It was a good evidence of Rob's returning vitality that he stretched out a foot to test Ranger's watchfulness.
Instantly the sharp, pointed ears lay flat back on the horse's head, and the whites of his eyes showed menacingly.
"I guess I'll stay here!" laughed Rob.
As soon as he resumed his posture, Ranger's ears came forward, and the kind light came back into his eyes.
"I've heard of horses that were broken that way," thought Rob, "but this is the first I have ever seen."
Had Rob known it, such horses as Ranger—animals trained to the same wonderful pitch of intelligence—are not uncommon in the Southwest. Presently Mr. Mayberry appeared with a bowl of what to Rob smelled more appetizing than anything he had ever known.
"Ah-h-h-h-h!" he exclaimed, as his nostrils caught the savor.
"Wade in," said Mr. Mayberry, placing the dish on a rough, home-made table by his side. And "wade in" Rob did. He could have finished half a dozen more bowls like it—or so he felt—but Mr. Mayberry told him that after such a fast as he had endured it was important to "go slow."
So much better was the boy after dispatching the meal that he was able to get up, and after a short time spent in staggering about, he quite recovered his faculties.
"Now," said Mr. Mayberry, "tell me how you came to be where I found you?"