A horse was missing from a Mexican's corral and there were
rumors that several Indians had been seen far out on the plain.
CHAPTER V
The Law of the Range
Phew! I'm shore hungry," said Hopalong, as he and Red dismounted at
the ranch the next morning for breakfast. "Wonder what's good for it?"
"They's three things that's good for famine," said Red, leading the
way to the bunk house. "Yu can pull in yore belt, yu can drink, an yu
can eat. Yore getting as bad as Johnny - but he's young yet."
The others met their entrance with a volley of good-humored banter,
some of which was so personal and evoked such responses that it
sounded like the preliminary skirmish to a fight. But under all was
that soft accent, that drawl of humorous appreciation and eyes
twinkling in suppressed merriment. Here they were thoroughly at home
and the spirit of comradeship manifested itself in many subtle ways;
the wit became more daring and sharp, Billy lost some of his
pessimism, and the alertness disappeared from their manner.
Skinny left off romping with Red and yawned. "I wish that cook'ud
wake up an' git breakfast. He's the cussedest hombre I ever saw -he kin
go to sleep standin' up an' not know it. Johnny's th' boy that worries
him-th' kid comes in an' whoops things up till he's gorged himself."
"Johnny's got th' most appallin' feel for grub of anybody I knows,"
added Red.
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