CHAPTER XII.

The Boys Talk It over

Allen and Ike Watson were soon on the way back to the ranch. Fortunately Ike Watson knew every foot of the ground, and led by the most direct route.

As the reader knows, Paul and Chet heard them approaching and received their elder brother with open arms.

"You look like a ghost!" declared Chet, starting back on catching sight of Allen's pale face.

"And I feel like a shadow," responded Allen with a weary laugh. "But a good dinner and a nap will make me as bright as a dollar again."

"He has our horses!" cried Paul.

"Yes, but not my own," returned Allen.

He walked into the house and was here introduced to Noel Urner. The table was at once spread, and soon both Allen and Ike Watson were regaling themselves to their heart's content.

During the progress of the meal Allen related all of his wonderful story of the fall from the bridge, the journey on the underground river, and of his struggle to reach the open air once more. He said nothing about the wealth which lay exposed in the cavern or of the fact that it was Uncle Barnaby's mine, for he felt he had no right to mention those matters before Ike Watson and Noel Urner, friends though they might be. Uncle Barnaby had guarded his secret well and he would do the same.

All listened with deep interest to what he had to say.

"It was a wonder the fall into the water didn't kill you," said Paul. "Such a distance as it was!"

Answer the following questions:
1. Where were they headed?
2. who knew the way?
3. Did he know the best path?
4. Who looked very pale?
5. But what did he say he was like?
6. what would make him feel better?
7. and?
8. whose steeds did they have?
9. Who did they then meet?
10. What was the first trial of allen's journey?

Numbered answers:
1. the ranch
2. Ike Watson
3. Yes
4. Allen
5. a ghost
6. a good dinner
7. a nap
8. unknown
9. their elder brother
10. the fall into the water