And thus it was that the little volume on cowboy life which Jimmy had presented to the Rambler began to take a part in the proceedings. Tom, realizing that this bit of circumstantial evidence would absolutely prove to the minds of the men the truth of their contentions, attempted to parry Blimby’s questions.
The cowboy, however, grimly shook his head.
“No use, lad! The colonel told us somethin’ about them books ye read. Trot it out.”
“Yes, sir, you’ve got to!” came from another.
“Skeered, eh?” jeered Dan. “Come now——” His lean brown hand was thrust toward the pocket of Tom’s khaki jacket, but the agile lad easily side-stepped out of reach.
“Oh, yes, I know’d it!” grinned Blimby. “Now he’s caught with the goods! Hand it over.”
“Call around to-morrow!” grinned Tom. “You don’t have to see it!”
“Yes, sir, we do!” The man who made this speech came briskly forward, and Tom found himself facing three smiling though determined-looking cowboys, while several others looked on.
“Really this is quite provoking!” said Tom.
“Sure; mirth provokin’,” remarked Blimby. “Oh, good for you, Dan!”