Why, the ugly brute would be big enough to scare my prize shorthorn
bull into taking out life insurance. And that isn't all. That's just
the front foot. Now look at the hind foot. Smaller, longer, and
leaving a lighter imprint. All belonging to the same animal.' He
scratched his head in frank bewilderment. 'It's a new one on me,' he
confessed frankly. Then he chuckled. 'I'd bet a man that the gent who
left on the hasty foot just got one squint at this little beastie and
at that had all sorts of good reasons for streaking out.'

A big lizard went rustling through a pile of dead leaves and all three
of them started. Howard laughed.

'We're right near Superstition Pool!' he informed them with suddenly
assumed gravity. 'Down in Poco Poco they tell some great tales about
the old Indian gods going man-hunting by moonlight. _Quién sabe_, huh?'

Professor Longstreet snorted. Helen cast a quick, interested look at
the stranger and one of near triumph upon her father.

'I smell somebody's coffee boiling,' said the cattleman abruptly. 'Am
I invited in for a cup? Or shall I mosey on? Don't be bashful in
saying I'm not wanted if I'm not.'

'Of course you are welcome,' said Longstreet heartily. But Howard
turned to Helen and waited for her to speak.

'Of course.' said Helen carelessly.