CHAPTER XII. 

The Boys Talk It over 

Allen and Ike Watson were soon on the way back to the ranch. Fortunately Ike Watson knew every foot of the ground, and led by the most direct route. 

As the reader knows, Paul and Chet heard them approaching and received their elder brother with open arms. 

"You look like a ghost!" declared Chet, starting back on catching sight of Allen's pale face. 

"And I feel like a shadow," responded Allen with a weary laugh. "But a good dinner and a nap will make me as bright as a dollar again." 

"He has our horses!" cried Paul. 

"Yes, but not my own," returned Allen. 

He walked into the house and was here introduced to Noel Urner. The table was at once spread, and soon both Allen and Ike Watson were regaling themselves to their heart's content. 

During the progress of the meal Allen related all of his wonderful story of the fall from the bridge, the journey on the underground river, and of his struggle to reach the open air once more. He said nothing about the wealth which lay exposed in the cavern or of the fact that it was Uncle Barnaby's mine, for he felt he had no right to mention those matters before Ike Watson and Noel Urner, friends though they might be. Uncle Barnaby had guarded his secret well and he would do the same. 

All listened with deep interest to what he had to say. 

"It was a wonder the fall into the water didn't kill you," said Paul. "Such a distance as it was!"  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Where were Allen and Ike headed?
2. What was Allen and Ike Watson's destination?
3. 
Q2:
1. Who knew how to get to the ranch?
2. Who was familiar with the path to arrive at the ranch?
3. 
Q3:
1. Did Ike Watson know the best path to the ranch?
2. Was Ike Watson familiar with the most efficient way to arrive at the ranch?
3. 
Q4:
1. Who was extremely pale?
2. Who had no color in their face?
3. 
Q5:
1. What did Chet say that Allen Watson was like?
2. What did Chet liken Allen Watson to?
3. 
Q6:
1. What would make Allen Watson feel better?
2. What would put Allen Watson in a better state?
3. 
Q7:
1. What would make Allen Watson feel better, in addition to a good dinner?
2. What would put Allen Watson in a better state, besides having a nice dinner?
3. 
Q8:
1. Whose horses did Allen and Ike have?
2. Whose steeds were in Allen and Ike Watson's possession?
3. 
Q9:
1. Who did Paul and Chet meet?
2. Who was welcomed by Paul and Chet?
3. 
Q10:
1. What was the first problem that Allen Watson had during his journey?
2. Which issue did Allen Watson first encounter on his trip?
3. 
