"First rate," replied Welton. "We're going ahead three bells and a jingle. Started to saw last week."
"That's good," said Harding. "I haven't heard of one of your teams on the road, and I began to wonder. We've got to begin deliveries on our Los Angeles and San Pedro contracts by the first of August, and we're depending on you."
"We'll be there," replied Welton with a laugh.
The young man laughed back.
"You'd better be, if you don't want us to come up and take your scalp," said he, gathering his reins.
"Guess I lay in some hair tonic so's to have a good one ready for you," returned Welton, as Harding nodded his farewell.
[a/]
IX
Matters stood thus dependent on the efforts of Jack Orde, at Washington, when, one evening, Baker rode in to camp and dismounted before the low verandah of the sleeping quarters. Welton and Bob sat, chair-tilted, awaiting the supper gong.