CHAPTER IX.
DICK'S WOODLAND DISCOVERY "You couldn't have come at a finer time!" cried Dick joyously, as he raced to meet the most welcome visitors.
"We're barbecuing a whole cow." "Then I trust, Prescott, that you came honestly by the cow," rejoined Dr.Bentley his eyes twinkling.
Besides Dr.and Mrs.Bentley, there were eight girls.

The visitors quickly explained that, besides the Bentley touring car, that of the Sharps was being used on this expedition, Susie Sharp being one of the girls of the party.

The Sharps did not employ a chauffeur, but their general man knew how to run the car, and he was now engaged in taking the cars to a spot well off the road.
"I'll send one of the fellows to get him," Dick promised, as he led the numerous though welcome guests to camp.
"Lucky I made a special big pudding," grinned Jim Hornby.
"The girls may have my share," gallantly offered Tom Reade, though he groaned under his breath.
"There's pudding enough for a lot more people than we have here," returned Jim.

"I don't bother making small puddings." The boys were all called in quickly to greet the girls and Dr.
and Mrs.Bentley.

Of course, the girls had to see the interior of the tent, and all the arrangements of the camp.
"I wish I were a boy," sighed Laura Bentley enviously.
"I'm glad you're not," spoke Dick gallantly.