“This would be a fine stream for trout,” remarked Tom. “I wish we were going to stop in this valley long enough to give us a chance for some sport, but I suppose we will get up about four o’clock in the morning and chase over the mountains all day and then make a dry camp where our animals will be stampeded by the Indians.”
“You certainly are a croaker, Tommy,” laughed Jim heartily, for Tom’s pessimistic prophecies never failed to amuse his big brother, “but cheer up, I have about decided to stop here in the valley for a day or two and give the children a good time.”
“It won’t be a bad idea, Skipper,” remarked Juarez, “because it will give the horses a good rest and they have had a long, hard pull of it the past ten days, and will put them in good condition for the rest of the trip; perhaps, too, we can get a deer or two around here.”
“There formerly was and ought now to be deer in this valley or near it,” put in Jeems. “This is just the kind of place for them to come for grazing and pasture.”
“It will help fill out our larder, too,” said Tom.
“You mean our stomachs,” said Jeems whimsically, after his fashion.
“I would like a mess of trout,” remarked Tom. “I’m tired of salt horse.”
“What’s the matter with Missouri?” said Jeems, “he won’t drink.”
“You can’t make him then,” said Jim. “A mule is sure stubborn.”