"Say, Thad, is that agoin' to interfere with our startin' out on our little excursion?" he demanded.
The scoutmaster knew what was in his mind. He smiled as he replied:
"Oh! I don't see why it should, Step Hen. Fact is, the time's up now; and as I've said all I want to about taking care of yourselves, why you might as well make a start. There'll be enough of us left behind to take care of Colonel Kracker and his friends, if so be they do chance to call on us."
"Bring us back some nice juicy mutton, Step Hen!" called Giraffe.
"And Davy, be sure you snap 'em off in the air; we ain't from Missouri, but we like to be shown," added Bumpus.
"I say, Smithy, the country expects every man to do his duty, suh; and if you get your chance, I give you my word, suh, that little gun can be depended on every single time!" shouted the Southerner, Bob White.
And so, followed by the good wishes of their chums, the little party of big-horn hunters started forth, none knowing what strange events might be waiting for them among the wild uplifts of the Rockies.