"Our late war proved that, I think."
The train had stopped, but there were no signs of a station, although two or three rather dilapidated houses and a typical Western saloon could be seen a short distance ahead.
"Wonder what we are stopping here for," remarked the Cowboy; "it strikes me we've been here a pretty long time."
Just then the porter passed the door of the smoking compartment, and the Cowboy called to him:
"Say, porter, what's the matter? Seems to me we have been stoppin' here a whole lot. What's the name of this metropolis?"
"It's mighty lucky you've got whole necks," answered the porter. "The eccentric, or something about the engine, is broke, and we came mighty near having a bad accident. They've sent on for another engine."
"That's pleasant," remarked the Eastern man. "How long do you think we shall have to stay here before the other engine arrives?"
"Give it up," said the porter. "Maybe an hour, maybe two; can't tell exactly. The train conductor will be along pretty soon and he will know all about it."
"Guess I'll have to appoint myself a committee of one to investigate," remarked the Cowboy.