"Yes; it's a very serious matter for an outfit of this kind to lose its cook. We could get along without a foreman very well, but not without a cook."
"Especially when you have a bunch of hungry boys with you. What about the new ponies?"
"I'll ride over to Colonel McClure's ranch in the morning and see what we can do. You may go with me if you wish."
"I should like to very much. Is that where you expect to get the other herd of cattle as well?"
"Yes. Better take an earlier trick on guard to-night, for we shall start right after breakfast in the morning."
"Very well," replied Tad. "Guess I'll get my coffee now."
Big-foot Sanders was already helping himself to the steaming beverage, when Tad reached the chuck wagon.
"Well, kid, what about it?" greeted the big cowman.
"What about what?"
"Trouble."