“It’s his lost hunting-knife, as sure as you live!” echoed Will.

“Just to think of it, boys!  The beauty was in my clothes bag all the time, and I didn’t know it!  Nellie did it.  She mentions the fact in this letter, and says she was so afraid I’d hurt myself with that knife, by accident, that she rolled it up in this new flannel shirt, which I’ve never thought to put on as yet, and thrust it down at the bottom of my clothes bag.  I never thought to pull it out; and now that the big-game hunt is over I get my trusty blade.”

“Tell me about that, will you!  And you thought I was to blame,” remarked Jerry.

“For which I beg your pardon.  After all, perhaps no harm was done, and since Nellie only did it from the best of motives, why, I would be foolish to be angry.”

“Sensible for once,” observed Frank, winking at the others.

“And so we will leave the ranch without the slightest cloud on the horizon.  Fellows, all I can say is we’re a lucky lot of boys,” observed Will positively.

CHAPTER XXV

HOME AGAIN—­CONCLUSION

Saying good-by was harder than the boys had anticipated.  They had really enjoyed themselves so immensely up there at the ranch in the wilderness that the thought of never seeing it more brought gloom upon their spirits.

Of course, the fact that they were heading toward home, and the dear ones awaiting their coming, made their sorrow lighter.

They had sent their trunk away on the previous evening, so that it would be at the far distant station awaiting their coming.  On horseback, then, they were to cover the route that on their arrival they had done on a buckboard.

Mr. Mabie, Reddy and Billy accompanied them, the stockman and Billy to bring back the mounts after the train had borne their young friends away.  Reddy, of course, expected to accompany the boys East, to at least visit his family.  He could not promise to remain at home, for the magic of the magnificent country of the Northwest called loudly to him; but he was taking home his savings, and meant to make his parents happy.

“I’ll never forget all the good times you’ve given us, Mr. Mabie,” said Frank, as he squeezed the hand of their good friend when the whistle of the approaching train was heard as it came booming out of the cut, a mile away.

“My dear boy, on my part I can never thank you and your jolly chums half enough for the delightful time you’ve given me.  It will seem dreary here after you’re gone.  I haven’t been so happy for years,” was the reply of the stockman, as he beamed upon the cluster of bright faces around him.

“But you know you promised to make us a visit when we’re home from college next Christmas.  Don’t forget that, sir!” declared Will.

“I certainly will not, if I’m alive.  And Will, one of the inducements for such a long journey is the expectation of seeing that remarkable book of interesting views, containing reminders of so many of the exploits of the Outdoor Club.  I’m sure that alone would repay me for the trip,” laughed the other.