He hesitated, turning red at the boldness of his demand.
The Ranger waited in silence, only keeping a pale blue eye on his face, but a kindly eye.
“——if you’d show me how to throw a diamond hitch.”
“Is that all?” said the Ranger, with one of his silent laughs. “I thought you were goin’ to ask me for a thousand dollars. I can show you the diamond hitch ’most any time. I’m packing off to-day, about ten. Come around and get a lesson. Ride a horse, either of you?”
“Well, we ride just a little—farm horses out to plowing, and things like that,” Spider replied.
“I have an extra horse. Maybe one of you’ll come along with me some day when you both ain’t needed in the camp. If you can always make coffee like this I’d like you along.”
“Joe’s the cook,” Tom said. “He can go any time. It’s I who am running the camp. He’s just loafing and getting well. He’s been sick.”
“Well, Joe, you come out to my cabin at ten, and you can see me throw a hitch,” the Ranger said, getting up, “and ride up the trail with me a spell, if you want.”
Joe’s eyes grew big with excitement. “I’ll be there!” he cried.
The Ranger went back again, and the two scouts looked at each other.