Already the stock had sniffed the presence of water, even though there was so little of it. The ponies chafed at their bits and snorted, while the burros of the pack train tossed their heads in their impatience.
"I used to have a plaything that worked just like the heads of those lazy burros," Stacy informed his companions wisely.
"That's about your gait," growled Ned.
"You didn't think so when he saved our lives in the Ruby Mountain," reminded Tad.
"That's right, Ned," confirmed Walter. "Don't be ungrateful for small favors."
"I apologize, Master Chunky," announced Ned, removing his sombrero and unbending in a ceremonious bow to the fat boy.
"We will now make a water hole. Come along if you wish to know how it is done," called the guide.
Leading the ponies and pack animals down along the slender water course until they had reached a natural pocket, the guide halted. With a rubber blanket he formed a basin in the depression in the rocks through which the water had been trickling and losing itself far down in the earth. Two of the Pony Rider Boys held the blanket in place while it was slowly filling with water.
"Now, Master Stacy, if you will be good enough to fetch one of your pails we will water the stock first."
Stacy did so. To save time, Walter brought another pail, so that this could be filled while his companion was giving the water to one of their animals.