“What brings you here so airly, boy?” asked the old man.
“Oh, we have a day off to celebrate with the Mormons.”
“Mormons?” Uncle Dave’s tone was curious.
“Yes, it’s their Pioneer Day,—the day Brigham Young and his band entered Salt Lake Valley, and the colonists here are celebrating, so Cap Hanks gave us a day off to join in the fun.”
“But you’re not joinin’ ’em?”
“No, I don’t like some kinds of cowboy fun,” returned Fred frankly; “I thought I’d rather have another visit with you.”
“That’s good of you, boy, to remember an old man,” responded Uncle Dave with a touch of feeling. “I’ll get a bite of breakfast; your ride has whetted your appetite, I reckon.”
“This air would give anyone an appetite,” said Fred; “what can I do to help?”
“You might get the fire going.”
Fred stepped outside for wood and brought back with his armful a sack he had untied from his saddle.