CHAPTER X. A FAMILY REUNION

The hospitality of a trail wagon was aptly expressed in the
invitation to enjoy ourselves. Some one had exercised good
judgment in selecting a camp, for every convenience was at hand,
including running water and ample shade from a clump of
cottonwoods. Turning our steaming horses free, we threw
ourselves, in complete abandonment and relaxation, down in the
nearest shade. Unmistakable hints were given our host of certain
refreshments which would be acceptable, and in reply Forrest
pointed to a bucket of creek water near the wagon wheel, and
urged us not to be at all backward.

Every one was well fortified with brown cigarette papers and
smoking tobacco, and singly and in groups we were soon smoking
like hired hands and reviewing the incidents of the morning.
Forrest's cook, a tall, red-headed fellow, in anticipation of the
number of guests his wagon would entertain for the day, put on
the little and the big pot. As it only lacked an hour of noon on
our arrival, the promised fresh beef would not be available in
time for dinner; but we were not like guests who had to hurry
home--we would be right there when supper was ready.

The loss of a night's sleep on my outfit was a good excuse for an
after-dinner siesta. Untying our slickers, we strolled out of
hearing of the camp, and for several hours obliterated time.
About three o'clock Bob Quirk aroused and informed us that he had
ordered our horses, and that the signal of Sponsilier's cattle
had been seen south on the trail. Dave was impatient to intercept