"Why doesn't he stay away from the fire if he doesn't want to drink?"
thought Sid. "Maybe he's cold. I wonder if mother--"

He went to sleep.

Next day they drove the cattle again a long, long way. At last they
came to a town. There was the railroad, and there were the stock cars.
When the cattle were on board, Dave and Sid jumped on their horses.

"Want to stay in town over night?" asked Dave. "Like a little change
from the hills?"

"Let's go and get something to eat," said one of the other men, who
rode up. "I want somethin' different from ranch cookin'. Ain't a
first-class cook myself."

Sid was glad to eat bread that did not have yellow streaks in it. He
was glad to have some meat, too. But, after eating, the other man said
to Dave:

"Come take a drink."

They were on the sidewalk, untying their horses. Sid pulled Dave by
the sleeve.

"Don't," whispered Sid.

Dave stopped and smiled.