“That’s the first time I ever heard of choosing a college because it was a long way from home,” laughed Hal. “I’d like to meet that father of yours.” “Better go back with me Christmas,” said Burley. Hal stared at him doubtfully, undecided whether to laugh or not. “Of course,” continued Burley, carelessly, “we haven’t got much out there. It’s pretty much all alfalfa and sage-bush around Blackwater. But the hills aren’t far, and there’s good hunting up toward Routt. You fellows all better come; the old man would be pleased to have you.” Hal stared wide-eyed. “Aren’t you fooling?” he gasped. “Fooling?” Burley echoed. “Why, no, I ain’t fooling. What’s wrong?” “Nothing; but of course we couldn’t do it, you know; at least, I’m plumb sure I couldn’t.” Hal looked doubtfully at the others. “Nor I,” said Allan. “I only wish I could.” “Same here,” said Tommy, wistfully. “I’d give a heap to have the chance.” “Sorry,” answered Burley. “Perhaps in the summer, or some other time, when you haven’t got anything better. I suppose your folks want you at home Christmas?” “Y-yes,” replied Hal, “but it isn’t altogether that; there’s the expense, you see.” “Oh, it wouldn’t cost you anything much,” said Burley. “It’s all on me. You’d better say you’ll come.” Hal’s eyes opened wider than before. “You mean you’d pay our fares--all our fares--out to Colorado and back?” he asked. “Sure. We’d only have about a week out there, but we could do a lot of damage in a week.” Hal was silent from amazement. Allan stammered his thanks. Tommy merely sat and stared at Burley, as though fascinated. The latter translated silence into assent. “Well, we’ll call it fixed, eh?” he asked, heartily. “Thunder, no!” exploded Hal. “We couldn’t do that, Burley. We’re awfully much obliged, but, of course, if we went out there to visit you, we’d pay our own way. And I don’t believe any of us could do that--this Christmas, at least.” “Oh, be good!” said Burley. “Now, look here; I’d let you do that much for me.” “But we couldn’t,” said Allan. “Well, you would if you could, of course; wouldn’t you, now?” “Why--er--I suppose we would,” Allan faltered. “Well, there you are!” said Burley, triumphantly. “That settles it.” It took the others some time to prove to him that it didn’t settle it, and Burley listened with polite, but disapproving, attention. When the argument was concluded, he shook his head sorrowfully.