Dave was also happy, although sorry that the girls, and especially Jessie, would not be along.
"All ready!" cried Todd, half an hour later, when the horses had been brought around to the piazza.
"I am!" cried Dave.
"So am I," came from Phil and Roger.
"Then good-by, everybody!" shouted the cowboy, swinging his sombrero, and off he galloped.

The boys said farewell, the girls waved their handkerchiefs, one of the hands fired off his pistol, and away the lads went after Todd; and the grand hunt was begun.
It was still early and delightfully cool, with a faint breeze blowing from the distant mountains, for which they were headed.

Todd had already told them that they were to keep on steadily until exactly noon, crossing the river, and following a brook that came from the upper hills.
"I know a fine spot to stop for dinner," he said.

"And we can make it if you'll keep up with me." He always took his dinner at noon, having no use for "lunch" at any time.
On and on over the smooth plains the party galloped, and by the middle of the forenoon reached the river.
"No use in stopping for a mess of fish, I suppose," said the senator's son, wistfully.
"You can catch 'em up in the hills just as well," answered the cowboy.
"Sweeter, too, maybe," he added.

Many fishermen think that the higher up a stream you go for fish, the sweeter they are to the taste.
The cowboy had certainly set a smart pace, but none of the boys grumbled, for they were as anxious as he to reach the mountains and look for game.
"Of course you can keep your eyes open around here," he said, as they galloped along.