That's one, place we KNOW has got grass
and water both. If you come and don't see any sign of us, wait a day before
you start back to town. We'll do the same. And leave a note anchored in the
crack of that big bowlder by the spring, telling the news. We'll do the same
if we get there first and don't wait for you." He hesitated, betraying that
even in his eagerness he too dreaded the parting of the ways. "Well, so long,
boys--take care of yourselves."
"Well, now, I ain't so dang shore--" Applehead began querulously.
But Luck only grinned and waved his hand as he led the way to the south on the
trail that obviously had skirted the side of the square butte. The four who
went with him looked back and waved non-committal adieu; and Big Medicine,
once he was fairly away, shouted back to them to look out for Navvies, and
then laughed with a mirthless uproar that deceived no one into thinking he was
amused. Pink and Weary raised their voices sufficiently to tell him where he
could go, ,and settled themselves dejectedly in their saddles again.
"Well, I ain't so darned sure, either," Lite Avery tardily echoed Applehead's
vague statement, in the dry way he had of speaking detached sentiments from
the mental activities that went on behind his calm, mask-like face and his
quiet eyes.
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