"I won't stir from here till you do, if I have to stay all night."
This was not a cheerful reflection, for the two boys were expected to be present and ride in the evening, and their absence would be regretted, not only by the manager, but also by the public, with whom they were favorites.
"I say, Rob," called out Charlie, "how fond he is of our company!"
"So it seems!" responded Robert, who was quite cool but rather annoyed by the farmer's persistence.
"I only wish Bruiser were alive!" said Tarbox. "Then I'd know what to do."
"What would you do?" asked Charlie.
"I'd leave him to guard you, and then I'd go home and get my gun."
"What for?"
"I'd soon bring you down if I had that," answered the farmer, grimly.
"If that's what you would do I'm glad old Bruiser's kicked the bucket," said Charlie.