Quickly each one set about the work assigned to him, for the sight of the doughnuts and other good things to eat, after their long ride, made them hungry.
"Get the coffee pot and then sling the reins of Lightning and Buster on your arm and come with me, Tom," said Mr. Wilder. "I'll take Blackhawk, because he's still cranky, and the other two."
The ranchman, however, let the ponies lead him more than he led them, for he knew their instinct would take them to the nearest water.
Yet there was no need of their guidance, for in a few minutes the ears of the hunters caught the sound of running water.
"That's a brook," declared Mr. Wilder, and quickly he led the way to a spot where they found a fair-sized pool formed by a stream coming from the hills.
The coffee pot was a monster, holding all of two gallons, and this the ranchman directed Tom to fill before allowing the ponies to satisfy their thirst.
As the animals were drinking Mr. Wilder took the lariats he had brought and tied an end around the left ankle of each pony, making another noose round the hind ankle on the same side at such a distance that there was about three feet of the rope between the hoofs.
"Such a short line makes it impossible for them to run or even walk very well," he explained, "so they will just stay here and browse,
"Now we'll remove the bridles. Always remember to hobble your pony before unbridling."
"But the rope ends?" asked Tom.