, also loudly. "Better make
certain, Billee! They'll be killed sure if the funnel takes them
sideways!"

"If the funnel hits us we won't care whether we ever saw a bronc or
not!" answered the veteran rancher. "We'll all be usin' wings then,
not ponies. I'll take a look outside."

"Take Dick with you! I'm finished here. We've only got about six
minutes before she hits. What a fine welcome this is! We no sooner
get settled, after havin' a time doin' that, when we're all set to get
blown away."

The Kid was hurrying to the back of the house. He hesitated as he
reached the kitchen, and looked in.

"By the ghost of my aunt Lizzie's cat!" he cried as he saw through the
doorway. "If that crazy Mex ain't still fryin' bacon just as calm as
if he was on Fifth Avenoo! Hey, you locoed Greaser, big wind comin'!"
He gesticulated vigorously. "Whosh-whosh! Whee! Zip-zip-bang! All
over! Savvy?" He stopped his dramatic explanation of the oncoming
cyclone to see if the Mexican understood. To his surprise the cook
nodded several times and pointed toward the sky, turning his other arm
windmill fashion. His lips gave forth a whistling sound. After this
demonstration he motioned to his bacon, rubbed his stomach, shrugged
his shoulders, and went on with his cooking. No words could have said
plainer:

"Sure! I know. Cyclone coming. What of it? Can't stop it now. Must
eat. Might as well stay here and cook. Hey?"

"Well, if you're not a cool customer!" the Kid cried, shoving his hands
deep into his pockets and tilting back on his heels. "Cook! Go ahead
an' cook! You might just as well say hello to St. Peter with a fryin'
pan in your hand as not. How does she look, Nort?" he asked as the boy
rancher came in the door.

"Not so good! Where's Bud?"

"Bud? I thought he was with you. Maybe he's helping with the
broncoes. I'll take a squint here in back--" as the Kid stepped into
the yard he saw Bud--standing silent, widened eyes staring at the sky.
The Kid started back in surprise.

"Another guy that's gone locoed! First the cook, and then you! Hey,
Nort, take a look at Bud. He's in a trance or something! Wake up,
time to get up!"

"Wonderful!" murmured Bud, without turning his head. "Isn't that
wonderful, Kid? See those colors! The most marvelous thing I ever
saw. If I could only paint that! It would be a sensation!"

"Sensation ain't all you'll be if you don't start movin' quick!" the
Kid d