"No more'n usual. He's looking for Antonio."
"Again?" asked Lanky, grinning. "Ain't you found him yet?"
"Ah, go on. I'll find him when I want him," Johnny retorted.
When Lanky had heard Buck's orders he frowned.
"We'll hold it all right. Wait for Billy, he'll be along purty soon. I left him chasing some cows."
"Got yore saddle so it'll stay together for more'n ten minutes at a time?" asked Johnny.
"I bought Billy's old one," Lanky replied. "Got anything to say about it?"
Billy Williams, pessimist by nature and choice, rode up and joined them and, laughing and joking, they rode towards the Peak, to see if Buck had any further orders. But they had not gone far before Hopalong stopped and thought. "You go on. I'll stay out here an' watch things."
"I'm with you, Hoppy," Johnny offered. "You fellers go on; me an' Hopalong'll take care of th' line out here."
"All right," replied Lanky. "So long."