“Yes, for we counted on going back,” Jerry answered.
Arrangements were quickly made to get the cowboys, under the leadership of the foreman, off on their trip.
“I wish I was going along!” exclaimed Mr. Munson, as he limped around the room where the talk had been going on.
“Why aren’t you?” asked Hinkee Dee in some surprise. “They’ll need every man they can get, and the boss has signed up more of the cowboys to go with him than I like to see leave the ranch. It makes us short-handed.”
“I don’t see how I can go,” replied the cattle buyer. “My leg doesn’t seem to be getting on as well as I expected. It pains me a lot and if I go up there, where the trail is steep, I might have to walk. I couldn’t do that very well now,” and he limped more than ever. “I’d be more of a hindrance than a help.”
“Well, I reckon there’s something in that,” agreed the assistant foreman. “Do as you think best.”
“Then I’ll stay until my leg gets better.”
“Hadn’t you better let the doctor look at it?” asked Jerry with a wink, seen only by his chums.
“Yes, I think I shall,” was Munson’s cool answer. “I’ll ride in to town and let the doc have a look some day if it doesn’t heal soon. It doesn’t hurt me to ride on the level.”
“What do you suppose his game is—playing off like that?” asked Ned of his tall chum when the three were by themselves.