Page:Ruth Fielding at Silver Ranch.djvu/85



Ruth arrived at Silver Ranch that afternoon she found that the ranchman's niece and the other girls had planned an outing for the following day into the hills West of the range over which Mr. Hicks' cattle fed. It was to be a picnic jaunt, the object being mainly to view the wonderful "natural bridge" in a small canon, some thirty miles from the ranch.

A sixty-mile drive within twenty-four hours seemed a big undertaking in the minds of the Eastern young folk; but Jane Ann said that the ponies and mules could stand it. It was probable, however, that none of the visitors could stand the ride in the saddle, so arrangements had been made for both buckboards to be used.

Tom and Bob were each to drive one of the vehicles. Jib Pottoway was to go as guide and general mentor of the party, and one of the little 'Mexican boys would drive the supply wagon, to which were hitched two trotting mules. The start would be made at three in the morning; therefore