Every one screamed, but the rider was alert and the moment the steer touched the earth, he was up on his feet, bowing and smiling. A wild cheering greeted him, but he had no claim to the prize, as that went to the rider who won the race. Polly and Eleanor became well-acquainted with Jim and Kenneth during those two days at the fair, and when it was time to say good-by, the boys felt as if they were losing two old chums. "We have to ride across the desert to-morrow, you know," explained Jim, regretfully. "That's so! where will you work next?" asked Tom. "From Rabbitt's Ear Inn to the Highway," said Kenneth. "And when will you be back again? When can you come to Pebbly Pit again to visit us?" asked Eleanor. "We may not be there again this summer, as our work now leads away from this section. In fact, the Boss says, if the cold does not come too early to interfere, he wants to finish his survey all along the other side of the desert, this year," explained Kenneth. "Oh pshaw! then we won't have any more good times," said Eleanor, poutingly. "But we will when we all meet in New York," reminded Jim. Tom looked from one to the other, for here was news! "Never mind that, Tom--it's a secret with us!" laughed Eleanor. "I'm sure it must be, for John never said a word about it to me. And if you girls were going with Anne Stewart, he would have told me," replied Tom. "You know the old adage, 'Plans of mice and men go astray,' but it did not say 'Plans of girls and mice.' So my plan will come out fine, you-all wait and see!" "Yes, I reckon we _will_ wait!" laughed Polly, incredulously. CHAPTER XII NOLLA'S PLANS DEVELOP The days passed joyously at Pebbly Pit, until John and Tom declared they must return to their work beyond Denver. They had been postponing their departure, because John had confided to his chum, that Anne was waiting to hear definitely about the school in New York City, and upon her going there depended many other important things. Tom smiled knowingly to himself, as he was sure one of the "many things" to John was his proposal to Anne. Every one felt more or less interested in the expectant letter, and when it finally arrived, Anne had a circle of anxious friends waiting to hear the verdict. "Well, I've been accepted and I am to report at the address in New York on September twenty-fifth," said Anne, hastily scanning the short note. "Hurrah! That means we go with you!" shouted Eleanor, catching hold of Anne and dancing her about. Polly looked very glum. "Anne, how does your going effect my school plans?" "You can talk about school some other time, Poll, but Tom and I have to start back to camp to-morrow, and _I_ want to know from Anne just how her going effects _me_?" demanded John, looking her in the eyes. Anne smiled bravely back at him and said: "Just what I told you. I must help Paul complete his college course, then I will be free to sign other agreements."