"Sorry, Tex."
Jarman looked them over. "You both look like your pet dog had died. What's the trouble?"
Matt bit his lip. "Nothing much. I'm homesick, that's all."
Pete spoke up at once. "That's not quite straight. I was the one that was pulling the baby act-Matt was trying to cheer me up."
Tex looked puzzled. "I don't get it. What difference does it make where you are so long as you aren't in Texas?"
"Oh, Tex, for heaven's sake!" Matt exploded.
"What's the matter? Did I say something wrong?" Tex looked from Matt to Pete. "Pete, you certainly are a mighty far piece away from your folks, I've got to admit. Tell you what-comes time we get some leave, you come home with me. I'll let you count the legs on a horse."
Pete grinned feebly. "And meet your Uncle Bodie?"
"Sho', sho'! Uncle Bodie'll tell you about the time he rode the twister, bareback. Is it a deal?"
"If you'll come to visit at my home someday. You, too, Matt."