"Say, fellows, this saddle is getting harder every minute," called Chunky, who was riding back and forth behind the pack train, urging on the burros.
"Stand up in your stirrups now and then," suggested Tad.
"What, in my bare feet?" yelled the fat boy. "Think I want to get pancake feet?"
"Chunky's getting aristocratic," jeered Ned. "He's so proud of those high insteps of his that he has to take off his shoes every little while to look at his feet. He's afraid they'll cave in some time when he isn't looking."
Daylight came all too soon, and following it the sun burst forth in a blaze of heat. Ahead of them across the desert they were able to make out the town of Eureka.
"Say, Mr. Parry, aren't you afraid this sunlight will spoil your complexion?" called Ned.
The guide grinned good-naturedly.
"Never mind," he retorted. "Your turn will come pretty soon, young man."
Ned Rector did not catch the significance of the remark just then, but he understood a few hours later.