“Yes, but all horses out here are branded,” explained Arthur; “so if they do get lost, they usually are sent back. Of course we do have horse-thieves here, just the same as anywhere else.” “What I’d like to see,” said Marjorie, after a few minutes of silence, “is some genuine horse-breaking. Just imagine making animals that have never been used to anything like that, learn to obey the reins!” “That is an interesting sight,” said Bob; “and you’ll surely see some of it before you go home.” The girls stayed out until after eight o’clock, enjoying the exercise and the novelty of the adventure exceedingly. If it had not been for their ever increasing hunger, they would willingly have kept on riding all morning. When they entered the dining-room, they found the rest of the party already seated, most of them half through their meal. The girls stood upon no ceremony, but plunged immediately into the business of the moment. “Did you have a good time?” asked Alice, enviously. She wished that she had had the moral courage to get up so early in the morning to go with them. “Fine!” cried Marjorie, her eyes sparkling. “But you haven’t heard the news yet!” exclaimed Florence. “We’re all going to a Stampede!” “Where? When?” demanded both girls in the same breath. “We drive over to Crider--a distance of about forty miles--this afternoon,” said Mr. Hilton, “and get our rooms at the hotel. The Stampede begins there tomorrow, and lasts three days.” “Oh, how thrilling!” cried Marjorie. “I’m so glad we’re going to see one.” “Is there anything on the program for this morning?” asked Florence, rising from the table. “Yes, a ride for anybody who wants to go, and a swim afterwards.” Marjorie and Ethel, who felt a little stiff from their strenuous exercise that morning, decided to remain at home, although all the rest of the scouts wanted to go. Marjorie went into her cabin, and selected some scout literature which she had received from headquarters, to take over with her to the porch, where she would examine it at her leisure. Ethel followed her with some writing materials, and both girls spent their time quietly and profitably until the party returned. “Come on now! Cut out the study!” cried Bob Hilton, riding right up to the porch. “Time for a swim!” “Is the water deep?” asked Alice, whose horse was just behind his. “No, it really isn’t any wonderful swimming hole,” replied the young man. “So don’t get your hopes up too high.” “Well, just as long as it’s nice and cool,” said Florence. “This sun is getting pretty hot.” “Oh, it will cool you off, all right!” said Arthur, with a sly wink at his brother.