"I have never start a private graveyard," he replied, "for reason I am afraid to hurt anyone. But I am Wampus. If Mister Algy he dance to-night, somebody mus' lead him, for he will be blind."
"I never met such a lawless brood in my life," prowled the Major, indignantly. "If they were in New York they'd be put behind the bars in two minutes."
"But they are in Arizona—in the wilderness," said Uncle John gravely.
"If there are laws here such people do not respect them."
It took a long time to set the new tire and inflate it, for the outer tube was torn so badly that an extra one had to be substituted. But finally the task was accomplished and once more they renewed their journey.
Now that they were alone with their friends the girls were excitedly gossiping over the encounter.
"Do you really suppose we are on that man's ground—his ranch, as he calls it?" asked Myrtle, half fearfully.
"Why, I suppose someone owns all this ground, barren as it is," replied Patsy. "But we are following a regular road—not a very good one, nor much traveled; but a road, nevertheless—and any road is public property and open for the use of travelers."
"Perhaps we shall pass by their ranch house," suggested Beth.
"If we do," Uncle John answered, "I'll have Wampus put on full speed. Even their wild ponies can't follow us then, and if they try shooting up the tires again they are quite likely to miss as we spin by."
"Isn't there any other road?" the Major asked.