"Well, we can't stop for stories just now," said Mr. Endicott. "It's a long ride to the ranch, and they'll be more than hungry by the time we get there. Todd, bring up the horses, and tell Jerry to dump all the baggage in the wagon. Do you all want to ride horseback, or does somebody prefer a seat in the wagon?" "Oh, let us ride horseback, if you have animals enough!" cried Laura. "You're willing, aren't you, Jessie?" "I--I guess so," said Jessie, rather timidly. "That is, if you don't ride too fast." "We'll take it easy," said Belle. "And if you get tired you can wait for the wagon." A number of sturdy-looking animals were brought up, and the entire party proceeded to mount, the boys assisting Laura and Jessie. In the meantime Sid Todd went off, to return with a ranch wagon, driven by an old man smoking a corncob pipe. "Hello, Uncle Jerry!" cried Laura, pleasantly, and the others soon learned that the old man was known by that name and no other. He had been attached to the ranch when Mr. Endicott purchased the place, and knew no other home. He and Todd placed the baggage in the wagon, and then the cowboy swung himself into the saddle of his own steed, that had been brought to the station for him. Just as the party was about to leave, a tall, thin, and well-dressed man dashed up, riding a coal-black steed. As he came closer Laura gave a start and motioned for Dave to come closer. "Who is it?" asked Dave, in a low voice. "That is Mr. Merwell," answered his sister. CHAPTER XI THE ARRIVAL AT STAR RANCH Mr. Felix Merwell bowed stiffly to Mr. Endicott, and, on seeing Laura, raised his hat slightly. Both of the others bowed in return. Then the eyes of the newcomer swept the vicinity of the little railroad station. "See anything of my son, Link?" he asked, of Sid Todd. "No, sir," was the short reply. It was quite evident that the cowboy and the ranch owner were not on very friendly terms. "Humph! I thought sure he'd be on this train," muttered Mr. Merwell, to no one in particular. He looked at the boys. "You came in on the train that just left, I suppose," he said. "We did," answered Dave. "See anything of a boy about your own age in Helena, at the depot? He was coming on the eastern train." "Your son wasn't on the train," answered Dave. "Ah! you know him?" "Yes." "Who are you, may I ask? I do not remember seeing you before." "I am Dave Porter. Link and I went to Oak Hall together." "Ah, I see!" Mr. Merwell drew a long breath and nodded his head knowingly. "Dave Porter, you said. And who are these young men?" "My school chums, Roger Morr and Phil Lawrence." "Indeed! Then you are the young men who caused my son so much trouble--caused him to be sent away, in fact," continued Mr. Merwell, and he glared hatefully at the three lads. "It was Link's own fault that he was sent away," answered the senator's son. "If he had behaved himself he would have had no trouble."