At last they reached the X Bar X with the cattle. It was a long, dusty, hot ride, but to Teddy and Roy it was just a pleasure jaunt. The cattle were placed in the X Bar X corral until Mr. Ball should send for them. Mr. Manley was overjoyed to see General again, and insisted on riding with the two boys back to the cabin where they had left Checkered Shirt, although Mrs. Manley was sure they would fall asleep in their saddles. They decided that it would be better to bring the wounded man back to the ranch if he could be moved, rather than to waste time getting a doctor to the out-of-the-way cabin. To his wife’s objection that he needed rest, Mr. Manley answered: “Don’t worry about us, Barbara. We won’t fall asleep. Not on these broncs! Hey, Teddy? Nick, when the sheriff comes, tell a few of the boys to saddle up and help him bring those four galoots to Hawley. Guess they won’t give you no trouble. All right, boys, let’s go!” When Mr. Manley and his two sons reached the cabin they noticed that the door was open. Dismounting, they walked in. The shack was deserted. On the floor in front of the fireplace was a branding iron, resting on a piece of paper. Bending over, Teddy picked the paper up. On it were the words: “Thanks fer helpin me out. Sorry I got to leev so soon, but I gess you no wy. My cut is mos better. Think Ill tak yore advice an quit rustlin. I just noticed the X on this iron ain’t korreck. The top is to large. So Im quittin. So long. Good luck to you. “Brand.” “Can you beat that?” Roy said, with a chuckle. “Stopping because he made a mistake in a branding iron! Funny rustler, isn’t he? I sort of like him, though. He’s no coward. Well, we may as well start back. Baby, I’m getting sleepy! Wait!” He seized the iron that lay on the floor. “For a souvenir. We’ll remember this summer, anyway! So long, Checkered Shirt! Good luck to you, too!” Indeed, the summer did linger long in the boys’ memories. More exciting times were in store for them, as will be told in the next book, called “The X Bar X Boys in Thunder Canyon.” But they never forgot their adventures while chasing the rustlers and looking for their stolen horses. As they mounted and turned their faces toward home, Roy looked over at Teddy. Mr. Manley smiled, for he knew what was coming. “Want to ride over to see Curly tomorrow?” the boy asked, with a grin. Teddy smiled casually. “My boy,” he said, “your innocence is sublime! We will ride to see Nell, and maybe Ethel will be there. How about that?” “Race you to that bush!” Roy returned. “Come on, Dad! Get in this! Let’s see what General can do!” With a yell the three started. Over the prairie they raced, their laughter ringing high. Neck and neck the three ponies reached the bush, and with happy hearts the two boys and their father rode homeward. THE END