“Not without your punishment!” she said. “Doris, lock the door! Now, tell us how you worked this clever little trick!” The young man flushed, and looked helplessly from one girl to another. He made such a ridiculous picture in his long black dress, and his short hair, bereft of the wig, that the girls again broke into laughter. “I know it was partly my fault,” volunteered Lily, coming to Walter’s rescue. “I told him about the fake lieutenant.” “But where did you get the clothing?” demanded Alice. “No woman on this train would have a rig like that!” “Yes, and the wig, and rouge, and--” “Why, they belong to the actress, of course!” answered Walter. “And she was awfully nice about lending them to me!” “Girls,” said Marjorie, thoughtfully, “how do you suggest that we punish him?” The scouts were silent for a moment; then the resourceful Alice hit upon a happy plan. “Let him wear my Girl Scout uniform to dinner tonight!” she said. “And if he makes any resistance, I think we can round up his brother and one or two other boys on the train to use physical force!” The girls shrieked with joy at the brilliancy of the penalty, but the young man winced at the idea. “I’d rather go without dinner,” he said. “Oh, you’ll go to the dining-room!” said Marjorie. “We’ll see to that!” “Please be merciful!” he pleaded. “That’s such an awful punishment.” “But you seem to enjoy wearing women’s clothing,” said Alice, pleased with herself for thinking up the plan. “It will be put through,” said Marjorie, with a finality that made Walter know that she meant what she said. “Alice, will you go get your uniform?” And so, aided by three of the boys, the Girl Scouts made the poor youth go through with the punishment, much to his discomfort and embarrassment, but much to the others’ amusement. He made the resolution, however, that never again in his life would he attempt to play a joke upon Girl Scouts. “For they’re sure to get the best of you,” he remarked mournfully to his brother, after the affair was all over. CHAPTER VI. THE RANCH. The next day the girls packed their things and said goodbye to their fellow passengers. Walter Brooks still showed signs of resentment, but Marjorie insisted upon parting good friends. When they left the train at the little town of Bailey, which was nearest to their ranch, they were surprised at seeing so few houses. But upon inquiry, the station-master told them that they would find more in the other end of the place, where the hotel was situated, and the yearly “stampede” held. “What’s a stampede?” asked Doris. “Doesn’t it have something to do with run-away cattle?” “Oh, yes, a real stampede,” replied the man, laughing. “But out here we have a big time once a year with horse-races, and rough-riding, and all sorts of exciting things. We’ve had ours already--but maybe you’ll get to see one somewhere else.”