But now Mrs. Melton's housewifely instincts asserted themselves, and she
shooed the boys off to their rooms to rid themselves of the dust of the
journey, while she bustled round to get supper on the table.
A few minutes later and they were gathered at supper in the
brightly-lighted, well-furnished dining-room of the ranch. It was a jolly
party, where every one radiated happiness and good nature. There was not
a particle of stiffness or pretence in that wholesome environment. The
delight of their hosts in having them there found an echo in the hearts
of the boys, and they were soon on as genial and friendly a footing as
though they had known them all their lives.
And that supper! To the hungry boys, with their naturally keen appetites
still further sharpened by the long ride, it seemed a feast fit for the
Gods. The table fairly groaned beneath the weight of good things placed
upon it. Crisp trout freshly taken from the mountain brook, a delicious
roast flanked by snowy mounds of potatoes and vegetables just plucked
from the garden patch, luscious berries warm with the sun, deluged with
rich cream, and pastries "such as mother used to make" offered a
challenge to the boys that they gleefully accepted.
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