been so different, a subtle free masonry told them that in substance
they were members of the same brotherhood.

The cowboys also were "sizing up" the newcomers. Physically they had no
criticism to make. These stalwart, athletic young fellows were splendid
specimens, who looked as though they were fully capable of giving a good
account of themselves in a tussle. Most of them had heard in a more or
less fragmentary way about the adventure in Mexico, and Melton's
unstinted praise of them had gone a long way in their favor. Still, that
had been a scrap with "greasers," and the contemptuous attitude that most
of them held toward the men south of the Rio Grande, led them to attach
less value to the exploit. Then, too, when all was said and done, these
visitors were "tender-feet," and as such would bear watching. So that,
while perfectly free and friendly and admitting that they were a "likely
bunch," they were inclined to reserve judgment, and observe them further,
before admitting them fully into their fraternity.

The meal proceeded amid a clatter of dishes and a buzz of conversation,
abounding in rough jests and repartee. The boys took their part in frank,
good fellowship and were hearty in their praises of the hard riding they
had seen that morning. The ranchmen deprecated this as only "part of the
day's work," but were pleased none the less at the sincere appreciation.

The meal, although, as Sandy had hinted, wanting in "frills," was well
cooked and abundant, and the food disappeared before those healthy
appetites in a way that would have struck terror to the heart of a
boarding-house keeper. Before it was quite over, a belated cowboy
galloped in from town. He dismounted, threw his saddlebags on the bench,
and, after sousing his heated face in the friendly basin, sat down to the
table and proceeded to make amends for lost time.