pool of water three inches deep and at least two feet in
diameter.

"Well, I'll be," I began. Then I remembered those three wending
their way along a wet and disagreeable trail, happy and peaceful
in anticipation of warm blankets and a level floor. I chuckled
and sat on my heels out of the drip.

First came Jed Parker, his head bent to protect the fire in his
pipe. He gained the very centre of the cave before he looked up.

Then he cast one glance at each bed, and one at me. His grave,
hawk-like features relaxed. A faint grin appeared under his long
moustache. Without a word he squatted down beside me.

Next the Cattleman. He looked about him with a comical
expression of dismay, and burst into a hearty laugh.

"I believe I said I was sorry for those other fellows," he
remarked.

Windy Bill was the last. He stooped his head to enter,
straightened his lank figure, and took in the situation without
expression.

"Well, this is handy," said he; "I was gettin' tur'ble dry, and
was thinkin' I would have to climb way down to the creek in all
this rain."

He stooped to the pool in the centre of the tarpaulin and drank.