "And that's what I'm going to do," answered the son, promptly. "I do hope both of you boys keep out of trouble," said Mrs. Morr. "You are going close to the border of Mexico, and there has been fighting going on along that border for many months." "We are not going down there to get into any fights," answered Dave. "We are going down there to attend strictly to business. If the Mexicans will only leave us alone, we'll leave them alone." Dave and Roger had at first thought to go to Texas by the way of New Orleans and Houston, but after some thought they decided to take the journey by the way of St. Louis, Kansas City and San Antonio. Their train was to leave on the following morning, so that the two youths had a whole day practically to themselves. "Now I am in Washington I'd like to take a look around," said Dave. "I knew you'd like to do that, so I got everything ready beforehand," announced his chum. "We'll spend to-day in sightseeing." They visited the Capitol and the White House, and numerous other buildings, and almost before they were aware it was evening. Then Mrs. Morr insisted upon it that her son retire early, knowing what a hard journey was before him. The senator's son had received word that the Mentor Construction Company had opened a temporary office at San Antonio, and the two youths were to report there before proceeding farther. The engineering corps to which they had been assigned was on the point of moving from one place to another, and they were to get definite instructions at San Antonio regarding their further movements. "Well, good-bye and good luck to you!" said the senator, who came down to the depot with them to see them off. "Good-bye, Dad," answered Roger, shaking hands warmly. Dave, too, shook hands with his chum's father. Then, in a moment more, the two youths were off on their long journey to Texas. "This kind of traveling is rather different from what the pioneers put up with," remarked Roger, as the two settled themselves in their comfortable seats, they having a whole section of the sleeper to themselves. "Think of what it must have been to travel thousands of miles in a boomer wagon behind a team of mules or oxen!"