"It doesn't make much difference, so long as we are blessed, or rather tortured, with such appetites as we have had ever since we struck Wyoming."
From where they sat at the mouth of the cavern they saw all three of their ponies cropping the succulent grass. It was evident that nothing could add to their enjoyment of this outing.
Naturally the boys speculated over the absence of their guide.
"He must have expected to spend the night with us. And, Fred, perhaps it will be just as well, when he does come, that we don't tell him how I passed the time when trying to act the sentinel."
"I surely shall not, unless he questions us so closely that we cannot help letting him know the truth."
"He will have a small opinion of us."
"Why of 'us?'"
"Because you would have done the same as I."
"That has not yet been proven."
"Well, say 'myself,' if that suits better."