It did not take the three long to emerge from "Elixer Cave," as they named the place where they had seen the hermit over his brew. Their horses were patiently waiting and in a little while the boys were within sight of the ranch house.
But something seemed to be going on there. Snake, Billee and Yellin' Kid were standing near the cook house, whence came a series of wild, yipping yells.
"What's the matter?" cried Bud as he rode up to the group of cowboys.
"Who's doing all that yelling?"
"Fah Moo!" answered Old Billee Dobb.
"Who in the world is Fah Moo?"
"The new Chinese cook that come out from town soon after you boys left."
"But what's the matter with him?" asked Dick. "Doesn't he like it here that he's taking on like this?"
"Maybe he's singing for joy," suggested Nort as a louder series of yelping cries came from the cookhouse.
"More like he's in pain," remarked Snake Purdee. "I'm mighty glad I didn't drink any of it."
"Any of what?" asked Bud, wonderingly.