"I am not sure, but I think they belong to papa. When you ask about cattle you must go to Sid Todd. He knows every animal for miles around." "I suppose your cattle are all branded?" "Oh, yes, with a star and the letter E on either side of it. That's why this is called Star Ranch." "What is the Merwell brand?" asked Laura. "A triple cross." Breakfast was soon announced, and all the girls and boys assembled in the dining-hall. While they ate the meal, Mr. Endicott told the newcomers much about his ranch, and also about the people working for him. "I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble with Mr. Merwell's son," said the railroad president. "I am afraid it will make matters worse out here--and they are bad enough as it is." "But I am sure Dave and his chums are not to blame, Mr. Endicott," said Laura, hastily. "Oh, I am sure of that myself--for I know something of Link Merwell and his headstrong temper,--a temper he gets largely from his father. If it were not for that temper, I think Mr. Merwell and myself might be on better terms." "We have had trouble over one of the hired men, Hank Snogger," explained Belle. "Snogger used to work for us, but Mr. Merwell hired him away." "That wasn't a very nice thing to do," was Roger's comment. "If it had been done openly it would not have been so bad," said Mr. Endicott. "But it was done secretly, and Snogger was gone almost before I knew it. He was a valuable man and I felt his loss keenly." "I suppose Mr. Merwell offered him more wages," said Phil. "Probably, although I paid Snogger a good salary. I don't know what game Merwell played to get the fellow, but he got him." "It's exactly like some of Link's underhanded work at Oak Hall," was Roger's comment. "Father and son must be very much alike." "While you are here I would advise you to steer clear of the Merwells," was Mr. Endicott's advice. "I'd not even go on their land if you can help it. There are plenty of other places to go to." "I'll not go near his ranch, if I know it," answered Dave. "It is queer that Link did not come on the train with you, if his father was expecting him." "Oh, most likely he stopped off somewhere to have a good time," answered the senator's son. "A fellow like Link would be apt to find life slow on a ranch." After breakfast Mr. Endicott and Belle took the boys and girls around the ranch buildings, which were quite numerous. The girls were interested in some fancy chickens and pigeons Belle owned, and the boys grew enthusiastic over the horses. "I never saw better animals!" cried Dave, his eyes resting on a black horse that was truly a beauty. "What's his name?" he asked. "Hero," answered Mr. Endicott. "He can go, let me tell you. You can try him this afternoon, if you wish." "Thank you, perhaps I will." "And if you like him, you can use Hero during your stay here," went on the railroad president, and then he pointed out various horses that the others might use.