"They're good enough fellows, but they are full of pranks when they are not at work. No need to stir them up and make them mad."
"Got anything to eat?" demanded Bud.
"How would you like some coffee, sir?" asked Tad politely.
"Coffee?" jeered the cowboy. "Now what d'ye think of that, fellows? Ain't that right hospitable?"
"Yes, thank you, young man, I guess that would touch the spot," spoke up another of the band. "'Course we'll have some coffee."
"All right. Ned, will you and Walt fix something for the boys to eat? If you will lead your ponies over to the water hole I'll dip up some water for them in the meantime, gentlemen."
"Kiddie, yer all right," bellowed Bud Stevens. "But I've got to take a fall out of yer yet."
"Some other time," grinned Tad, who felt no fear of the hulking cowboy.
"See that nose?" demanded Bud, sticking out his head at Tad.
"Yes; what's the matter?"