Mud was easy to procure, and all used it liberally, and before long the pain and swelling began to go down. But their sufferings did not cease entirely until many hours afterwards, while poor Hans could not use one eye for two days.
"After this, we had better keep our eyes open for hornets' nests," observed Dick.
"I certainly don't want to be stung again," said Sam.
"I believe a fellow could be stung to death by such pests," ventured
Fred.
"Yes, and a horrible death it would be," answered Dick.
The encounter with the hornets had delayed them greatly, and it was getting toward nightfall before they went on their way again.
"We may as well take our time," said Tom. "We can't reach Red Rock ranch until to-morrow."
After crossing a level stretch of prairie, they came to the edge of a woods. Not far off was a shack similar to those to be seen all over this section of our country.
"Hullo, here is a house," cried Dick. "I wonder if anybody lives here?"
He dismounted and, walking forward, looked into the shack. On a bed of boughs a heavy-set man was sleeping.