The guide nodded his head.
"I don't know of any better arrangement," said Fred; "we can gather enough wood to keep a fire going, and, if rain should set in, shall have as good shelter as if in the house on the ranch."
"That's it; and you mustn't furgit one thing," added Hazletine; "we fetched along just 'nough stuff fur dinner. We haven't anything left fur supper. None of the cattle git this fur into the mountains, so we can't count on them. Therefore, we've the ch'ice atween shooting game or starving to death."
"That's enough to make us all do our best, but we cannot suffer so long as we have you for our companion."
"But you ain't going to have me fur your companion."
The boys stared at their friend in astonishment. He explained:
"There ain't much show fur three persons to find game as long as they stick together. The right way is fur 'em all to part and each keep it up on his own hook. A chap isn't in half the danger of being seen by the deer or sheep, or whatever it may be he's after; and he has the chance, too, to show what stuff he's made of."
"Then you intend to leave us?"
"You've hit it the first time. I'll start out on my own bus'ness, meaning to be back here while the night's young."
Observing significant looks passing between the boys, the man hastened to add: