Beyond the cottonwoods he
caught a glimpse of the winding river. Then, when he turned, he saw the
foothills and the mountains in the west, with their great bowlders and
cliffs and their sturdy growths of pine.
"Aren't you glad you came, Dave?" said his sister, as she placed an
affectionate hand on his shoulder.
"Indeed I am, Laura," he replied. "Why, it looks to me as if I was going
to have the outing of my life! In fact, all of us ought to have the best
time ever!"
"Does it put you in mind of your trip to Norway?" questioned Belle.
"Hardly. That was taken during cold weather, and everything was covered
with snow and ice. Besides, the scenery was quite different." Dave
paused to sweep the horizon. "In what direction is the Merwell ranch?"
he asked.
"Over yonder," answered Belle, pointing up the river. "The little brook
flowing down between those rough rocks marks the boundary line."
"And whose cattle are those on yonder hills?"
"I am not sure, but I think they belong to papa. When you ask about
cattle you must go to Sid Todd. He knows every animal for miles around."
"I suppose your cattle are all branded?"
"Oh, yes, with a star and the letter E on either side of it. That's why
this is called Star Ranch."
"What is the Merwell brand?" asked Laura.
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