Some of these fellows
who have lived in the open all their lives have eyes like an eagle's,
and can tell objects that would look like moving dots to you. Let's
swing around a bit, so as to keep old Hank from doing all the going."
As he spoke Frank veered more to the left, and in this fashion they
speedily drew near the advancing horseman. He proved to be a cowman in
greasy chaps, and with many wrinkles on his weather-beaten face. But
Hank Coombs was as spry as most men of half his age. He could still
hold his place in a round-up; swing the rope in a dexterous manner;
bring down his steer as cleverly as the next man; ride the most
dangerous of bucking broncos; and fulfill his duties with exactness.
Few men grow old on the plains. Most of them die in the harness; and a
cowboy who has outlived his usefulness is difficult to find.
The veteran eyed the additional packs back of the saddles of the two
boys with suspicion in his eyes. He knew the venturesome nature of his
employer's son; and doubtless immediately suspected that Frank might
have some new, daring scheme in view, looking to showing his friend
from the East the wonders of this grand country, where the distances
were so great, the deserts so furiously hot, the mountains so lofty,
and the prairies so picturesque.
"Ain't headin' toward home, are ye, Frank?" was the first question Hank
asked, as they all merged together, and rode slowly onward in company.
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