CHAPTER XXII.
TED IN THE TOILS.
The following morning an impressive cavalcade set out for the ranch of
Colonel Billings, led by the genial owner himself. Behind him came Ted
and Stella, between whom rode little Dick.
Then came Mrs. Graham in a well-appointed carriage, and acting as her
outriders and escorts were the boys. When they arrived at the ranch,
after passing numerous herds of fine cattle on the way, they found one
of the finest ranch houses in the West.
It was a great, white modern structure that could be seen for miles
across the level prairie, which showed hardly a single rise or
depression in all the miles they had ridden.
None of the guests whom the colonel had told Ted would be present
accompanied the party. The colonel explained this by saying that other
matters had detained them in town, and that he preferred to permit them
to follow, rather than defer the pleasure of being their escort.
This was said with so much sincerity that Ted could not doubt him. Mrs.
Graham and Stella were ensconced in a large apartment on the first
floor, with large windows opening upon a wide veranda.
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