start a hotel hereabouts

Behind him came, in single file, four wiry looking little cayuses, saddled and bridled ready for their riders. These were followed by three pack animals of rather sorry appearance, but, as the party was to learn later, of proved ability on the trail.

You Professor Summered?” he hailed, in a deep, hearty voice, as he saw the professor and the boys standing in a group outside the little depot, eying him with deep interest and attention.

Wintergreen, sir! Wintergreen!” exclaimed the professor rather testily.

Oh, ho! ho! Beg your pardon. I’m Mountain Jim Bothwell, at your service. Sorry to be late, but the trail up above is none too good.”

He struck his pony with his spurs, and the whole procession broke into an ambling trot coming down the trail in a cloud of yellow dust toward the waiting group of travelers.
CHAPTER V.  THE START FOR THE ROCKIES.
Great Blue Bells of Scotland!”

Mountain Jim Bothwell uttered the exclamation as he gazed at the immense pile of baggage labeled H. D. Ware.

Say, who is H. D. Ware, anyhow? He goin’ to start a hotel hereabouts? When’s the wagons comin’ for all this truck?”

That’s my camping equipment,” struck in H. D. Ware,” looking rather red and uncomfortable under the appraising blue eye of Mountain Jim.

Young feller,” spoke Jim solemnly, you’d need an ocean liner to transport all that duffle. We ain’t goin’ to sea; we’re goin’ inter the mountains. What you got in there, anyhow?”

Dingbats,” said Ralph quietly, a mischievous smile playing about his mouth.

Dingbats? Great Bells of Scotland, what’s them?”

The things that the sporting goods catalogues say no camper should be without,” exclaimed Ralph; we told him, but it wasn’t any good.”

Well, my mother said I was to have every comfort,” said poor Hardware, crimsoning under the guide’s amused scrutiny. When we were camping in Maine——”