"As if we'd cross and try to catch any of the woollies!" laughed Bud, motioning to those on guard.
It was late in the afternoon when the survey or test of the creek seemed to be completed. The two parties with their poles came back to what might be called the "camp," and a consultation seemed to be taking place.
In the still, quiet atmosphere the excited voices carried across the creek, though what was said could not be made out.
"They seem to be having a dispute," observed Nort.
And this was evident. One bunch of the Greasers evidently held to one opinion, and a minority disagreed. However, in the end the majority ruled and then, to the surprise of our friends, the Greasers broke camp, leaped to their saddles, and started driving their flocks back toward the south, whence they had come.
For a few moments our friends, watching this move, did not know how to interpret it. But as it dawned on them that the sheep men were "pulling up stakes," and departing, Billee cried:
"We've got the best of 'em, boys! Or, rather, the quicksands worked for us. They've gone back where they came from."
"And I hope they stay," sang out Yellin' Kid.
This was the hope of all, and it seemed likely to be carried out. As night settled down, the mass of sheep and their herders grew more and more indistinct as greater distance was put between them and those holding the fort.
"Well, we'll wait a day or so to see if they don't come back," said Billee, "and then we'll mosey to Diamond X. There's a pile of work waitin' for us there."