"What for?" replied Jim, "they know that there is nothing here and they are not looking for useless exercise."
"Are we going to camp in one of those houses?" I inquired.
"Why not?" said Jim, "you are not afraid of the old lady stealing you, are you?"
"I don't see any use of our going indoors," I replied. "We always sleep in the open and it don't look like rain. At least not this century."
This last observation certainly seemed accurate. Though there were a few rolls of white clouds, floating around over the vast extent of blue sky, they were oases in the desert of its extent. Though along the eastern horizon were delicate veils of purple or grey showers skirting along. But there seemed no promise of dampness in them.
We lay at ease stretched out in perfect safety watching the Indians as they came into nearer view. It seemed like something more than a hunting party because they had their squaws and papooses with them.
The earth was warm and dry and the sun made us feel comfortable as we basked in it like so many grey lizards. Just then a curious little thing darted right in front of my face. I drew back in alarm. But Jim reached out quickly and clutched it in his hand.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's nothing but a horned toad," he replied.
"Aren't you afraid that it will poison you?" I inquired.