"And we'd like to get back to Happy Valley," observed Bud.
"That's right," agreed Nort and Dick.
For the first time since the alarm about the sheep men rest was easier in the fort that night. The danger appeared to be disappearing. The treacherous nature of Spur Creek, with its shifting bottom of quicksands—that might be here one day and a mile farther off the next—had served our friends a good turn.
At least it seemed so, until the next morning. Then, as Billee Dobb arose early and, as was his custom, went out for a before-breakfast survey, he uttered a cry.
"What's the matter?" asked Bud, coming to the door of the fort.
"We crowed too soon, that's what's the matter," answered Billee. "We crowed too soon!"
CHAPTER XVIII
SKIRMISHES
Bud did not need an interpreter to understand what the old cow puncher meant. If he had been at all doubtful, a glance toward where Billee pointed would have solved the mystery.