"Take your advice to yourself," he muttered. Colonel McClure proved an entertaining host, and the boys were led on to talk about themselves during most of the meal. Especially were their hosts interested in the story of the discovery of the Lost Claim, which the boys had found on their trip in the Rockies. "I have wanted to ask you about the old church between here and camp, Mr. McClure," said Tad at the first opportunity. "Very interesting old ruin, sir," answered the host. "Built by the Mexicans more than a hundred years ago." "Yes, so I understand." "Is it true that there's spooks in that place?" interrupted Stacy. Everybody laughed. Tad glanced sharply at Ruth Brayton. He noticed a curious flush on her face, and the strained look that he had observed in her eyes on the previous day was again there. Almost the instant he caught it it was gone. "I'm afraid you have been misinformed, Master Stacy," answered Colonel McClure. "How about the trouble that the cattle men experience when near the place?" spoke up Ned Rector. "The cowmen are sure there is something in the story." "Nothing at all--nothing at all. Just a mere coincidence. We live here and we have no more than the usual run of ill luck with our stock." "Stampedes?" asked Tad. "Seldom anything of that sort. You see our stock is held by wire fences. If they want to stampede we let them--let them run until they are tired of it." "I should like to explore the old church," said Tad, again referring to the subject uppermost in his mind. "Nothing to hinder. Ruth, why can't you and the girls take the young men over there to-morrow if the day is fine? You know the place and its history. I am sure they would enjoy having you do so." "We should be delighted," answered Ned Rector promptly. "We might make it a picnic," suggested Margaret McClure. "And have things to eat?" asked Stacy, evincing a keen interest in the proposal. "Of course," smiled Mrs. McClure. "A picnic would not be a picnic without a spread on the ground. I will send some of the servants over to serve the picnic lunch." "Thank you," smiled Tad gratefully. "It will be a happy afternoon for all of us if Miss Brayton can find the time to take us." "Of course Ruth will go," nodded Mrs. McClure. "Yes," answered the young woman. "What time shall we arrange to start, auntie?" "Say eleven o'clock, if that will suit the young men." "Perfectly," answered Tad. "You might first take a gallop to the Springs. That will give you all an appetite." "Where are the Springs?" asked Ned. "About seven miles to the eastward of the ranch. A most picturesque place," answered Colonel McClure. "Professor, while the young people are enjoying themselves, suppose you ride over here and spend the afternoon with me? We can ride about the ranch if it would please you." "I should be delighted."