"Oh, we drift up an' down, here an' there, just as the case may be. There ain't any question about our trailin' all over the State in time, and you shall keep the rifle in good shape till we call for it. So long, my son. It's time for you to be hoofin' it, if you count on gettin' to Antelope Spring this side of to-morrow mornin'."
As he spoke, Parsons mounted his pony, Robinson following the example; and in another moment the two were on their way once more, leaving Dick in a painful state of uncertainty regarding their purpose in purchasing the gun.
During two or three minutes the boy stood where they had left him, and then cried,—
"Hello there! Hold on a minute, will you?"
"What's the matter now?" and Parsons looked over his shoulder, but neither he nor his partner reined in their steeds.
"Are you buyin' this rifle? or are you makin' believe so's to give me the ten dollars?"
"S'posen we was makin' believe?"
"Why then I wouldn't take the money, 'cause I ain't out begging."
"Don't fret yourself, my son. We've bought the gun all right; an' the next time we meet, you can hand it over. I wish our pile had been bigger so's we could have given twenty, 'cause a kid like you deserves it."
The horsemen continued on, and by this time were so far away that Dick would have been unwise had he attempted to overtake them.