"He's gone out just now. He won't be back for an hour."
"While you're waitin' for him, can't you get us some supper? Then you can send us off if he ain't willin' to keep us."
"I'll do that," said the woman. "You'd better stay outside till I get supper ready. There ain't much room here, and you'll be in the way."
"Jest as you say, ma'am. I s'pose it would be too much to ask if you kin give us a hot cup of coffee. We haven't tasted any since we left 'Frisco."
"I can give you coffee," answered the woman. "My husband likes it, and we always keep it on hand."
"Good!" said Bradley, his face lighting up with satisfaction. "We've rid far to-day, and a cup of coffee will go to the right spot."
Bradley and Ben threw themselves on the ground near-by, and awaited with complacence the call to supper.
"We're in luck, Ben," said his companion. "Who'd have expected a hot supper out here in this lonely place?"
"I don't much like the looks of our landlady, Jake," said Ben.
"She ain't handsome, I allow, Ben; but if she gives us a good supper, that don't matter. We must make the most of this, for it's uncertain when we get another."