Behind the house was a primitive stable, thatched with grass, and a small corral constructed of ocotilla poles braided together with wire. Between the house and stable was an iron pump and a watering-trough.
"That's the ranch where we get our water," remarked Clip. "Two bits apiece for a drink. There's Gregory, the rancher, out in front."
Gregory, the rancher, got up in surprise as the boys came to a stop at the pump. He stared at the machines.
"Waal, I'll be hanged!" he muttered. "They've got them hossless wagons on four wheels an' two wheels. Reckon they'll be havin' 'em on one wheel next. Dry? Help yerself. Two bits apiece fer all ye kin swaller. Water costs money in the desert."
Leaning their machines against the water-trough, the boys began working the pump.
"Did you see a horseless wagon on four wheels go past here, Mr. Gregory?" asked Matt.
"Sure. Two fellers was on the seat. They stopped fer water an' then hiked right on, jest as though they was in a hurry ter git some'r's. Friends o' your'n?"
"No, we don't know them," answered Matt. "How long since they passed?"
"Less'n five minutes."
"Got anything to eat in your place?" went on Matt. "We can't stop more than a minute or two."