“Not sweating much, are you?� he said. “Guess you need water, all right. Chances are you haven’t had any since early this morning.�
He halted the horse and peered closely at the ground.
“Seems softer here. Hold still now, bronc, and I’ll look.�
He threw the reins over the pony’s neck and dismounted. Leading the horse, he made for a small clump of bushes.
“Sure looks like there ought to be a spring around here,� he declared. “I sort of remember this place. I’ll bet this is where Teddy and I stopped last year on our way to Molten to look at those cattle dad was thinking of buying.�
Parting the bushes, he gazed within the space they enclosed.
“Yay, boy! Water! Go to it, old fellow! Easy now. Don’t bust your boiler.�
Removing his hat, he scooped himself up a drink. He then stood watching the pony drink the cool water. When the animal was satisfied, which was not until he had again dipped his nose into the spring, the boy patted him affectionately.
“Some good, I’ll tell a maverick!� Roy exclaimed, with a sigh of satisfaction as he wiped his lips on the back of his hand. “Come on now, bronc! We have got to tell Teddy!�
He replaced his hat, mounted, and again started down the mountain toward the place he had agreed to meet his brother. Arriving there, he cupped his hands to his mouth and let out a yell.