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The man said never a word in reply but if looks could kill, surely Ned must have met his finish then and there, to judge from the black scowl that settled on the heavy face of the wolf man.
In this fashion, then, they started out on what they hoped would be their last days journey before arriving at the ranch of Harrys uncle. All of the scouts seemed to be feeling particularly merry on this bright morning. Perhaps it was because of the clever way in which they had escaped from the many perils that had lain in wait to ambush them since leaving the Coast.
Were well out of gunshot distance by now, observed Jack, and hes still working with his pelts, so it doesnt seem as though wed have any trouble with that Harkness. Of all the tough looking characters Ive ever run across, he sure takes the cake. I dont believe there could be anything worse made.
At that Amos was heard to chuckle.
Oh! you think so, do you, Jack? he remarked with lofty scorn, just wait till you glimpse my awful dad, and then you can talk. Hes a holy terror! Why, even the yellow curs in the town streets take to running with their tails between their hind legs when they see him coming along. His looks and his fog-horn voice have carried him through many a tight place; but theres one hole he always sticks in. My dad is as good as a whole regiment, to make men shake in their boots; but and again did the kid puncher pause in that strange way, while a mysterious smile crept over his dark face, as though certain recollections gave him more or less amusement.
Neds curiosity had been aroused to a mild extent, but he would not ask questions, preferring to wait for time to unravel the mystery connected with these vague hints on the part of Amos Adams.
A short time later and they had lost all track of the previous nights camp in the hazy distance. And from that time forward, the scouts were interested only in what lay ahead; for somewhere far off they knew was to be found the cattle ranch to which they were bound and where a warm welcome, undoubtedly, awaited them, after their perilous hike across burning deserts, towering mountain ridges, and the valley with the evil name.
CHAPTER IX. THE HOMING PIGEON
Why, replied Ned, readily enough, you see, Amos lives over among those trees, where theres a little stream, and he hinted pretty broadly that, while we were passing, hed like us to meet up with his mother.
Oh! thats all right, Jimmy asserted. Ive taken quite a liking for the kid and a little rest will do the bunch good, anyway. One thing Ive made up my mind about, Ned, and I dont care who hears me say it.
All right, pitch in, and lets get the glad news, Jimmy, remarked Jack, from a point near by.
Never again for me to start our on a trip afoot while Im here in this hot country! Jimmy declared solemnly, holding up his hand, as though he were in the witness box. What sillies we were not to have thought of that instead of putting our good cash into that bunco automobile that played out before it even got decently started.
It seems that weve all learned our little lesson, Ned admitted, and after this we ride, if we go at all. Cars may do very well, where there are half-way decent roads; but out on the sandy desert and on the plains give me a broncho every time.
But say, are you fellows noticing how jolly this scenery is around here? Harry wanted
to know just then, from the rear. Look at that sage brush on the slope of that low hill over to the right. It must be breast high to a horse, and seems like I could smell its fragrance away off here. How gray it looks, except where the wind waves it and then it seems nearly purple.
Yes, added Ned, and this must be what they call rattlesnake weed, though I dont know what its got to do with the crawlers. You can see the grasshoppers jumping in that lush stuff where the grounds moist. And theres a king bird sitting on that high weed yonder.
Listen to the gophers whistling a warning to their kind, when they see us coming, remarked Jack. Yes, Harry, youre right, this is worth looking at. Why, I wouldnt be surprised now, if at night-time, you could hear the drowsy chirp of the crickets and the shrill rattle of katydids around here. A bigger contrast to what we went through in that desert you couldnt imagine.
Its sure all to the good, asserted Jimmy, and I dont blame that mother of Amos for pitching her dugout in this particular region. But mebbe shell be sorry the boy didnt fetch any game home with him.
Oh! Amos says he means to start out again in a different direction and knows where hes pretty sure to get an antelope, anyhow, Jack remarked.
They were now approaching the trees in which some sort of human habitation evidently had been constructed, for smoke was seen curling lazily upward.
It proved to be one of those half-dugout, half-building which is to be found in many parts of the Wild West where lumber is scarce. As there was practically no winter weather in this part of the country, it answered all purposes, though far from a thing of beauty.