"I should say not! We had a bully time. I'd spend another night out in the open if we had to. I like it!"
"Yes, you seem to take to it like a duck does to water," added Slim. "But it's a shame to mention ducks in the same chapter with this atmosphere! Zow hippy! But it's hot an' dusty an' thirsty! Come along there, you old hunk of jerked beef!" he added to his pony, giving a gentle reminder with the spurs and pulling on the reins. The pony made a feeble attempt to increase its gait, but it was no more than an attempt.
The animal that was ridden by Bud—a pinto—started to follow the example of the other.
"Regular mud-turtle gallop," commented the foreman.
"They'll go faster when they top the rise, and see the corral," commented Bud.
"An' smell water! That's what I want, a long, sizzling, sozzling drink of water!" cried Slim, whose name fitted him better than did his clothes. Then he broke forth again with:
"Oh, leave me alone with a rope an' a saddle——"
Slowly the riders plodded along. The sun seemed to grow more hot and the dust more thick. As they approached a hill, beyond which lay the corral and ranch buildings of Diamond X, Bud drew rein, thus halting his pony.
"Let's give 'em a breather before we hit the hill," he suggested to the foreman.
"I'm agreeable, son," was the foreman's easy comment as he slung one leg over the saddle and sat sideways.