"Hunting rustlers, I reckon," Skinny replied. "Thinks they are tunnelling an' coming up under him, I suppose. Hey! Johnny!"
Johnny turned, peering at the chaparral.
"What are you doing?" yelled Skinny.
"Hunting snakes."
Skinny laughed and turned to watch the mesa, from which lead was coming.
"Can you cover me if I make a break?" shouted Johnny, hopefully.
"No; stay where you are!" shouted Pete, and then ducked.
"Stop yelling and move about some or you'll get us both hit," ordered Skinny. "Them fellers can shoot!"
"Come on; let's go ahead. Johnny can stay out there till dark an' hunt snakes," Pete was getting sarcastic. "Wonder if he reckons we came here to get shot at just to hunt snakes!"
"No; we'll help him in," Skinny replied. "You'll find th' rattlers made it too hot for him up there. Start shooting."