“Famished!” murmured Dave.
The Rangers looked at his stout form and laughed.
“The fattest is always the hungriest,” remarked Joe Kane sagely. “Boys,” he made a gesture over his shoulder, “a water-hole’s back there, so ye kin wash up a bit.”
“Oh, joy!” sighed Don.
“We’ve had our grub a’ready but I reckon there’s a bite or two left for each of ye.”
Ten minutes later the travelers, refreshed by a liberal use of the clear, cool water, and with travel-stains removed, sat down before a rough board table placed at one end of the shed. Every one of them, too, partook of the food set before him with that keen appetite which only those who have lived much out in the open seem to possess.
A little while after, Cole, in the company of Alvin, coming outside “the office,” entered into the conversation. As a rule he was rather a taciturn man, but the presence of so many bright, youthful faces caused him to depart for the time being from his reserve.
“I’ve no doubt that the life of a Texas Ranger to you boys seems to be a very romantic and enjoyable one,” he remarked with a grim smile. “Though in reality it’s just plain hard work.”
“You’re right there, Fred,” grunted Raulings.
“And there is no doubt that the state of Texas owes you a great deal,” said Dave. “I’ve read how the Rangers made it possible for homesteaders and farmers to settle in parts of the state which before were overrun with desperate characters. And the resources of the earth being put into use, of course, means advancement and prosperity for any section.”